Background

Intragastric balloons (IGB) were first used to facilitate weight loss in 1985 but were subsequently taken off the market due to mediocre outcomes and a myriad of complications. In 2015 the FDA approved the first model of second generation IGBs. This study aims to elucidate the postoperative outcomes, safety, and use of IGBs since 2015.

Methods

A cohort study was performed using prospective data from the MBSAQIP registry. This included all IGB and non-IGB procedures from 2015 to 2020, excluding emergent and revisional/conversion surgeries. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA.

Results

660,387 patients were included, 3254 (0.49%) underwent IGB placement. These patients were more likely female, older, and had lower BMIs, rates of comorbidities and ASA classifications. No MACEs or mortalities occurred after IGB placement. At 30 days postoperatively the average decrease in BMI was similar between groups. There was a decline in performing IGB procedures from 2015 to 2020, however the relative proportion increased to 4.05% from 0.62%.

Conclusions

Despite clinically insignificant weight loss during the study period of one month, compared to other weight loss procedures IGB placement is quicker, has fewer complications, lower rates of readmission and no reported mortalities or major cardiac events. IGBs can be used as a primary weight loss procedure or a bridge to non-IGB bariatric surgery. Although the number of procedures performed has decreased since 2015, the data from 2020 was limited by COVID-19 but may still suggest an increase relative to other procedures. IGBs remain an underutilized tool in the bariatric surgeon’s armamentarium.