A comparison of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in adolescents and adults.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (AGB) induces effective weight loss in adults, but its efficacy in adolescents has yet to be determined.


METHODS
Since 1996, data have been collected prospectively on all patients undergoing laparoscopic AGB procedures performed at our hospital by a single surgeon (G.F.). Patients <20 years old at surgery (adolescents) were compared with- patients >20 years old (adults) who were matched for sex and body mass index (BMI).


RESULTS
Seventeen adolescents with a median age of 17 years (range, 12-19) and a BMI of 42.2 kg/m2 (range, 30.3-70.5) were compared to 17 adults with a median age of 41 years (range, 23-70) and a BMI of 41.8 kg/m2 (range, 30.1-71.5). There were no significant differences between the adolescents and the adults in complications or weight loss. The BMI dropped to 30.1 kg/m2 (range, 22.6-39.4) in adolescents and 33.1 kg/m2 (range, 28.4-41.3) in adults at 2-month follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic AGB is as effective in adolescents as it is in adults.
Dolan
K
K
Department of Surgery, Wesley Hospital, 30 Chasely Street, Auchenflower, Queensland 4066, Australia.
Fielding
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D015391:Gastroplasty; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000601:surgery; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome