Türkiye bans swallowable gastric balloons after risks highlighted by experts
The capsule is attached to a tube, through which water is put into the ballon before the tube is removed. (Photo via Allurion)
The Ministry of Health in Türkiye has announced a ban on swallowable gastric balloons, a popular weight-loss procedure that has seen a significant demand in recent years.
In 2024 alone, 6,500 people in Türkiye underwent this treatment.
Experts have raised concerns about the risks associated with the procedure, prompting the government’s decision.
Professor Oktay Banli, President of the Turkish Bariatric Surgery Foundation, stated, “The procedure’s simplicity led to its misuse by professionals outside of general surgery and gastroenterology, often in unsuitable conditions. This issue resulted in Europe banning the procedure, and Türkiye has followed suit.”
Risks of the swallowable gastric balloon
The swallowable gastric balloon involves a capsule that is ingested and inflated in the stomach, creating a feeling of fullness. Unlike traditional gastric balloons, this type does not require removal as it naturally dissolves after 5–6 months. Its convenience and extensive advertising contributed to its popularity.
However, experts warn that its simplicity has significant drawbacks. According to Professor Banli, the procedure does not involve examining the stomach for underlying issues such as reflux, gastritis, ulcers, or tumors before the capsule is swallowed.
“This oversight can lead to serious stomach or intestinal complications. Traditional gastric balloons involve a thorough endoscopic evaluation, ensuring there are no health risks before the procedure,” he explained.
Concerns over unregulated practices
Another critical issue highlighted by experts is the procedure being performed by non-specialists in unsuitable environments. Professor Banli noted that these factors significantly contributed to the ban.
“The ease of application allowed practitioners outside gastroenterology and general surgery to perform it. This, combined with inappropriate conditions, raised red flags.”
In Europe, the procedure was banned for similar reasons, and Türkiye decided to align with these restrictions. Data shows that in 2024, 25,000 people in Europe underwent this procedure, compared to 6,500 in Türkiye.
The European Commission is expected to issue its final decision on swallowable gastric balloons on February 9.
How does the gastric balloon work?
The swallowable gastric balloon involves ingesting a capsule, which inflates the stomach to create a sense of fullness.
This helps reduce food intake and aids in weight loss. Traditional balloons are typically removed after a year through an endoscopic procedure, but the swallowable version dissolves naturally without requiring removal.
Despite its appeal, the associated risks and lack of regulation have now led to its prohibition in both Europe and Türkiye, signaling a shift towards stricter oversight of weight-loss procedures.
