Abstract
The number of obese patients who are candidates for renal transplantation has considerably increased, but obesity can be a barrier to kidney transplantation. Weight loss is often difficult through diet alone. We studied the efficacy and tolerance of the intra-gastric balloon (IGB) procedure in obese patients who were undergoing dialysis and were candidates for a renal transplantation. Obese patients (BMI > 30kg/m2) who were candidates for renal transplantation were prospectively included in the study between 2010 and 2012. The balloon was inserted and removed during a gastric endoscopy under general anesthesia. The treatment lasted 6months. The end point was a decrease in BMI after 6months. Body impedance spectrometry (BIS) and nutritional statute were evaluated initially and then after IGB removal. Seventeen patients (nine females and eight males) with a mean age of 53.4years [19.4-69.4] were included. The decrease in body mass index (BMI) during the 6-month placement was 3kg/m2 (from 37.7 to 34.4kg/m2). The mean weight loss was 7kg. The mean percentage of excess weight loss after 6months was 20.2 (± 11.4). The tolerance was good without any complications. Eleven patients underwent kidney transplantation. IGB in obese dialyzed patients who are candidates for renal transplantation is safe and effective. However, the amount of weight loss can vary.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
