Intragastric balloon migration as a cause of intestinal obstruction

The use of intragastric balloons as a treatment for morbid obesity remains controversial, especially for long-term weight loss. The associated complications have been poorly described, but surgeons who treat emergency cases should be aware of them.

We present the case of a 29-year-old male patient who underwent implantation of a SPATZ3 intragastric balloon and who, 11 months after the procedure, came to our Emergency Department with symptoms of intestinal obstruction. CT scan revealed that the balloon had migrated to the distal jejunum, causing the intestinal obstruction. The patient was treated by laparoscopic enterotomy, which was uneventful.