Lap-Band erosion: incidence and treatment.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is an effective and safe surgical treatment for morbid obesity. Migration of the band through the stomach wall is a well-known late complication that may jeopardize the aim of the treatment--permanent weight reduction.


METHODS
301 patients were followed for > or = 2 years (mean 39 months) after a Lap-Band procedure. Cases of erosion were studied retrospectively.


RESULTS
5 patients (1.66%) developed erosions. Laparoscopic band removal was carried out in these 5 cases without complication. The first 4 have received a new Lap-Band, and all are doing well.


CONCLUSIONS
Band erosion is a bothersome late complication after LAGB and requires band removal. Rebanding is a feasible option. Further study and longer follow-up are necessary to determine whether these patients will develop erosion again.
Niville
E
E
Department of Abdominal Surgery, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium. erik.niville@ping.be
Dams
A
A
Vlasselaers
J
J
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D012086:Reoperation / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors