327. INCIDENCE OF GASTRIC BAND REMOVAL: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract

Abstract Purpose In the wake of the global obesity epidemic, bariatric surgery has become critical to prevent the complications of obesity and reduce the impact across health care systems. Laparoscopic Gastric Band insertion was at one point the most performed bariatric operation for obesity. In Australia, due to the limited publicly funded bariatric units, LAGB insertion is often performed in the private health sector. However, the post operative course for many of these patients who underwent LAGB has been fraught with complications often resulting in presentation to emergency, explantation of the LAGB and further surgical intervention. and is considered unfavourable in management of obesity. Methodology We performed a search of medical subject headings within PubMed, Medline and Embase for the terms ‘Gastric Band*’, ‘remov*’, ‘explant*. Following removal of duplicates, a total of 46 articles detailing the incidence of gastric band removals. Studies were included if they included discrete cohorts of patients who have undergone LAGB insertion, reported data on incidence of removal and median follow up >3 years. Results Results of the literature review will be discussed. Conclusion While it is considered unfavourable as a surgical option for management of obesity, public hospitals continue to absorb many patients who have undergone this procedure placing stress on an already stretched system. The incidence of LAGB varies in the literature. The authors would like to provide an updated review of the literature to determine the incidence of LAGB to better inform patients and health care providers.