title: Imaging of patients after the Lap-Band System application.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We describe the use of imaging in the management of adjustable gastric-banding patients, and describe complications of banding that are diagnosed by imaging.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a four-year period as an example of complications of this type of laparoscopic approach, we have retrospectively identified all patients with laparoscopic bands who were imaged in the radiology department at our large multispecialty hospital. Included are patients who had their bands placed by the hospital's surgeons as well as patients referred for consultation from other practices.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-two of 165 patients who had banding as their sole weight loss surgery had 23 complications diagnosed by imaging. Complications included band slip (3), device issues (4), esophageal dilation (8), esophageal dysmotility (5), symptomatic gallstones (2) and a gastroesphageal diverticulum (1). Complications were detected by fluoroscopy (17), CT (4) or ultrasound (2). 17 patients had banding as one of multiple bariatric surgeries, with 13 complications: band slip (4), port infection (1), esophageal dilation (1), esophageal dysmotility (5), anastomotic leak (1) and internal hernia (2). Complications were detected with fluoroscopy (12) and CT (1).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fluoroscopy is generally the primary imaging modality used to diagnose complications of gastric banding. Esophageal dilation and dysmotility, which appear to be long-term sequelae of banding, were the most common complications identified by imaging.
authors.affiliation: 2602 Prendergast Place, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068, USA, thomas_keane@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Keane
authors.forename: Alexander R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Margulis
authors.forename: Gregory F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Dakin
authors.forename: Alfons
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pomp
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011860:Radiography, Abdominal; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media