# Risk Factors for Acute Pancreatitis Following Intragastric Balloon Insertion: A 7-Year Retrospective Cohort Study

## TL;DR

This study identifies risk factors for acute pancreatitis after intragastric balloon insertion, finding that balloon type and patient characteristics may influence the risk.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the risk factors for acute pancreatitis following intragastric balloon therapy.

## Key findings

- The incidence of acute pancreatitis was 5.56% among 450 patients with intragastric balloons.
- The Orbera balloon was associated with a lower risk of acute pancreatitis.
- Higher preprocedural BMI and age over 30 showed a trend toward reduced acute pancreatitis risk.

## Abstract

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a rare but serious complication of intragastric balloon (IGB) therapy. Despite the popularity of IGBs for weight loss, the incidence and risk factors of AP post-IGB insertion are not well understood. This study aimed to identify potential predictors and risk factors of AP in IGB patients.

A retrospective time-to-event study was conducted over 7 years, encompassing patients who received IGBs between January 2017 and 2024. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors. The incidence of AP was evaluated as a secondary outcome. Patients were categorized into the AP and non-AP groups at a 1:3 ratio. The Revised Atlanta Classification was used to diagnose AP.

Among 450 patients with IGB, 25 developed AP, yielding an incidence of 5.56%. The Orbera balloon was associated with a lower AP risk (HR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09–0.96; P = 0.042). The median time to AP onset was 40 days. Higher preprocedural BMI and age > 30 years showed a trend toward reduced AP risk, though not statistically significant.

AP following IGB insertion is uncommon but may be underreported, with substantial variability in onset time. The Orbera balloon demonstrated a protective effect, highlighting the role of balloon type in AP risk. These findings underscore the importance of balloon selection and the need for further prospective studies to confirm these results and optimize AP risk management in IGB patients.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11695-024-07647-x.