[Gastric banding: surgical and technical aspects]

Morbid obesity (body mass index >40 kg/m(2)) is a risk factor for cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, neoplastic, and psychologic sequelae. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has been established for more than 10 years as a good, safe therapy for morbid obesity if strict operational indications are observed and there is multidisciplinary, long-term follow-up. The technical aspects of LAGB are important for its long-term success. The pars flaccida technique is standard and leads to fewer complications. The bands should be placed above the bursa omentalis. Different types of bands are available. Band fixation by suturing with nonabsorbable stitches prevents slippage. The port system also must be fixated by nonabsorbable sutures.