[Band migration. A late complication of gastric banding].
BACKGROUND
Adjustable silicone gastric banding is an effective and safe treatment for morbid obesity. Migration of the band through the stomach wall is a long-term complication. The causes, clinical symptoms, timing, and incidence of band migration have not yet been investigated.


METHODS
We report our experience over 9 years. Between February 1995 and February 2004, we performed adjustable silicone gastric banding in 161 patients, with follow-up of about 90.5% of cases. Mean follow-up time was 60.4 months. Cases of erosion were studied retrospectively.


RESULTS
Eight patients (4.9%) developed band migration. In seven, the migration occurred between 30 and 86 months after band implantation. In one case, the migration occurred 10 months after laparoscopic repositioning of the band to avoid pouch dilatation. In all cases, the bands were removed.


CONCLUSIONS
Band migration is a late complication after gastric banding that requires band removal. Various symptoms and complications of band migration influence the kind of band removal. The causes of band migration and its treatment are discussed.
Stroh
C
C
Departement für Allgemein-, Visceral- und Kinderchirurgie, Chirurgisches Zentrum am SRH Wald-Klinikum Gera GmbH, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena. Christine.Stroh@wkg.srh.de
Hohmann
U
U
Arnold
F
F
Manger
T
T
D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005773:Gastroscopy; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012828:Silicones; D013997:Time Factors
D012828:Silicones