title: Short- and long-term results of laparoscopic gastric banding for morbid obesity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Today, gastric banding has become a common bariatric procedure. Weight loss can be excellent, but is not sufficient in a significant proportion of patients. Few long-term studies have been published. We present our results after up to 9 years of follow-up.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred twenty-seven patients (1997-2004) were analyzed retrospectively after laparoscopic gastric banding (perigastric technique: n = 60; pars flaccida technique: n = 67) in terms of preoperative characteristics, weight loss, comorbidities, short- and long-term complications, and quality of life.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Median follow-up was 63 months (range 2-104). Incidence of postoperative complications were: gastric perforation in 3.1%, band erosion in 3.1%, band or port leak in 2.3%, port infection in 5.3%, port dislocation in 6.9%, and pouch dilatation in 16.9%. Total number of patients requiring reoperation was 34 (26.7%) [perigastric technique n = 23 (38.8%) versus pars flaccida technique n = 11 (16%), p = 0.039]. Mean excess body weight loss (%) was 50.6%. Most patients reported an increase in quality of life after surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gastric banding is effective for achieving weight loss and improving comorbidity in obese patients. Obviously, gastric banding can be performed more safely with the pars flaccida technique, although the complication rate remains relatively high. Nevertheless, based on adequate patient selection, gastric banding should still be considered a valuable therapeutic option in bariatric surgery.
authors: Department of Surgery I, Julius-Maximillians-University of Wuerzburg, Oberduerrbacher Strasse 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany. bueter_m@chirurgie.uni-wuerzburg.de
authors: Marco
authors: M
authors: Bueter
authors: Joern
authors: J
authors: Maroske
authors: Andreas
authors: A
authors: Thalheimer
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Gasser
authors: Theresa
authors: T
authors: Stingl
authors: Johannes
authors: J
authors: Heimbucher
authors: Detlef
authors: D
authors: Meyer
authors: Karl-Hermann
authors: KH
authors: Fuchs
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Fein
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015897:Comorbidity; D020878:Device Removal; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012086:Reoperation; D015430:Weight Gain; D015431:Weight Loss; D055815:Young Adult