Retrospective analysis of laparoscopic gastric banding technique: Short-term and mid-term follow-up

Background: Although adjustable gastric banding shows good results concerni ng weight loss, several complications such as excessive vomiting, total dys phagia, and slipping of the stomach through the band with pouch dilatation may occur rather frequently. Different types of adjustable bands are availa ble to prevent these short- and mid-term complications. Methods: In this retrospective study, 120 consecutive laparoscopic adjustab le gastric bandings were performed. In group I, 50 patients were treated wi th adjustable silicone gastric banding (ASGB) by an intragastric balloon ca libration technique. Group II (n = 29) received the same band by a surgical technique with tunneling behind the esophagus toward the angle of His. Gro up III (n = 41) received Swedish adjustable gastric banding (SAGB) by the s ame technique as in Group II. Results: Weight loss was approximately 15% of the excess weight after 3 mon ths, 30% after 6 months, and 45% after 12 months in all groups. Total dysph agia was significantly more frequent in Groups I and II. The incidence of s lipping of the band and pouch dilatation was more frequent in Group II. Conclusion: The diameter of the ASGB band is rather small and can cause tot al dysphagia independently of surgical technique. The SAGE is easy to perfo rm and seems less vulnerable to complications like dysphagia and slipping o f the band, probably because of the individual adjustment of the stoma diam eter during surgery and good fixation of both band and ventral pouch with s eparate posterolateral sutures.