Use of a Calibration Balloon Tube to Size the Pouch and Channel in Gastroplasty Procedures

Gastroplasty is currently one of the most common surgical procedures performed on the morbidly obese for weight loss. An adequate result can be assured only if the pouch that is created is less than 30 ml and the channel that connects that pouch to the distal stomach is approximately 1 cm in diameter. The current method to size the pouch is to occlude the esophagus and the outlet of the pouch and to measure with a manometer through a naso-gastric tube. We contend this method is both time consuming and adds to the potential of complications. Through the use of a calibration balloon tube the size of the pouch can be quickly and safely estimated. It can also be used to size the channel between the pouch and the distal stomach and check for leaks. The technique of how this tube has been used over the past 6 years is described. By the use of a calibration balloon tube, three problem areas in gastric stapling surgery for morbid obesity are avoided, namely: inappropriate pouch size, inappropriate channel size and postoperative leaks.