Preparation of extremely obese patients for laparoscopic gastric banding by gastric-balloon therapy

Background: In super, super obese patients (body mass index [BMI] >60), especially those with extreme intra-abdominal fat deposition, the technical difficulties in laparoscopic procedures increase. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether gastric balloon therapy (GBT) can improve the operative conditions for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in extremely obese patients. Materials and Methods: From April 1995 to August 1998, 196 LAGBs were performed. In 15 patients (7 female and 8 male), median age 38.8 years (range 17-54), who had been selected as suitable candidates for bariatric surgery, preoperative GET was studied. Fourteen patients were extremely obese (BMI 60.2 kg/m(2) [range 58-72]). One 17-year-old boy with BMI 46.6 kg/m(2) was also treated. The Bioenterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB) was used. The placement, the volume modification, and the removal of the BIB were performed endoscopically. Close follow-up was possible in 14 patients. After balloon removal, 13 patients underwent LAGB. Results: In 14 of 15 cases, GET was successful. There was only one ballon dysfunction. The mean weight loss was 18.1 kg, and the median duration of balloon therapy was 16.8 weeks. After balloon removal, body weight started to increase. Conclusions: In our experience, the gastric balloon can improve the conditions for laparoscopic surgery in super and in super, super obese patients. There was no conversion to open surgery. The effect of weight loss is much less than immediately after LAGB. However, after failure of all conservative treatments to reduce the preoperative body weight, the GET seems to be the last possibility.