Usefulness of the ReShape intragastric balloon for obesity

Overview on the endoscopic treatment for obesity: A review

Obesity rates have increased, and so has the need for more specific treatments. This trend has raised interest in non-surgical weight loss techniques that are novel, safe, and straightforward. Thus, the present review describes the endoscopic bariatric treatment for obesity, its most recent supporting data, the questions it raises, and its future directions. Various endoscopic bariatric therapies for weight reduction, such as intragastric balloons (IGBs), aspiration therapy (AT), small bowel endoscopy, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, endoluminal procedures, malabsorption endoscopic procedures, and methods of regulating gastric emptying, were explored through literature sourced from different databases. IGBs, AT, and small bowel endoscopy have short-term effects with a possibility of weight regain. Minor adverse events have occurred; however, all procedures reduce weight. Vomiting and nausea are common side effects, although serious complications have also been observed.

Endoscopic Treatment of Obesity and Nutritional Aspects of Bariatric Endoscopy

Obesity is a significant problem worldwide. Several serious diseases that decrease patient quality of life and increase mortality (high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, type 2 diabetes etc.) are associated with obesity. Obesity treatment is a multidisciplinary and complex process that requires maximum patient compliance. Change of lifestyle is fundamental in the treatment of obesity. While pharmacotherapeutic options are available, their efficacy is limited. Surgical treatment though highly effective, carries the risk of complications and is thus indicated mostly in advanced stages of obesity. Endoscopic treatments of obesity are less invasive than surgical options, and are associated with fewer complications and nutritional deficits. Currently, there is a large spectrum of endoscopic methods based on the principles of gastric volume reduction, size restriction and gastric or small bowel bypass being explored with only few available in routine practice. The aim of this publication is to present an up-to-date summary of available endoscopic methods for the treatment of obesity focusing on their efficacy, safety and nutritional aspects.

Six intragastric balloons: Which to choose?

Endoscopically placed intragastric balloons (IGBs) have played a significant role in obesity treatment over the last 30 years, successfully bridging the gap between lifestyle modification/pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery. Since they provide a continuous sensation of satiety that helps the ingestion of smaller portions of food, facilitating maintenance of a low-calorie diet, they have generally been considered an effective and reversible, less invasive, non-surgical procedure for weight loss. However, some studies indicate that balloons have limited sustainable effectiveness for the vast majority attempting such therapy, resulting in a return to the previous weight after balloon removal. In this review we try to summarize the pros and cons of various balloon types, to guide decision making for both the physician and the obese individual looking for effective treatment. We analyzed the six most commonly used IGBs, namely the liquid-filled balloons Orbera, Spatz3, ReShape Duo and Elipse, and the gas-filled Heliosphere and Obalon - also including comments on the adjustable Spatz3, and the swallowable Obalon and Elipse - to optimize the choice for maximum efficacy and safety.

Effects of intragastric balloon on obesity in obese Korean women for 6 months post removal

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The prevalence of morbid obesity in Korean women has consistently been increasing, while the overall prevalence rate of obesity in Korean women seems to be stable. In addition to bariatric surgery, intragastric balloons (IGBs), as a nonsurgical therapy, have been reported to be effective in weight loss. However, the beneficial effects of IGB in Korean women with obesity have not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in fat mass in Korean women with obesity who had undergone IGB treatment for 6 mon.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Seventy-four women with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25.0 kg/m²) were recruited. Clinical data, including general information, comorbidities with obesity, anthropometric data, and changes in the body fat composition before and after IGB treatment, were obtained from the subjects.

RESULTS

Most subjects had one or more comorbidities, such as osteoarthropathy and woman's disease, and had poor eating behaviors, including irregular mealtimes, eating quickly, and frequent overeating. Body composition measurements showed that weight, fat mass, and waist-hip circumference ratio decreased significantly at 6 mon after IGB treatment. In particular, women with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) showed 33% excess weight loss. There was no significant difference in skeletal muscle mass and mineral contents after IGB treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested that 6 mon of IGB treatment can be a beneficial treatment for obesity without muscle mass and bone mineral loss.

Intra-gastric balloons - The past, present and future

Obesity is a complex metabolic illness that is interrelated to a plethora of complications that predispose to avoidable morbidity and mortality. The considerable impact of obesity has invited various therapies ranging from lifestyle advice, pharmacotherapy, endoscopic bariatric therapy and ultimately surgery. Intragastric balloons are space-occupying therapies that aim to increase satiety through mechanical and neuroendocrine mechanisms. Their prevalence is owed to their ease of administration and general safety. However, long term data concerning safety and efficacy is scarce when considering the various types of balloons in use. In this review, we discuss the intragastric balloon comprehensively in terms of efficacy, safety, limitations and future direction.

•

A rise in the prevalence of obesity is evident.

•

There is a continuous drive towards non-invasive management.

•

Intra-gastric balloons are a valuable adjunct for the management of obesity.

•

Promising outcomes are evident especially in combination with lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy.

Efficacy of Intragastric Balloon Placement and Botulinum Toxin Injection in Bariatric Endoscopy

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the results obtained from the combination of intragastric botulinum toxin A (IGBTA), intragastric balloon (IGB), and IGBTA(+)IGB in the treatment of obesity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three separate treatment groups were set up. IGBTA, IGB, and IGBTA(+)IGB were administered to Group 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The body mass indexes (BMI) of patients were measured before and 6 months after the treatment. The intragroup and intergroup treatment results have been evaluated. P<0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

The mean BMI decreased by 1.6 kg/m in 40 patients who received IGBTA in group 1 (P<0.001), 3.95 kg/m in 42 patients who received IGB in group 2 (P<0.001), and 4.9 kg/m in 39 patients who received IGBTA and IGB in group 3 (P<0.001) after 6 months of treatment. The intolerance because of the application was the highest in group 3, followed by group 2.

CONCLUSION

The treatment was most successful in group 3 followed by group 2 and group 1, respectively. The authors recommend the group 3 treatment, provided that nausea, vomiting, and flatulence have a high index of probability in such a treatment. However, when deciding between group 1 and group 2 treatments, the authors recommend opting for group 2 treatment that shows to be more efficient.