Novel bariatric technology: laparoscopic adjustable gastric banded plication: technique and preliminary results

The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band has been widely accepted as 1 of the safest bariatric procedures to treat morbid obesity. However, because of variations in the results and the complications that tend to arise from port adjustment, alternative procedures are needed. We have demonstrated, in a university hospital setting, the safety and feasibility of a novel technique, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banded plication, designed to improve the weight loss effect and decrease gastric band adjustment frequency.

We enrolled 26 patients from May 2009 to August 2010. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banded plication was performed using 5-port surgery. We placed Swedish bands using the pars flaccida method, divided the greater omentum, and performed gastric plication below the band to 3 cm from the pylorus using a single-row continuous suture. The data were collected and analyzed pre- and postoperatively.

The mean operative time was 87.3 minutes without any intraoperative complications. The average postoperative hospitalization was 1.33 days. The mean excess weight loss at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery was 21.9%, 31.9%, 41.3%, 55.2%, and 59.5%, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 8.1 months (range 2-15), and the gastric band adjustment rate was 1.1 times per patient during this period. Two complications developed: gastrogastric intussusception and tube kinking at the subcutaneous layer. Both cases were corrected by reoperation. No mortality was observed.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banded plication provides both restrictive and reductive effects and is reversible. The technique is safe, feasible, and reproducible and can be used as an alternative bariatric procedure. Comparative studies and long-term follow-up are necessary to confirm our findings.