Adjustable Laparoscopic Gastric Banding in Patients with Morbid Obesity: Radiographic Management, Results, and Postoperative Complications

PURPOSE: To determine the role of radiographic assessment in patients who underwent an adjustable laparoscopic gastric banding (ALGB) for the treatment of morbid obesity, and to evaluate the frequency and type of postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 1995 to March 1998, 98 consecutive patients (18 men, 80 women; mean age, 39 years; age range, 22–62 years) with morbid obesity (mean body weight, 132 kg; mean body mass index, 47.1 kg/m2) underwent ALGB. In all patients, fluoroscopy was performed postoperatively to confirm band position and to exclude perforation and at 6–8 weeks later to measure and adjust the stoma between the pouch and stomach for optimal weight loss. All patients underwent another examination 12 months postoperatively, whereas patients with unsatisfactory weight loss or patients suspected of having complications were examined earlier and on several occasions. RESULTS: Port puncture was feasible in all cases, and stomal adjustments could easily be repeated. Abs...