Deflated intragastric balloon-induced small bowel obstruction.

We describe the rare case of a 49-year-old man who had an air-filled intragastric balloon placed for weight control 11 months ago which had been lost of sight for follow-up and presented six months after the last radiologic control with acute small bowel obstruction. Computed tomography confirmed the migration of the deflated balloon in the small bowel. It was impacted in the ileum so an enterostomy-suture was performed for removal. Intragastric balloons are temporarily used to obtain weight reduction in the super-obese prior to bariatric surgery and in patients who are not fit for surgery. They were shown to be effective in restoring the metabolic syndrome as well. The use of fluid-filled balloons seems preferable for early migration diagnosis and management. If the intragastric balloon remains inside longer than recommended, it tends to deflate and is prone for migration and intestinal obstruction. Follow-up investigations (monthly X-rays) are mandatory for early migration diagnosis.