Current status of non-adjustable gastric banding

Background: The purpose of this study is to review the current status of non-adjustable gastric banding (NGB) and to determine whether this operation is still acceptable in the management of morbid obesity, especially when compared with the adjustable GB (AGB) in long-term results. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted of data published on NGB and AGB in Obesity Surgery in the past 12 months or available from other sources, with records of early and late band-related complications, reoperation rate and weight loss in groups reporting ≥100 patients with minimum 3-year postoperative follow-up. Results: 1,812 NGB and 1,968 AGB patients were included. Mean BMI was 42.4 in NGB vs 44.0 in AGB. No statistical difference occurred in the early complication rate (1.4% in NGB vs 1.6% in AGB). A statistical difference was noted in long-term complication rate, (1.9% in NGB vs 6.7% in AGB), and in reoperation rate (3.4% vs 7.2%). There was no difference in excess weight loss at 48 months following both operations (54.2% vs 53.0%). Conclusion: A significant difference in favor of NGB occurred in the long-term reoperation rate. No other differences were identified, other than in band material. NGB is a softer material and therefore, according to computerized images, has greater flexibility in copying gastric peristaltic waves, which may result in less irritation and more physiological behavior by this band.