Complications after the operation of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in treatment of patients with obesity

Operations of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) have been fulfilled on 2958 patients for treatment of different forms of obesity. The age of the patients was 38 +/- 7.5 years (from 16 to 60 years). There were 80% of women (2366) and 20% of men (592). Mean preoperative body mass index was from 35 to 54 kg/m2, i.e 43 +/- 3.8 kg/m2, fluctuating from 35 kg/m2 to 54 kg/m2. Bands of the following firms were used: Lap Band, Inamed, (USA), AMI Soft Band, Austria, Swedish Band J & J, USA. A description of complications in the early and late postoperative periods are given, associated with the dilatation of the formed "miniature ventricles, occlusion of intercommunication between the miniature ventricle and large ventricle with disturbed evacuation of the content, erosion of the gastric mucosa in the area of the band without its penetration, slippage of the band, complications associated with the regulation system etc. Recommendations were worked out for decreasing the number of complications. The data obtained suggest that LAGB is a highly effective method giving good results of treatment of patients with obesity and coexisting diseases. Most of the appearing complications can be eliminated laparoscopically.