Low Cost Intragastric balloon surgery in India

Overview

The use of an Intragastric balloon in the treatment of obesity and morbid obesity has been a well-known. The idea of using a gastric space-occupying volume device, giving a sensation of satiety, for the control of obesity was first described in 1982. Since then, reports have indicated weight loss can be achieved by the use of various free-floating intragastric balloons. Intragastric balloon surgery is performed when an inflatable gastric balloon is endoscopically inserted and then inflated in the stomach to reduce capacity i.e the balloon is inserted via the mouth and oesophagus directly into the stomach.

What is Intragastric Balloon?

The Intragastric balloon, also called as Gastric balloon is a soft, silicone balloon that is inserted into the stomach and filled with sterile saline. This is a non-surgical procedure, done without General Anesthesia. The balloon is usually left in the stomach for six months and is sometimes done as preparation for other weight loss surgeries.

What is Intragastric Balloon Surgery?

Intragastric balloon surgery is a treatment for obesity in conjunction with a supervised diet and behavior modification program. It can help you achieve the health and aesthetic benefits associated with weight loss. The placement tube and a filling system is in a such a way that that a physician can orally insert the weight loss aid. Once inserted in the stomach, the empty balloon is filled with sterile saline. When full, the balloon is too large to pass into the bowel and will now float freely in the stomach.

Am I the Candidate for Intragastric Balloon Surgery?

Most often it is advised for patients who are candidates for additional weight-loss therapies such as gastric banding, sleeve or bypass surgery, but who need to lose weight initially to relieve other weight-related illnesses or to increase potential for the long-term success of subsequent weight-loss treatments. Intragastric balloon may also be a more desirable procedure for patients who do not wish to undergo laparoscopic surgery or permanently alter their anatomy with stomach stapling and rearrangement of the digestive system.

Intragastric balloon therapy is most often recommended for temporary use in patients:

• Who are between the ages of 18--60 -- some patients outside these age parameters may qualify for intragastric balloon therapy if approved by their examining gastroenterologist
  
  
•  With a BMI > 35 who are otherwise candidates for bariatric surgery but must lose weight in order to reduce the risks of surgery
  
  
• With a BMI between 30--39 who have significant health problems related to their obesity
  
  
• Who have a history of demonstrated failure using non-surgical approaches to managing their need for weight loss
  
  
• Who have no diseases of the GI tract, such as hiatal hernia, Artesia’s or stenosis, esophageal or gastric varices, etc.
  
  
• Who are not currently pregnant and have no intention of getting pregnant in the twelve months following balloon placement
  
  
• Who have had no previous bariatric surgery and no history of intestinal obstruction or adhesive peritonitis
  
  
• With no history of chronic or current use of high doses of NSAID and/or aspirin

How does Intragastric Balloon work?

The system consists of a soft, expandable intragastric (inside the stomach) balloon that is temporarily inserted into the stomach through mouth and esophagus to create the feeling of early and prolonged fullness after meals which is a foundation for weight loss. The device is a soft, silicon intragastric balloon that is inserted without surgery in a deflated state into the stomach and then inflated with a sterile saline through a self sealing valve once it enters the stomach. The balloon remains in a place for maximum of six months. The Intragastric Balloon is a potential solution if you are looking to lose 9-18 Kgs. But are scared of surgery or fed up of dieting and other weight loss programmes which have yielded no fruits. Along with your team of experts you will work to overcome the challenges of retraining your appetite, adopting new nutritional habits and exercise regularly to stay motivated and help yourself to succeed.

How to Prepare for Intragastric Balloon Surgery?

This is a non-invasive procedure which means you do not have to stay in hospital or have a general anaesthetic. You will be able to discuss this procedure beforehand with an experienced team who will fully explain what will happen. They will also be able to explain about the aftercare service. It is important to note that this only a temporary measure: the balloon only stays in for a maximum of 6 months. It is a short term measure in which you have to agree to a long term healthy living plan. This means diet, exercise and an overall change of behavior. Failure to do so will result in weight being regained. If the balloon is not successful or weight is regained then you may have to consider a surgical option. If you can make changes to your lifestyle before the procedure then that will get you used to the series of follow up sessions. This means trying to lose some weight and embarking on an exercise routine. Your support team (which will be comprised of a wide range of medical staff) will be able to advise you. There may also be a patient’s support group whereby you can talk to others who have undergone this procedure.

What is the Procedure of Intragastric Balloon Surgery?

This is performed as a day case. You will be given a light sedative which will help to relax you beforehand and a local anaesthetic which will numb the throat area which makes it easy for you to swallow the endoscope. This is normally carried out by a specialist Gastroenterologist who is very experienced in this procedure. He/she will insert a very slim tube called an endoscope into your mouth and will then pass it down into your stomach. He/she will check to see that everything is okay and when satisfied will insert the deflated balloon into the tube where it will be passed down that tube into your stomach. It is made of a very soft and yet durable material so is unlikely to leak or burst although this has happened in a few rare cases. The balloon is introduced into the stomach through the mouth without the need for surgery. The physician conducts an initial examination of the stomach using an endoscopic camera. If no abnormalities are found, the physician proceeds with placement of the balloon through the mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach. The balloon is made of a soft and pliable silicone Eastover material and is inserted while in its smallest, deflated form.

The passage of the deflated balloon is made easier with the help of anesthetic applied topically to numb the throat area. Patients may receive medication to enhance sedation and reduce anxiety during the procedure. Patients do not require general anesthesia or overnight hospitalization. Once the balloon is inside the stomach, it is immediately filled with sterile saline through a small filling tube (catheter) attached to the balloon. The device can be filled with between 500 cc and 700 cc of saline to accommodate varying anatomy. Once filled, the physician removes the catheter by gently pulling on the external end. The balloon has a self-sealing valve, and at this point the balloon is floating freely in the upper part of the stomach. Placement times vary, but it will usually take between 20 and 30 minutes, after which you will be monitored for one to two hours in the clinic before returning home. You may experience some discomfort during the procedure but pain is not expected and therefore analgesic medication is not needed. The Gastric Balloon can be left in the stomach for up to six months before it must be removed.

What is the Post Operative Care of Intragastric Balloon Surgery?

Once this has been inserted then the next step is to get used to the balloon. Having this balloon means that you can only tolerate smaller portions of food and you will feel fuller more quickly.

Everyone is different when it comes to adjusting to the balloon: some people do get used to it a lot easier than others. You may find that for the first few days afterwards you have cramps, bloating, nausea and even vomiting but this only because your stomach is getting used to the balloon. After a few days this will settle down.

You will be able to drink water (but only small sips) for the first few hours after the procedure. You can then have liquids such as fruit juices (low sugar) and thin soups for the next 3 days. This can then be followed by semi-solids and finally ‘normal’, solid food. Your dietician will be able to advise you further about this.

Try to avoid any unnecessary physical activity until after a week has passed. Once you have become used to the balloon you can then increase your activity levels.

This balloon forms part of a comprehensive aftercare plan which involves discussing sensible food options with you, arranging an exercise routine and monitoring your progress via regular follow up sessions.

How is the Balloon removed after Intragastric Balloon Surgery?

The balloon is normally removed in the same way it was placed, using a standard gastroscopy procedure. Prior to removal, you are given sedation and a topical anesthetic is applied to numb the throat. Using an endoscopic camera, the balloon will be punctured and deflated. Once the balloon is deflated it can be grasped and removed. This procedure usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes and should be painless. You will likely feel some discomfort or pressure as the balloon is withdrawn. Painkillers or analgesics are not required. Once the withdrawal is completed, patients will be monitored for a short time in the clinic and can then be discharged home.

What are the Benefits of Intragastric Balloon Surgery?

The gastric balloon means that you do not have undergo surgery which can be risky. You are not treated as an in-patient which means a quick procedure followed by a short recovery period. You can return to work very quickly.

The balloon means that you will have to eat smaller portions although you can a wide range of foods. Try to avoid high fat, sugary foods as these can make you feel nauseous.

In terms of weight loss you are looking at, on average, 35-40% weight loss following this procedure. It can also improve any obesity-related conditions such as sleep apnoea, high blood pressure, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and arthritis. Another benefit is that you do not have to take a daily nutritional supplement.

The surgeon sits at a console a few feet away from the patient, controlling the robotic arms and camera. The surgeon views the surgical area through 3-D goggles, which provide fine details of the body structures

Why Intragastric Balloon Surgery in India?

Intragastric balloon surgery in India is one of the most prominent obesity surgery procedures that are being undertaken by patients from abroad. The medical and healthcare amenities in India are excellent in terms of cost and quality. This surgery comes with the best medical care for weight loss benefit.

The medical infrastructure in India has state of the art Hospitals and the best qualified doctors. With the best infrastructure, high quality medical amenities, accompanied with the most competitive prices, the foreign patients are amazed by the hospitality and treatment for Intra gastric balloon surgery in India.

The hospitalization amenities at the obesity surgery hospitals in India are latest and modern medical centres, thus one can get a less price intragastric balloon surgery in India with the best result. Apart from getting health recovery one can also get a view of Indian cultural heritage by enjoying holiday vacations at the best Indian tourism resorts. These hospitals are available in the following Indian cities:

What is the Cost of Intragastric Balloon Surgery in India?

Cost plays an important role in bringing global patients from all across the world to India. Low cost Intragastric balloon surgery in India has attracted many overseas patients. They are fortunate enough to get affordability with high quality medical care. The following figure indicates the cost of certain treatments in US and India, which are makes the overseas patients to look abroad for their medical treatment in India.

Some of the common countries from which patients travel to India for surgery are:

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