Intragastric Balloon Risks

Name: New York Bariatric Group
Telephone: (800) 633-8446
Rating: 4.8

Every surgical procedure has risks associated with the procedure. Risks are potential complications that can happen after surgery. These complications require additional tests for evaluation and may require medications or surgery to treat.

Intragastric balloon is associated with the following risks:

Development of an ulcer in the stomach- usually due to irritation from the balloon.
Sometimes the balloon needs to be removed to treat this complication.
Pancreatitis- due to irritation from saline filled balloon rubbing the pancreas which is located directly behind the stomach.
Death- a rare complication.
Obstruction of the stomach- this usually requires removal of the balloon.
Deflation of balloons and migration of the device out of the stomach into the intestine- this complication may require surgery to remove the balloon.
Persistent nausea and vomiting beyond 5 days require balloon removal- this is not common but can happen.

This list includes the risks most common for patients but is not an exhaustive list.