Complications resulting from an intragastric balloon in a patient without follow-up and monitoring.

The intragastric balloon (IGB) is recognised as a minimally invasive intervention for the treatment of obesity. Here, we detail a rare and life-threatening complication stemming from this procedure. A female patient in her 40s, who had an IGB in situ for 14 months, presented at the emergency department with septic shock characterised by abdominal guarding and emesis. These symptoms were a direct result of IGB-induced bowel obstruction. We emphasise that the patient missed the recommended 6-month removal window, which in our opinion is the decisive cause leading to deflated balloon migration and subsequent complications. In the course of managing multiple critical events, the patient required multiple operations related to the bowel obstruction, numerous nutritional and psychological challenges. Currently, the patient is living with short bowel syndrome, secondary to the chronic intestinal failure, necessitating the administration of parenteral nutrition 6 days per week.