A Case of Duodenal Obstruction and Pancreatitis Due to Intragastric Balloon

Abstract

Background: Intragastric balloons have several advantages such as easy placement and low complication ratesover other bariatric procedures. It is very rare for intragastric balloons to dislodge and give rise to pancreatitis.In this article, we present a case of duodenal obstructioncaused by a gastric balloon leading to pancreatitis. Case Report: A 38-year-old obese female patient hadundergone intragastric implantation one month beforeadmission. The patient was admitted to our hospitalbecause of sudden onset of abdominal pain. On the abdominal ultrasonography and tomography, edematouspancreatitis and cholelithiasis were observed. The patient was given medical treatment for pancreatitis. Abdominal ultrasonography was repeated on the next day,and a distended gallbladder was revealed. Thus, thepatient was operated on with the pre-diagnosis of acutecholecystitis and biliary pancreatitis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. During the operation,a hard and trapped object was determined in the secondpart of the duodenal lumen. The patient was reevaluated on the second postoperative day as her pain hadincreased. On direct abdominal X-ray and computedtomography scan, the tubular part of the gastric balloonwas found to be stuck in the duodenum. A gastroscopywas performed, but the balloon could not be removed.Therefore, an immediate laparotomy was performed,and the balloon was removed via gastrotomy. Conclusion: Although intragastric balloons are designed to reduce the risk of displacement, all unexpect- ed patient complaints should lead to a thorough examination of the position and status of the balloon.