Adjustable Balloons for Weight Loss: A Higher Yield of Responders Compared With Non-Adjustable Balloons

The results of the Spatz adjustable balloon system have been reported in four studies with weight losses of 24.4 kg (48.8% excess weight loss - EWL), 21.6 kg (45.7% EWL),17.2 kg (42.9% EWL) and 16.3 kg (67.4% EWL), respectively. The responder rate (>25% EWL) was 88.5% in one recent study.

The authors report and analyze the results of 227 Spatz3 patients retrospectively reviewed in 3 centers- some adjusted and some not adjusted during the course of their 1-year implantation - to determine if the adjustment option can improve overall results and diminish the non-responder rate.

The Spatz3 Adjustable intragastric balloon (IGB) (Spatz FGIA, Inc. New York, USA) was implanted at the following centers between May and December 2015: University Hospital, Ostrava, Czech Republic, Clinica Opcion Medica, Barcelona, Spain, and Optimal Clinic, Tel Aviv, Israel. Patients were selected according to the well-established criteria for intragastric balloon implantation, consistent with NIH and CE Mark guidelines, and were independently evaluated by members of the staff: gastroenterologists, dieticians, and psychologists. Indications for Spatz3 Adjustable IGB implantation included one of the following: (1) temporary weight loss treatment in a patient with body mass index (BMI) in the range of bariatric surgery (>35) who refuse surgery or are at high risk for surgery, (2) temporary weight loss treatment for a patient without indications for surgery (BMI>29). All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy using conscious sedation with or without an anesthetist using one or more of the following medications - Propofol, Midazolam, and Fentanyl.

Balloons were inflated with a mean 464ml (400-500ml) of normal saline with the addition of 2-3 ml of a 1% solution of Methylene Blue (not used in the Czech Republic center). Patients were recovered for 45 minutes and discharged the same day on a once-daily PPI, anti-nausea medications (Aprepitant 125 mg day 1; 80 mg days 2 and 3), ondansetron (8 mg Q6H X 3 days), anti-spasmodic (papaverine 80 mg tid prn), and dietary instructions. After the fifth post-procedure day, a progressive full liquid to soft to solid 1,200-1,400 kcal diet was started. Monthly follow up with dietician and/or doctor (gastroenterologist or endocrinologist) was offered to all patients after implantation. Cognitive behavioral therapy by licensed psychologists was offered in 2 of the 3 centers (206/227 patients) with 6-10 sessions after implantation. Patients who were intolerant to the balloon could be adjusted downward by 100-150 ml. Patients with one or more of the following were offered upward adjustments of the balloon volume (200-400 ml at the discretion of the endoscopist): weight loss plateau; lack of balloon effect; ability to overeat without resultant symptoms (any of the following: nausea, vomiting, bloating, eructation, abdominal pain, acid reflux symptoms). Preparation for an adjustment or extraction procedure required the following diet: 3 days prior- no meat or vegetables; 2 days prior- full liquids; 1 day prior- clear liquids and NPO after midnight. After 12 months of placement, the balloon was deflated by aspiration via standard balloon needle or deflation utilizing the valve, and extraction was completed using a grasping forceps or a polypectomy snare - all under conscious sedation.