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Laparoscopic gastric banding
The procedure involves placement
of an adjustable band around the
upper part of the stomach to restrict the
amount of food the stomach can comfort-
ably hold. Surgeons can make the band
tighter or looser after implantation,
depending on the patient's comfort level
and weight-loss progress. It was the pro-
cedure of choice several years ago, but
has decreased in use nationally because
of unpredictable weight-loss results and inappropriate patient selec-
tion. Banding was perceived as a very safe treatment option, so sur-
geons performed the procedure on a variety of patients who did not
respond well after the band was implanted. Approximately 30% of
patients who received the band experienced some sort of mechanical
failure, and another 30% had it removed and converted to another
treatment option when they didn't experience optimal weight loss.
Gastric banding's popularity and safety profile was part of its undo-
ing as many facilities implanted the devices in patients who probably
should have received another treatment option. Another potential
issue: The band does not produce the same metabolic benefit that
other weight-loss procedures provide. For example, patients who
undergo sleeve gastrectomy experience improvements in diabetes or
hypertension, so even with below-average weight loss, they still derive
metabolic benefits from the procedure. The band, though, can still
provide excellent therapy for patients with lower BMIs who are active
and can exercise regularly. There are still many centers that perform
the procedure and have great results, because they're devoted to the
success of the therapy.
J U L Y 2 0 1 7 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 0 1
Gastric banding
