2013, Volume 19, Issue 2
Influence of Altitude Changes on a Person, who Underwent Obesity Treatment with Intragastric Liquid Filled Balloon
Krzysztof Kowalczuk1, Mariusz Wyleżoł2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1Department of Aeromedical Training, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine
2Department of Surgery, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine
Autor korenspondencyjny: Krzysztof Kowalczuk; Department of Aeromedical Training, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine; email: kkowalczuk[at]wiml.waw.pl
Full text
Streszczenie
Surgical treatment of obesity has become increasingly popular in recent years. The endoscopic intragastric balloon (IB) placement is often selected as a less invasive procedure compared to operative procedures. Balloon placement may give rise to concerns about gas expansion caused by altitude changes both in the upper part of gastrointestinal tract and in IB itself. The subject presented in this case report underwent placement of a liquid-filled IB and was subjected to hypobaric expositions. Both 7 500 m and 10 000 m hypobaric chamber expositions were successful in terms of management of gas expansion, which led to a conclusion that liquid-filled IB is safe for air passengers and active flying personnel both in normal and emergency situations.
Słowa kluczowe
obesity, obesity, intragastric baloon, intragastric baloon, hypoxia, hypoxia, hypobaric chamber, hypobaric chamber