Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is an option for the treatment of severe obesity. Few US studies have reported long-term outcomes. We aimed to present long-term outcomes with LAGB.

Retrospective study of patients who underwent LAGB at an academic medical center in the US from 1/2005 to 2/2012. Outcomes included weight loss, complications, re-operations, and LAGB failure.

208 patients underwent LAGB. Mean BMI was 45.4 ± 6.4 kg/m². Mean follow-up was 5.6 (0.5-10.7) years. Complete follow-up was available for 90% at one year (186/207), 80% at five years (136/171), and 71% at ten years (10/14). Percentage of excess weight loss at one, five, and ten years was 29.9, 30, and 16.9, respectively. Forty-eight patients (23.1%) required a reoperation. LAGB failure occurred in 118 (57%) and higher baseline BMI was the only independently associated factor (OR 1.1; 95%CI 1.0-1.1; p = 0.016).

LAGB was associated with poor short and long-term weight loss outcomes and a high failure rate. With the increased safety profile and greater efficacy of other surgical techniques, LAGB utilization should be discouraged.