Swallowable Intragastric Balloon: First Consecutive Experience in Argentina

Swallowable balloons are innovative devices for the treatment of obesity. Endoscopy or anesthesia for implantation is not required. They are generally well tolerated and experience reports satisfactory results in relation to weight loss. The objective of this study was to analyze the first experience with the implementation of a swallowable balloon in Argentina. It is a descriptive retrospective observational study on the treatment of obesity in patients who underwent swallowable balloons in Argentina, admitted to one center, in a period time of 12 months with a follow-up of 6 months. A total of n = 153 patients were recruited between June 2021 and May 2022, 78% were women and 22% men. The average age was 39 years. Average body mass index was 29.5 kg/m². Balloon implantation was performed with complete swallowing by the patients in 19.4% of the cases, swallowing with operator assistance in 55.5%, and swallowing with stylet assistance in 25%. The adverse effects reported were abdominal pain (80%), nausea (60%), vomiting (38%), headache (36%), gastroesophageal reflux (29%), constipation (11%), and diarrhea (7%). No deaths were reported. A mean 4-month weight loss of 12% was reported. Swallowable balloon for the treatment of obesity is effective, safe, and well tolerated. Adverse effects are not severe.