Related Experiment Videos
Gastric bezoars after adjustable gastric banding
Anna Veronelli1, Roberto Ranieri, Marco Laneri
1Cattedra di Medicina Interna, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Antonio Di Rudini 8, 20142 Milan, Italy. averonelli@hspsanpaolo.mi.it
Obesity Surgery
|August 21, 2004
Summary
Gastric bezoars can occur after gastric restriction surgery. Early recognition of symptoms like vomiting and fullness, followed by endoscopic removal, leads to successful outcomes without recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Bariatric Surgery
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Gastric bezoars are a potential complication following gastric restriction procedures.
- These masses can form in the proximal pouch created during surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the incidence and management of gastric bezoars after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB).
- To highlight key clinical presentations and treatment outcomes for this rare complication.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 299 patients who underwent LAGB.
- Identification of patients who developed gastric bezoars post-surgery.
- Analysis of symptomology, treatment via endoscopy, and long-term follow-up.
Main Results:
- Four out of 299 patients (1.3%) developed gastric bezoars at varying intervals post-LAGB.
- All affected patients presented with high dysphagia and vomiting.
- Endoscopic bezoar removal was successful and uneventful; no recurrences were observed during follow-up (7-75 months).
Conclusions:
- Persistent post-operative fullness and vomiting after LAGB warrant consideration for gastric bezoar.
- Dietary modifications, including thorough mastication and avoiding high-residue foods, are crucial for prevention.
- Gastric bezoars are manageable with endoscopic intervention, and recurrence can be avoided with proper patient guidance.