Short-term Outcome and Quality of Life of Endoscopically Placed Gastric Balloon and Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band

BACKGROUND/AIM: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted to describe short-term outcome and quality of life (QOL) of endoscopically placed gastric balloon (EPGB) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty seven consecutive patients with body mass index (BMI) of 42 to 72 kg/m(2) were assigned to undergo EPGB (n=17) or LAGB (n=30) between May 2008 and May 2010. The main measured outcomes included weight loss, resolution or improvement of comorbidities, hospital stay, complications and QOL. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for a mean of 14 months. Hospital stay was shorter for EPGB patients (one versus two days, P<0.001). Early postoperative complications recorded in EPGB were minor including nausea and vomiting. No late complications were recorded in the EPGB group. One case of band slippage was reported in the LAGB group and fixed laparoscopically. Percent excess weight loss was less in EPGB compared to LAGB (26.2% versus 44.0%, P=0.004). Resolution or improvement of comorbidities was comparable in both groups. The globally impaired preoperative quality of life showed considerable improvement in both groups. CONCLUSION: EPGB is a safe and effective approach in short-term management of morbid obesity. Weight loss, resolution of comorbidities and improvement in QOL were comparable between both groups.