Managing Low and Moderate Risk Obesity: Insights from a Colombian Reference Center's Experience with Liquid-Filled Intragastric Balloons

Introduction: Liquid-filled intragastric balloons (IGBs) have emerged as a safe and effective option for managing overweight and obesity. However, there is limited information available regarding the implementation of liquid IGBs in individuals with low- and moderate-risk obesity. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the implementation of liquid IGBs in low- and moderate-risk obese individuals in terms of weight loss, safety, and tolerance at four, six, and twelve months of treatment. Materials and methods: This prospective, descriptive observational study included 109 subjects with low- and moderate-risk obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30-40 kg/m2), who underwent endoscopic implantation of liquid-filled IGBs. The variables analyzed included sex, age, initial and final weight, percentage of weight loss, and side effects. Results: Out of the 109 subjects, 75.22% were women. The average weight at baseline was 87.22 kg, with an average BMI of 31.59 kg/m2. Three different brands of IGBs were used: Orbera (n=103), Spatz3 (n=3), and Elipse (n=3). The average weight loss showed significant differences when analyzed by months and brands-Ellipse: four months (-4.6 kg), Spatz3: three months (-7 kg), Orbera: six months (15.2 kg), Orbera: twelve months (19.7 kg). The average reduction in BMI achieved was 27.71 kg/m2. The complication rate was 2.75%, with two cases (1.83%) attributed to intolerance (abdominal pain) and one case due to acute appendicitis (0.91%). Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that liquid-filled IGBs are a safe and effective procedure for managing low- and moderate-risk obesity. A minimum duration of twelve months with an IGB implantation is considered optimal for individuals with low- and moderate-risk obesity.

Introducción: los balones intragástricos (BIG) de llenado líquido han surgido como una opción segura y eficaz para el manejo de sobrepeso y obesidad. En nuestro medio hay poca información acerca de su implementación en obesidad de riesgo bajo y moderado. Objetivo: evaluar la implementación del BIG de contenido líquido en individuos con obesidad de riesgo bajo y moderado en términos de pérdida de peso, seguridad y tolerancia a 4, 6 y 12 meses de tratamiento. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional prospectivo y descriptivo, se incluyeron a 109 sujetos con obesidad de riesgo bajo y moderado (índice de masa corporal [IMC] de 30 a 40 kg/m2), a quienes se les implantó por vía endoscópica un BIG de llenado líquido. Se analizaron las variables de sexo, edad, peso inicial y final, porcentaje de pérdida de peso y efectos secundarios. Resultados: 109 sujetos, 75,22% correspondieron a mujeres, el peso promedio fue de 87,22 kg, con IMC promedio de 31,59 kg/m2. Se usaron tres marcas (Orbera, n: 103; Spatz, 3, n: 3; y Elipse, n: 3). La pérdida de peso promedio presentó diferencias importantes al analizar por meses y marcas: Elipse: 4 meses (-4,6 kg), Spatz 3: 3 meses (-7 kg), Orbera: 6 meses (15,2 kg), Orbera: 12 meses (19,7 kg). Se logró la reducción del IMC promedio a 27,71 kg/m2. La tasa de complicaciones fue del 2,75%, 2 (1,83%) por intolerancia (dolor abdominal) y una por apendicitis aguda (0,91%). Conclusiones: El BIG de llenado líquido es un procedimiento seguro y eficaz. Un período de implantación del BIG de al menos 12 meses se considera óptimo para obesidad de riesgo bajo y moderado.

The efficacy of liraglutide combined with intragastric balloon on weight loss

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Intragastric balloon placement is an effective method for weight reduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combining liraglutide with intragastric balloon. METHODS: Initially, demographic data of patients such as age, gender, comorbid diseases, adverse events, initial weight, height, body mass index, percent body fat, and waist-hip ratio were collected. Weight, body mass index, percent body fat, and waist-hip ratio were measured in the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth months. Then, intragastric balloon was removed and liraglutide was stopped. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were included in the study, of whom 28 (56%) were in Group A (intragastric balloon) and 22 (44%) were in Group B (plus liraglutide). Weight change at the time of balloon removal was higher in Group B [median weight change 13.8 (7.8 min to 16.8 max) versus 7.9 (4.8 min to 11.8 max); p<0.01]. When the weight, percent body fat, body mass index, and waist-hip ratio changes were compared according to gender, no significant difference was observed in the groups. Comorbid diseases were hypertension in 7 patients (4 in Group A and 3 in Group B) and diabetes in 9 patients (5 in Group A and 4 in Group B). No statistical significance was found. CONCLUSION: Liraglutide has benefits in terms of weight, percent body fat, and body mass index reduction when administered with intragastric balloon.

Pancreatitis aguda asociada a balón intragástrico

Presentamos el caso de una mujer joven con el hábito de dormir en posición decúbito ventral, quien refiere que, tras la colocación de balón intragástrico, inició cuadros repetitivos de dolor abdominal en epigastrio, de aparición nocturna. El más reciente se caracterizó por dolor abdominal súbito e intenso, elevación de enzimas pancreáticas y hallazgos imagenológicos compatibles con pancreatitis aguda. Tras realizar un estudio etiológico sistemático, se descartan otras causas, retirándose el balón intragástrico con inmediato cese de los dolores nocturnos. Se atribuyó la etiología a fenómenos de compresión mecánica provocados por el balón sobre el cuerpo pancreático durante el descanso en decúbito prono. Hacemos notar que el hábito de reposo en la posición decúbito ventral constituiría un potencial factor de riesgo para pancreatitis post-colocación de balón intragástrico, por lo que este factor debe ser tomado en cuenta en la orientación de los candidatos a esta técnica.

We present a clinical case of a young woman with the habit of sleeping in the prone position. She reports that after intragastric balloon placement, she begins with nocturnal episodes of epigastric abdominal pain. The most recent episode was characterized by sudden and intense abdominal pain, elevation of pancreatic enzymes, and imaging findings compatible with acute pancreatitis. After carrying out a systematic approach, other potential causes were ruled out. After removing the intragastric balloon, immediate cessation of the nocturnal episodes of pain was obtained. The etiology was attributed to the mechanical compression phenomena caused by the balloon on the pancreatic body during rest in the prone position. We note that the habit of resting in the prone position would constitute a potential risk factor for acute pancreatitis after intragastric balloon placement, so this factor should be considered when counselling candidates for this technique.

First Study of Naturally Formed Fungal Biofilms on the Surface of Intragastric Balloons.

BACKGROUND: Intragastric balloon (IGB) is a medical device used in the endoscopic treatment of pre-obesity and obesity. The involvement of IGB with biofilms has been previously reported; however, little is still known. We determine the frequency of biofilms naturally formed on the external surface of IGB, as well as some variables related to IGB types and patients features, species of fungi involved, and biofilm evidence. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted based on endoscopies and medical records of patients with explanted IGB between 2015 and 2018, which had masses strongly adhered to the surface of the balloon, suspecting the presence of a biofilm. From 2018, the samples of those masses were investigated seeking biofilm characterization based on mycological and structural aspects. RESULTS: A total of 149 endoscopies were surveyed; 27 IGBs (18.12%) showed signs suggesting biofilm formation. There was no significant difference between biofilm involvement in IGB and the anthropometric and demographic profile of the patients. On the other hand, there was a significant difference regarding the IGB type, 24.05% of the adjustable IGB were compromised by biofilm, while in non-adjustable IGB, it was 11.43% (p = 0.04; OR 2.45; 95% CI, 0.98-6.12). Candida glabrata was the most isolated fungal species from the well-organized fungal biofilm. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of fungal biofilm naturally formed on the external surface of IGB was elevated. The risk of biofilm formation was increased for the adjustable IGB, but it did not relate to the demographic data and anthropometric patient profile.

Efficacy of Liraglutide to Prevent Weight Regain After Retrieval of an Adjustable Intra-gastric Balloon-a Case-Matched Study.

PURPOSE: Weight regain after balloon retrieval is a concern with all intra-gastric balloons (IGBs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, to prevent weight regain following IGB retrieval. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a case-matched study of patients undergoing Spatz3 adjustable IGB (Spatz FGIA, Inc. NY, USA) at three outpatient clinics in Brazil between November 2015 and January 2019. Seventy-seven patients that opted to take liraglutide following IGB retrieval (IGB-L) were matched 1:1 to 198 patients that declined the medication-IGB-Alone (IGB-A). Propensity score adjustment was performed at the time of balloon retrieval on factors known to influence the choice of liraglutide. Weight and percent body fat (%BF) was measured at baseline and 9 months after IGB retrieval. % BF is defined as the total mass of fat divided by total body mass, multiplied by 100. The primary outcome was weight regain, and the secondary outcome was change in %BF 9 months after IGB retrieval. RESULTS: Propensity score matching yielded 53 matched pairs. Weight regain to the starting point was not observed in either group. There was significantly less weight regain in IGB-L compared to IGB-A, - 1.15 ± 0.94 kg versus - 0.66 ± 0.99 kg (p = 0.010) 9 months after balloon retrieval. Additionally, %BF decline in IGB-L was superior to IGB-A - 10.83 ± 1.50 versus - 7.94 ± 2.02 (p < 0.01). There was no difference in weight regain or decline in %BF based on liraglutide dose. CONCLUSION: Liraglutide has an additive benefit with respect to efficacy and a reduction in body fat when commenced after IGB retrieval. Future randomized control studies will be needed to determine the optimal dose and duration of liraglutide to achieve superior outcomes.

Avaliação de perda de peso após o uso de balão intragástrico não ajustável e ajustável / Assessment of weight loss after non-adjustable and adjustable intragastric balloon use

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Intragastric balloon (IGB) use is indicated for patients whose BMI precludes the option of bariatric surgery or who need to lose weight prior to undergoing surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure and currently there are two main models of IGBs in use, the non-adjustable intragastric balloon (NIB), implanted for six months, and the adjustable intragastric balloon (AIB), implanted for up to 12 months. OBJECTIVE: Analyze clinical characteristics between patients receiving non-adjustable gastric balloon and the adjustable (prolonged implantation) intragastric balloon. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 470 patients diagnosed as obese or overweight who had balloon implantation from October 2011 to July 2018. The associations between percentage excess weight loss versus clinical and demographic variables were calculated using the chi-squared test. Independent samples were submitted to the Student's t test to determine the quantitative variables, with a confidence interval of 95%. Calculation of excess weight was based on an estimated ideal weight that would correspond to a BMI of 24.99 kg/m2. RESULTS: A total of 414 patients completed the treatment achieving an average total body weight loss (%TBWL) of 15.4±7 with the NIB and 15.5±9.6 with the AIB. Overweight patients achieved higher excess weight loss (%EWL) values using AIBs (157.2±82.5) and obese patients did so with NIB use (56±29.7). Women achieved higher %EWL values (65.6±62.2) than men (48±27.1). Individuals who attended >4 consultations with a nutritionist (60.8%) achieved TBWL >18%. All of those P-values were <0.001. CONCLUSION: Obese individuals and women registered the greatest weight losses. Overweight patients achieved greater losses using AIB and obese patients did so using NIBs. NIB use was associated with higher EWL percentages. Nutritional accompaniment had a positive impact on the %TBWL.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: O uso do balão intragástrico (BIG) é indicado para pacientes cujo IMC contraindica a cirurgia bariátrica ou que necessitam perder peso antes da cirurgia. É um procedimento minimamente invasivo e atualmente existem dois modelos principais de BIG - o balão intragástrico não ajustável (BINA), implantado por seis meses, e o balão intragástrico ajustável (BIA), por até 12 meses. OBJETIVO: Analisar os fatores associados aos resultados clínicos comparando o uso de balão intragástrico não ajustável com o uso de balão intragástrico ajustável. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal em 470 pacientes, com sobrepeso ou obesidade, submetidos ao tratamento entre outubro 2011 e julho de 2018. A associação entre as porcentagens da perda de excesso de peso (%PEP) e da perda do peso total (%PPT) com as variáveis demográficas e clínicas foram calculados com o teste qui-quadrado (P<0,05). Foi utilizado o teste t de Student para amostras independentes para comparar variáveis quantitativas, com IC 95%. O cálculo do excesso de peso foi estimado em peso ideal correspondente a um IMC de 24.99 kg/m2. RESULTADOS: Um total de 414 pacientes realizaram o tratamento até o final, com %PPT média de 15,4±7 no BINA e 15,5±9,6 no BIA. Os com sobrepeso apresentaram maiores %PEP no BIA (157,2±82,5) e os obesos maiores %PEP no BINA (56±29,7), com P<0,001. Mulheres (65,6±62,2) apresentaram maiores %PEP do que homens (48±27,1), com P<0,001. Os indivíduos que atenderam a >4 consultas com nutricionista obtiveram %PPT >18% (60,8%), com P<0,001. CONCLUSÃO: Obesos e mulheres tiveram maiores perdas ponderais. Maior perda de peso foi identificada em pacientes com sobrepeso que utilizaram BIA e em obesos os quais utilizaram BINA. O BINA esteve associado com maiores taxas de %PEP. O acompanhamento nutricional impactou positivamente na %PPT.

The Effect of the Intra-gastric Balloon on Gastric Emptying and the DeMeester Score.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The mechanism of weight loss with the intra-gastric balloon (IGB) is thought to be a decrease in gastric emptying (GE); however the evidence is conflicting. Nausea, abdominal pain, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause intolerance resulting in early removal. This is demoralizing for the patient and costly for the healthcare system. The ability to predict which patients will have superior weight loss and tolerance is invaluable. We sought to investigate if the IGB induced weight loss by reducing GE and the effect of the IGB on the DeMeester score. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data for patients undergoing IGB placement at a single hospital. Manometry and pH studies were performed before and with the IGB in place. Weight was measured at baseline, at removal, and 6 months later. Adverse events leading to early removal were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were evaluated. There was a statistically significant decrease in GE for solids with the IGB (117.92 ± 150.23 vs 281.48 ± 206.49 min; p = 0.0048), but not for liquids (54.44 ± 17.97 vs 56.08 ± 43.96 min; p = 0.7228). The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure did not change significantly with placement of the IGB (17.76 ± 7.39 vs 14.74 ± 7.24 mmHg; p = 0.09). On multivariate analysis, increase in DeMeester score was associated with total body weight loss (p = 0.0125) and change in GE (p = 0.038) independently. CONCLUSION: The IGB delays GE for solids, but not for liquids, and increases the DeMeester score by a mechanism other than a loss of LES pressure.

Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis in a patient with food bolus impaction / Pseudodiverticulosis intramural esofágica en un paciente con impactación de bolo alimentario

Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis is an uncommon esophageal benign disease. The typical finding during endoscopy is the presence of numerous pinhead-sized outpouchings along the esophageal wall. We reported a case of food bolus impaction secondary to esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis. A 67-year-old man presented with sudden-onset dysphagia. Multiple tiny orifices were revealed during upper endoscopy. In addition, there were an impacted food bolus and an esophageal web. The patient was treated with balloon dilatation and proton pump inhibitors. As a result the symptoms disappeared completely. Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis is a rare cause of food bolus impaction and its treatment is directed towards the underlying associated conditions as well as the resolution of complications.

La pseudodiverticulosis intramural esofágica es una enfermedad benigna del esófago poco común. El hallazgo típico durante la endoscopia es la presencia de numerosos sáculos del tamaño de una cabeza de alfiler a lo largo de la pared esofágica. Reportamos un caso de impactación de bolo alimentario secundario a pseudodiverticulosis esofágica intramural. Un hombre de 67 años presentó disfagia de aparición repentina. Se encontraron múltiples orificios pequeños en la endoscopia superior. Además, hubo un bolo alimentario impactado y una red esofágica. El paciente fue tratado con dilatación con balón e inhibidores de la bomba de protones. Como resultado, los síntomas desaparecieron por completo. La pseudodiverticulosis intramural esofágica es una causa rara de impactación del bolo alimentario y su tratamiento se dirige a las condiciones asociadas subyacentes, así como a la resolución de complicaciones.

Complications After endoscopic balloon dilatation of esophageal strictures in children. Experience from a tertiary center in Shiraz - Iran (Nemazee Teaching Hospital) / Complicaciones posteriores a dilatación endoscópica con balón en niños con estenosis esofágica. Experiencia de un centro de referencia en Shiraz - Iran (Nemazee Teaching Hospital)

Background: Esophageal stricture is one of the most important complication of the caustic ingestion. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate complications of balloon dilatation among children with esophageal stenosis. Material and methods: In this retrospective study 82 children were included. Children who underwent balloon dilatation for esophageal stenosis were included in our study. Duration of study was 14 year starting from 2001. Mean age of the cases was 3.95±0.4 year (Min: 15 days, Max: 14 year). Chart review and telephone calling were the methods of data collection. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Results: In this study, 47% of the patients were male and 53% of the cases were female. Caustic ingestion (33.7%) was the most common etiology for the esophageal stricture. Vomiting (87.8%) was the most common presenting symptom. Among our cases, 76.8% had no compliant after esophageal dilatation. Chest pain was the most common compliant after esophageal dilatation. Response rate was similar among boys and girls. Toddler age had the best treatment response after esophageal dilatation. Conclusion: Among our cases, 76.8% had no post procedural compliant after esophageal dilatation. Esophageal perforation was seen in 4.9% of the cases. Chest pain was the most common post dilatation complication.

Antecedentes: La estenosis esofágica es una de las más importantes complicaciones de la ingesta de caústicos. Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar las complicaciones de la dilatación endoscópica con balón en niños con estenosis esofágica. Material y métodos: En este estudio retrospectivo se incluyeron 82 niños. Se incluyeron todos los niños que se sometieron a una dilatación endoscópica con balón por estenosis esofágica. La duración del estudio fue 14 años iniciando en el año 2001. La edad media de los pacientes fue 3,95 +/- 0,4 años (Min. 15 días, Máx. 14 años). La recolección de datos se realizó revisando las historias clínicas y con llamadas telefónicas. Los datos se analizaron con el Sistema SPSS. Resultados: En este estudio, 47% de los casos fueron varones y 53% fueron mujeres. La ingesta de caústicos fue la causa más frecuente de estenosis esofágica (33,7%). El síntoma más común fueron los vómitos (87,8%). Entre nuestros casos, 76,8% no presentaron molestias luego de la dilatación esofágica. El dolor torácico fue la molestia más común luego de la dilatación esofágica. La tasa de respuesta al tratamiento fue similar entre hombres y mujeres. Los niños pequeños tuvieron la mejor respuesta al tratamiento luego de la dilatación esofágica. Conclusiones: Entre nuestros casos, 76,8% no presentaron molestias luego de la dilatación esofágica. La perforación esofágica se presentó en 4,9% de los casos. El dolor torácico fue la complicación más común posterior a la dilatación.

Improvement of Body Composition and Quality of Life Following Intragastric Balloon.

BACKGROUND: The aim is to evaluate the effects of IGB in overweight or class I obese patients, by analyzing body composition and quality of life (QOL). METHODS: Prospective study including patients with BMI 27-34.9 kg/m2.body composition analysis (BCA) was performed before IGB implantation and its removal, after 6 months of treatment. QOL was assessed by the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Survey at baseline and after treatment. RESULTS: Forty patients were included in this study, but four were excluded. The total weight decreased by 12.29 kg after 6 months of use of IGB, which corresponds to loss of 13.69% of the total weight. There was a significant reduction in body fat mass and fat area. QOL improved in all eight sections analyzed (p < 0.001 to 0.041): functional capacity, physical aspects, pain, general health status, vitality, social aspects, emotional aspects, and mental health. CONCLUSIONS: IGB induces not only weight loss but changes in body composition through the reduction of body fat mass and fat area. Furthermore, it improves QOL.

Intragastric balloons in high-risk obese patients in a Brazilian center: initial experience / Balões intragástricos em obesos de alto risco em um centro brasileiro: experiência inicial

ABSTRACT Objective: to assess the short-term efficacy, tolerance and complications in high-risk morbidly obese patients treated with an intragastric balloon as a bridge for surgery. Methods: we conducted a post-hoc analysis study in a Brazilian teaching hospital from 2010 to 2014, with 23 adult patients with a BMI of 48kg/m2, who received a single intragastric air or liquid balloon. We defined efficacy as 10% excess weight loss, and complications, as adverse events consequent to the intragastric balloon diagnosed after the initial accommodative period. We expressed the anthropometric results as means ± standard deviation, comparing the groups with paired T / Student's T tests, when appropriate, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: the balloons were effective in 91.3% of the patients, remained in situ for an average of 5.5 months and most of them (65.2%) were air-filled, with a mean excess weight loss of 23.7kg±9.7 (excess weight loss 21.7%±8.9) and mean BMI reduction of 8.3kg/m2±3.3. Complications (17.3%) included abdominal discomfort, balloon deflation and late intolerance, without severe cases. Most of the participants (82.7%) did not experience adverse effects. We removed the intragastric balloons in time, without intercurrences, and 52.2% of these patients underwent bariatric surgery within one month. Conclusion: in our center, intragastric balloons can be successfully used as an initial weight loss procedure, with good tolerance and acceptable complications rates.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar a eficácia em curto prazo, a tolerância e as complicações em obesos mórbidos de alto risco, tratados com balão intragástrico como ponte para cirurgia. Métodos: estudo de análise post-hoc em um hospital acadêmico brasileiro durante o período de 2010 a 2014, de 23 pacientes adultos com IMC de 48kg/m2 que receberam um único balão intragástrico de ar ou líquido. Eficácia foi definida como perda de excesso de peso de 10%, e complicações como eventos adversos consequentes ao balão intragástrico diagnosticados após o período acomodativo inicial. Expressaram-se os resultados antropométricos com média ± desvio padrão, comparando os grupos com testes T Pareado / T de Student, quando apropriado, com p<0,05 considerado estatisticamente significante. Resultados: os balões foram efetivos em 91,3% dos pacientes, permaneceram in situ por em média 5,5 meses e a maioria deles (65,2%) era de ar, com perda média de excesso peso de 23,7kg±9,7 (perda de excesso de peso de 21,7%±8,9) e redução média de IMC de 8,3kg/m2±3,3. As complicações (17,3%) compreenderam desconforto abdominal, deflação do balão e intolerância tardia, sem casos graves. A maioria dos participantes (82,7%) não experimentou efeitos adversos, seus balões intragástricos foram extraídos em tempo, sem intercorrências e 52,2% desses pacientes submeteram-se à cirurgia bariátrica no intervalo de um mês. Conclusão: no nosso centro, balões intragástricos podem ser usados com sucesso como procedimento inicial de perda ponderal, com boa tolerância e taxas aceitáveis de complicações.

Response Rates with the Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon.

BACKGROUND: Intragastric balloons (IGBs) have demonstrated efficacy; however, the percent of "responders" (> 25% estimated weight loss (EWL) or > 10% total body weight loss (TBWL)-as suggested by FDA) have been less reported. The Spatz3 adjustable intragastric balloon (AIGB) extends implantation to 1 year, decreases balloon volume for intolerance, and increases volume for diminishing effect. AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy/responder rate of the Spatz3 AIGB. METHODS: Implantations of Spatz3 in 165 consecutive patients (pts) in 2 centers were retrospectively reviewed. Mean BMI is 35.7, mean weight (wt) 99.1 kg, and mean balloon volume 495 ml (400-600 ml). Balloon volume adjustments were offered for intolerance and for wt loss plateau. RESULTS: In total, 165 pts were implanted yielding mean wt loss of 16.3 kg, 16.4% TBWL, and 67.4% EWL. Response (> 25% EWL; 10% TBWL) was achieved in 146/165 (88.5%) of patients. Response rates differed for 136 pts with BMI < 40 (91.2%) and 29 pts with BMI > 40 (69%). Down adjustments in 20 patients (mean - 150 ml) allowed 16/20 (80%) to continue IGB therapy. Up adjustments in 64 patients (mean 5.4 months; mean + 260 ml) yielded additional mean wt loss of 5.7 kg. One gastric perforation (0.6%) occurred in a patient who experienced abdominal pain for 2 weeks. Five patients with small ulcers did not require balloon extraction. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Within the limitations of a retrospective review, the Spatz3 balloon appears to be an effective wt loss balloon with better response rates in BMI < 40. (2) Up adjustments yielded a mean 5.7 kg extra wt loss. (3) Down adjustments alleviated early intolerance in 80% of patients. (4) These two adjustment functions may be instrumental in yielding a responder rate of 88.5%.

Utilização de balão intragástrico e perda de peso em pacientes em um centro de referência no Rio Grande do Sul / Use of intragastric balloon and weight loss in patients at a reference center in Rio Grande do Sul

Objetivo: Estudar a relação entre perda de peso e a utilização de balão intragástrico. Método: Estudo transversal prospectivo desenvolvido com 50 usuários de balão intragástrico em um centro de referência em aparelho digestório no Rio Grande do Sul. Foi calculado o índice de massa corporal (IMC), dividindo-se o peso (quilograma) pela altura (metro) elevada ao quadrado e considerado normal IMC<25; como sobrepeso 25-29,9;IMC 30-34,9 como obesidade grau I; IMC 35-39,9 como obesidade grau II e IMC>40 obesidade grau III, conforme Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS)/2000. Resultados: Foram avaliados 50 pacientes com estado nutricional entre sobrepeso e obesidade grau III, conforme classificação da OMS/2000. Em relação à porcentagem de perda de peso, observou-se que 46% dos pacientes tiveram uma perda entre 10-15 kg, 24% perda menor que 10 kg, 22% perda entre 15-20 kg e 8% perda maior de 20 kg. Conclusão: Embora a perda média fique entre 15 a 20% do peso inicial, esta perda seja extremamente variável e dependa de vários fatores, como peso inicial, adaptação, volume de preenchimento, disposição emocional para mudanças, adesão ao controle clínico e nutricional, grau de atividade física, metabolismo basal, a motivação e a disciplina para implantar as mudanças são os grandes determinantes deste resultado. Contudo, podemos observar, no presente estudo, evidências sobre a eficácia do tratamento com balão intragástrico em pacientes obesos.(AU)

Objective: To study the relationship between weight loss and use intragastric balloon. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out with 50 intragastric balloon users at a reference center in a gastrointestinal tract in RS. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated by dividing the weight (kilogram) by the height (meter) elevated squared and considered normal BMI <25; As overweight 25-29.9; BMI 30-34.9 as obesity grade I; BMI 35-39,9 as obesity grade II and BMI> 40 obesity grade III according to World Health Organization (WHO)/ 2000. Results: Fifty patients with nutritional status between overweight and grade III obesity were evaluated, according to WHO / 2000 classification. Regarding the percentage of weight loss, it was observed that 46% of the patients had a loss between 10-15 kg, 24% a loss less than 10 kg, 22% loss between 15-20 kg and 8% loss greater than 20 kg. Conclusion: Although the average loss is between 15 and 20% of the initial weight, this loss be extremely variable and depends on several factors such as initial weight, adaptation, filling volume, emotional disposition for changes, adherence to clinical and nutritional control, degree of physical activity, basal metabolism, motivation and discipline to implant the changes are the major determinants of this result. However, we can observe in the present study evidence on the efficacy of intragastric balloon treatment in obese patients.(AU)