Benefits and Risks of Intragastric Ballon Surgery?

• Placement of an intragstric balloon is a non-surgical, outpatient procedure
   
• Many patients experience significant short-term weight loss
   
• The balloon creates feelings of fullness with small amounts of food
   
• Patients enjoy reduced appetite
   
• Balloon treatment includes support for behavioral/lifestyle changes
   
• Many patients experience positive effects on other weight-related illnesses

To Discuss With The Surgeon

• Severe nausea -- an acclimation period of discomfort is typical and may last up to 10 - 21 days. Patients may experience cramping, severe nausea and vomiting. Drinking plenty of fluids is essential during this time.
   
• Injury to the esophagus or stomach -- as with other gastric procedures, there is a risk of injury to the lining of the digestive tract, whether from direct contact with the instruments used to place the balloon, by the balloon itself or as a result of increased acid production by the stomach.
   
• This could possibly lead to ulcer formation, pain, bleeding and perforation of internal organs. Perforation is a serious complication which would normally require emergency surgery and could be fatal especially in obese patients.
   
• Bacterial growth -- should bacterial growth occur in the fluid filling the balloon, release of contaminated fluid into the intestine when the balloon is punctured for removal may cause infection, fever, cramps and diarrhea.
   
• Balloon deflation -- more common prior to modern balloon design, in rare cases a balloon's seal could become compromised and its saline solution dissipate, requiring removal and reinsertion.
   
• Spontaneous evacuation -- a small number of patients experience rejection of the balloon through defecation.
   
• Intestinal obstruction -- a rare complication in patients with previous abdominal or bowel surgery. if the balloon leaks and deflates it may pass through the intestine and out of the body. However, it is possible for a deflated balloon to become lodged in the intestine and cause an obstruction. This is a serious complication possibly requiring surgical removal of the balloon.