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Efficacy of First-Time Intragastric Balloon in Weight Loss: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

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Abstract

Background

The intragastric balloon (IGB) is an adjunctive treatment for obesity. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IGB treatment by reviewing randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

A total of 20 RCTs involving 1195 patients were identified. Weight loss results before and after 3 months were analyzed separately. The weight loss results of patients with and without IGB treatment were compared.

Results

Our meta-analysis calculated the following significant effect sizes: 1.59 and 1.34 kg/m2 for overall and 3-month BMI loss, respectively; 14.25 and 11.16 % for overall and >3-month percentage of excess weight loss, respectively; 4.6 and 4.77 kg for overall and 3-month weight loss, respectively; and 2.81, 1.62, and 4.09 % for overall, 3-month, and >3-month percent of weight loss, respectively. A significant effect size was calculated that favored fluid-filled IGBs over air-filled IGBs. Flatulence (8.75 vs. 3.89 %, p = 0.0006), abdominal fullness (6.32 vs. 0.55 %, p = 0.001), abdominal pain (13.86 vs. 7.2 %, p = 0.0001), abdominal discomfort (4.37 vs. 0.55 %, p = 0.006), and gastric ulcer (12.5 vs. 1.2 %, p < 0.0001) were significantly more prevalent among IGB patients than among non-IGB control patients. No mortality was reported from IGB treatment.

Conclusion

IGB treatment, in addition to lifestyle modification, is an effective short-term modality for weight loss. However, there is not sufficient evidence confirming its safety or long-term efficacy.

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Acknowledgment

We would like to express our appreciation to Anabela Rodrigues for her help in the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, Department of Surgery, The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Brooklyn, NY, USA

    Alan A. Saber, Saeed Shoar & Mahmoud W. Almadani

  2. Department of Surgery, Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA

    Natan Zundel

  3. Qatar Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Summit (QIMBSS), Hamad Medical Corporation, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar

    Mohammed J. Alkuwari & Moataz M. Bashah

  4. Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, Section of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL, USA

    Raul J. Rosenthal

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  1. Alan A. Saber
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Correspondence to Alan A. Saber.

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Saber, A.A., Shoar, S., Almadani, M.W. et al. Efficacy of First-Time Intragastric Balloon in Weight Loss: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. OBES SURG 27, 277–287 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-016-2296-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-016-2296-8

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