What Happens if the Intragastric Balloon Deflates Spontaneously?
If the balloon deflates before a scheduled removal you may or may not be aware that it has occurred. Your physician may place a colored dye inside the balloon in order to help you clearly identify early deflation by a change in the color of your urine. The balloon is small enough that it may pass through the intestines and leave the body naturally, but there have been some cases in which it has had to be removed from the bowel surgically. If you suspect a deflation, you must notify your physician immediately. How Will the Intragastric Balloon System Balloon Be Removed? The balloon is normally removed in the same way it was placed, via the esophagus and mouth. Prior to removal, you will be given a muscle relaxant and a topical anesthetic will be applied to numb the throat. Using an endoscopic camera, the physician will introduce a catheter through the mouth and into the stomach. The balloon will then be punctured and deflated. Once the balloon is deflated it can be grasped and removed.
