Gastric Balloon Risks
In the hands of professionals, the gastric balloon technique is exceedingly safe and efficient, and severe consequences are rare. Although implantation was successful in every case in a trial of balloon patients and overall complication rates were very low, we have provided information on the risks and potential issues that might occur so that you have the complete picture.
Naturally, our experts will be available to help you with any difficulties or adverse effects you encounter both during and after the gastric balloon treatment.
Risks in more detail stomach pain, cramping, nausea, and vomiting are frequent side effects in the days immediately following balloon insertion.
Sore throat (common)
After the endoscopy and balloon insertion process, there should be no lasting sore throat.
Reflux symptoms (common)
Because the stomach has less space following the gastric balloon, reflux may happen. Similar to how you may feel after a very large meal, any more food or liquids may be thrown back up into the gullet and can cause "heartburn" or "indigestion" sensations. While the gastric balloon is in place, you should take the acid-suppressing medicine (also known as a proton pump inhibitor, or PPI) daily as directed by your hospital doctor and maintained by your general practitioner.
Cramps and discomfort in the abdomen (common)
The stomach wall muscle might get irritated by the gastric balloon in the first 48 hours, resulting in throbbing symptoms. A liquid diet can help minimize these sensations and help this settle down during the first several days. Try lying on your left side and massaging your belly upward and beneath your ribs if you feel full, bloated, or want to vomit. This may assist in positioning your gastric balloon more effectively. If your cramping and pain are extreme, you may be prescribed medication.
Vomiting and nauseous (common)
95% of people who receive a gastric balloon have nausea and vomiting, which can linger for two to three days. Dehydration might result from this being severe enough. Due to this, some physicians support a brief hospital stay of up to 48 hours following the placement of the gastric balloon to ensure that all initial symptoms are managed, while other clinicians do not. You will talk with your supervising clinician about this. During an inpatient stay, patients would get intravenous fluids and antiemetic drugs until the vomiting stopped.
Vomiting, inability to tolerate, and early removal (uncommon)
If the aforementioned symptoms are intolerable or if the patient is unable to keep fluids down that do not settle, less than 3 in 100 patients will need to have their gastric balloon removed.
Poor breath (uncommon)
Food residue on the balloon might lead to stench in the burps or breath. Clearing food digestion from the balloon and getting rid of foul breath odor may be accomplished by drinking clear liquids or sucking on ice cubes.
Aspiration-related chest infection (rare)
When the gastric balloon is inserted or removed, your stomach should be empty. However, there is a slight possibility that stomach fluid can reach your lungs and cause a chest infection. When a patient has gone the necessary period of time without eating before the surgery, this is quite unusual.
Blood loss (very rare)
Less than 1 in 10,000 patients will experience bleeding during endoscopy and balloon implantation.
Issues with breathing and the airways (very rare)
Sedation during an endoscopy has a slight risk of decreasing respiration to the point where oxygen levels are unsafely low. All patients are thoroughly watched and given oxygen during the surgery to avoid this.
For further information or to arrange a consultation for gastric balloon please contact us.
As Tourkey Health, we are committed to providing all kinds of services and support to our patients regarding gastric balloon surgery.