Complications after laparoscopic gastric banding in own material

Feasibility and Short-Term Outcomes of One-Step and Two-Step Sleeve Gastrectomy as Revision Procedures for Failed Adjustable Gastric Banding Compared With Those After Primary Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background: The practice of bariatric surgery was studied using the German Bariatric Surgery Registry (GBSR). The focus of the study was to evaluate whether revision surgery One-Step (OS) or Two-Step (TS) sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has a large benefit in terms of perioperative risk in patients after failed Adjustable Gastric Banding (AGB). Methods: The data collection includes patients who underwent One-Step SG (OS-SG) or Two-Step SG (TS-SG) as revision surgery after AGB and primary SG (P-SG) between 2005 and 2019. Outcome criteria were perioperative complications, comorbidities, 30-day mortality, and operating time. Results: The study analyzed data from 27,346 patients after P-SG, 320 after OS-SG, and 168 after TS-SG. Regarding the intraoperative complication, there was a significant difference in favor of P-SG and TS-SG compared to OS-SG (p < 0.001). The incidence of pulmonary complications was significantly higher in the OS-SG (p < 0.001). There was also a significant difference in occurrence of staple line stenosis in favor of TS-SG (p = 0.005) and the occurrence of sepsis (p = 0.008). The mean operating time was statistically longer in the TS-SG group than in the OS-SG group (p < 0.001). The 30-day mortality was not significantly different between the three groups (p = 0.727). Conclusion: In general, our study shows that converting a gastric band to a SG is safe and feasible. However, lower complications were obtained with TS-SG compared to OS-SG. Despite acceptable complication and mortality rates of both procedures, we cannot recommend any surgical method as a standard procedure. Proper patient selection is crucial to avoid possible adverse effects.

Unexpected Gastrointestinal Tract injury years following Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

•

Although most complications following LAGB are confined to the stomach and port site, some may envolve the entire bowel causing extensive damage.

•

One must be wary of the presentation of long term complications, as it may initially present as an unrelated pathology, such as acute pancreatitis.

•

Long term complications may be asymptomatic for years despite extensice damage, including multiple contained perforations.

•

The surgical procedure performed to treat long term complications should be planned and performed by physicians experienced in foregut surgery.

Introduction

Band migration is a late complication of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding insertion, although rare it could be life threatening presenting as peritonitis secondary to gastro-intestinal tract injuries. A case of an unexpected extension of severe gastro-intestinal tract injuries secondary to intra-gastric migration and distal band dislocation is reported.

Presentation of case

A 53 years old male, with a history of laparoscopic gastric banding 15 years before and known erosion of the band into the gastric lumen was admitted for abdominal pain and raised serum amylase. Imaging revealed dislocation of the band down to the jejunum.

Endoscopy and exploratory surgery showed severe decubitus pressure on the gastric antrum up to the duodenum as well as on the pancreas due to rod-like effect of the gastric band catheter and multiple sites of perforation on distal duodenum and small bowel proximal to the band, which migrated within the lumen until 90 cm distal to the Treitz ligament. Extended distal gastrectomy and resection of distal duodenum and small bowel extended to the proximal affected small bowel were necessary. Digestive tract was restored by a gastro-jejunostomy and duodeno-jejunostomy in a Roux-En-Y configuration with duodenal stump closure on tube duodenostomy. A post-operative leakage from the duodenal stump was treated conservatively and the patient was discharged on post-operative day 21.

Discussion

Erosion and migration of the band within the digestive lumen is one of the less frequent late complications occurring after LAGB, furthermore, the amount of extensive damage reported in this case presentation has yet to be reported in literature.

Conclusion

Migration of the band should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal complain in patients with adjustable gastric banding. Such a complication could be severe, and lesions may have unexpected extension requiring complex surgical approach.

Abdominal tuberculosis after removal of an adjustable gastric band - report of an unusual case

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is the third most popular bariatric procedure. Despite its reversibility and minimal invasiveness, band infection affects 1.2% of patients. We present a case of a 25-year-old, obese woman who was experiencing malaise and feverishness 3 years after gastric band placement. Due to port site infection the port was removed, which did not improve the patient’s condition. After 2 years the band was removed via laparotomy with a minor surgical site infection reported. The patient returned 2 weeks after discharge with signs of sepsis. After ruling out pulmonary causes, an exploratory laparotomy was performed, revealing granulomatous peritonitis. Standard histopathological examinations, broncho-alveolar lavage culture and DNA tests along with microbiological cultures were inconclusive. Broad-spectrum antibiotics and antifungal and antiparasitic agents did not improve the patient’s condition. Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA was discovered in a greater omentum specimen. The patient was treated with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and streptomycin for four months.

Revisional bariatric surgery after failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding - a single-center, long-term retrospective study

Introduction

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) used to be one of the most popular bariatric procedures.

Aim

To present our institution’s experience with LAGB, its complications, causes of failure and revisional bariatric procedures, in a long-term follow-up.

Material and methods

Records of patients who underwent pars flaccida LAGB from 2003 to 2006 were gathered. We selected data on patients with a history of additional bariatric procedures. Their initial demographic data, body mass index and causes of revision were gathered. We analyzed length of stay and early perioperative complications.

Results

60% of patients (n = 57) who underwent LAGB in our institution between 2003 and 2006 had their band removed (out of 107, 11% lost to follow-up). Median time to revisional surgery was 50 months. The main reasons for removal were: weight regain (n = 23; 40%), band slippage (n = 14; 25%), and pouch dilatation (n = 9; 16%). Thirty (53%) patients required additional bariatric surgery, 10 (33%) of which were simultaneous with band removal. The most popular procedures were: laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) (n = 15; 50%), open gastric bypass (n = 8; 27%), and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) – (n = 3; 10%). Mean length of stay (LOS) was 5.4 ±2.0. One (3%) perioperative complication was reported.

Conclusions

The results show that LAGB is not an effective bariatric procedure in long-term follow-up due to the high rate of complications causing band removal and the high rate of obesity recurrence. Revisional bariatric surgery after failed LAGB may be performed in a one-stage approach with band removal.

Diagnosis and management of early gastric band slip after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) used to be a very popular bariatric procedure at a certain time for the treatment of obesity as it has many advantages and is associated with low morbidity and mortality rates. Complications are often late and are rarely seen by general surgeons due to the limited number of patients, and physicians should be aware of the symptoms. We present a case of a 40-year-old female patient who underwent LAGB and was admitted for a huge gastric pouch dilatation on postoperative day 5. She had a history of food consumption on the fourth day after surgery. She was diagnosed with early gastric band slippage (EGBS). The band was repositioned and gastrogastric sutures were placed to prevent reprolapse of the band. The EGBS is an immediate postoperative complication. Diagnosis of EGBS can be made with oral contrast X-ray studies, and surgical intervention is necessary.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a single center experience with 2 years follow-up

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is a relatively new procedure that is gaining wide acceptance. However, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) remains one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures with the best long-term results. There are few studies comparing LSG with LRYGB. The aim of this study is to compare the safety and outcome of LSG to LRYG in a single accredited center.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively on patients undergoing either LSG or LRYGB between January 2009 and December 2012 was performed. LSG was performed using 36Fr bougie, while LRYGB was perfromed with a 25-mm circular stapler. The primary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), 30-day complication and readmission rates, and excess weight loss (%EWL) at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. LSG patients were also divided into different categories based on BMI and their %EWL compared to LRYGB.

RESULTS

A total of 885 patients were included in our analysis. 547 patients underwent LRYGB (61.8 %) and 338 underwent LSG (38.2 %). Thirty-day complication and readmission rates for LRYGB and LSG were (1.5 and 5.1 % vs 0.6 and 0.3 %, respetively, p > 0.05). %EWL for LRYGB was significantly higher than LSG at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. LSG with a BMI <40 achieved a similar %EWL to LRYGB in the first 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

LSG seems to have a better safety profile in the short-term compared to LRYGB. However, at 2 years, LRYGB patients achieved a significantly higher EWL compared to LSG patients. Randomized clinical trials are needed to better elucidate our findings.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a single center experience with 2 years follow-up

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is a relatively new procedure that is gaining wide acceptance. However, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) remains one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures with the best long-term results. There are few studies comparing LSG with LRYGB. The aim of this study is to compare the safety and outcome of LSG to LRYG in a single accredited center.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively on patients undergoing either LSG or LRYGB between January 2009 and December 2012 was performed. LSG was performed using 36Fr bougie, while LRYGB was perfromed with a 25-mm circular stapler. The primary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), 30-day complication and readmission rates, and excess weight loss (%EWL) at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. LSG patients were also divided into different categories based on BMI and their %EWL compared to LRYGB.

RESULTS

A total of 885 patients were included in our analysis. 547 patients underwent LRYGB (61.8 %) and 338 underwent LSG (38.2 %). Thirty-day complication and readmission rates for LRYGB and LSG were (1.5 and 5.1 % vs 0.6 and 0.3 %, respetively, p > 0.05). %EWL for LRYGB was significantly higher than LSG at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. LSG with a BMI <40 achieved a similar %EWL to LRYGB in the first 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

LSG seems to have a better safety profile in the short-term compared to LRYGB. However, at 2 years, LRYGB patients achieved a significantly higher EWL compared to LSG patients. Randomized clinical trials are needed to better elucidate our findings.

Use of bedside ultrasound to diagnose dislodged gastric band

Introduction: Obesity levels mean an increased presentation of patients with Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB).

Method: Literature search revealed a paucity of information on ultrasonography to diagnose a slipped LAGB.

Conclusion: 2D Ultrasonography with a standard low frequency curvilinear probe proved to be a simple, effective method of diagnosing slipped Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). We suggest the inclusion of routine abdominal ultrasound (after drinking water to improve sensitivity of the test) as part of the routine workup of suspected LAGB slippage.

Nutritional optic neuropathy following bariatric surgery

Bariatric procedures, associated with gastrointestinal malabsorption of vitamins and microelements, may constitute a risk factor for nutritional optic neuropathy (NON). We present a case of a 34-year-old female patient who developed bilateral NON after sleeve gastrectomy. Despite postoperative ophthalmological supervision, 10 months after the procedure the woman presented with a bilateral decrease in visual acuity down to 0.8, bilateral visual field loss and abnormal visual evoked potential recordings. Laboratory abnormalities included decreased serum concentration of vitamin B₁₂ (161 pg/ml). Treatment was based on intramuscular injections of vitamin B₁₂ (1000 units per day). After 1 week of the treatment, we observed more than a three-fold increase in the serum concentration of vitamin B₁₂ and resolution of the bilateral symptoms of NON. The incidence of NON is likely to increase due to the growing number of these bariatric procedures performed worldwide. Therefore, all persons subjected to such surgery should receive long-term ophthalmological follow-up and supplementation with vitamins and microelements.

Small bowel necrosis as a consequence of spontaneous deflation and migration of an air-filled intragastric balloon - a potentially life-threatening complication

Intragastric balloon placement is a common method of treatment of obesity and is often used by non-surgical teams in endoscopy departments. The likelihood of spontaneous intragastric balloon damage is a well-known phenomenon. We describe a patient who was disqualified from surgical obesity treatment and in whom intragastric fluid-filled balloons had already been inserted twice and removed due to their intolerance. Therefore we qualified this patient for placement of the air-filled balloon Heliosphere BAG. Two months after the planned check-up, he arrived at the surgery department complaining of nausea and vomiting and due to symptoms of ileus diagnosed with an X-ray and ultrasound examination we qualified him for emergency surgery. We would like to emphasise the following issues: the necessity of air-filled balloon removal according to the producer's instructions and multidisciplinary specialist team care along with appropriate diagnostic tools in every case of intragastric balloon insertion.