Long-term results of vertical banded gastroplasty: Marlex versus Dacron banding.
BACKGROUND
The VBG was originally performed with a Marlex band and characterized by a satisfactory weight loss and low morbidity. The effect of the material used for the banding procedure (Marlex vs Dacron) in vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) is evaluated.


METHODS
In 49 consecutive obese patients treated with a VBG, a Marlex band was used in 17 patients and a Dacron band in 32 patients. Data were analyzed retrospectively with regard to the type of band, weight loss and complications.


RESULTS
A significant difference was found in the percentage excess weight 5 years postoperatively in favor of the Dacron group (59.2% vs 39.2%; p < 0.05) because of more band-related complications in the Marlex group. The difference in percentage excess weight disappeared 8 years postoperatively (43.3% vs 46.8%), due to the renewed weight loss of the Marlex group following reoperation.


CONCLUSIONS
The Dacron band is superior to the Marlex band in VBG because sustained weight loss is satisfactory and morbidity is low.
van Gemert
W G
WG
Department of Surgery, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Greve
J W
JW
Soeters
P B
PB
D000328:Adult; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011095:Polyethylenes; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; C016674:Plastipore; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011095:Polyethylenes; D011126:Polypropylenes