New Approach in Surgical Treatment of Morbid Obesity: Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

Background: gastric banding has been performed for morbid obesity, with the last nine patients having a laparoscopic approach. Materials: forty-five patients who had undergone primary operations for morbid obesity between 1986 and 1993 were selected for retrospective analysis. All patients had undergone gastric banding. Average pre-operative BMI was 50.9 (kg m⁻²) and average pre-operative weight was 135.1 kg. Results: the 3-year mean post-operative BMI reached 28.7 and the 3-year mean post-operative weight loss was 55.7 kg. Blood pressure significantly decreased from the mean 151/96 mmHg to 132/90 mmHg at 1-year follow-up. There were no significant changes noted in the levels of RBC, electrolytes and transaminase. There were post-operative wound-healing complications in 18.1% of the patients, wound discharge in 8.8% and incisional hernia in 8.8% of the patients. In 1993 we commenced laparoscopic gastric banding which enabled us to shorten the hospital stay and decrease post-operative complications. Conclusion: we are achieving the same good weight-loss results with the laparoscopic technique as after ‘open’ laparotomy gastric banding.     

Recurrent Aspiration Pneumonia after Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a popular therapeutic option for morbid obesity. Band slippage, pouch enlargement and esophageal dilatation are occasional late complications of this procedure. There are rare reports of recurrent aspiration after banding. We report a 44-year-old female suffering from dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia 2 years after adjustable banding. Her esophagus was dilated to 6 cm, and videocinematography showed a severe achalasia-like disorder.Withdrawal of fluid from the band should be immediate, and relieved the stomal obstruction in this patient. Aspiration pneumonia is a serious late complication, which is easily treated by deflation of the band.     

Complications Following Swedish Adjustable Gastric Banding: A Long-Term Follow-up

Background: The Swedish adjustable gastric band (SAGB) has been in use since 1985. The aim of this study was to analyze short and long-term complications linked to the SAGB. Materials and Methods: Between August 1990 and December 1996, we operated on a series of 326 patients (78 men and 248 women) at the Huddinge University Hospital and the Norra ?lvsborg County Hospital. The mean age of patients at surgery was 40 years (range 19-62). The mean preoperative weight was 125 kg (range 81-181). The mean excess weight was 80%. Results: The mean time of follow-up was 28 months (range 6-76). Complications requiring reoperation included two (0.6%) band dislocations, six (1.8%) band leakages, and 16 (4.6%) band migrations-erosions. The most common reason for abdominal reoperation, band migration, was attributed to overfilling of the band system. In the patients in whom migration occurred, the bands had been filled with a mean volume of 12.6 ml fluid. In the remaining patients, the mean volume was 8.7 ml. The most common complication not requiring reoperation was reflux disease (4.7%). In cases with a small pouch, this complication did not seem to be a serious problem. The mean excess weight loss in the 296 patients without complications was 68%. Conclusion: The overall long-term complication rate following SAGB is reasonable. With improved operating technique and closer follow-up, it should be possible to reduce the complication rate further. Reoperation because of band migration appears to be related to overfilling of the system and should therefore be avoidable in most cases.     

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding for Morbid Obesity in a Patient with Situs Inversus Totalis

Laparoscopic surgery with situs inversus may pose particular challenges to the surgeon. We discuss a case of undiagnosed situs inversus totalis in a morbidly obese patient undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). The patient was a 29-year-old male with a body mass index (BMI) of 56. There was no prior knowledge of his situs inversus totalis, which was only discovered during laparoscopy at the time of surgery. The operative challenges are discussed. LAGB was performed successfully without complication. Postoperative imaging confirmed dextrocardia and situs inversus totalis, as well as correct gastric band position. However, there has been subsequent gastric band erosion and eventual band removal. We discuss the appropriateness of LAGB in this group of patients.     

Outpatient Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding in Super-obese Patients

Background Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a safe and effective treatment for morbid obesity that is well suited to outpatient surgery. Super-obese patients (BMI ≥50) are often viewed as higher risk patients, with their surgical procedures limited to hospital operating-rooms. We report our experience performing LAGB for super-obese patients in a freestanding ambulatory surgery center and describe the program elements that make this feasible and safe. Methods Database records containing 1,780 consecutive patients from program inception (November 2002 to November 2006) were searched for patients with a BMI >49.9 undergoing an outpatient LAGB and reviewed to identify complications. Results 320 super-obese patients underwent an outpatient LAGB.Mean preoperative weight was 155.2 kg (range 112.3–220.5 kg), and mean BMI was 55.4 kg/m² (range 50.0–71.1 kg/m²). 53 patients (16.6%) had BMI >60. There were no deaths, significant cardiopulmonary complications, significant intraoperative bleeding, conversion to open laparotomy, or hospital admissions. 3 patients (0.1%) developed gastric edema causing transient obstruction, and 1 developed a delayed colon perforation from electrocautery incurred during adhesiolysis. No complication arose or was more difficult to manage as a result of the procedure being done on an outpatient basis. Conclusions Outpatient LAGB can be safely performed in super-obese patients with a complication rate similar to lower BMI patients. Patient selection and preoperative preparation are essential to achieve excellent outcomes. The decision to offer an outpatient LAGB should rest on the overall physiological condition rather than BMI or weight alone.     

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.     

Ten Years Experience with Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Background Gastric banding is a safe and efficient bariatric procedure. We report here the results of 591 consecutive gastric bandings in terms of excess weight loss with up to 10 years follow-up and the complications. Methods Between June 1996 and September 2006, 591 patients underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) by the same surgeon (JB). Of these patients, 69.2% were women. Mean age was 33.6 years ± 10.7 and mean BMI was 41.95 kg/m² ± 8.7. Patients were reviewed monthly for the first 6 months, every 2 months for the next 6 months, and yearly thereafter. Excess weight loss was calculated at 6 months and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 years. Results Six hundred eleven bands were implanted in 591 patients. Fifty-one patients (8.6%) had band removal due to a complication. Mean follow-up was 35 ± 2 months. Percentage of excess weight loss was 45.8% ± 27.4 at 6 months, 66.7% ± 30.3 at 1 year, 72.6% ± 28.8 at 2 years, 75.9% ± 27.4 at 4 years, 82.8% ± 32.6 at 6 years, 82.3% ± 25.1 at 8 years, and 82.7% ± 4.2 at 10 years. Complications encountered were band failure (9.3%), slippage (5.3%), erosion (4.6%), infection (2.4%), high band position (1.9%), and others (2.8%). Complication rate was 23.3% overall but dropped to 2.5% when calculated on the second half of the patients. Conclusion LAGB is a safe and efficient bariatric procedure. With experience, the complication rate drops to a very low level. Close follow-up can further increase its efficacy. Presented at 12th Annual Meeting of IFSO, Porto, Portugal, September 2, 2007.     

Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding: Technique and Results

Background: Kuzmak's Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding (ASGB) is the least invasive operation available for morbid obesity, and it is one of the more effective. Based on the know-how gained from performing more than 250 ‘open’ procedures, we have developed an original laparoscopic technique, whose main steps are pouch measurement, limited dissection along the lesser and the greater curvature and the application of the retention sutures. Methods: From September 1993 through October 1994, 30 morbidly obese patients underwent laparoscopic ASGB. Results: Mean operative time was 2 h and the post-operative stay 2-3 days. Only one major perioperative complication (stomach slippage) was observed. The weight loss achieved, reported as a variation of Body Weight, Body Mass Index, per cent Ideal Body Weight and per cent Excess Weight Loss was similar to that obtained with the open procedure. Conclusion: This new approach is a major achievement in bariatric surgery, because it combines the minimal invasiveness of laparoscopy with the reversibility and adjustability of ASGB.     

Quality-of-Life Outcome After Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding for Morbid Obesity

Background: The definition of success and failure of a bariatric procedure should include weight loss as well as improvement of comorbidity and quality-of-life (QoL) assessment. QoL measures changes in physical, functional, mental, and social health in order to evaluate benefits of new programs and interventions. Material and Methods: From April 1995 until March 1999, 287 patients underwent laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding (LASGB) at Northwest Hospital Frankfurt a.M. (Germany). In this study, 100 of 287 patients (preoperative mean BMI 48.3 kg/m²; mean age 35.2 years) with a follow-up >18 month were evaluated. All patients underwent anonymous questionnaire (26 questions with a maximum score of 60) about different aspects of QoL outcome after LSAGB. Results: In this study, 4 of 100 patients refused to give an answer to the QoL questions. Therefore 96 patients were evaluated. The QoL auto-evaluation of the patients shows that QoL generally improved after surgery in 92%. Using the scoring system, 44% of patients have excellent, 52% good, and only 4% bad results. The 4 patients who refused had to be classified as failure. General acceptance of LSAGB is wide, but gastrointestinal side effects are recognizable in more than 78% of operated patients. Successful weight loss is followed by an improvement of comorbidities. Conclusions: Safe, effective bariatric procedures increase the quality of life in morbidly obese patients markedly. Bariatric surgeons are committed to support and help their patients until they reach a new quality of life after obesity surgery.     

Experience with Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (La-Band System) up to 8 Years

Morbid obesity occurs in 2-5% of the population in Western countries.

Laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding is a minimally invasive, adjustable and reversible procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity.

The lap-band system was evaluated retrospectively in a series of 222 patients. Postoperative outcome and weight loss patterns at up to 8 years follow-up are presented. The most frequent late complications were a leak between the port and the catheter, which occurred in 21 patients (9,4%) and total and irreversible food intolerance due to pouch dilation and/or slippage, which occurred in 13 patients (5,8%). The postoperative BMI reductions are successful and stable after a follow-up of up to 96 months. The lap-band system seems an effective procedure for achieving appreciable and stable weight loss up to 8 years of follow-up and the complications and re-operation rates are acceptable. In 81% of the cases also, the patient is very satisfied with the results of the operation. From the 47,3% who found their quality of life before the operation bad or even devastating, 93% envoy life after the operation like never before.     

Adjustable Gastric Banding: Advantages and Disadvantages

Background: Adjustable gastric banding has many advantages in the treatment of severe obesity. Methods: The authors report their experience with open and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in the treatment of severe obesity. Results: This procedure presents some risks and complications, which are described. Conclusions: Patients must be well informed about the procedure and accept a strict behavioral therapeutic pattern. Follow-up requires strict surveillance. When the band necessitates increase of pressure, follow-up must be very close in order to avoid a complica- tion that may invalidate this procedure.     

Gastric Banding for Treatment of Morbid Obesity: Preliminary Results

Background: gastric banding (GB) has been used for treatment of morbid obesity. Methods: a banding device, introduced by Broadbent and consisting of a self-blocking nylon strip covered with a silicone tube, was used in 13 patients who have completed 1-year follow-up. This device was used for its mechanical properties, biocompatibility, ease of insertion and low cost. Results: at 1 year, mean excess weight loss was 51.6%, with all but one patient losing more than 25% of excess weight. Associated illnesses resolved. There were two complications (15%): one patient required band removal for self-induced vomiting and one patient required repair of an incisional hernia. Conclusions: GB has had good results thus far. Reported differences depend on materials, stoma diameter, pouch size, and developing techniques.     

A Preliminary Comparison of the Psychological Impact of Laparoscopic Gastric Banding and Gastric Bypass Surgery for Morbid Obesity

Background: Laparoscopic gastric banding has introduced a new element into weight reduction surgery. The authors compared subjects who had undergone a laparoscopic gastric banding (lap-band) procedure with those who had undergone a gastric bypass operation on relevant psychological and behavioral parameters. Methods: A self-report questionnaire developed by the researchers was used. It included questions about aspects of food and eating as well as attitudinal items relating to the outcome of the surgery. Results: There were significant differences between the lap-band group and the gastric bypass group in their distance from their desired weight, their eating, and their attitudes. Conclusion: 9 months after surgery, gastric bypass surgery appears to be the superior procedure on several parameters. The surgery induction process may be critical. Evaluation at later stages is vital.     

Prospective Evaluation and 7-Year Follow-up of Swedish Adjustable Gastric Banding in Adults with Extreme Obesity

Background Swedish adjustable gastric banding (SAGB) is a widespread laparoscopic procedure in bariatric surgery. Few long-term data is available. Aim To determine long-term outcome after SAGB in 196 patients studied prospectively. Patients and Methods 196 patients, 40 men, and 156 women have been operated from 1996 to 2005. Age was 38 ± 1 (mean ± sem) years. Mean follow-up was 63 ± 2 months. Results Hospital morbidity was 3% (0.5% early reoperation); mortality was 0. Late complications were band migration (1%), leakage (5%), slipping (4%), or pouch dilatation (8%). Minor reoperations (tube replacement, port-related, and hernias) were needed in 7.5%. Cumulative major reoperation rate reached 32%. Eighteen percent had a band replacement; 14% had removal of band anatomy. Late mortality was 0.5%. Exactly 7 years after SAGB, BMI decreased from 45 ± 1 kg/m² to 33 ± 1 kg/m², and excess weight loss (EWL) was 61 ± 4%. Sixty-eight percent of the patients reached ≥50% EWL. Conclusion In 14% of the patients, the band anatomy had to be removed. Seven years of intact band anatomy leads to a successful EWL of 61 ± 4% and to EWL of ≥50% in 68%. However, cumulative major reoperation rate of 32% in 7 years makes it mandatory to offer and discuss other bariatric procedures to the respective patients. Presented at the 48th Annual Meeting of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Washington, DC, from May 19 to 23, 2007 and published as an abstract in Gastroenterology 2007;132:A-837.     

Late Pouch Dilation after Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric and Esophagogastric Banding: Incidence, Treatment, and Outcome

Background: Pathologic late pouch dilation is the most frequent complication following gastric banding procedures for morbid obesity. In this study, possible predictive factors were sought. The treatment of these complications and the final outcome are discussed. Methods: Between December 1994 and December 1997, 171 patients underwent laparoscopic adjustable banding for morbid obesity. 40 patients underwent classic gastric banding (Group 1), and 131 patients underwent esophagogastric banding (Group 2). Results: Pouch dilation developed in 6 patients (15%) in Group 1 and 12 patients (9.2%) in Group 2. There were no significant predictive factors, although the complication occurred more frequently in patients with presurgical hiatus hernia. The type of dilation was different for each group, as was the surgical treatment. Laparoscopic repositioning of the band was always possible and was uncomplicated. The long-term outcome has been good, and weight loss has been maintained. Conclusions: A frequent complication following banding procedures for morbid obesity is pathologic late pouch dilation. In experienced hands, when appropriate surgical treatment is carried out, this is not a major problem. Nevertheless, efforts should be made to decrease the number of late dilations.     

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding in a Morbidly Obese Patient with Situs Inversus Totalis

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a commonly performed bariatric operation worldwide. The presence of an anatomical variation like situs inversus demands preoperative assessment and preparedness on the part of the surgeon. We report a laparoscopic gastric banding performed on a morbidly obese patient with situs inversus totalis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.     

Laparoscopic Placement of Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding: Early Experience

Background: the authors describe a laparoscopic technique for the positioning of stoma adjustable silicone gastric banding (SASGB), which respects the main steps of the open procedure. Methods: (1) patient position: supine with thighs abducted and 30° reverse Trendelenburg; (2) Four 10 mm trocars (supra-umbilical, sub-xiphoid, right upper quadrant, left upper quadrant) and an 18 mm trocar (left subcostal); (3) exposure of the subcardial area; (4) measurement of the pouch; (5) dissection of the lesser and greater curvatures; (6) retrogastric tunnel; (7) introduction and placement of the band; (8) band closure and stoma calibration; (9) retention sutures. Results: results obtained in a first (1992) series of five patients who underwent the laparoscopic application of the regular SASGB and results of a second series (1993-1994) of seven patients in whom the new LAP-ASGB was utilized are reported. Conclusion: this new approach can represent a major achievement in bariatric surgery, as it combines the minimal invasiveness of the laparoscopic approach with the reversibility of SASGB.     

Alternative Technique for Creation of a Proximal Gastric Pouch in Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding

Background: Laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding (LASGB) has become a widely used procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. The original operation, as described by Kuzmak, has been subjected to modifications. Construction of a proximal gastric pouch is an important part of the operation. Until now, we used the technique of Niville. Since this was often complicated by gastric bleeding and/or serosal tears, we developed a new technique to construct a pouch. Surgical Technique: A new technique, using a thread previously fixed to that portion of the fundus that will be used to construct the pouch, is described. Conclusion: A safe and easy adaptation of the LASGB technique is proposed to create the gastric pouch.