Retrieval of Gastric Band Eroding Into the Stomach: A Gastrointestinal Fistula Case Managed Through a Combined Laparoscopic and Colonoscopic Approach.

Obesity is an important public health concern worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, the overall prevalence of obesity has increased in both men and women in recent decades. The laparoscopic approach to bariatric surgery was first reported in the 1990s, with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) developed soon after. The performance of bariatric procedures has increased rapidly in recent years, with safety and efficacy data available for the surgical treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Herein, we report a challenging condition of a female patient who underwent LAGB insertion in 2013. The patient presented with a complaint of a foreign body passing through her rectum during defecation that was manually pushed back by the patient. Radiological imaging and upper/lower endoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of complete gastric band erosion into the stomach, and the reservoir with the remaining tube was observed inside the colon near the splenic flexure. This case was complicated by complete band erosion and gastrointestinal (GI) fistula formation following the delivery of her second child in January 2022. Colonic band erosion is a rare complication of LAGB. Most patients with gastric band erosion are asymptomatic or exhibit nonspecific symptoms. The definitive management of gastric band erosion involves band removal. Several approaches are commonly used in clinical practice. In our case, the band was removed using a combined laparoscopic and endoscopic retrieval approach, which is the first such report in the literature.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among clinical laboratory workers.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among clinical laboratory workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study included the clinical laboratory departments of six governmental tertiary and secondary hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The selected instrument was a self-administered adapted standardized questionnaire. The sample comprised 306 laboratory workers, and the selected sampling technique was a non-random convenient method. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of WMSDs in any body region was 82% in the last 12 months; it was mainly linked to lower back pain (61%). In the logistic regression, age <30 years, working in specific laboratories and working in hematology/flow-cytometry laboratory divisions were all found to be significant risk factors (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Clinical laboratory workers are at a high risk for WMSDs; it is essential that we take preventative action to address this.