A patient presented with persistent symptoms of pain and vomiting and a gastric outlet ultrasound showed partial obstruction.
Non-Surgical Weight Loss was recommended, but an alternative procedure known as "Percutaneous Aspiration" was also considered. The patient consented to the procedure and the balloon was aspirated with ultrasound guidance and light sedation. The procedure was performed successfully and without any adverse events. There have been several large studies involving the removal of gastric balloons, and some of them are listed in table 2.
Percutaneous aspiration
A physician can perform a percutaneous aspiration of a balloon in the stomach with a thin, flexible tube inserted into the stomach. The tube is equipped with a camera called an endoscope, which helps the doctor see the balloon as it fills. The procedure takes about half an hour and can be completed within a few hours.
Patients with percutaneous aspiration of a balloon in the stomach commonly have cramping and colicky abdominal pain. Patients may also experience constipation. The duration of symptoms before seeking medical attention varies from several hours to seven days. Emergency surgeons should use a high index of suspicion when assessing a patient presenting with a symptomatic intragastric balloon.
Side effects
If you have had a gastric balloon surgery, there are some common side effects that you should be aware of. First, a balloon that leaks or deflates can cause an obstruction. This can be a serious problem and may require additional surgery to remove it. Also, you should avoid certain types of foods that increase the production of gastric acid.
Other potential side effects include gastric perforation, esophageal perforation, and bowel obstruction. These complications can be severe and can even be fatal. However, these complications are rare. In fact, only 4.2% of patients had their balloon removed prematurely for intolerance.
Weight loss
Weight loss with a balloon in the stomach can be challenging, but it is possible. In general, people with a ballooned stomach can eat most foods again within two to three weeks. However, it's important to chew each bite well, and eat smaller meals throughout the day. You can also drink plenty of water, and try to stick to a nutrient-rich diet.
During the procedure, a physician inserts a thin, flexible tube through the mouth and stomach to place the balloon.
Non-Surgical Weight Loss is then inflated using 650-750 millilitres of air or saline. There are a number of potential risks and complications with the procedure, including bleeding, infection, and bowel obstruction.