Intra Gastric Balloon Still An Option With Excellent Results (Review Of 500 Cases)

Introduction: The WHO recorded that nearly one third of people in Iraq were obese, the placement of an intragastric balloon (IGB) constitutes a short-term, effective, non-surgical intervention to lose weight. Objectives: This study was performed to assess the safety and effectiveness of 500 cases of IGB to treat obese patients.Methods: This was a prospective clinical case series study which includes 500 patients for whom IGB (MedSil) introduced, the safety assessed for all patients while the effectiveness assessed for 250 patients who completed the treatment period.Results: 250 patients (205 females and 45 males), their age 14-64 (mean 37 years) underwent the procedure and their balloons removed after 4-13months (average7). Their weight 88-209(average130). The patients lose 4-76 (average24Kg) which was equal to 5.4 - 75.8(average 33) percent of excess weight. Their BMI reduced 0.7-21 (average 9.1) kg/m(2) (the percent of EBMI loss 1.5 - 112.7). The associated comorbidities improved after weight loss, and the quality of life improved in 80% of patients depending on bariatric analysis and reporting outcome systems (BAROS).We recorded 2 cases of mortality from 500 (0.4%) in extreme obesity, these mortalities were not related to the balloon itself, but to associated morbidities.Conclusion: Obese and morbidly obese patients can reduce their weight effectively by the simple procedure of intragastric balloon that decrease morbidity and improves the quality of their life also it makes definitive surgery easier.