Long term efficacy of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding--retrospective analysis

Laparoscopic procedures have emerged over the past decade for treatment of obesity. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is the easiest surgical technique for morbid obesity.

The authors analyzed the long term results of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in their center.

A total of 172 consecutive patients who had undergone laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding between May 2005 and February 2011 in authors clinic were contacted for evaluation. The main outcome measures were complications, secondary operations, percent excess weight loss, mortality, patient satisfaction and band removal rate.

The follow-up rate was 62.2%. Mean age of patients was 30.6 years. Mean body mass index of patients was 48.47 +/- 7.8 kg/m2. Median follow-up interval was 36 months (min 8, max 81) and band removal rate was 19.1%. There was one mortality. Of all patients, 33 had band removal. The band was removed laparoscopically in 21 patients. The main reason for band removal was slippage followed by band erosion. After band removal, 4 patients had re-banding, 5 had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Overall, the mean percent excess weight loss was 50.6 +/- 7.8% (range, 5-100%). Mean percent excess weight loss for those who had band removal was 27.8 +/- 5.78% (range 12.5-34.1%). Overall satisfaction index was rated as "good" for 42% of patients.

Despite a low satisfaction index, considerable mean percent excess weight loss and vast improvement in co-morbidities is achieved after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. The authors conclude that laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding can be utilized as the initial surgical procedure in morbid obesity.