Unusual cause of a perforated stomach

Life-threatening visceral complications after intragastric balloon insertion: Is the device, the patient or the doctor to blame?

Background and aim  Intragastric balloon placement is established as a safe, relatively low-cost and well-tolerated minimally invasive procedure for weight loss, giving encouraging results under the strict prerequisite that the obese patient will enroll in a medically supervised weight loss program. This retrospective study reviews already published cases of severe visceral complications for the purpose of assigning responsibility to the device, the patient, or the doctor. Methods  We reviewed PubMed and Scopus archived publications describing intragastric balloon (BIB/Orbera)-related severe visceral complications, i. e. perforations and obstructions. Results  Twenty-two cases of gastric perforation, two cases of esophageal perforation and 10 cases of bowel obstruction were found. For the gastric perforation the endoscopist was responsible in nine cases, the patient in four, and the balloon itself in nine. For the two cases of esophageal perforation, the endoscopists were responsible, while for the 12 cases of bowel obstruction, the patient was responsible for seven and the device for the other five cases. Conclusion  BIB/Orbera balloon insertion remains a safe procedure, with a minimum of complications related to hollow viscera. Mandatory education and accreditation of physicians dealing with bariatric endoscopy and strict supervision of the obese individuals, while living with the balloon, will eliminate such complications.

Exclusively endoscopic approach to treating gastric perforation caused by an intragastric balloon: case series and literature review

Background and study aims  Obesity is a serious disease, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Intragastric balloons (IGBs) have been in use since the 1980s. After the insertion of an IGB, complications such as migration of the device and even severe gastric perforation can occur, requiring laparoscopic surgery. Here, we report three cases of gastric perforation after IGB insertion. In all three cases, the perforation was successfully repaired through an exclusively endoscopic approach.

Gastric Perforation as a complication of intragastric balloon

Obesity is considered the most common nutritional disorder in Western countries and is related to multiple morbidity and mortality. There are different options for obesity treatment, including diet, behavioral therapy, medications, and surgery. If patients do not meet the criteria for bariatric surgery, intragastric balloons may be used to achieve weight reduction. Currently, the intragastric balloon is one of the most common bariatric procedures in obese patients in Europe. Gastric perforation associated with intragastric balloon is a rare but dangerous complication. We report a case of a 42-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency department with acute abdomen. Chest x-ray in an erect posture indicated free gas under the diaphragm. She had undergone placement of an intragastric adjustable balloon device 13 months earlier and was overdue for removal of the balloon. In the emergency theater, a large perforated ulcer was found in the posterior wall of the stomach, which was repaired laparoscopically. Her postoperative course was uneventful. We also review the literature on intragastric balloon-induced gastric perforation. Our case is a very rare report of late gastric perforation after adjustable intragastric balloon placement. We recommend regular follow-up and removal in proper time after insertion of the gastric balloon.

Gastric Perforation following Intragastric Balloon Insertion: Combined Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Approach for Management: Case Series and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a serious disease, with substantial morbidity and mortality. The endoscopic placement of an intragastric balloon (IGB) in association with a low-calorie diet is an option for the treatment of obesity. IGB complications include dislocation of the balloon causing intestinal obstruction, upper gastro-intestinal bleeding and perforation, especially during balloon insertion or removal. Our work aims at decreasing the morbidity of open laparotomy in the management of such gastric perforations.

METHODS

We report three cases of gastric perforation following IGB insertion that needed surgical intervention. Decision was made to treat them with a minimally invasive combined endoscopic and laparoscopic approach to decrease postoperative morbidity.

RESULTS

All patients were successfully treated by a minimally invasive approach with less morbidity than the conventional open laparotomy.

CONCLUSION

Gastric perforation should be suspected in any patient with IGB who presents with an acute abdomen. This can be managed with a minimal invasive approach.

Late Intragastric Balloon Induced Gastric Perforation

Intragastric balloon (IGB) has been introduced in the 1980's for weight reduction. It can be classified into nonadjustable IGB, such as the BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB), or newer generation Spatz adjustable balloon system. Late IGB-induced gastric perforation is a rare major complication, presenting as acute abdominal pain weeks to months after its insertion. We herein present a 20-year-old patient, with gastric perforation occurring 10 months after Spatz IGB deployment. The patient underwent a successful endoscopic IGB retrieval and laparoscopic exploration with abdominal lavage. We also review the literature of late IGB-induced gastric perforation.

Mechanical ileus induces surgical intervention due to gastric balloon: a case report and review of the literature

A temporary non-surgical approach for treatment of obesity is the gastric balloon that serves as an alternative procedure for many patients with frustrated diet attempts. Deflation and displacement of the balloon resulting in acute intestinal obstruction and subsequent surgical intervention is a rare complication. A BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon was endoscopically implanted in a 35-year-old female with a body mass index (BMI) of 28 kg/m(2). The procedure succeeded without complications, and weight loss was effective during the first 6 months. One year after balloon implantation, the patient presented with abdominal cramps and vomiting due to ileal obstruction. Since endoscopic efforts to remove the deflated and displaced balloon failed, emergency laparotomy and enterotomy were necessary. Vascularization of the dilated small bowel was compromised, but recovered after decompression. Patients' postoperative course was uneventful. The gastric balloon model can be associated with major complications and should be used critically. Removal of the balloon should be assured not later than 6 months when weight loss decreases.

Acute pancreatitis complicating intragastric balloon insertion

We present a case of acute pancreatitis that happened as a complication of intragastric balloon insertion used for weight reduction in a young obese lady. Although many complications can happen with this type of procedure, this presentation is very rare and may not have been reported previously. The patient responded well to removal of the balloon since her pain resolved completely and her serum amylase normalized. She did not have any obvious cause of pancreatitis other than a significant radiologically proven compression of the pancreas by the balloon.