[Laparoscopic gastric banding]

The introduction of laparoscopic gastric banding appears to have revolutionized bariatric surgery. This review presents this new method in terms of indications, operative technique and preliminary results according to our own experience as well as reports in the literature. It seems that a long-term weight reduction of more than 50% excess weight can be achieved with a low morbidity rate. In the near future laparoscopic gastric banding can possibly become the procedure of choice for the treatment of morbid obesity.