A review of the device labeling notes the following: the current orbera¿ intragastric balloon system directions for use (dfu) addresses the known and anticipated potential event of "esophageal dysmotility, perforation, hospital stay, vomiting, reflux, pain and early removal" as follows: each physician and patient should evaluate the risks associated with endoscopy and intragastric balloons (see complications below) and the possible benefits of a temporary treatment for weight loss prior to use of the orbera¿ system.The risk of intestinal obstruction may be higher in patients who have had prior abdominal or gynecological surgery.The risk of intestinal obstruction may be higher in patients who have a dysmotility disorder or diabetes.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 the orbera¿ system balloon 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, acute pancreatitis, spontaneous inflation, ulceration, gastric and esophageal perforation, and other complications which might occur, and should be advised to contact his/her physician immediately upon the onset of such symptoms.Possible complications of the use of the orbera¿ system include: death due to complications related to intestinal obstruction, gastric perforation, is possible.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 or as a result of 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.Spontaneous over inflation of an indwelling balloon with symptoms including 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.Note that continued nausea and vomiting could result from direct irritation of the lining of the stomach, as a result of the balloon blocking the outlet of the stomach, or hyperinflation of the balloon.Additional information: the device has not been returned for analysis, and after multiple attempts to gather more information from the reporter, no additional information has been received.The investigator determined a device history record (dhr) review is not possible for this complaint, as attempts at gathering the device serial/lot number were unsuccessful.
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