Background: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) with the Lap-Band® has been our first choice operation for morbid obesity since September 1993. Results in terms of complications and weight loss are analyzed. Methods: 830 consecutive patients (F 77.9%) underwent LAGB. Initial body weight was 127.9 ± SD 23.9 kg, and body mass index (BMI) was 46.4 ± 7.2 kg/m2. Mean age was 37.9 (15-65). Steps in LAGB were: 1) establishment of reference points for dissection (equator of the balloon inflated with 25 cc air and left crus); 2) creation of a retrogastric tunnel above the bursa omentalis; 3) creation of "virtual" pouch; 4) embedding the band. Results: Mortality was 0, conversion 2.7%, and follow-up 97%. Major complications requiring reoperation developed in 3.9% (36 patients). Early complications were 1 gastric perforation (requiring band removal) and 1 gastric slippage (requiring repositioning). Late complications included 17 stomach slippages (treated by band repositioning in 12 and band removal in 5), 9 malpositions (all treated by band repositioning), 4 gastric erosions by the band (all treated by band removal), 3 psychological intolerance (requiring band removal), and 1 HIV positive (band removed). A minor complication requiring reoperation in 91 patients (11%) was reservoir leakage. 20% of patients who had % excess weight loss <30 had lost compliance to dietetic, psychological and surgical advice. BMI declined significantly from the initial 46.4 ± 7.2 to 37.3 ± 6.8 at 1 year, 36.4 ± 6.9 at 2 years, 36.8 ± 7.0 at 3 years, and 36.4 ± 7.8 at 5 years. Conclusion: LAGB is a relatively safe and effective procedure.
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Favretti, F., Cadière, G.B., Segato, G. et al. Laparoscopic Banding: Selection and Technique in 830 Patients. OBES SURG 12, 385–390 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1381/096089202321087922
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1381/096089202321087922