London Hospital to Offer Non-Surgical Obesity Treatment

Highgate Hospital in London has introduced a treatment that could provide the answer to ineffective dieting for those suffering from obesity - without the need for surgery.

The Bioentrics(R) Intragastric Balloon (BiB(R)) balloon is orally inserted through the mouth and down the throat into the patient's stomach and is then inflated with a sterile solution. Negating the feeling of hunger, this safe, non surgical technique has been shown to aid weight loss in obese and superobese individuals.

The technique is part of a holistic approach in the treatment of obesity and is part of a programme involving a supervised dietary regime, exercise programme and behaviour modification/counselling, all aimed at encouraging and supporting the patient. This is designed to aid long-term weight loss and a healthier lifestyle after the removal of the balloon, usually after 5-6 months.

The procedure involves passing the deflated balloon into the stomach through an endoscope . Once in the stomach a sterile saline solution is pumped into the balloon, thus inflating it and the tube is withdrawn. A feeling of fullness is then induced and appetite is reduced.

This technique sits between the process of dieting and major and radical surgical procedures such as gastric bypass or 'stomach stapling.' which carry comparatively high morbidity rates. In reference to this kind of surgery, the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) states:

there should be evidence that all appropriate and available non-surgical measures have been adequately tried but have failed to maintain weight loss.(1)

Highgate Hospital in London is nationally one of the few Centre's currently pioneering the system. Shaun Stacey, Hospital Director explains the advantages and limitations of the procedure:

'BiB is designed for those obese people who have a body mass index of 30 or above and have problems in losing weight either through dieting or exercise. Whereas, traditional hospital treatments have often involved major surgery such as gastric bypass or 'stomach stapling' as a solution, BiB is a much safer, interim treatment which carries far less risk to the patient.

It is important that this procedure and the wider programme is focused on aiding long-term weight loss and not seen as purely a quick fix. Patients will undergo a variety of sessions with counsellors, dieticians and physiotherapists in order to change their habits, and it is this which we believe will bring long-term benefits, both psychologically and physically.

This is not an instant solution. Not all patients are suitable for the treatment and of those who are, some may feel nauseous for some time after the procedure, though these feelings are usually relieved by regular small drinks of water and, occasionally, short term anti-sickness tablets. A small number of patients feel uncomfortable with the balloon and it has to be removed and there is no guarantee of the extent of weight loss. However a number of published European Studies have stated average weight loss can vary between 15 and 21 kilogrammes (33lbs - 46lbs).'(2)

Notes

The treatment is only currently available at a handful of Hospitals and clinics across the United Kingdom .

Information can also be found at:    www.highgate-hospital.co.uk and www.inamedhealth.com (balloon and associated equipment manufacturers)  www.who.int (World Health Organisation)

According to the World Health Organisation, more than 1 billion people worldwide are overweight and at least 300 million are seriously overweight or obese. An estimated 115 million of these will develop serious medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and hypertension

References:

1. National Institute of Clinical Excellence (2004) Obesity surgery [online]. Available at http://www.nice.org.uk/page.aspx?o=32081, [Accessed 18 June 2004]

2. Genco A, Bacci V, Basso MS. Intragastric Balloon for the Treatment of Obesity. Obesity Surgery 2002 Herve J, Wahlen CH, Bastens B, et al. Bioentrics Intragastric Balloon@ A nonagressive solution for the treatment of obesity? Obesity Surgery 2001/Scherpenisse J. Clinical Results with the BIB. Rotterdam Obesity Workshop Presentation 2002.

(18/8/04)