Intragastric Balloon (non-surgical technique)
Procedure:
An expandable silicone balloon is placed inside the stomach in the course of a conventional upper gastrectomy. The balloon limits the amount of food intake and leads to an earlier sense of satiety.
Hospital stay: 3 hours
Excessive weight loss: up to 50% in 6 months
Advantages of Intragastric Balloon:
This procedure is conducted under sedation in a day-care setting and the patient can leave the hospital after approximately 3 hours.
Disadvantages of Intragastric Balloon:
The balloon has to be removed or replaced after 6-12 months. In rare cases of balloon rupture (green urine) or bowel obstruction an emergency surgery is required. Early complications are nausea and vomiting. During the entire 6 months gastric-acid lowering medication needs to be taken.