Long-Term outcomes and experience of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: one center’s results in China

Abstract

BackgroundLaparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), as one major bariatric surgery for treatment of obesity, results in ineffective long-term weight loss and a high reoperation rate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of LAGB on the weight loss outcomes and reoperation rates of obese patients with different body mass index (BMI) levels in China. MethodsA retrospective study was performed to review the follow-up data of obese patients who underwent LAGB at Shanghai Changhai Hospital between November 2003 and May 2013. The main outcomes included weight loss, percentage excess weight loss (%EWL), reoperation rate, and reasons for reoperation. ResultsA total of 254 LAGB procedures were performed in our hospital. By the end of May 2013, 145 Chinese patients (57.8%) were followed up, 99 patients with BMI≥35 kg/m2 (high BMI group) and 46 patients with BMI<35 kg/m2 (low BMI group). In the high BMI group, the mean %EWL was>25% within 5 years postoperatively, but it decreased to less than 25% after 5 years. However, in the low BMI group, the mean %EWL at each time point was over 50%. The reoperation rate was 33.1%; it was 17.4% in the low BMI group and 34.3% in the high BMI group. ConclusionLAGB is more effective with a lower reoperation rate for obese patients with a BMI<35 kg/m2 compared to BMI≥35 kg/m2 in our population.