Brazilian Intragastric Balloon Consensus Statement (BIBC): practical guidelines based on experience of over 40,000 cases.

BACKGROUND: Intragastric balloons (IGBs) are a minimally invasive option for obesity treatment, acting as a space-occupying device and leading to weight loss through increased satiety. This device has been growing in popularity owing to its safety profile and good weight loss results. However, there are no published guidelines that standardize the technical aspects of the procedure.

OBJECTIVES: To create a practical guideline for intragastric balloon usage.

SETTING: Private and Academic Settings, Brazil.

METHODS: A consensus meeting was held in São Paulo, Brazil, in June 2016, bringing together 39 Brazilian endoscopists with extensive experience in IGBs from all regions of the country. Topics on patient selection, indications, contraindications, multidisciplinary follow-up, technique, and adverse events were discussed in the form of questions. After electronic voting, a consensus was defined when there was ≥70% agreement. Experts were also requested to provide data on their experience with IGBs.

RESULTS: The selected experts discussed and reached a consensus on 76 questions, mainly concerning specific indications and contraindications for the procedure; technical details, such as patient preparation, minimum balloon-filling volume, techniques for implant and explant; patient follow-up and recommended medication for the adaptation period; and adverse event management. The overall Brazilian expert data encompassed 41,863 IGBs, with a mean percentage total weight loss of 18.4% ± 2.9%. The adverse event rate after the adaptation period was 2.5%, the most common being hyperinflation (.9%) and spontaneous deflation (.8%) of the device. The early removal rate due to intolerance was 2.2%.

CONCLUSIONS: The present consensus represents practical recommendations for performing IGB procedures and reflects Brazil's significant experience with this device. The experience of over 40,000 cases shows that the device leads to satisfactory weight loss with a low rate of adverse events.