The physician indicated the device will not be returned to apollo for analysis as the device has been discarded.A review of the device labeling notes the following: precautions: antiemetics, antispasmodic, and anticholinergic drugs may be prescribed to lessen the early placement symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.Patients will need to immediately contact their physician for any severe or unusual symptoms.Placement of the balloon within the stomach produces an expected and predictable reaction characterized most commonly by a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, gastroesophageal reflux, belching, esophagitis, heartburn, diarrhea and, at times, abdominal, back or epigastric pain and cramping.Food digestion may be slowed during this adjustment period.These symptoms can be treated with antiemetic, antispasmodic, and anticholinergic medications.Typically the stomach acclimates to the presence of the device within the first 2 weeks.In order to prevent or ameliorate the symptoms most frequently experienced during the adjustment period, it is recommended that the physician use proton pump inhibitors (ppis), antiemetics, antispasmodics, and anticholinergic medications prophylactically (before orbera¿ placement).Patients should be advised to immediately contact their physician for any unusually severe or worsening symptoms.The physiological response of the patient to the presence of orbera¿ may vary depending upon the patient's general condition and the level and type of activity.The types and frequency of administration of drugs or diet supplements and the overall diet of the patient may also affect the response.Each patient must be monitored closely during the entire term of treatment in order to detect the development of possible complications.Each patient should be instructed regarding symptoms of deflation, gastrointestinal obstruction, ulceration and other complications which might occur, and should be advised to contact his/her physician immediately upon the onset of such symptoms.Patients need to be evaluated and the device removed at or within 6 months of placement.Clinical data does not exist to support use of an individual orbera¿ beyond 6 months.Adverse events: it is important to discuss all possible complications and adverse events with your patient.Complications that may result from the use of this product include the risks associated with the medications and methods utilized in the endoscopic procedure, the risks associated with any endoscopic procedure, the risks associated with the orbera intragastric balloon specifically, and the risks associated with the patient's degree of intolerance to a foreign object placed in the stomach.Possible complications - possible complications of the use of orbera¿ include: gastric discomfort, feelings of nausea and vomiting following balloon placement as the digestive system adjusts to the presence of the balloon.Continuing nausea and vomiting.This could result from direct irritation of the lining of the stomach, delayed gastric emptying and/or the balloon blocking the outlet of the stomach.It is even theoretically possible that the balloon could prevent vomiting (not nausea or retching) by blocking the inlet to the stomach from the esophagus.Abdominal or back pain; either steady or cyclic.Gastric outlet obstruction.A partially-filled balloon (i.E., <400 cc), or a leaking balloon could lead to gastric outlet obstruction, requiring balloon removal.It is also possible for a fully inflated (400-700 cc) balloon to lodge itself in the gastric outlet causing a pyloric obstruction which can produce a mechanical impediment to gastric emptying.Gastric outlet obstruction may require surgical removal.Injury to the lining of the digestive tract as a result of direct contact with the balloon, grasping forceps, or as a result of increased acid production by the stomach.This could lead to ulcer formation with pain, bleeding or even perforation.Surgery could be necessary to correct this condition.Spontaneous over inflation.Warnings: spontaneous over inflation of an indwelling balloon has been reported in patients with orbera¿.Symptoms of balloon over-inflation include intense abdominal pain, swelling of the abdomen (abdominal distension) with or without discomfort, difficulty breathing, and/or vomiting.Patients experiencing any of these symptoms should be counseled to seek immediate care.
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