Intragastric balloon treatment of obesity: Long-term results and patient satisfaction

Özet

Background/Aims: Intragastric balloon (IGB) treatment of obesity is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that has been shown tohelp weight loss in some patients. The aim of this study is to analyze the long-term results regarding the effectiveness, tolerability, andpatient satisfaction in a cohort of patients undergoing the IGB insertion.Materials and Methods: Using a retrospective cohort study design, patients who had their IGB inserted/removed between the years2009 and 2016 were contacted by phone and asked to answer a short questionnaire. The baseline characteristics, pre- and post- IGBweight, as well as their current weight were recorded. Different parameters of satisfaction were noted in addition to whether patientsresorted to alternative weight-reduction measures.Results: Ninety-nine eligible patients were contacted, and 65 consented to the study. The average weight loss achieved at the endof the treatment period (3 to 10 months) was approximately a 12% decrease from the baseline. Only 39% of patients were satisfied with the procedure, and less than 50% were satisfied with the weight loss achieved. When assessing the long-term follow-up,years after the IGB removal (3.3±1.76 years), the vast majority of patients (78.7%) regained weight or resorted to further bariatricmeasures.Conclusion: IGB leads to weight loss among most patients, but it does not appear to fulfill patients’ expectations. Further, the initialweight loss is not sustainable over time.