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  • Sponsored Q&A

    How is the intragastric balloon procedure performed?

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    Obesity

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  • Apollo Endosurgery

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    The intragastric balloon is introduced into the stomach through the mouth by a gastroscopy procedure.
    This does not require any surgery. The physician inserts an endoscopic camera (gastroscope) into the stomach. If no abnormalities are observed, the doctor proceeds with placement of the balloon through the mouth and down the oesophagus into the stomach. Once inside the stomach, the intragastric balloon is filled with sterile saline through a small filling tube attached to the intragastric balloon. Once filled, the doctor removes the tube by gently pulling on the external end, leaving the intragastric balloon inside the stomach.
    A qualified specialist gastroenterologist performs this procedure in conjunction with an anaesthetist and trained nursing staff.
    Placement of the intragastric balloon takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, after which patients are monitored by specialist nursing staff in the recovery bay. As this is a ‘day-only’ procedure, patients are generally escorted home within two hours after intragastric balloon insertion.

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