IBC-Oxford University2023_BJSPoster_10Surgical management of intra-gastric balloon complications

Abstract

Abstract In Saudi Arabia, the intra-gastric balloon (IGB) is the most used endoscopic modality. Surgical management for IGB complications has been reported for gastrointestinal perforation and/or obstruction. However, the literature seems to underestimate these complications. We aim to report our experience as a tertiary university hospital in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia in dealing with different complications of IGBs that necessitated any type of surgical interventions. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia for 5 years to include all patients with complicated IGB who necessitated any surgical procedure. Exclusion criteria were patients with complicated IGBs that were only managed conservatively, and any complications related to other bariatric procedures. Six patients were referred due to IGB complications that necessitated operative intervention. All patients were young females. Three patients had gastric wall perforation and were managed by endoscopic removal of the IGBs followed by exploratory laparotomy. One patient had an intestinal obstruction on top of a migrated IGB that was surgically removed. One patient had failed endoscopic retrieval of IGB and required a laparoscopic gastrostomy. Another patient had esophageal rupture that required left thoracotomy, pleural flap and insertion of an esophageal stent. All cases were discharged and followed up with no related complications.