Efficacy of intragastric balloon on weight reduction: Saudi perspective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intragastric balloon (IGB) in weight reduction in obese patients referred to a tertiary hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Three hundred and one consecutive obese individuals, who underwent IGB placement during January 2009 to May 2015, were analyzed. The subjects aged 18 to 60 years and had a minimum body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m². The IGB was placed under conscious sedation and kept for 6 mo. Anthropometric measurements were recorded during and after 6 mo of IGB removal.

The body weight, excess body weight, and BMI were significantly reduced at the time of IGB removal and 6 mo later. Body weight loss > 10% was achieved in 224 subjects at removal of IGB. End of treatment success and long-term success were both significantly observed in women (70 vs 11) (71 vs 12.5) respectively. Excess BMI loss was significantly higher in subjects retaining the IGB for over 6 mo both at the removal [43.44 ± 19.46 (n = 221) vs 55.60 ± 28.69 (n = 80); t = 4.19, P = 0.0001] as well as at the end of 6 mo' follow-up [46.57 ± 24.89 (n = 221) vs 63.52 ± 31.08 (n = 80); t = 4.87, P = 0.0001]. Within 3 d of IGB placement, two subjects developed pancreatitis and one subject developed cardiac arrhythmia. Intestinal obstruction due to displacement of IGB occurred in two subjects. All these subjects recovered uneventfully after immediate removal of the IGB.

IGB was effective in our cohorts. The observed weight reduction was maintained for at least 6 mo post IGB removal. IGB placement was safe with a satisfactory tolerance rate.