Iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia after laparoscopic gastric band removal: a rare case report

Iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia is a rare complication of esophageal and upper abdominal surgery. The use of the gastric band has been an established and popular surgical treatment for morbid obesity. We describe a rare case of a patient who had undergone laparoscopic surgery to remove an adjustable gastric band, who presented 5 months later with an acute intense thoracic pain. The computed tomography scan revealed a diaphragmatic hernia containing the stomach. The patient required emergent laparoscopic surgery to reduce the hernia, repair the defect and resection of the ischemic stomach. In this case report, we discuss the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of this very rare complication of laparoscopic gastric banding removal.

Case Report: Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome following Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Bariatric surgery is the most effective and durable treatment for morbidly obese patients. However, there are remained unsolved problems with various types of complications. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is a rarely known condition occurred following bariatric surgery. We experienced 54-year-old female patient diagnosed with superior mesenteric artery syndrome 5 year later after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Because symptoms have not improved with conservative care, laparoscopic duodenojejunal bypass was successfully performed for this patient.

Explantation of Adjustable Gastric Bands: An Observation Study of 10 Years of Experience at a Tertiary Center

PURPOSE: Although laparoscopic adjustable gastric bands are considered a standard treatment for severe obesity, their use remains controversial. We evaluated rates of band explantation and the incidences of complications leading to and following band explantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective review was performed on patients that underwent adjustable gastric band explantation. For each of the three groups of patients that underwent explantation, we compared demographic and anthropometric data, band duration in situ, operative approach, and morbidities. RESULTS: Between January 2009 and October 2018, a total of 267 patients underwent primary laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery. Of these 267 patients, 99 (37.1%) underwent band explantation. Numbers (%) of patients in the slippage (SL), band erosion (BE), and intolerance (IT) groups were 13 (13.1%), 39 (39.4), and 47 (47.5%), respectively. Mean %EBMIL values at explantation in these groups were 74.6±45.5, 79.7±40.3, and 36.1±46.0, respectively (p<0.001), and mean times for maintaining bands in situ were 45.1±28.0, 39.4±24.3, and 51.2±22.7 months, respectively. Isolated band removal was performed for slippage (SLi, n=12), band erosion (BEi, n=39), and intolerance (ITi, n=31). The numbers (%) of patients in the SLi, BEi, and ITi groups that experienced a surgical complication (Clavien-Dindo class ≥1) were 0 (0.0%), 24 (61.5%), and 3 (9.7%), respectively (p<0.001). In the BEi group, four patients (4/39, 10.3%) underwent reoperation after AGB removal. CONCLUSION: During our 10 years of experience, 37.1% of adjustable gastric band had to be removed. Intra-abdominal abscess and intragastric bleeding were rare but serious complications after explantation. Potential candidates for adjustable gastric band should be informed of the high long-term risk of band explantation and its associated morbidities.

Three-Year Experience of Pouch Dilatation and Slippage Management after Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

PURPOSE: Pouch dilatation and band slippage are the most common long-term complications after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). The aim of the study is to present our experience of diagnosis and management of these complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pars flaccida technique with anterior fixation of the fundus was routinely used. All band adjustments were performed under fluoroscopy. We analyzed the incidence, clinico-radiologic features, management, and revisional surgeries for treatment of these complications. We further presented the outcome of gastric plication techniques as a measure for prevention of these complications. RESULTS: From March 2009 to March 2012, we performed LAGB on 126 morbidly obese patients. Among them, 14 patients (11.1%) were diagnosed as having these complications. Four patients (3.2%) had concentric pouch dilatations, which were corrected by band adjustment. Ten (7.9%) had eccentric pouch with band slippage. Among the ten patients, there were three cases of posterior slippage, which were corrected by reoperation, and seven cases of eccentric pouch dilatation with anterior slippage. Three were early anterior slippage, which was managed conservatively. Two were acute anterior slippage, one of whom underwent a revision. There were two cases of chronic anterior slippage, one of whom underwent a revision. The 27 patients who underwent gastric plication did not present with eccentric pouch with band slippage during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The incidence of pouch dilatation with/without band slippage was 11.1%. Management should be individualized according to clinico-radiologic patterns. Gastric plication below the band might prevent these complications.