Case Reports and Reviews: Open Access

Acute Pancreatitis Following Intragastric Balloon Placement in a Young Adult: A Case Report and Literature Review

Fedaa Housen, Bashar Almasri, Azmi Al Hakm Mohammed, and Maryam Alkhatry

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.70620/CRROA/v7i1/156

Abstract

Background: Intragastric balloon (IGB) therapy is a minimally invasive endoscopic intervention for weight reduction in patients with obesity. Although generally safe, rare but clinically significant complications such as acute pancreatitis have been reported.

Case Presentation: A 19-year-old male presented with acute epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting three weeks after intragastric balloon insertion. Laboratory investigations demonstrated markedly elevated serum lipase (>3× upper limit of normal) and leukocytosis. Imaging revealed peripancreatic fat stranding consistent with early acute pancreatitis. The intragastric balloon was endoscopically deflated and removed, followed by supportive management, resulting in complete clinical recovery.

Conclusion: Acute pancreatitis is an uncommon but important complication of intragastric balloon therapy. Early recognition and prompt management are essential to achieve favorable outcomes.

Keywords: Intragastric balloon; Acute pancreatitis; Obesity; Bariatric endoscopy.