Endoscopic intragastric balloon placement in Japan: Results of nationwide surveys

Introduction: Endoscopic intragastric balloon (IGB) placement has been performed in Japan since 2004. Six nationwide surveys conducted by Japan consortium of Obesity and Metabolic Surgery were repeatedly carried out, and here, the accumulated results were showed. Methods: Twenty-six Japanese endoscopists personally imported products of the BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB)/Orbera system after completion of the training courses in Japan. Mail surveys were posted to them every two years from 2010. Results: Between 2004 and 2019, in total, 399 obese Japanese patients received IGB treatment using the BIB/Orbera system. The incidences of early removal of IGB within 1 week and complications due to IGB were 4.8% and 6.1%, respectively. Average percent excess weight loss (%EWL) and percent total weight loss (%TWL) at IGB removal were 46.6% and 11.5%, and success of weight loss, defined as %EWL>25% or %TWL>10%, was achieved in 65.6% or in 54.9% of the patients. Multivariate analysis showed that independent predictors for successful weight loss were older age and larger saline filling volume. Conclusion: IGB therapy using the BIB/Orbera system has been safely and effectively performed in Japan. The successful weight loss may be associated with older age and larger saline filling volume.