Background: The traditional gastric balloons have been used for several years to reduce weight in overweight and obese patients, but the need for sedation and upper endoscopy leading to several limitations. The current series is the first study that evaluates the safety and effectiveness of the swallowable gastric (Elipse™) balloon in our population on the national level.
Methods: Ninety-six patients (mean BMI was 33.6 ± 4.3 kg/m2) participated in this study. All patients swallowed one Elipse™ balloon intended to remain in the stomach for 4 months, self-empty, and then pass. Each balloon was filled with 550 mL of filling fluid. Anti-emetics and anti-spasmodic drugs were prescribed for 2-3 days after insertion; proton pump inhibitor was prescribed twice daily 1 week before the procedure and continued until the end of residence time (16-20 weeks).
Results: In the current series, at end of the procedure (after 4 months), the overall mean weight loss (WL) was 11.2 ± 5.1 kg, mean waist circumference reduction was 10.9 ± 2.1 cm, and a mean BMI reduction was 4.9 ± 2.0 kg/m2. The percentage of total body weight loss (TBWL%) was 12.1 ± 5.2%. The Elipse™ therapy reported improvements in the metabolic parameters investigated.
Conclusion: This swallowable gastric balloon (Elipse™) can be safely and successfully swallowed, filled, imaged, and passed with accepted weight loss and clinical improvement in factors related to the metabolic syndrome.
Keywords: Balloon; Elipse; Overweight.