Gastric necrosis: A possible complication of the use of the intragastric balloon in a patient previously submitted to nissen fundoplication

Abstract

The temporary use of the bioenterics intragastric balloon in morbid obesity is increasing worldwide. Generally, this is an effective procedure that helps bring about satisfactory weight loss and improvement in comorbidities after 6 months. However, in some cases, it causes complications such as acute abdomen due to gastric perforation and even death. We describe the case of a type II obese female (weight, 88 kg; body mass index, 35.2 kg/m2) who underwent emergency surgery for gastric necrosis caused by bioenterics intragastric balloon; the patient required total gastrectomy and intensive care. © 2009 Springer Science + Business Media, LLC.