The role of endoluminal interventions in the preparation of high-risk patients with super-obesity for bariatric surgery

Obesity causes increased morbidity, disability and mortality rates as well as affects the quality of life. Given the known risks to the patient’s health, the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders pays special attention to the problem of morbid obesity (body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m2), with particular emphasis on super‑obesity (body mass index ≥ 50 kg/m2). Objective is to investigate the role of endoluminal interventions in the preparation of super obese patients with high risk of surgical and anaesthesia‑related complications for bariatric surgery. Materials and methods. From 2011 to 2018, 97 patients with morbid obesity and high risk of surgery and anaesthesia‑related complications (ASA PS III — IV) underwent a course of treatment at the clinical setting of the Department of General Surgery No2 of Bohomolets National Medical University. The treatment was carried out in 2 stages. In the main group (n = 60), the first stage of treatment included the intragastric balloon placement for a term of 6 months. The control group (n = 37) received a six‑month conservative therapy. In the second stage of treatment the patients of both groups underwent a surgical procedure for the morbid obesity management. Results. The outcomes of the first stage of treatment showed that the patients, who underwent the intragastric balloon placement, had statistically significantly (p < 0.001) higher mean the percentage of excess weight loss (% EWL) than the patients who received conservative therapy. In the main group, the average ASA PS score, which is identified as an anaesthetic and surgical risk indicator, decreased from 3.28 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 3.17 — 3.40) to 2.15 (95 % CI 2.06 — 2.24, p < 0.001), and in the control group — from 3.24 (95 % CI 3.10 — 3.39) to 3.14 (95 % CI 2.96 — 3.31, p > 0.05). Conclusions. The results of the study provide strong evidence that the intragastric balloon placement for a term of 6 months reduces surgical and anaesthetic risks, contributes to the improved function of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems as well as gives a boost to carbohydrate metabolism, and, therefore, can be suggested for the preparation of super obese patients with high risk of surgical and anaesthesia‑related complications for bariatric surgery.

Psychological Aspects of Treatment with Intragastric Balloon for Management of Obesity: A Systematic Review of the Literature

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Optimizing maintenance of weight loss for people with obesity following intragastric balloon (IGB) therapy hinges on the degree to which health care providers can recognize both the impact of emotional problems and mood difficulties on their capacity to self-manage, and requirements for additional support. However, there is limited research on the psychological correlates of IGB therapy. This systematic review, for the first time, attempts to identify and synthesize the empirical evidence for the reciprocal influence between psychological variables and IGB outcomes. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A literature search was performed in the PubMed, SCOPUS, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed using rigorous inclusion criteria and screening by at least 2 reviewers. The selected articles were assessed for quality using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. Data were extracted to address the review aims and presented as a narrative synthesis. The review protocol was preregistered (Prospero CRD42019121291). <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 16,179 titles, 14,369 abstracts, and 51 full-text articles were screened, of which 16 studies were included. Findings suggest that female gender, older age, basic educational level, and single/divorced civil status, together with lower levels of depression, binge eating, higher perceived quality of life, and motivation to change were predictors of enhanced IGB treatment outcomes. Dissatisfaction with treatment was higher in those with impaired obesity-related social-life difficulties. The IGB treatment was effective in reducing weight and improving depression, anxiety, eating disorder symptoms, and the overall life quality of patients with obesity – mainly within 6 months from the device positioning and in conjunction with conventional therapies. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> In line with the available literature on obesity and bariatric surgery interventions, poor mental health appears to be an important barrier for successful weight loss among patients with obesity undergoing IGB treatment. In order to improve the efficacy and effectiveness of the IGB therapy, more comprehensive and standardized studies are needed to provide insight into the psychological mechanisms maintaining weight management issues.