Fixation of the access-port is not required in gastric banding

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is increasingly performed in patients with morbid obesity. Suturing of the access-port in LAGB can be difficult and time consuming but is felt necessary by many surgeons to prevent migration and facilitate band adjustments.

Between 2003 and 2006, 226 patients underwent LAGB with the MIDband. All surgery was performed by the pars flaccida approach. The access-port was positioned in a subcutaneous pouch adjacent to the left hypochondrial port site and was not secured. Regular follow-up and band fills were offered. All band or port-related complications were duly recorded. A patient satisfaction survey was also conducted among 50 randomly selected post-banding patients.

Mean age was 41.65 years (range 18-73 years) and mean BMI was 45.85 kg/m2 (range 34.0-74.93 kg/m2). The access-port was inaccessible at first attempt in 5 (2%) patients. 4 of these required radiological imaging to identify the port orientation and 1 required multiple attempts at port puncture with subsequent re-operation due to tube puncture. 91% of patients reported no significant trouble other than mild discomfort and prominence of the port.

This study shows non-fixation of the access-port to be safe and effective with good patient acceptability. In addition, it avoids the need for regular X-ray localization of the port.