Intragastric balloon.

Abstract

The intragastric balloon is a temporary and minimally invasive therapy for weight loss, currently being the main choice for mild obesity. As a space-occupying device, it reduces stomach capacity, resulting in decreased hunger and food intake. There are different balloon models, filled with liquid or air. The most used is the non-adjustable liquid-filled balloon, due to its lower rate of complications. The mechanism of action is multifactorial, involving physiological and neurohormonal changes. The device functions as an artificial bezoar, filling the stomach and leading to early satiety. In the Brazilian Intragastric Balloon Consensus Statement, there was a mean excess weight loss of 18.4%, showing effective weight loss and good safety profile. It is a valid option for overweight and obese patients unresponsive to clinical therapy or who are either not candidates for surgery or who do not wish to undergo a definitive procedure. Besides weight loss, recent studies have shown a positive effect on metabolic parameters. New devices have been developed, such as procedureless and adjustable balloons, with promising results.