Intragastric balloon left in the stomach for more than a year: two case reports.

OBJECTIVE: Intragastric balloon (IGB) is often used to achieve short-term weight reduction in morbidly obese patients. It is placed endoscopically for a 6-month-period either in the pre-bariatric surgery setting and also in cases where no bariatric surgery is planned. Prolonged implantation may be accompanied by serious complications. CASE REPORTS: We herein report two cases of extraction of intact IGBs long time after their placement.
CONCLUSION: Although no adverse events were observed, adherence to manufacturers' recommendations is definitely suggested.