Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding: A Series with Three Cases of Band Erosion

Background: Among the various operations used for surgical treatment of morbid obesity, adjustable silicone gastric banding (ASGB) is the least invasive. Many good results have been described. During extended follow-up, however, serious complications may occur.We briefly describe our results with ASGB and will focus on three cases of band erosion. Methods: From January 1996 to December 1998, 91 patients underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in our clinic. Follow-up until now is 100%. Results: Body Mass Index (BMI) in this series decreased from 44.7 at time of operation to 34.8 at 18 months of follow-up (42 patients). Complications, minor and major, occurred in 27.5%. Three patients are described in which the gastric band migrated and had to be removed operatively. Conclusions: Satisfactory weight loss can be established by ASGB. However,serious and potentially lethal complications can occur. In view of the former Angelchik esophageal antireflux prosthesis,abandoned because of its notorious migration, we must be aggressive in evaluating band migration. Thus, we plead for international registration of adjustable silicone gastric banding.