Cardiac arrhythmias after laparoscopic banding.
Morbid obesity is associated with various disorders and may effectively be treated by restrictive surgery, such as laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). We observed a patient suffering from cardiac arrhythmias following LAGB. These cardiac events were likely evoked by hypokalemia due to persistent vomiting after placement of the band. We describe a case of continuing vomiting following a gastric banding procedure. Causes may include both mechanical, i.e. gastric prolapse, and psychological factors. The present case stresses the need for frequent follow-up for patients after a gastric restrictive operation.
Department of Surgery, Hospital Rijnstate, Arnhem, The Netherlands. mmpj.reijnen@worldonline.nl
Michel M P J
MM
Reijnen
Ignace M C
IM
Janssen
D000328:Adult; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D020878:Device Removal; D005260:Female; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011188:Potassium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D014839:Vomiting / Q000209:etiology*
D011188:Potassium