Balloon retrieval
Retrieval was routinely scheduled for 6 months, but occurred within a
minimum of 180 and maximum 210 days after balloon implantation. Removal
was preceded by a five-day clear-fluid diet, in order to minimize the
risk of residual food entering the trachea. Deep intravenous anesthesia
without tracheal intubation was performed, with the patients in a left
lateral decubitus position. The presence of solid food waste in the
stomach resulted in cancelation of the procedure and a new procedure was
scheduled with adequate preparation. After insertion of the gastroscope
in the stomach, a needle-catheter was inserted through the working
channel of the gastroscope and introduced inside the IGB after puncture.
The needle was then withdrawn, and a vacuum was applied to the catheter
in order to empty the balloon. Following intravenous administration of
scopolamine for relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter, the
catheter was removed and the balloon was grasped with foreign-body
forceps and/or a polypectomy snare and slowly extracted through the
esophagus. There were no cases of bronchial aspiration. After balloon
removal, endoscopy was performed to detected possible damage caused by
the passage of the balloon.