Late gastric pouch necrosis after Lap-Band, treated by an individualized conservative approach

Obes Surg. 2005 Nov-Dec;15(10):1487-90. doi: 10.1381/096089205774859272.

Abstract

Late band slippage has occurred in nearly 3-10% of patients after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) with an average delay of 13 months. Band slippage can rarely lead to necrosis of the enlarged pouch, a potentially life-threatening condition. We report a female (BMI 39.92 with co-morbidities) who developed acute outlet obstruction 2 years after LAGB placement. After prompt band deflation, an urgent Gastrografin swallow showed stomach slippage without emptying. At re-operation pouch strangulation was discovered. The pouch appeared to be ill-fated, but as no tear was evident on intra-operative assessment, we decided to simply remove the band and drain. The patient was successfully discharged after 8 days, and the last upper endoscopy showed only a large ulcer in the fundus that was healing. Proper and prompt management of symptomatic patients with stomach slippage, with early operation when acute obstruction is evident, can enable a successful stomach-sparing approach.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Device Removal*
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Gastroplasty / adverse effects*
  • Gastroplasty / instrumentation*
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Necrosis / etiology
  • Necrosis / surgery
  • Stomach / pathology*
  • Stomach / surgery*