Inflation of an intragastric balloon may be used in some patients with morbid obesity. The procedure can have a number of complications, some of which may be fatal.
Procedure: liquid-filled intragastric balloon
An important complication is necrosis of the gastric wall, which can lead to perforation and generalized peritonitis with sepsis.
Onset: usually during the first month after placement
Forensic aspects:
(1) history of intragastric balloon
(2) evidence of gastric or esophageal perforation
(3) exclusion of other causes of death (myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, stroke, etc)
A prompt response to the perforation can be life-saving. Identifying reasons for a failure to respond may help to explain the outcome.
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