Intragastric balloon: use of prophylactic nystatin for the prevention of fungal colonization

Abstract

The intragastric balloon (IGB) has been used for more than 20 years in Brazil as an endoscopic method for assisting weight loss, and some intercurrences were observed during more than 10,000 procedures performed.1 One of these intercurrences is the presence of fungi in the IGB, increasing the friability of the silicone and inducing the premature rupture of the IGB, as well as gas hyperinflation.2-4 The aim of this study was to evaluate if the use of Nystatin can decrease the prevalence of fungal colonization cases in IGB devices.