[Complications after adjustable gastric banding. Results of an inquiry in Germany].
BACKGROUND
Adjustable gastric banding is a popular bariatric operation in Europe. About 1500 patients per year undergo a such procedures in Germany. Clinical data on the rate of long-term complications such as pouch dilatation, slippage, and band migration are available in only a few long-term studies with small numbers of patients. Meta-analyses report on comordities and reduction in weight. The rate and management of long-term complications were examined at this inquiry.


METHODS
Ninety hospitals were asked about rates of band implantation, follow-up, and complications. Thirty-eight hospitals (42.2%) participated in the study. The management of complications including slippage, pouch dilatation, and band migration was analyzed.


RESULTS
At 35 hospitals, 4138 patients underwent gastric banding procedures in 25 hospitals over more than 5 years. The mean follow-up rate is presently 85.3%. Long-term complications were described in 8.6% of the patients. Pouch dilatation occurred in 5.0%, slippage in 2.6%, and band migration in 1.0%.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding can effectively achieve weight loss. However, band-related and functional complications influence late outcome. The rate of long-term complications was equivalent to that already in the literature.
Stroh
C
C
Departement für Allgemein- und Visceralchirurgie SRH Wald-Klinikum Gera gGmbH, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena.
Manger
T
T
D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D020878:Device Removal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004868:Equipment Failure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005858:Germany; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data