Reinstating weight loss after leakage from gastric bands: a simple pull-through technique to replace the broken band

Gastric bands are mechanical devices and are susceptible to mechanical failure. Leakage from the silicone balloon represents a permanent failure of the device that inevitably leads to further surgery. We have developed a simple solution to this problem.

We describe a straightforward, railroad technique to replace a leaking but otherwise successful gastric band. We identified patients from our prospectively collected database who had undergone this procedure to record weight change before and after band replacement, along with complications up to 2 years postoperatively.

Eight patients with complete records were identified. The mean percentage excess weight loss before band leakage was 39.7% over a mean 38 months. The mean weight regain resulting from band failure was 5.6% before band replacement. After replacement, the mean excess weight loss stands at 46.1% from time of the original gastric banding. No complications or readmissions to hospital have been recorded.

Our small series demonstrates this to be a safe technique to replace a damaged gastric band and results in continued weight loss. We therefore propose it to be the procedure of choice for this group of patients.