Weight loss outcomes of gastric balloon placement vs. intragastric botulinum toxin-a injection: A retrospective analysis

INTRODUCTION: This study investigates the effectiveness of intragastric balloon placement (IGBP) and intragastric botulinum toxin-A injection (IGBTI) on weight-loss parameters in overweight and obese patients.
METHODS: The study included 165 overweight and obese patients (matched for age and gender) treated with IGBTI (n=123) or IGBP (n=42). The patients’ anthropometric data, such as total weight loss (TWL) and body mass index loss (BMIL), were evaluated and compared retrospectively in the first, third, sixth, and twelfth months after the intervention.
RESULTS: Mean age, TWL, and BMIL values at all follow-up points in patients with IGBP were significantly higher than in patients with IGBTI (p<0.001). Similarly, the BMIL of patients who underwent IGBP at the end of the first, third, sixth, and twelfth months was significantly higher than the BMIL of patients who underwent IGBTI (2.54±0.20 vs. 1.80±0.13, p=0.002; 3.8±0.24 vs. 2.41±0.18, p<0.001; 4.19±0.45 vs. 2.38± 0.21, p<0.001; 4.19± 0.45 vs. 1.27±0.21, p<0.001; respectively). At the end of twelve months, 97 (68%) patients with IGBTI lost weight, while weight loss was observed in 35 (81.5%) patients with IGBP.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Significant decreases in weight and BMI were observed in patients after both IGBP and IGBTI. Based on TWL and BMIL values, we conclude that IGBP is superior to IGBTI.