Late gastric band erosion mimicking diverticulitis and sepsis

Abstract

AbstractLaparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) remains a popular procedure in the management of obesity worldwide. Associated complications include band slippage, port site infections and more rarely, band erosion. Though less common, band erosion is a serious complication that needs to be recognised promptly and managed accordingly. Presentation is often vague, ranging from mild pain and reflux to weight regain. The majority of band erosions occur and present within the first 2 years post‐operatively. However, as this case report demonstrates, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for LAGB complications regardless of post‐operative duration. We present a rare case of very late complete band erosion in a 55 year old patient with known diverticular disease, presenting 10 years post‐operatively with sepsis and left iliac fossa peritonitis, mimicking severe diverticulitis.