Health authorities have issued a warning to people who have had gastric balloon surgery for weight loss, following reports of serious complications linked to the procedure.
The treatment, which has become increasingly popular in recent years, involves swallowing a capsule that swells with fluid in the stomach. This helps patients feel fuller and reduces appetite. Typically, the balloon is designed to deflate and pass out of the body naturally after about four months, without the need for medical intervention.
However, there have been reported cases where the device has become stuck while exiting the body, causing dangerous consequences and requiring hospitalization.
The company Allurion, which also supplies gastric balloons to the public health service, has warned doctors about these risks. According to a notice published by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), in rare cases the balloon does not pass properly into the intestine, causing complications such as blockage of the stomach outlet, blockage of the small intestine and even perforation of the stomach.
In the UK, eight cases of stomach perforation and small bowel obstruction, as well as 13 cases of gastric outlet obstruction, have been reported between 2018 and 2024. All cases required additional intervention, such as surgery or endoscopic procedures, although the patients subsequently recovered.
Gastric outlet obstruction occurs when food is blocked from passing through the small intestine and is accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. A small intestinal obstruction is considered a medical emergency. Stomach perforation is an even more serious condition, which can lead to internal bleeding, abdominal infection and, in severe cases, sepsis.
According to the latest figures, 129 such procedures were carried out in the public health system during 2024–2025, but many more are believed to have been carried out in private clinics. The cost in the private sector reaches around £5,000, while many patients travel abroad, especially to Turkey, where the procedure costs less.
One of the problematic cases is that of a patient from London, who experienced severe pain after the balloon got stuck in her intestine and required emergency surgery. She has warned others to be aware of the risks.
Although the procedure is generally considered safe, experts note that it is relatively new and the long-term effects are not yet fully known. In some cases, it is used to help severely obese patients prepare for more major surgeries.
Authorities urge patients to be well informed and consult with doctors before choosing this weight loss method. /GazetaExpress/
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