Swallowable Intragastric Balloon: First Consecutive Experience in Argentina.

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Obesity is a global health concern requiring innovative treatment options.
• Swallowable balloons present a less invasive alternative to traditional bariatric procedures.
• This study focuses on the initial implementation of swallowable balloons in Argentina.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the first experience with swallowable balloons for obesity management in Argentina.
• To assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of this novel treatment.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, retrospective, observational study was conducted.
• 153 patients undergoing swallowable balloon implantation were analyzed over 12 months with a 6-month follow-up.
• Data collected included patient demographics, implantation methods, adverse events, and weight loss.

Main Results:

• The average patient age was 39 years with a BMI of 29.5 kg/m².
• A mean weight loss of 12% was observed over 4 months.
• Common adverse effects included abdominal pain (80%) and nausea (60%), generally not severe.

Conclusions:

• Swallowable balloons are an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for obesity.
• The procedure demonstrated satisfactory weight loss outcomes with manageable adverse effects.
• This marks a significant step in bariatric interventions in Argentina.