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 The needle was then withdrawn, and a vacuum was applied to the catheter in order to empty the balloon.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.