Economic Evaluations of Anti-obesity Interventions in Obese Adults: An Umbrella Review.

This umbrella review amalgamates the outcomes of economic evaluations pertaining to bariatric surgeries, pharmacotherapy, and gastric balloon for adult obesity treatment. Six databases were systematically searched. The inclusion criteria were established following the Patient/population Intervention Comparison and Outcomes (PICO) statement. Fifteen reviews met all the inclusion criteria. Eight studies focused on surgical interventions, four on pharmacotherapy, and three on both interventions. No systematic review of the economic evaluation of gastric balloons was identified. The majority of reviews advocated bariatric surgery as a cost-effective approach; however, there was discordance in the interpretation of pharmacological cost-effectiveness. Most of the economic evaluations were conducted from the payer and the healthcare system perspectives. We propose that future economic evaluations assessing weight loss interventions in adults adopt a societal perspective and longer-term time horizons.

Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis Following Intragastric Balloon Insertion.

Obesity has become a widespread global issue, particularly in the developed world. One popular weight loss technique is the intragastric balloon placement due to its simplicity of insertion and safe nature. While some side effects have been linked to its use, most are benign. However, severe complications do occur in some cases. One such rare complication is pancreatitis due to compression of the pancreas or the pancreatic duct. We encountered an interesting case of necrotizing pancreatitis following gastric balloon insertion, about which scarce data is available in the literature; its incidence is also unknown currently. Our patient was a 22-year-old male with a gastric balloon inserted for obesity eight months before his presentation. The mechanism of the inflammation, the age of the patient, and the progression to necrosis are the compelling aspects of this case.

Safety and Efficacy of 12-Month Intra-gastric Balloon-Series of over 1100 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Intra-gastric balloons (IGB) are a mainstay of endoscopic treatment of overweight and obesity. In recent years, an IGB which can remain in situ for 12 months has been developed. The current study aimed to analyse the safety and efficacy of this 12-month IGB. METHODS: Consecutive patients receiving the Orbera 365TM IGB (Apollo Endosurgery, TX, USA) between September 2017 and August 2021 were included in a prospective database. Patients received regular follow-up consultations followed by endoscopic removal at 12 months. Demographic data along with weight loss data were collected. All adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: In total, 1149 patients were included in the study. A majority of the patients were female (87.13%). Median body mass index (BMI) prior to insertion was 36.30 kg/m2 (IQR 32.60-40.00 kg/m2). Median absolute weight loss for all patients was 11.36 kg (IQR 6.70-16.82 kg). There was ongoing sustained weight loss until device removal at week 52. For patients with a weight recording at point of IGB removal, median weight loss was greater (15.88 kg, IQR 10.43-21.72) with percentage total body weight loss of 15.38% (IQR 10.99-21.77) and excess weight loss of 53.99% (IQR 32.44-76.30). Increased patient engagement with post-procedural follow-up was associated with increased weight loss (p<0.001). There were 60 total complications (5.22%). Fifty patients required balloon removal due to intolerance. There were eight cases of balloon rupture. There were only two severe complications (0.17%). CONCLUSION: The current study has confirmed safety of this IGB at 12 months with adverse events comparable to published literature. Weight loss increased up until the point of removal at 12 months.

Intra-gastric balloon with lifestyle modification: a promising therapeutic option for overweight and obese patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Data on effects of intra-gastric balloon (IGB) on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are scarce, in part with contradictory results, and mainly obtained in tertiary care patients with diabetes and other comorbidities. We here explore effects of IGB in patients with MASLD referred to a first-line obesity clinic. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, patients with at least significant fibrosis (≥ F2) and/or severe steatosis (S3) according to screening transient elastography (FibroScan®) were offered a second FibroScan® after 6 months lifestyle modification with or without IGB (based on patient preference). RESULTS: 50 of 100 consecutively screened patients (generally non-diabetic) qualified for repeated evaluation and 29 (58%) of those had a second FibroScan®. At baseline, at least significant fibrosis was present in 28% and severe steatosis in 91%. IGB was placed in 19 patients (59%), whereas 10 patients (41%) preferred only lifestyle modification (no differences in baseline characteristics between both groups). After 6 months, liver stiffness decreased markedly in the IGB group (median: from 6.0 to 4.9 kPa, p = 0.005), but not in the lifestyle modification only group (median: from 5.5 to 6.9 kPa, p = 0.477). Steatosis improved in both groups, (controlled attenuation parameter values; IGB, mean ± SD: from 328 ± 34 to 272 ± 62 dB/m, p = 0.006: lifestyle modification only, mean ± SD: from 344 ± 33 to 305 ± 43 dB/m: p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Both steatosis and fibrosis improve markedly in overweight/obese patients with MASLD after 6 months IGB combined with lifestyle modification. Our results warrant further research into long-term effect of IGB in these patients.

Surgical Management of Intra-gastric Balloon Complications, Single-Center Experience, and Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of obesity has multiplied in the last decades leading to a surge in bariatric surgery and other endoscopic modalities. The intra-gastric balloon (IGB) is the most used endoscopic modality. Surgical management for IGB complications is required for gastrointestinal perforation and/or obstruction. However, the literature seems to underestimate these complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in King Fahd University Hospital, Saudi Arabia, from Jan 2017 to Dec 2021, including all patients with complicated IGB who necessitated any surgical procedure. Exclusion criteria were patients with complicated IGBs that were only managed conservatively or endoscopically. RESULTS: A total of 326 patients were admitted with different complications after bariatric procedures. Of them, six patients were referred due to IGB complications that necessitated operative intervention. All patients were young females. Three patients had gastric wall perforation, and were managed by endoscopic removal of the IGBs followed by exploratory laparotomy. One patient had an intestinal obstruction on top of a migrated IGB that was surgically removed. One patient had failed endoscopic retrieval of IGB and required a laparoscopic gastrostomy. Another patient had an esophageal rupture that required left thoracotomy, pleural flap, and insertion of an esophageal stent. All cases were discharged and followed up with no related complications. CONCLUSION: IGB is an endoscopic alternative, within specific indications, for the management of obesity. However, surgical management may be necessary to manage its complications, including gastrointestinal perforation, IGB migration, and failure of endoscopic removal.

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.

Novel Use of a Minnesota Tube for Enteral Feeding in a Critically Ill Patient With Gastroesophageal Bleeding.

Balloon tamponade of bleeding varices is a temporizing measure acting as a bridge for the treatment of massive gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage. After treatment, utilization of a gastric tube for feeding is challenging due to the risk of variceal rebleeding during placement. No literature to date has explored the use of the suction ports of a tamponade device as an alternative form of enteral access for medication and feeding administration in critically ill patients. We report a case of the novel use of a Minnesota tube for enteral feeds and medication administration in a critically ill patient awaiting liver transplantation after massive upper GI bleeding.

Efficacy and safety of intragastric balloon for obesity in Korea.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Intragastric balloon (IGB) is the only available endoscopic bariatric and metabolic therapy in Korea. End-ball (Endalis) has the longest history of clinical use among the IGBs available in Korea. However, little clinical data on this system have been reported. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of End-ball in Korea. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent IGB insertion (End-ball) from 2013 to 2019. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected. The efficacy and safety of IGB treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 80 patients were included. Mean age was 33.7 years and 83.8% were female. Initial body mass index was 34.48±4.69 kg/m2. Body mass index reduction was 3.72±2.63 kg/m2 at the time of IGB removal. Percent of total body weight loss (%TBWL) was 10.76%±6.76%. Percentage excess body weight loss was 43.67%±27.59%. Most adverse events were minor, and 71.4% of participants showed nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. CONCLUSION: IGB treatment showed good efficacy and safety profile in Korean patients with obesity. In terms of %TBWL and percentage excess body weight loss, the efficacy was similar to that in the Western population.

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.

Small bowel obstruction secondary to gastric balloon migration: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Obesity is a worldwide epidemic that carries significant morbidity and mortality. It is considered a major risk factor for many serious diseases. Therefore, different invasive and noninvasive therapeutic modalities are being used to help obese individuals to return to a healthy life. One of the nonsurgical modalities is the use of intragastric balloons (IGB). CASE PRESENTATION: Our patient is a 17-years-old lady, with a body mass index of 48.8, medically and surgically free presented to the emergency with early signs of obstruction. CT abdomen showed small bowel obstruction secondary to IGB migration. Patient was admitted and operated on laparoscopically the same day of presentation. Patient recovered fully and was discharged in a stable condition. CASE DISCUSSION: There are different types of IGB that vary in their composition (material), volume and contents. Some balloons can be excreted via digestive tract, while some need to be removed endoscopically. Complications are very common and vary in severity such as nausea, vomiting or gastric ulceration or perforation. Management options include endoscopic retrieval of balloon, manual passage of balloon through the GI tract or open/laparoscopic surgery. CONCLUSION: The initial approach to the treatment of migrated intragastric balloons causing small-bowel obstruction should be determined by the type of balloon used, location of impaction and degree of obstruction. Prompt and accurate treatment could prevent life-threatening complications.

Clinical outcomes of single-stage versus two-stage laparoscopic Roux-en-y gastric bypass in the management of obesity (BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2): a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) in patients with obesity, BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2, can be a challenging operation. Weight loss with intra-gastric balloon (IGB) insertion prior to LRYGB may improve operative outcomes. METHODS: Between June 2000 and June 2020, patients with a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 underwent either IGB insertion followed by LRYGB (two-stage group), or LRYGB as the definitive bariatric procedure (single-stage group) in our institution. The two-stage procedure was adopted for high risk individuals. Primary outcome measures were percentage total weight loss (%TWL) at 24 months, length of stay and postoperative morbidity. Propensity score analysis was used to account for differences between groups. RESULTS: A total of 155 (mean age 42.9 years ± 10.60; mean BMI 54.6 kg/m2 ± 4.53) underwent either the two-stage (n = 30) or single-stage procedure (n = 125) depending on preoperative fitness. At 6 months following LRYGB, there was a significant difference in %TWL between the groups in a matched analysis (11.9% vs 23.7%, p < 0.001). At 24 months, there was no difference in %TWL (32.0% vs 34.7%, p = 0.13). Median hospital stay following LRYGB was 2.0 (1-4) days with the two-stage vs 2.0 (0-14) days for the single-stage approach (p = 0.75). There was also no significant difference in complication rates (p = 0.058) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in weight loss after one or two-stage procedures in the treatment of patients with a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 super obesity in a propensity score weighted analysis at 24 months. Length of stay and perioperative complications were similar for high risk patients; however, the two-stage approach was associated with delayed weight loss. Single-stage management is recommended for moderate risk patients, particularly with significant metabolic disorders, whilst two-stage approach is a safe and feasible pathway for high risk individuals.

Abdominal Morphologic Changes in MRI during Gastric Balloon Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Adiposity and excessive weight are on the rise in western industrialized countries. In cases where conservative measures fail and surgical interventions are not (yet) desired, gastric balloon therapy has proven to be a safe and reversible endoscopic method. METHODS: Aside from weight progression under gastric balloon therapy and by using MRI, our research paper describes the behavior of different abdominal body fat compartments at the beginning and at the end of the gastric balloon therapy. Additionally, the volume of the left liver lobe as well as the fill volume and performance of the gastric balloon were analyzed over the duration of treatment. For assessing potential impacts of weight reduction on the muscle mass, we determined the area of the m. psoas on a comparable cross-sectional area at the beginning and at the end of the therapy. RESULTS: We were able to verify a significant reduction of the layer of subcutaneous fat, adipose capsule of the kidney, and intra-abdominal fatty tissue during the therapy. The volume of the left liver lobe was shrinking in addition to a muscle loss during the balloon therapy. The volume of the gastric balloon remained stable (not hyperinflation). There were variable gas bubbles in the gastric balloon. CONCLUSION: The gastric balloon is a temporary and successful option for weight reduction by reducing body fat, liver volume, but also muscle mass.

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.

Comparison of safety and efficacy of intragastric botulinum toxin-A versus gastric balloon.

Background: A prospective case-matched study was conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of endoscopic intragastric botulinum toxin-A (EIBT) versus endoscopically planned gastric balloon (EPGB), as a treatment for obesity. Methods: A total of 176 patients (matched for age and sex) were equally divided to undergo EIBT (n = 88) or EPGB (n = 88). Patients who received EIBT were restricted to a body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 35 kg/m2, whereas a BMI >25 kg/m2 was allowed in the EPGB group. The main measured outcomes were weight loss, procedure duration, complications, early satiety, and quality of life (QoL). Results: The patients were followed up for a mean of 6 months. The mean weight loss was greater in the EPGB group than in the EIBT group (15.6 kg vs. 9.3 kg, P < 0.001). However, the percentage excess weight loss and the satiety score were greater in the EIBT group (59.1% vs. 42.2%, P < 0.001; and 3.5 vs. 2.3, P < 0.001) respectively. The procedure duration was shorter for EIBT patients (10 min vs. 15 min, P < 0.001). The postoperative complication rate recorded in the EPGB group was significantly higher (30% vs. 9%, P = 0.001). Adverse symptoms lasted longer in EPGB (5.2 days vs. 0.7 days, P < 0.001). Both groups enjoyed similar improvements in QoL. Conclusion: EIBT is a safe and effective treatment for mild obesity. Although the weight loss was greater in the EPGB group, the percentage excess weight loss, procedure duration, postoperative complications, and symptom duration were significantly better in the EIBT group. QoL improvement was comparable between the two groups.

Gastric Emptying and Its Correlation With Weight Loss and Body Mass Index in Patients With an Intragastric Balloon: A Prospective Study With Six Years of Follow-Up.

Background Obesity is the most well-established and prolonged pandemic in modern society. Having a better understanding of the available tools is important to improve weight loss and make the strategies more productive. This study aims to evaluate the effect of intragastric balloon (IGB) on gastric emptying time, its relationship with weight loss after IGB removal, and weight maintenance after six years. Methodology This prospective study analyzed data from patients undergoing IGB placement. A six-years follow-up was performed and data about weight maintenance were collected. We analyzed the impact of the IGB on gastrointestinal motility and its correlation with weight loss. Results Of the 20 patients included in the study, 52.4% were diagnosed with class I obesity and 47.6% with class II obesity. The mean weight of the patients was 96.5 ± 11.9 kg at baseline, 79.6 ± 11.4 kg at the time of IGB removal, 81.8 ± 9.1 kg at six months, and 93.2 ± 14.3 kg six years after IGB removal. The mean difference between the initial weight and that measured immediately after IGB removal was 16.68 ± 5.71 kg. Regarding gastric emptying time, there was a difference in retention on comparing the measurement before balloon placement to that after the balloon was in place (72.9% vs. 86.8%) after one hour of food intake. Comparing two hours after food intake, patients before IGB placement had a 30.6% food retention, while patients with IGB in place had a 69.2% retention. Conclusions In patients with class I or II obesity, the use of an IGB delayed gastric emptying of foods but showed no direct correlation with weight loss. Weight loss achieved after IGB placement was maintained in half of the patients at a six-year follow-up.

Short term clinical efficacy of intra-gastric balloon on obesity patients with different body mass index / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the short term clinical efficacy of intra-gastric balloon (IGB) on obesity patients with different body mass index (BMI).Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinical data of 62 obesity patients with different BMI who were admitted to three medical centers, including 56 cases in the Hurstville Private Hospital, 4 cases in the St George Private Hospital of University of New South Wales and 2 cases in the East Sydney Private Hospital, from January 2017 to December 2021 were collected. There were 15 males and 47 females, aged 45.1(range, 18.0 to 67.0)years, with the BMI of 35.1(range, 27.8 to 48.4)kg/m 2. Of the 62 patients, there were 33 cases with 27 kg/m 2≤BMI<35 kg/m 2 and 29 cases with BMI≥35 kg/m 2. Observation indicators: (1) first operation and postoperative complications; (2) follow-up after first IGB; (3) recurrent IGB and postoperative complications; (4) follow up after recurrent IGB. Follow-up was conducted using outpatient examinations to detect postoperative complications and weight loss effects. Patients were followed up at postoperative 1, 3, 6 month. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M (range). Count data were described as absolute numbers. Results:(1) First opera-tion and postoperative complications. All 62 obesity patients underwent the first IGB successfully. Of the 62 patients, 45 cases had postoperative complications, including 38 cases with gastroesophageal reflux, 12 cases with dysphagia or burping, 9 cases with epigastric pain and 4 cases with nausea. One patient may have multiple complications. Cases with above complications in the 33 cases with 27 kg/m 2≤BMI<35 kg/m 2 and 29 cases with BMI≥35 kg/m 2 were 21, 8, 7, 2 and 17, 4, 2, 2, respectively. (2) Follow-up after first IGB. Of the 62 obesity patients, there were 52, 46 and 38 cases completing followed up at postoperative 1, 3 and 6 month, respectively, including 30, 25,20 cases in patients with 27 kg/m 2≤BMI<35 kg/m 2 and 22, 21, 18 cases in patients with BMI≥35 kg/m 2. Of the 62 obesity patients, there were 15 cases requiring early balloon extraction due to intractable symptoms, inclu-ding 7 cases with ongoing dysphagia or burping, 6 cases with complaining of ineffective weight loss, 1 case with acute right-sided abdominal pain and 1 case with a serendipitous discovery of pregnant. The cumulative weight loss of the 30 cases with 27 kg/m 2≤BMI<35 kg/m 2 and 22 cases with BMI≥35 kg/m 2 at postoperative 1 month was (4.8±3.0)kg and (6.6±2.8)kg, respectively. The above indicator was (6.7±4.4)kg and (10.6±4.8)kg at postoperative 3 month for the 25 cases with 27 kg/m 2≤BMI<35 kg/m 2 and 21 cases with BMI≥35 kg/m 2, and (8.5±4.8)kg and (9.8±3.9)kg at postoperative 6 month for the 20 cases with 27 kg/m 2≤BMI<35 kg/m 2 and 18 cases with BMI≥35 kg/m 2. The percentage of excess weight loss was 53%±26% and 29%±15% at postoperative 6 month and the percentage of total weight loss was 14%±5% and 10%±5% at postoperative 6 month for the 20 cases with 27 kg/m 2≤BMI<35 kg/m 2 and 18 cases with BMI≥35 kg/m 2, respectively. (3) Recurrent IGB and postoperative complications. Of the 38 cases completing the postoperative 6 month followed up after the first IGB, 9 cases with 27 kg/m 2≤BMI<35 kg/m 2 and 7 cases with BMI≥35 kg/m 2 choosing a second IGB immediately after the removal of the first balloon. Cases with postoperative compli-cations, including gastroesophageal reflux, dysphagia or burping, epigastric pain, nausea were 4, 3, 0, 0 in patients with 27 kg/m 2≤BMI<35 kg/m 2 and 4, 0, 2, 1 in patients with BMI≥35 kg/m 2. (4) Follow up after recurrent IGB. All the 16 patients who chosen a second IGB completed the postoperative 6 month followed up, with the cumulative weight loss of (8.8±8.5)kg and (18.9±9.7)kg and the percentage of excess weight loss of 44%±38% and 41%±15% in the 9 cases with 27 kg/m 2≤BMI<35 kg/m 2 and 7 cases with BMI≥35 kg/m 2, respectively. Conclusions:IGB can achieve a good short-term weight loss effects in obesity patients with BMI≥27 kg/m 2. Gastroesophageal reflux, dysphagia or burping, epigastric pain and nausea are common postoperative complications.

Gastric Balloon Implantation as Part of Morbid Adiposity Therapy Changes the Structure of the Stomach Wall.

PURPOSE: The implantation of a gastric balloon (also known as intragastric balloon) is an established and reversible endoscopic procedure for adiposity therapy. Structural changes of the stomach wall are expected to occur with gastric balloon implantation; however, until now these changes have rarely been investigated. METHODS: We compared the histological structure of the stomach wall after gastric-sleeve resection in a group of patients following gastric balloon implantation and a group without previous gastric balloon implantation. RESULTS: Following gastric balloon implantation, the tunica muscularis was found to be significantly thicker than without gastric balloon implantation. The enlarging of the tunica muscularis is not caused by hyperplasia of the leiomyocytes, but by hypertrophy of the leiomyocytes and an increase in collagen fibers (fibrosis). CONCLUSION: A longer-lasting hypertrophy of the tunica muscularis, particularly in the corpus, should be taken into account when surgical treatment follows gastric balloon implantation. The staple suture height should be adjusted to the altered tissue composition since reduced tissue elasticity must be expected due to fibrosis.

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.

Gastric balloon: A rare cause of lumbar radiculopathy.

BACKGROUND: Factors that are known to cause lumbar epidural venous plexus (EVP) engorgement include inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction, portal hypertension, vascular agenesis, morbid obesity, and/or hypercoagulable states. Here, we present a 32-year-old female admitted with the new onset of lumbar radiculopathy attributed to a gastric balloon causing compression of the IVC and engorgement of the EVP. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 32-year-old female was admitted with a left L5 radiculopathy. She had a history of morbid obesity and had undergone intragastric balloon insertion 4 months ago. The abdominal/pelvic CT documented an intragastric balloon producing a voluminous gastric mass with resultant compression of the IVC. The lumbar MRI showed the resultant marked multilevel engorgement of the lumbar EVP. Here, following balloon removal, the patient was immediately symptom free and remained asymptomatic over the next postoperative year. CONCLUSION: An intragastric balloon can produce a voluminous gastric mass that can result in IVC occlusion and engorgement of the EVP, leading to lumbar radiculopathy. Removal of the balloon results in immediate and permanent resolution of the compressive symptoms.

Effects of intragastric balloon on obesity in obese Korean women for 6 months post removal.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of morbid obesity in Korean women has consistently been increasing, while the overall prevalence rate of obesity in Korean women seems to be stable. In addition to bariatric surgery, intragastric balloons (IGBs), as a nonsurgical therapy, have been reported to be effective in weight loss. However, the beneficial effects of IGB in Korean women with obesity have not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in fat mass in Korean women with obesity who had undergone IGB treatment for 6 mon. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Seventy-four women with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25.0 kg/m2) were recruited. Clinical data, including general information, comorbidities with obesity, anthropometric data, and changes in the body fat composition before and after IGB treatment, were obtained from the subjects. RESULTS: Most subjects had one or more comorbidities, such as osteoarthropathy and woman's disease, and had poor eating behaviors, including irregular mealtimes, eating quickly, and frequent overeating. Body composition measurements showed that weight, fat mass, and waist-hip circumference ratio decreased significantly at 6 mon after IGB treatment. In particular, women with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) showed 33% excess weight loss. There was no significant difference in skeletal muscle mass and mineral contents after IGB treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that 6 mon of IGB treatment can be a beneficial treatment for obesity without muscle mass and bone mineral loss.