Follow-up of Lap-Band (R) complications

Background: Proximal gastric pouch dilation (PGPD) and band dislocation (BD ) are the most frequent complications of laparoscopic adjustable silicone g astric banding (LASGB). Methods: Conservative treatment of PGPD and ED was attempted in all patient s by deflation of the band. In the case of failure, laparoscopic exploratio n was performed. Results: From January 1996 to July 1998, 8 of 40 patients who underwent LAS GB experienced PGPD (n = 7) or BD (n = 1). Debanding was performed in 3 pat ients with PGPD, while in 4 the pouch dilation was successfully treated wit h deflation of the band. Two patients (PGPD and ED) were treated with band repositioning. Weight loss was not influenced in patients treated conservat ively, compared with patients who did not experience complications. Conclusions: PGPD and ED are not always responsible for band failure in LAS GB. Conservative treatment can be successful, and repositioning of the band is feasible in selected cases.