Obesity treatment with Orbera Intragastric Balloon – which patients benefit most of the therapy?

Kryspin Mitura. Siedlce Municipal Hospital

Background Treating concomitant diseases in obese patients generates costs which are twice as high as the costs of the therapies in individuals with a normal weight. The conservative management of obesity involving lifestyle and dietary modifications and medical treatment, is related to only short-term efficacy and carries the 90% risk of recurrence. Intragastric balloon causes the permanent feeling of satiety, thus reducing the amount of food consumed by the patient.

Material and methods In 2012, we performed 75 intragastric saline-filled balloon procedures in obese patients. The total of 70 patients were enrolled in the study. All procedures were performed under general anaesthesia. The balloon was removed at 6 months. The patients were interviewed one year after removal.

Results Upon balloon removal, mean TWL was 15.9kg, 41%±19.6 EWL (p<0.001). Only one patient was classified as a non-respondent. Satisfactory results (>10%TWL) were achieved in all other patients. The mean BMI reduction was 5.8kg/m2 (15.5%) (p<0.001). 1 year later 45 patients still maintained reduced weight, 7 returned to baseline body weight, whereas 18 subjects experienced a full yo-yo effect (mean gain of 2.7kg). During one year following the balloon removal, mean total weight increased by 10.9kg, mean BMI increased by 3.9kg/m2 (12.5%). The satisfactory effect (>10%TWL) was achieved in only 19 patients.

Conclusions Obesity management with intragastric balloon is a safe treatment method, which effectively induces weight loss. Poor tolerance and lack of response occurring in some individuals, should be taken into consideration. Best results are achieved in women with class 1 obesity.