[Stomach volume reduction balloon for weight loss: what is the justification for this controversial method?]

Overweight and extreme morbid obesity are a common problem in our society. There are many therapeutic options currently available, but none of them can be considered as being ideal. One of these therapeutic interventions is the implantation of an intragastric balloon under endoscopic guidance.

Investigation of the effect of intragastric balloon Implantation on weight reduction.

In a prospective (and in part blinded) study 4 groups of patients (n = 10 each) were evaluated. In group I and II an intragastric balloon was implanted under endoscopic guidance. Group II had an intensive additional therapy by a dietition. Group I was advised to restrict themselves to a 1500 kcal diet. Group III did receive a sham implantation and the same additional therapy as group II. Group IV served as a control group and did not receive any type of treatment except the advice to restrict themselves to a diet. All balloons were explanted after 6 months. The overall follow-up rate was 18 months with a regular control of patients body weight.

Patient inclusion criteria were comparable in all 4 groups. After 6 and 12 months a marked weight reduction was observed in group I and II when compared with group III and IV. This weight reduction was stable over time and reached statistical significance after 18 months. Additionally the results of group II (intensive additional therapy by a dietition) were better than in group I. Patients of group IV gained weight. No major complications due to the im- and explantation of the balloon were observed.

The application of an intragastric balloon seems to be effective with regard of weight loss. The patient gets the chance to learn a more effective diet regimen which in our study population had a long lasting effect. Implantation of an intragastric balloon seems to be effective for a selective and highly motivated subpopulation of obese patients.