[Respiratory complications of gastroplasty by an adjustable band]

Laparoscopic gastroplasty with an adjustable band is an efficient treatment of morbid obesity. Pulmonary complications have been rarely reported. We differentiate early pulmonary complications (arising before the 30th postoperative day) and long-term pulmonary complications. These latter are often not recognised as linked to the gastroplasty due to inadequate follow-up, loss of contact and underestimation of the symptoms by patients. Long-term pulmonary complications occur in the context of oesophageal dilatation and develop, on average, 2 years after the procedure. The pulmonary complications are: chronic cough, pneumonia, lung abscess, interstitial pneumonia secondary to recurrent aspiration and bronchial aspiration during induction of anaesthesia. Deflation of the band may be necessary to relieve the symptoms, but sometimes at the price of a subsequent increase in weight.