Laparoscopic adjustable esophagogastric banding: a preliminary experience.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is an efficient surgical method in the treatment of morbid obesity. In order to reduce the number of complications, we have modified the technique to what we term 'laparoscopic adjustable esophagogastric banding'.


METHODS
Between December 1994 and July 1997, 126 laparoscopic adjustable banding procedures were carried out. Of these, 40 underwent a gastric banding operation (group 1), and 86 underwent an esophagogastric banding procedure (group 2).


RESULTS
The percentage loss of excess body weight curve was less rapid in group 2 compared to group 1 due to a different strategy in band filling. Follow-up to date shows that no problems with the pouch or the stoma have arisen in the esophagogastric banding group.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic adjustable esophagogastric banding is a simpler and safer procedure than laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. It also works as a very efficient anti-reflux procedure, at least in the short term. It appears to be equally efficient as a weight-reducing operation as gastric banding. Further follow-up of the patients involved is necessary in order to evaluate the results in the longer term.
Niville
E
E
Department of Abdominal Surgery, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium.
Vankeirsbilck
J
J
Dams
A
A
Anne
T
T
D000328:Adult; D004947:Esophagus / Q000601:surgery*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D015431:Weight Loss