Injection port complications after gastric banding: Incidence, management and prevention

Background: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is advocated as a minim al invasive procedure with a low risk profile and high efficacy in the trea tment of morbid obesity. Nevertheless, injection port complications are occ asionally reported. The aim of this study was to assess port disconnections and port dislodgement with respect to two different implantation technique s. Methods: Between January 1996 and October 1999 230 patients underwent lapar oscopic gastric banding with the Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band (SAGB). In group 1 (118 patients), the injection port was implanted onto the sterno-x iphoid union. In group 2 (112 patients), an additional incision was made to suture the port onto the fascia of the lower third of the sternum. Results: There is a significant reduction in port disconnection between gro up 1 (9.3 %) and group 2 (0 %). Port dislodgment was observed in one patien t in each group. Reoperation was performed under local anesthesia in 11 pat ients, and general anesthesia was used for laparoscopic tube salvage in two patients. After reconnection, two patients experienced port infection. Conclusion: correct implantation technique of the injection port of the SAG E onto the fascia of the lower third of the sternum reduces the risk for po rt complications. Technical notes are discussed.