Band erosion: laparoscopic removal of lap-band

Laparoscopic gastric banding is in the category of purely restrictive gastric procedures. It offers the advantage of being minimally invasive, adjustable, and reversible. The incidence of band erosion with penetration into stomach is well documented in literature. We present a case of band erosion and simultaneous laparoscopic removal of lap-band through the same incisions used for its placement. The stomach was repaired with laparoscopic suture placement and an omental patch was placed on top of the repair along with fibrin glue and a JP drain. An upper gastrointestinal study demonstrated no extravasation of contrast and the patient was discharged postoperative day 1.