title: Esophageal dysmotility after laparoscopic gastric band surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The effect of the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) on the esophagus has been the subject of few studies despite recognition of its clinical importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and clinical effect of esophageal dysmotility and dilatation after LAGB.
  
  
  METHODS
  We undertook a retrospective analysis of 50 consecutive patients with no dysmotility on perioperative video contrast swallow who underwent primary LAGB operation. All patients had serial focused postoperative contrast studies for band adjustments at least 6 months post-LAGB. Clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Median follow-up time was 18 months (range 7-39 months), and the median number of contrast swallows per patient was 5. The mean excess weight loss (EWL) overall was 47 % (standard deviation (SD) 22.3). Radiological abnormalities were recorded in 17 patients (34 %, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 21-49 %), of whom 15 had radiological dysmotility and 7 had esophageal dilatation (five patients had both dysmotility and dilatation). Of these 17 patients, six (35 %) developed significant symptoms of dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or regurgitation requiring fluid removal. In comparison, 12 of 33 (36 %) patients without radiological abnormalities developed symptoms requiring fluid removal (p = 1.00). Patients with radiological abnormalities were significantly older than those without these abnormalities. Symptoms were alleviated by removing fluid in most patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The LAGB operation results in the development of radiological esophageal dysmotility in a significant proportion of patients. It is not clear if these changes are associated with an increased risk of significant symptoms. Fluid removal can reverse these abnormalities and their associated symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, Victoria St, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia, phillepage@yahoo.com.au.
authors.forename: Philip A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Le Page
authors.forename: Sebastianus
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.forename: Sarah J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Lord
authors.forename: Reginald V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Lord
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003287:Contrast Media; D004108:Dilatation, Pathologic; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D015154:Esophageal Motility Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015391:Gastroplasty; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media