Kumar N, et al. – Authors planned this work to assess whether there existed an association between balloon filling volume (BFV) and clinically relevant endpoints, namely weight loss outcomes, balloon tolerability, and adverse events. Observations suggested no association between BFV and weight loss outcomes. Higher volumes seemed associated with lower migration and esophagitis rates; thus, they recommend a balloon filling volume of 600–650 mL.

Methods

• Authors performed a systematic review of studies investigating the use of the Orbera IGB system for obesity treatment.
• They examined data using random effects modelling and meta–regression analyses.

Results

• Authors identified 44 studies (n = 5549 patients) reporting BFV and % total body weight loss (TBWL) at 6 months.
• At 6 months, pooled %TBWL of 13.2% [95% CI 12.3–14.0] was observed.
• A low risk of publication bias was suggested by a funnel plot.
• Meta–regression suggested no statistically relevant association between filling volume and %TBWL at 6 months (p = 0.268).
• Lower rates of esophagitis (slope = -0.008, p < 0.001) and prosthesis migration (slope = -0.015, p < 0.001) were evident with higher BFV.
• Findings suggested no association between BFV and early removal (p = 0.1), gastroesophageal reflux symptom (p = 0.64), or ulcer rates (p = 0.09).