Obesity Surgery Complications

Gastric Bypass :: Gastric Banding

Complications of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

In general laparoscopic adjustable banding is a relatively safe surgical procedure. You do need to be aware that there are some risks however.

Peri-operative Complications

Mortality

There is an operative mortality risk of 0.05%. This is generally due to pulmonary embolus (clot on the lung). This risk is minimised by using support stockings together with SCD (sequential calf compression) as well as early mobilisation post operatively.

Most other post operative complications are minor and include difficulty swallowing which is generally transient, minor wound infection or bruising.

Longer Term Complications

These are the main complications below. They generally result in the band needing to be removed. Reoperation rates vary between 5 and 20% for this procedure. We are still unaware of the long term results of the adjustable band (ie 10,20 years followup)

Band Slippage

The band slips down the stomach. Patients may experience acute pain and vomiting. The band needs to be immediately deflated and readjusted or removed in theatre.

Band Erosion

The band erodes through the wall of the stomach. This sometimes happens when the band has been tightened too much and the wall of the stomach underneath the band dies. The band needs to be removed and the hole in the stomach closed.

Band/Port Infection

Sometimes this may settle down with antibiotics. On occasion the port and band may need to be removed as well.

Band Leakage

If the leakage is from the tubing near the port or the port is leaking then these can be repaired or replaced. If the band itself is leaking then the band will need to be replaced.

Inadequate Weight Loss

Some patients will not get the weight loss they have hoped for, or to achieve this the band has to be tightened to the extent that the range and quality of food ingested is poor. Sometimes there is no obvious reason for this even when the band appears to be functioning well.

It is important to remember that the band is only an adjunct to weight loss and that attention to exercise and calorie intake is important