Endoscopic Gastric Band Removal.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Bariatric Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) procedures have decreased globally.
• Intraluminal erosion of the gastric band is a known complication.
• Endoscopic management is the preferred approach to avoid further gastric trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of endoscopic management for intraluminal gastric band erosion after LAGB.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 29 patients who underwent endoscopic gastric band removal from January 2009 to December 2020.
• Data collected included demographics, case history, operative details, and complications.
• All consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic removal were included.

Main Results:

• Twenty-seven of 29 patients (93%) were successfully treated with endoscopic removal.
• Mean age was 45 years, mean BMI was 31 kg/m².
• Erosion was identified an average of 42 months post-LAGB; 2 cases required subsequent laparoscopy.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic management of intraluminal gastric band erosion is safe and effective.
• It should be considered the primary treatment for this complication.
• The extent of band migration influences the timing of endoscopic removal.