Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis Following Intragastric Balloon Insertion

Abstract

Obesity has become a widespread global issue, particularly in the developed world. One popular weight loss technique is the intragastric balloon placement due to its simplicity of insertion and safe nature. While some side effects have been linked to its use, most are benign. However, severe complications do occur in some cases. One such rare complication is pancreatitis due to compression of the pancreas or the pancreatic duct. We encountered an interesting case of necrotizing pancreatitis following gastric balloon insertion, about which scarce data is available in the literature; its incidence is also unknown currently. Our patient was a 22-year-old male with a gastric balloon inserted for obesity eight months before his presentation. The mechanism of the inflammation, the age of the patient, and the progression to necrosis are the compelling aspects of this case.