Intra-gastric balloon, an aid for weight reduction in obese patient

Background: we share our experience with an intra-gastric balloon to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy for patients with class one and two obesity. Methods: From January 2015 to January 2017, intra-gastric balloons were inserted in the stomachs of 85 patients at the endoscopy unit in CMC Hospital Erbil/Kurdistan/ Iraq. All the patients had a body mass index between 30 to 39 kg/m2 and were within the age range of 17-50 with a mean age of 29 years, there were 55 female 30 male patients, the patients underwent consent, pre balloon insertion investigation tests and anesthesia evaluation. The balloon was inserted via an upper endoscopy device after diagnostic study and then it was filled with 550-600 (mills) of stained saline. All patients' were given an analgesic and antiemetic for a week and anti-secretory proton pump inhibitors for 6 months. Diet and the importance of the exercise were part of the program phase and protocol during the period of the study. The balloon was removed after 6 months. The patients were followed during the 6 months of insertion and 6 months after the removal. The weight reduction and complications were documented and reported. Results: Satisfactory weight loss was obtained in 85% of patients after six months and 75% after 12 from insertion respectively. One patient underwent early removal of the balloon after 7 days of insertion; another patient had balloon leak and shrinkage which necessitated replacement by another one. Early postoperative pain and vomiting were universal but subsided in 90% during the first 10 days. Conclusion: in well-selected patients the intra-gastric balloon is an effective tool that can be used to achieve weight loss with minimum complications.