The Proring-Band: a new device in the field of restrictive surgery: preliminary experience.
BACKGROUND
We have an 11-year experience with Silastic ring vertical gastroplasy (SRVG) by laparotomy (1991-1994), followed by SRVG by mini-laparotomy (1995-2002), giving a total of 1,286 patients up to May 31, 2002. Searching for optimal results, we have utilized a new device; the Silastic ring has been replaced by the Proring-Band.


METHODS
174 mini-laparotomy SRVGs (mini-SRVG) were carried out with the Proring-Band from July 16, 2001 to May 31, 2002.


RESULTS
The ring is more flexible, slightly elastic and white-colored. At the operation, handling, fixing to the stomach and extraction were easier. No immediate postoperative complications or overall morbidities were related to the new band. No side-effect has been noted.


CONCLUSIONS
The Proring-Band appeared simpler in its use, during preparatory extra-body handling, placement and fixation. Considering its flexibility, its flat part and its smooth edges, the Proring-Band appears to present less risk of dysphagia, rupture and migration. This situation will be evaluated in a comparative blind study with a follow-up of more than 2 years. The Proring-Band ring is manufactured, sterilized and marketed by a pharmaceutical company. The use of this ring, provided as a medical device designed for restrictive surgery, assures to the surgeon a reproducibility of the material and of the sterilization conditions.
Digestive Surgery Department, Clinique du Hainaut, Valenciennes, France. urbain.pierre@skynet.be
Pierre
P
Urbain
D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000379:methods*; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012828:Silicones
D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D012828:Silicones; C013830:baysilon