Hyperinflated Intragastric Balloon

The intragastric balloon is a safe modality of treatment with good results reported in the literature for weight loss in the adult population. Complications are rare but may entail gastric perforation, gastric obstruction, rupture of the balloon, esophagitis, gastric ulcers, and hyperinflation. The latter may be related to fungal contamination of the content of the balloon. Fungal contamination produces gas due to a fermentation process resulting in an increase in its diameter – the so-called hyperinflation. Such condition carries obstructive symptoms and demands immediate intervention. This chapter discusses clinical aspects, physiopathology, and treatment of the hyperinflation.