A technique for prevention of port complications after laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a safe and effective treatment method for morbid obesity. Injection port dislocation, tube perforation and access port infection are generally classified among the minor complications, although they can require a reoperation at the port-site or even at the level of the band which may have to be removed. We designed a technique to fix the port, that can avoid unnecessary complications.


METHODS
The port is sutured onto a polyprophlene mesh, which is then cut into shape and attached to the rectus fascia in the left hypochondrium with a Tacker stapling device. From February 2000 to January 2001, 25 patients (BMI 35-60) were operated using this technique.


RESULTS
No injection port dislocation, tube perforation or access port infection has been found in these patients.


CONCLUSIONS
With the larger surface area by which the port is attached to the fascia, a stable position of the port is obtained and dislocation avoided. Multiple failed attempts at port access, with resulting risk of infection, are avoided. Due to port stability, risk of incidental tube perforation is reduced. Moreover, a considerable gain of time is obtained compared with the classical suturing of the port.
Fabry
Hans
H
Department of Surgery, Academic Surgical Center Stuivenberg, Antwerp, Belgium. fabry.hoegaerts@noknok.nl
Van Hee
Robrecht
R
Hendrickx
Leo
L
Totté
Eric
E
D001458:Bandages / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012825:Silicon / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013270:Stomach / Q000601:surgery*; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000379:methods; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*
D012825:Silicon