Case on Problems with Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band: Erosion and Migration

Abstract

Two patients are here presented with complications after laparoscopic adjustable gastric band.Three weeks after receiving a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band, a 42-year-old woman returned to the hospital with an infection of the wound where the port connected to the band’s tubing was placed. The patient was initially treated with antibiotics; however, after a few days the wound spontaneously opened and a collection of pus leaked out. At the bottom of the wound the port and tubing were visible. The patient was reoperated and the port was removed. The tubing was cut, filled with antibiotics, and pushed back into the abdominal cavity. Three months later the patient had not lost any weight. She could eat normally, but complained of abdominal discomfort. Blood examination demonstrated elevated CRP and leukocytosis. Gastroscopy revealed a band that had eroded into the stomach and was visible for one-third of the circumference. The second patient presented with vomiting and migration of the band.