Allurion Gastric Balloon in Barranquilla, Colombia

What is the Allurion gastric balloon?

It is a balloon swallowed inside a capsule attached to a thin catheter. Once in the stomach, the doctor fills it with fluid through the catheter and confirms its position with imaging. It does not require endoscopy or anesthesia for placement.

How is it removed?

It is designed to stay in the stomach for about four months. Then a valve opens, the balloon empties and passes naturally through the digestive tract. In some cases, if it is not tolerated or complications occur, it must be removed by endoscopy.

How is it different from an endoscopic balloon?

The main difference is that it needs no endoscopy or sedation for placement or removal. In exchange, it lasts a shorter time than many endoscopic balloons. It is usually part of a multi-month program with nutrition support and follow-up.

What risks should you know?

Like other balloons, it can cause nausea, vomiting and pain in the first days. Rare but serious complications such as bowel obstruction or perforation have been reported, and its sale was suspended in some countries, such as France, because of these reports. It should be placed by a certified medical team with emergency access, and you should seek care immediately for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or bloating.

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