title: Perioperative comparison of the MiniMizer extra band with the other laparoscopic gastric bands.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a widely used operation for morbid obesity. The most frequent complications of this operation are band migration and pouch dilatation (slippage). The use of the newly introduced MiniMizer Extra band with a unique gastric wall fixation system and a two-degree closure may decrease the postoperative complication rate. Very early (perioperative) results are hereby reported.
  
  
  METHODS
  From February 2005 through October 2005, 50 classical bands (Obtech-Ethicon, AMI, Midband, Inamed) and 10 MiniMizer Extra bands were inserted in our department. Bands were chosen randomly. Complications in the very early postoperative period were studied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No statistically significant differences between surgery times were noted--classical bands mean 36 min (20-60), and MiniMizer Extra bands mean 34 min (25-55). No statistically different rates of perioperative complications were noted, with only 2 very minor intraoperative complications in the entire series.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The absence of problems in the perioperative period allows the use of the MiniMizer Extra band as an alternative to classical bands for short- and long-term comparison.
authors: Clinic of Gastroenterological, Oncological and General Surgery, Medical University of Lódz, 91-496 Lodz, Switezianski 21/16, Poland. ludwig@smrw.lodz.pl
authors: Tomasz
authors: T
authors: Szewczyk
authors: Bogdan
authors: B
authors: Modzelewski