Alternative technique for creation of a proximal gastric pouch in laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding

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