Adjustable gastric banding in a multicenter study in Turkey.
BACKGROUND
Adjustable gastric banding (AGB) is a minimally-invasive approach which allows adjustment of gastric restriction.


METHODS
The AGB was evaluated retrospectively in a consecutive series at 3 centers. From October 1998 to October 2001, 70 patients (49 women), mean age 34.3 years (18-59) with morbid obesity (preoperative mean BMI 45.2 kg/m(2)) underwent AGB The open approach was employed in the first 35 patients. Laparoscopic placement was used in the second 35 patients. Complete follow-up has been obtained in all patients.


RESULTS
Mean postoperative follow-up has been 18 months (12-39). Mean operative time was 120 minutes in the open approach and 150 minutes in the laparoscopic AGB. Mean hospital stay was 5 days after the open approach and 1.7 days after the laparoscopic surgery. The excess weight loss after 18 months was 59%. Incidence of early postoperative complications was 27.1%, including nausea and vomiting in 8 patients (5 in open approach, 3 in laparoscopic placement), wound infection in 10 patients (all 10 in open approach), and Wernicke's encephalopathy in 1 patient (open approach). Incidence of late complications was 28.5%, and included band migration in 2 patients (both by laparoscopic placement), pouch dilatation in 10 patients (6 in open approach, 4 in laparoscopic placement), incisional hernias in 4 patients (all by open approach), and port infections in 4 patients (all 4 in open approach).


CONCLUSIONS
AGB has been effective in achieving good weight loss to 3 years follow-up. The ability to adjust the degree of gastric restriction has enabled progressive weight loss.
Department of General Surgery, American Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. hcoskun@turk.net
Halil
H
Coskun
Alp
A
Bozbora
Guner
G
Ogunc
Yasin
Y
Peker
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period