The use of an Intragastric balloon in the treatment of obesity and morbid obesity has been a well-known. The idea of using a gastric space-occupying volume device, giving a sensation of satiety, for the control of obesity was first described in 1982. Since then, reports have indicated weight loss can be achieved by the use of various free-floating intragastric balloons. Intragastric balloon surgery is performed when an inflatable gastric balloon is endoscopically inserted and then inflated in the stomach to reduce capacity i.e the balloon is inserted via the mouth and oesophagus directly into the stomach.
What is Intragastric Balloon?
The Intragastric balloon, also called as Gastric balloon is a soft, silicone balloon that is inserted into the stomach and filled with sterile saline. This is a non-surgical procedure, done without General Anesthesia. The balloon is usually left in the stomach for six months and is sometimes done as preparation for other weight loss surgeries.
What is Intragastric Balloon Surgery?
Intragastric balloon surgery is a treatment for obesity in conjunction with a supervised diet and behavior modification program. It can help you achieve the health and aesthetic benefits associated with weight loss. The placement tube and a filling system is in a such a way that that a physician can orally insert the weight loss aid. Once inserted in the stomach, the empty balloon is filled with sterile saline. When full, the balloon is too large to pass into the bowel and will now float freely in the stomach.
Am I the Candidate for Intragastric Balloon Surgery?
Most often it is advised for patients who are candidates for additional weight-loss therapies such as gastric banding, sleeve or bypass surgery, but who need to lose weight initially to relieve other weight-related illnesses or to increase potential for the long-term success of subsequent weight-loss treatments. Intragastric balloon may also be a more desirable procedure for patients who do not wish to undergo laparoscopic surgery or permanently alter their anatomy with stomach stapling and rearrangement of the digestive system.
Intragastric balloon therapy is most often recommended for temporary use in patients:
Who are between the ages of 18--60 -- some patients outside these age parameters may qualify for intragastric balloon therapy if approved by their examining gastroenterologist
With a BMI > 35 who are otherwise candidates for bariatric surgery but must lose weight in order to reduce the risks of surgery
With a BMI between 30--39 who have significant health problems related to their obesity
Who have a history of demonstrated failure using non-surgical approaches to managing their need for weight loss
Who have no diseases of the GI tract, such as hiatal hernia, Artesia’s or stenosis, esophageal or gastric varices, etc.
Who are not currently pregnant and have no intention of getting pregnant in the twelve months following balloon placement
Who have had no previous bariatric surgery and no history of intestinal obstruction or adhesive peritonitis
With no history of chronic or current use of high doses of NSAID and/or aspirin.
How does Intragastric Balloon work?
The system consists of a soft, expandable intragastric (inside the stomach) balloon that is temporarily inserted into the stomach through mouth and esophagus to create the feeling of early and prolonged fullness after meals which is a foundation for weight loss. The device is a soft, silicon intragastric balloon that is inserted without surgery in a deflated state into the stomach and then inflated with a sterile saline through a self sealing valve once it enters the stomach. The balloon remains in a place for maximum of six months. The Intragastric Balloon is a potential solution if you are looking to lose 9-18 Kgs. But are scared of surgery or fed up of dieting and other weight loss programmes which have yielded no fruits. Along with your team of experts you will work to overcome the challenges of retraining your appetite, adopting new nutritional habits and exercise regularly to stay motivated and help yourself to succeed.
How to Prepare for Intragastric Balloon Surgery?
This is a non-invasive procedure which means you do not have to stay in hospital or have a general anaesthetic. You will be able to discuss this procedure beforehand with an experienced team who will fully explain what will happen. They will also be able to explain about the aftercare service. It is important to note that this only a temporary measure: the balloon only stays in for a maximum of 6 months. It is a short term measure in which you have to agree to a long term healthy living plan. This means diet, exercise and an overall change of behavior. Failure to do so will result in weight being regained. If the balloon is not successful or weight is regained then you may have to consider a surgical option. If you can make changes to your lifestyle before the procedure then that will get you used to the series of follow up sessions. This means trying to lose some weight and embarking on an exercise routine. Your support team (which will be comprised of a wide range of medical staff) will be able to advise you. There may also be a patient’s support group whereby you can talk to others who have undergone this procedure.
What is the Procedure of Intragastric Balloon Surgery?
This is performed as a day case. You will be given a light sedative which will help to relax you beforehand and a local anaesthetic which will numb the throat area which makes it easy for you to swallow the endoscope. This is normally carried out by a specialist Gastroenterologist who is very experienced in this procedure. He/she will insert a very slim tube called an endoscope into your mouth and will then pass it down into your stomach. He/she will check to see that everything is okay and when satisfied will insert the deflated balloon into the tube where it will be passed down that tube into your stomach. It is made of a very soft and yet durable material so is unlikely to leak or burst although this has happened in a few rare cases. The balloon is introduced into the stomach through the mouth without the need for surgery. The physician conducts an initial examination of the stomach using an endoscopic camera. If no abnormalities are found, the physician proceeds with placement of the balloon through the mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach. The balloon is made of a soft and pliable silicone Eastover material and is inserted while in its smallest, deflated form.
The passage of the deflated balloon is made easier with the help of anesthetic applied topically to numb the throat area. Patients may receive medication to enhance sedation and reduce anxiety during the procedure. Patients do not require general anesthesia or overnight hospitalization. Once the balloon is inside the stomach, it is immediately filled with sterile saline through a small filling tube (catheter) attached to the balloon. The device can be filled with between 500 cc and 700 cc of saline to accommodate varying anatomy. Once filled, the physician removes the catheter by gently pulling on the external end. The balloon has a self-sealing valve, and at this point the balloon is floating freely in the upper part of the stomach. Placement times vary, but it will usually take between 20 and 30 minutes, after which you will be monitored for one to two hours in the clinic before returning home. You may experience some discomfort during the procedure but pain is not expected and therefore analgesic medication is not needed. The Gastric Balloon can be left in the stomach for up to six months before it must be removed.
What is the Post Operative Care of Intragastric Balloon Surgery?
Once this has been inserted then the next step is to get used to the balloon. Having this balloon means that you can only tolerate smaller portions of food and you will feel fuller more quickly.
Everyone is different when it comes to adjusting to the balloon: some people do get used to it a lot easier than others. You may find that for the first few days afterwards you have cramps, bloating, nausea and even vomiting but this only because your stomach is getting used to the balloon. After a few days this will settle down.
You will be able to drink water (but only small sips) for the first few hours after the procedure. You can then have liquids such as fruit juices (low sugar) and thin soups for the next 3 days. This can then be followed by semi-solids and finally ‘normal’, solid food. Your dietician will be able to advise you further about this.
Try to avoid any unnecessary physical activity until after a week has passed. Once you have become used to the balloon you can then increase your activity levels.
This balloon forms part of a comprehensive aftercare plan which involves discussing sensible food options with you, arranging an exercise routine and monitoring your progress via regular follow up sessions.
How is the Balloon removed after Intragastric Balloon Surgery?
The balloon is normally removed in the same way it was placed, using a standard gastroscopy procedure. Prior to removal, you are given sedation and a topical anesthetic is applied to numb the throat. Using an endoscopic camera, the balloon will be punctured and deflated. Once the balloon is deflated it can be grasped and removed. This procedure usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes and should be painless. You will likely feel some discomfort or pressure as the balloon is withdrawn. Painkillers or analgesics are not required. Once the withdrawal is completed, patients will be monitored for a short time in the clinic and can then be discharged home.
What are the Benefits of Intragastric Balloon Surgery?
The gastric balloon means that you do not have undergo surgery which can be risky. You are not treated as an in-patient which means a quick procedure followed by a short recovery period. You can return to work very quickly.
The balloon means that you will have to eat smaller portions although you can a wide range of foods. Try to avoid high fat, sugary foods as these can make you feel nauseous.
In terms of weight loss you are looking at, on average, 35-40% weight loss following this procedure. It can also improve any obesity-related conditions such as sleep apnoea, high blood pressure, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and arthritis. Another benefit is that you do not have to take a daily nutritional supplement.
Why Intragastric Balloon Surgery in India?
Intragastric balloon surgery in India is one of the most prominent obesity surgery procedures that are being undertaken by patients from abroad. The medical and healthcare amenities in India are excellent in terms of cost and quality. This surgery comes with the best medical care for weight loss benefit.
The medical infrastructure in India has state of the art Hospitals and the best qualified doctors. With the best infrastructure, high quality medical amenities, accompanied with the most competitive prices, the foreign patients are amazed by the hospitality and treatment for Intra gastric balloon surgery in India.
The hospitalization amenities at the obesity surgery hospitals in India are latest and modern medical centres, thus one can get a less price intragastric balloon surgery in India with the best result. Apart from getting health recovery one can also get a view of Indian cultural heritage by enjoying holiday vacations at the best Indian tourism resorts. These hospitals are available in the following Indian cities:
Mumbai
Hyderabad
Kerala
Delhi
Pune
Goa
Bangalore
Nagpur
Jaipur
Chennai
Gurgaon
Chandigarh
What is the Cost of Intragastric Balloon Surgery in India?
Cost plays an important role in bringing global patients from all across the world to India. Low cost Intragastric balloon surgery in India has attracted many overseas patients. They are fortunate enough to get affordability with high quality medical care. The following figure indicates the cost of certain treatments in US and India, which are makes the overseas patients to look abroad for their medical treatment in India.
Surgery
USA (in USD)
India (in USD)
Intragastric balloon surgery
12,809
2,860
Gastric banding surgery
18,000
5,470
Sleeve gastrectomy surgery
24,000
6,180
Some of the common countries from which patients travel to India for surgery are:
USA
UK
Canada
Australia
Zealand
Nigeria
Kenya
Ethiopia
Uganda
Tanzania
Zambia
Congo
Lanka
Bangladesh
Pakistan
Afghanistan
Nepal
Uzbekhistan
ABOUT INDIA
Located in South Asia, bordered by Pakistan, Nepal, China and Bangladesh, India is South Asia's largest, sovereign, democratic republic. India has an edge over other countries when it comes to offering comprehensive, cost-effective and timely medical care: it also offers an exotic, adventure-filled or cultural -if you wish array of destinations to discover and revel in for the travelers. Indian cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Goa, Bangalore, Nagpur, Kerala, Delhi, Pune, Jaipur, Chennai, Gurgaon, and Chandigarh offers best medical tourism service.
Mumbai - Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. This port city (India's largest and busiest) accounts for a major share of the government's revenue, and has one of the world's largest harbour. There are many things to love about Mumbai. One is simply the geographical names, like The Queen's Necklace and Elephanta Island, all with roots in the British Empire.
Hyderabad - Also known as City of Nizams. The city of Hyderabad has its own individual character, which is evident in the beautiful, ancient palaces and the equally modern, and state-of-the-art offices and buildings. Medical tourism at hospitals in Hyderabad combines care for your health with international tourism. The primary reason behind its surging popularity is better healthcare services at an affordable budget.
Goa - Popularly known as the ‘Rome of the East’, Goa boost of natural, magnificent churches and exquisite works of man. Plunge into the clear blue water of the large pool, or soak in the blissful sunshine on the picturesque island. Goa is an interesting location for getting your health propped up and getting those long postponed surgeries done. You have modern facilities, short waiting times and very affordable prices for procedures, hospital services and medicines.
Bangalore - The progressive and modern city of Bangalore is the state capital, being located within India's Karnataka state. Bangalore is often referred to as the country 'Garden City', due to its high concentration of parks and green spaces. Bangalore has few of the world’s best doctors and medical practitioners, who have been trained by the rigorous Indian medical education system as well as in countries like UK and USA.
Nagpur - Nagpur City has many distinctions. It is also the second greenest in India and is located at the very center of the heartland, almost equidistant from Kolkata, Chennai and New Delhi and Mumbai. The present city was founded in the early 18th century by Bhakt Buland, a Gond prince of the kingdom of Deogad in the Chhindwara district. The Nagpur District has a varied culture, as well as being in the central part of India, the market in Nagpur is flooded with products from all over India. Nagpur has few of the world’s best doctors and medical practitioners, who have been trained in countries like UK and USA.
Kerala - Natural beauty, clean air and primordial greenery amidst the vast expanse of water and sky, typifies the state of Kerala – better known as God's own country. Kerala is famous for its alternative medical therapies such as Ayurveda, which help to rejuvenate and revitalize the body. The region is also home to India’s only virgin tropical rain forest – the Silent Valley National Park, supporting an overwhelming range of life forms, many of which are highly endangered, and endemic to this part of the planet.
Delhi - "Welcome to The Capital City of India - New Delhi" Delhi is famous as Capital city of India is located in North India. Delhi is truly a symbol of the old and the new; a blend of ancient well preserved monuments and temples along with jam-packed burger joints and up market shopping malls. Delhi has state of the art Hospitals and the best qualified doctors.
Pune - Once referred to as the Oxford of the east, Punecontinues to be a stronghold for academics and culture. An array of factors like availability of efficient and experienced doctors, comparatively low treatment costs, hospital facilities of international standards and many more have made Pune one of the top destinations for medical tourism.
Jaipur - Jaipur is one of the most popular destinations on a tourist's itinerary. The magnificent forts, beautiful havelis and colourful bazaars make Jaipur a popular tourist destination among tourists. Jaipur has pioneered health and medical tourism in India.
Chennai - Chennai is one of the most developed urban centers in the Indian subcontinent. The city forms the capital of Tamil Nadu state and is the fourth largest metropolitan city in India. They have some of the very best hospitals and treatment centers in the world. Each hospital is equipped with state of the art facilities. The technology brought into practice is the very latest, including robotic surgery.
Gurgaon - Located in the National Capital Region, Gurgaon is one of the most rapidly growing cities in Greater Delhi. In the last few years Gurgaon has boomed as the hub of IT and other new-age businesses. Gurgoan is the latest destination for Medical Tourism in India as it is the latest modern upcoming city near Delhi.
Chandigarh - Located near the foothills of Shivalik range of the Himalayas, Chandigarh is one of the most beautiful and happening cities of India. Chandigarh has great potential for Medical tourism as the unpolluted and excellent environs give many opportunities to patients to recover from their illness.
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