Spontaneous Hyperinflation of an Intragastric Balloon for Weight Loss in a Nigerian Patient: A Case Report

An intragastric balloon (IGB) is a non-invasive weight loss intervention that involves placing a balloon in the stomach and works by reducing the gastric luminal cavity and causing early satiety. Spontaneous IGB hyperinflation is rare, with a complex etiology. We present a 28-year-old woman with obesity (body mass index: 33.7 kg/m2) who had an IGB inserted for weight loss and lost about 12 kg. She developed a disturbing abdominal swelling associated with discomfort and nausea seen after 4 months and required premature removal of the balloon. Early recognition and balloon removal is key in the management of spontaneous hyperinflation of IGB.