Band slippage--a potentially life-threatening complication after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.
BACKGROUND
Although gastric bands are safe and effective devices, severe late complications may develop in rare cases.


METHODS
3 patients were treated for complete dysphagia after slippage of gastric bands. 2 of the patients were admitted for severe dehydration, 1 of whom developed cerebral venous infarction. Ischemia of the gastric pouch occurred in 1 patient.


RESULTS
All 3 patients survived after successful medical therapy and surgical removal of the bands. Bariatric reoperations were performed in 2 patients (gastric sleeve resection, gastric bypass).


CONCLUSIONS
Complete dysphagia on the basis of band slippage represents a life-threatening acute event, which may occur even years after implantation. Patients and doctors should be informed about this long-term risk of gastric banding.
Kriwanek
Stephan
S
Surgical Department, Rudolfstiftung Hospital, Vienna, Austria. Stefan.Kriwanek@wienkav.at
Schermann
Martin
M
Ali Abdullah
Sirwan
S
Roka
Rudolf
R
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016638:Critical Illness; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome