M1364 Stratification and Prediction of Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery Patients Using the Relative Wellness Index (RWI)

Abstract

Introduction: intragastric balloons are not commonly used as a therapy for obesity due to concerns about the possible side effects and doubts about effectiveness in long-term. Recent publications suggest a sustained effect on weight loss. In this study we present the results in a non-academic community practice.Methods: All patients who had received an intragastric balloon(BIB) therapy in our hospital and had retained the balloon for at least 3 months were retrospectively evaluated. Succesful therapy was defined as a weight loss ≥ 10 % of weight at baseline. To assess the long-term effects on weight reduction we contacted the patients in whom the balloon was removed for longer than 2 years. Results: 181 patients were treated with an intragastric balloon between January 2002 and September 2009. All balloons were placed and afterwards removed by a gastroenterologist under general anesthesia in day hospital. There were no major complications . 10 balloons were removed during the first month due to intolerance, 2 were spontaneously released and 3 balloons were removed elsewhere. The remaining 166 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were used for the analysis. Mean BMI(body mass index)) at baseline was 34,7(range: 27-52) and mean weight 92 kg (range: 66-140). The balloons were removed after a mean of 7 months (range: 3-23). The mean BMI at removal was 30,1 (range: 19,6-48,5). Mean weight loss was: 11,4 kg (range: 0-33). 102 individuals (61,4 %) had a ≥ 10 % baseline weight loss by time of the balloon removal. 50 patients could be contacted for the long-term evaluation. Mean time after removal was 5,5 years (range: 2-7). 11 patients (22 %) had received bariatric surgery. 16 of the 39 patients(41 %) had retained the weight loss of≥ 10 %. Conclusions: Intragastric balloon therapy was associated with a successfull weight loss at removal in 61,4 %. There were no major complications. In long-term there seems to be a sustained effect in a subgroup of patients . Prospective studies are needed to better define the patients who will benefit from this therapy. 39 patients with long-term results