Migration of adjustable gastric banding from a cohort study of 4236 patients.

BACKGROUND: Experience was gained management of intra-gastric migration of adjustable gastric banding. METHODS: From July 1996 to January 2003, 4236 patients who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding were proposed for routine follow-up. Gastrograms were performed in case of band adjustment. Radiological controls and endoscopy were performed according to symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 45 cases of band migration (1.6%) were diagnosed during follow-up. All but one of the migrated bands were removed laparoscopically either by a dissection outside the stomach or through a short gastrotomy. Mortality was 0% and morbidity 8% (n = 4). CONCLUSION: The risk of an intragastric band migration remains low in the literature but could grow on account of the longer follow-up of patients. The retrieval of the band is the gold standard and must be planned promptly or delayed according to symptoms.

Evaluation of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy on patients with simple and complicated cholecystolithiasis.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now a well described method for the treatment of cholelithiasis. The purpose of this paper is to define its implementation, limits, risks and indications. Following a prospective method, the results of this treatment were compared in 187 patients with simple cholelithiasis and 75 patients with complicated cholelithiasis. Cholecystectomy was performed with a straight optic introduced through the paraumbilical region, and coupled with video camera. Two, 3, or 4 other trocars were inserted and placed as required by anatomic conditions. In the group with simple cholelithiasis, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 99% of the patients while in the group with complicated cholelithiasis the procedure was achieved in 75% of the patients. Immediate laparotomy was done in 1% and 25% of cases respectively in both groups. No interventional mortality occurred. Postoperative complications have been acceptable (1.6% and 2.7%), with no late complications reported. Our study shows that laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible in the majority of cases of complicated cholelithiasis and that the main advantages of this method were retained.