Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the clinical parameters during intragastric balloon therapy for Japanese obese patients.
Methods: Between March 2009 and September 2010, 8 patients underwent intragastric balloon therapy at our hospital. The visceral fat area, liver volume and the liver-spleen ratio were measured by computed tomography. Blood examination and computerized tomography were performed before the balloon placement, and at 1, 3 and 6 months after the balloon placement in all of the patients.
Results: Eight patients (5 males and 3 females, median age, 39 years; median BMI, 44.0 kg/m(2)) underwent intragastric balloon therapy without severe complications. The median weight loss was 8.6 kg, mean BMI loss was 2.8 kg/m(2), and the percent excess weight loss was 14.8% at 6 months after the balloon placement. The body weight and liver volume decreased significantly during the first month, and the results were maintained at the same levels until after the second month. The liver-spleen ratio also improved significantly during the first month, but worsened again during the last 3 months. The visceral fat area showed no significant differences during the treatment as well as no differences in liver enzymes, glucose and lipid metabolism.
Conclusion: Intragastric balloon therapy achieved a moderate effect in weight and liver volume reduction during the early months of the treatment. Intragastric balloon therapy may have a role as a minimally invasive method for pretreatment before laparoscopic surgery.