Late Gastric Perforations After Laparoscopic Fundoplication

Background Late complications are rarely encountered after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. These complications include acute gastric herniation through the esophageal hiatus, port-site herniation, recurrent reflux, and anatomic failure of the fundoplication. Only three cases of late gastric perforation after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication have been reported, all associated with intrathoracic wrap herniation. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all cases of gastric perforation after laparoscopic antireflux procedures performed between July 1991 and March 2002 by a single surgeon. Results In this series of 1,600 laparoscopic antireflux procedures, we found six delayed gastric fundal perforations occurring in three patients at 1, 41, 48, 51, 68, and 72 months after surgery. All the perforations were on the anterior wall of the fundus of the stomach and were distant from the stitches of the fundoplication. None of the perforations was associated with severe peritoneal contamination. Conclusions This series of late gastric fundal perforations in 0.2% of our patients after laparoscopic fundoplication may have been caused by medications, gastric stasis, ischemia, or a foreign body such as a stitch or Teflon pledget.     

Diagnosis and Management of Acute Gastric Distention following Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is commonly performed for weight reduction in the morbidly obese population. Morbidly obese patients often suffer from many co-morbid conditions including diabetes. Diabetic patients may suffer from symptomatic or asymptomatic gastric dysmotility resulting in intermittent gastric distention. Following gastric banding, in the early postoperative period, patients may be unable to decompress trapped air in the stomach and may develop severe acute distention with associated risk for catastrophic results. We present the case of a diabetic patient who underwent an uneventful LAGB but returned to the hospital with severe abdominal and back pain. Following the diagnosis of acute gastric distention using an abdominal roentgenogram, the stomach was decompressed using a naso-gastric tube. Following initiation of promotility agents, the patient was successfully discharged home without symptoms. A high index of suspicion, prompt diagnosis and appropriate management can prevent complications of acute gastric distention in this patient population.     

Laparoscopic Gastric Banding in Adolescents

Background: Adolescent obesity has undesirable short- and long-term effects. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has been considered a procedure of choice for adolescent morbid obesity. We retrospectively evaluated our single-team banding experience in the adolescent population. Methods: We reviewed the medical and clinic records and conducted telephone questionnaire interviews, to evaluate the results of banding using the Swedish adjustable gastric band (SAGB^?) in the 60 adolescents at our institution who had been followed ≥3 years. Results: An average of 39.5 months of follow-up has been conducted in the patients who have been followed ≥3 years. Mean age at the time of the operation was 16 years (9 to 18). 60% reported a family history of obesity. Associated co-morbidities included hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea and asthma. Mean preoperative BMI was 43 (35-61) kg/m². Mean postoperative BMI after 39.5 months follow-up was 30 (20-39) kg/m². No co-morbidities have existed after the operation. 6 patients (10%) underwent band repositioning and 2 patients underwent band removal, due to slippage; 7 of the 8 slippages occurred with an earlier perigastric technique which transgressed lesser sac. There was no mortality. Average postoperative hospital stay was 24 hours. Conclusions: Gastric banding in adolescents is a safe, satisfactory and reversible weight reduction procedure.     

Nonsurgical Management of Luminal Dilatation After Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Background

Proximal luminal dilatation (PLD) is one of the most significant challenges following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). If PLD is identified at an early stage, there is potential to avoid reoperation or irreversible change by implementing nonsurgical measures. The success of these strategies is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of how often PLD can be successfully treated nonsurgically.

Methods

The records of patients who underwent primary LAGB insertion by a single surgeon from January 2005 to December 2006 were reviewed. Study participants were all patients who had subsequently undergone a postoperative liquid contrast swallow demonstrating a PLD. The severity of PLD, subsequent management, and outcomes were recorded and assessed.

Results

There were 354 patients who underwent a primary LAGB insertion during the study period. Seventy-eight patients were found to have varying degrees of PLD and had an attempt at nonsurgical management. Thirty-four of these patients (43.6 %) were successfully managed nonsurgically at a mean follow-up of 2.8 years (33.2 months, CL?±?3.2). The success with nonsurgical management was lower if the symmetrical pouch dilatation was more severe or gastric prolapse was seen at presentation, and if no improvement in liquid contrast swallow was seen.

Conclusions

PLD can often be successfully managed with nonsurgical measures, maintaining good weight loss in the intermediate term. Patients with more significant dilatation are more likely to require revisional surgery. Early recognition may have a role in preventing surgery or more severe abnormalities.     

Gastric Cancer After Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

A 63-year-old woman with BMI 46 underwent laparoscopic gastric banding. In the standardized follow-up after 14 and 24 months, the GI series and gastroscopy showed no pathological signs. The patient had hematemesis 32 months after gastric banding, followed by symptoms of obstruction, for which a laparotomy was performed. At operation, peritoneal carcinomatosis due to gastric cancer was found. Symptoms after bariatric procedures can be similar to symptoms of gastric or esophageal cancer. We believe that yearly postoperative gastroscopy is indicated to exclude pathological changes.     

Lessons Learned from Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

The Author reviews 27 laparoscopic gastric banding operations, of which 19 cases were completed. Of the 27 operations, eight were revisions of earlier laparoscopic banding. The lessons learned from these cases are highlighted.     

Laparoscopic Gastric Banding: preliminary series

Gastric banding as a laparoscopic procedure was performed on 40 morbidly obese patients. This operation matches the advantages of the gastric banding (efficacy, reversibility and low invasivity) with the advantages of the laparoscopic procedure (low surgical risk, short hospital stay and less complications in the short and long term). The maximum follow-up is 6 months and so far the weight loss results are the same as we obtained by the vertical banded gastroplasty of Mason. The greatest problem of laparoscopic gastric banding is to get the right tightness of the band for a stoma of 12-13 mm. In three patients the band was replaced due to stenosis, in two of them by a laparoscopic procedure. The adjustable band of Kuzmak should exclude the risk of stenosis and its use will be tried by the laparoscopic procedure.     

Re-operations Following Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Background: Re-operations after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding operation (LAGB) are band-associated or due to complications of the access-port. Symptoms, diagnostics, operations, and follow-up of patients with re-operations were analyzed. Methods: Between December 1996 and January 2002, 250 morbidly obese patients were treated with LAGB and prospectively evaluated using a standardized protocol. Since June 2000 the pars flaccida technique was applied, since October 2000 with the new 11-cm Lap-Band^?. All adjustments of the band were done under radiological control. Results: Of 250 patients, 39 had to be re-operated because of band-associated complications: 27 laparoscopic re-gastric bandings after 12 (3-26) months because of slippage; 6 laparoscopic removals of the band (band intolerance- 4, pain- 1, pouch dilatation- 1); 12 biliopancreatic diversions with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) after 29 (18-43) months due to pouch and/or esophageal motility disorders (9) or insufficient weight loss (3), in 6 patients after having already performed a re-banding for slippage. 9 revisions of the access-port were done after 6 (2-53) months (disconnection- 3, dislocation- 6). The morbidity of the re-operations was 5.3%: 1 hematoma in the abdominal wall and 1 temporary dysphagia after re-banding, 1 pulmonary embolism following BPD-DS. There have been no deaths. In patients with a minimal follow-up of 3 years (n=92), the yearly re-operation rate was 11-12%. No slippage has occurred with the new 11-cm Lap-Band^?. Conclusion: Re-operations after LAGB for bandassociated complications were frequent but could be performed safely with little morbidity. When the new 11-cm Lap-Band^? was employed, the high slippage rate dropped.     

Access-Port Complications after Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

Background: The aim of this retrospective study was to identify complications related to the access-port, after Lap-Band^? system placement by laparoscopy. Methods: The records of 333 morbidly obese patients who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) were reviewed for the overall surgical complications. Data was further analyzed regarding the complications related to the access-port. Results: From January 1999 to December 2001, the overall complication-rate with the LAGB was 25.8%. 45 complications (13.5%) were related to the accessport in 34 patients following LAGB placement.The 45 access-port complications were distributed as follows: infection 51.1%, tubing disconnection 17.7%, dislodgment of the access-port 15.6%, leak of the reservoir 11.1%, and skin ulceration by the port 4.45%. Conclusion: The integrity of the Lap-Band^? system is essential to achieve the objective of the operation: weight loss. Complications related to the access-port were relatively frequent, but preventable.     

Revisional Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Following Failed Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Background

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic and surgery is the only proven long-term treatment. The two most commonly performed bariatric procedures are laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). There are advocates of both procedures but LAGB is associated with potentially high failure rates and may require conversion to an alternative procedure.

Methods

This study reports our unit results for failed LAGB converted to LRYGB and compares them to primary LRYGB patients. All patients undergoing revisional LRYGB from July 2006 to December 2011 were included in the study. Comparisons were made to patients undergoing primary LRYGB over the same time period for post-operative weight loss, complications and length of stay.

Results

Of the patients, 722 were analysed of which 55 underwent revisional surgery. There was no statistical difference in percentage of excess weight loss at 6 months, 1 year or 2 years following surgery between the primary and revisional surgery cohorts (54.5, 63.7, 65.2 vs 51.6, 59.5, 59.4, p?=?NS). There was no difference in morbidity, mortality or length of stay between the two groups. Revisional LRYGB was carried out as a single surgery in 43 (78 %) patients.

Conclusions

Revisional LRYGB surgery can be carried out safely and efficiently in experienced bariatric units. Good short- and medium-term weight loss can be achieved with no increase in morbidity, mortality or length of hospital stay. This study adds weight to the argument that LRYGB is the revisional procedure of choice following failed LAGB.     

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding for Severe Obesity

Background: Morbid obesity is an increasingly common condition with serious associated morbidity and decreased life expectancy. The only treatment with long-term efficacy for this condition is surgical intervention. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a procedure increasingly performed in European centres and recently approved by the FDA in USA. This article reviews its effectiveness and complications. Methods: A literature search identified relevant articles. Results: LAGB results in approximately 60% (43-78%) excess weight loss at 3 years with improvement in co-morbidities, with perioperative mortality <0.5%. Potential complications include prolapse or pouch dilatation, and port-related complications. Less common complications are intra-operative gastric perforation and band erosion. Rate of reoperation varies greatly between series, and is usually needed for band repositioning or port-related procedures, many of the latter performed under local anesthesia. Conclusion: The available data demonstrate that LAGB is a safe bariatric procedure, and is effective in the short- and medium-term. Results of long-term follow-up are awaited.     

Laparoscopic Gastric Banding: a preliminary report

The authors describe a technique of laparoscopically applying a Molina-type band to the stomach. This is the first report we are aware of, of the successful application of a band for the treatment of morbid obesity. This technique should be reproducible in suitable subjects.     

Some Complications After Laparoscopic Nonadjustable Gastric Banding

Background: Bariatric surgery is the only currently available, effective, long-term method for controlling morbid obesity. Gastric banding as one of the possible surgical treatments was repeatedly described during the last 10 years. It is a reversible surgical procedure which is primarily performed laparoscopically. Methods: From 1993 to 1998 at the 1^st Surgical Department Faculty General Hospital Charles University in Prague we performed nonadjustable gastric banding laparoscopically in 487 patients with morbid obesity (body mass index [BMI] 34 to 49 kg/m²). There were 429 females and 58 males in this group. Results: In 487 patients who underwent laparoscopic nonadjustable gastric banding (LNGB): early postoperative complications occurred in 29 cases (5.9%)--swelling of the gastric mucosa at the site of the nonadjustable band. In three cases (0.6%)--gastric perforations, and in two patients (0.4%)-- bleeding from gastric ulceration at the site of the band. Swelling was treated conservatively with a nasogastric tube and antisecretory and antiedematic drugs. Bleeding was treated by gastrofibroscopy and gastric perforation by open suture of the lesion. Late complications after LNGB occurred in eight patients (1.7%)--gastritis or esophagitis (but at the site of the band in only two patients [0.4%]), and in 13 patients (2.7%)--small upper pouch dilatation. In 24 cases (4.9%), we discovered slippage of the anterior stomach wall above the band. In three patients (0.6%), the band migrated through the gastric wall in 6-12 months following surgery. In the majority of cases, treatment of these complications was conservative. In eight patients we removed the band by laparoscopy, and in three patients we removed the migrating band from the stomach by open gastrotomy. Other complications have been treated conservatively by correcting the diet, prokinetic drugs, and antisecretory treatment. Conclusions: According to our long-term results, LNGB by experienced bariatric and laparoscopic surgeons is a viable method with low morbidity. In our 487 patients, there were major complications (necessitating reoperation) in 3.2% and minor complications (treated conservatively) in 10.4%.     

Outpatient Laparoscopic Gastric Banding: Initial Experience

Background: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has usually been performed as an inpatient procedure with an average hospital stay of 2-4 days. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of LAGB as an ambulatory procedure in selected patients. Methods: Potential candidates for ambulatory LAGB were recruited from patients consulting for obesity surgery. The main inclusion criteria were BMI >35 kg/m² with co-morbid conditions, living within a reasonable distance from the hospital, and adult company at home. The patients were admitted at 0700 hours on the day of surgery, underwent laparoscopic placement of a Lap-Band^? system and were discharged home that evening. Results: 9 women and 1 man underwent outpatient LAGB. Mean age was 36 (range 18-52) years and mean BMI was 38.4 kg/m² (range 35.1-43.3). Co-morbidities included functional dyspnea (6), osteoarthritis (4), arterial hypertension (4), type 2 diabetes (2) and dyslipidemia (1). 7 patients had undergone previous abdominal surgery: cesarian section (4), appendectomy (3), cholecystectomy (1) and hysterectomy (1). All patients had an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification of II. The average operating time was 87 minutes (range 65-115). The mean time lapse between the end of the operation and discharge from hospital was 9.6 hours. There were no readmissions, and no complications were noticed at 1 month postoperatively. The patients' satisfaction with the ambulatory LAGB procedure was high. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that LAGB for obesity may be performed on an ambulatory basis without complications.     

Single-Incision Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Background and Objectives:

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is an effective and popular bariatric surgery for weight loss in obese patients that traditionally involves up to 5 incisions. Recently, a more minimally invasive single-incision technique has been developed. In this retrospective study, we compare conventional and single-incision laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding with regard to weight loss and complication rates in a cohort of demographically similar patients.

Methods:

From February 2009 to February 2010, 59 patients underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding by one surgeon at an outpatient surgery center. All patients were compared by age, sex, preoperative body mass index, 30-day complication rates, and excess weight loss. Thirty-seven operations were performed by a conventional, 5-incision technique, whereas 22 patients underwent the single-incision technique. The success of these techniques was determined by comparing complication rates and average percentage excess weight loss at 6-month follow-up intervals.

Results:

Patients who underwent conventional laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding had a mean age of 41.2 years and preoperative body mass index of 48.2 kg/m² compared with 43.9 years and 40.3 kg/m², respectively, for the single-incision patients. The mean operative time in the single-incision group was longer than that in the conventional group: 47.1 minutes versus 37.4 minutes (P = .0027). The overall percentage excess weight loss was not statistically different between the 2 groups for each follow-up period. There were no complications or deaths in either group.

Conclusion:

Although patients undergoing bariatric surgery may choose the single-incision technique for cosmetic purposes, this retrospective review comparing single-incision and conventional laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding shows longer operative times with equivalent weight loss and morbidity.     

Laparoscopic Gastric Banding in Over 60s

Background  

The aggressive pursuit of weight loss in the elderly remains a controversial objective. In this series of 113 patients over 60 years of age who underwent laparoscopic gastric banding surgery, we report on complications, co-morbidity change, quality-of-life improvement and changes in medication use over a median follow-up period of 25.5 months.     

Laparoscopic Gastric Banding in Morbidly Obese Adolescents

Background: 4% of adolescents in the U.S.A. are obese, 80% of whom will become obese adults. Obesity in adolescence is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in adulthood. Is laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding a safe and effective method of weight loss in morbidly obese adolescents? Methods: Since 1996, data has been prospectively collected on all patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) by a single surgeon. Patients are reviewed at 6 and 12 weeks following surgery,then at 3 monthly intervals.Weight loss is measured in absolute terms, reduction in body mass index (BMI) and as percentage of excess weight loss. Results: 17 patients with a median age of 17 (12 to 19) years underwent LAGB. Median follow-up was 25 (12 to 46) months. 2 complications occurred, 1 slipped band and 1 leaking port. BMI fell from a preoperative median of 44.7 to 30.2 kg/m² at 24 months following surgery, corresponding to a median loss of 35.6 kg or 59.3% of excess weight. 13 of 17 patients (76.5%) lost at least 50% of their excess weight, and 9 of 11 patients (81.8%) had a BMI <35 kg/m² at 24 months following surgery. Conclusion: LAGB is a safe and effective method of weight loss in morbidly obese adolescents, at least in the medium term. Its role in preventing obesity and obesity-related disease in adulthood remains to be determined as part of our long-term study.