What does the Allurion Gastric balloon program consist of?
The Allurion program is recommended for patients who wish to lose a few kilograms (between 10-15% of the patient’s total weight) through a minimally invasive method.
It begins with the implantation of an intragastric balloon by ingesting a pill that transforms into a balloon filled with a solution through a catheter until it becomes a balloon. This balloon implantation method does not require anesthesia or endoscopy and is not a surgical procedure.
The Allurion Gastric Balloon operates through a dual mechanism
The stomach, when full, restricts the intake of more food and sends a signal to the brain indicating fullness, thereby reducing the sensation of hunger.
The program includes support to make adjustments to the patient’s diet and physical activity, reinforced by tracking technology such as a scale that communicates wirelessly with a mobile app, as well as a smartwatch.
The balloon remains in the stomach for approximately four months, after which the liquid is emptied, and the silicone balloon exits through the intestinal tract.
The Allurion program is a method with proven effectiveness in more than 30,000 patients worldwide
With moderate side effects, good tolerance, and results similar to, and sometimes superior to, those of the traditional balloon.
The advantage of this balloon compared to traditional balloons is that the patient avoids the need for two endoscopies (insertion and removal), the anesthetic sedation used in endoscopic procedures, and the integration of technological devices into the follow-up process (scale and smartwatch).
The advantage of this balloon compared to traditional balloons is that the patient avoids the need for two endoscopies (insertion and removal), the anesthetic sedation used in endoscopic procedures, and the integration of technological devices into the follow-up process (scale and smartwatch).
Following the implantation of the balloon, the only specific recommendation is the adoption of a balanced diet to enhance the tolerance of the implant.
After the placement of the balloon, the patient can essentially resume their daily activities immediately; however, it is advisable to take rest for at least two days to facilitate the adaptation phase to the balloon.
What are the complications of revision surgery?
Complications from revision surgeries are very rare. Patients may experience intraabdominal or abdominal wall bleeding or infection, gastric fistulas, or strictures.
They may also face pulmonary embolism, blood clots in the blood vessels of the lower or abdominal extremities, mucus plug in the lungs, allergies, etc. All these complications are preventable if clear protocols for bariatric patient management are applied, if the surgery is performed in optimal clinics, and if it is carried out by specialized surgeons.
