Removal of a Superinfected Intragastric Balloon

Intragastric balloon placement is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. These are generally safe procedures, but complications do exist. The incidence of infection of the intragastric balloon is rare and cited less than 1% in the available literature. Here we present a case of a 26-year-old woman with a past medical history of obesity (BMI 30 mg/k2) who underwent intragastric balloon placement abroad for weight loss (Video 1). The balloon was filled with 600 mL of fluid during the procedure. This procedure was uncomplicated, and she later returned to the United States.