Perigastric Technique Research Articles

Global Variations in Practices Concerning Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass—an Online Survey of 651 Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeons with Cumulative Experience of 158,335 Procedures

There is significant variation in practices concerning Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) among bariatric surgeons, but there is currently a lack of robust data on the nature and extent of these variations. The purpose of this study was to understand global variations in practices concerning RYGB. A questionnaire-based survey on Survey Monkey® was created, and the link was shared freely on various social media platforms. The link was also distributed through a personnel email network of authors. A total of 657 surgeons from 65 countries completed the survey. Crohn's disease and liver cirrhosis were considered absolute contraindications for RYGB by 427 surgeons (64.98%) and 347 surgeons (53.30%), respectively. More than 68.5% of surgeons performed routine upper GI endoscopy while 64.17% performed routine ultrasound of abdomen preoperatively. The majority of surgeons (77.70%) used the perigastric technique for Gastric pouch creation. Approximately, 79.5% used orogastric bougie. More than 70% of the respondents did not use any staple line reinforcement routinely. Only 17.67% of surgeons measured the whole small bowel length, and the majority of surgeons (86.5%) used constant length of BP limb. Approximately, 89% used constant length of alimentary limb. Approximately, 95% of surgeons preferred antecolic bypass, and more than 86% routinely closed the Petersen defect. Marginal ulcer prophylaxis was used by the majority (91.17%). Almost 95% of surgeons recommended lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements. This survey identifies global variations in practices concerning RYGB. It identifies several areas for future research and consensus building.

Is the Morbidity Increased for Gastric Band Removal When the Band Is Placed Around the Esophagus?

Introduction: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) procedures declined worldwide in the recent years. In the majority of the national registers, the numbers of gastric band removal and revisions following LAGB have surpassed the implants. Still a good knowledge of different techniques is important for young bariatric surgeons to diminish the morbidity of revisional surgery. Methods: From January 2015 to December 2016, a total of 139 patients were retrospectively reviewed after undergoing a gastric band removal. The study included all consecutive patients who underwent a gastric band removal in this period of time with no exclusion criteria. Sixteen patients (18.8%) received the perigastric technique, 57 patients (67.1%) received the pars flaccid technique, 54 patients (38.8%) received bands with periesophageal technique, and for 12 patients (14.1%), the operative reports did not allow to identify the techniques used. In the present study, the operative times and the reported complications of the three main bands techniques were compared. Results: There were 124 women (89.2%) and 15 men (10.8%), with a median age of 44 years (range: 24-71). The overall mean preoperative body mass index was 34 ± 7.6 kg/m2 (range: 22-52 kg/m2), and the mean preoperative weight was 93.7 ± 24.9kg (range: 49-165 kg). One hundred and seventeen patients (84.2%) had procedures performed on an out-patient basis. The overall mean operative time was 23.9 ± 13.7 minutes (range: 7-83 minutes). We recorded three cases of bleeding with one conversion to laparotomy. The overall percentage of complications in the entire series was 6.5%. No mortality was recorded. Conclusions: Our study regarding the band removal revealed that no correlation was found for operative morbidity among the three different types of bands. The only proven difference was the operative time, which was greater for periesophageal approach. For the latter one, a particular attention should be paid to the risk of injury for diaphragmatic or left suprahepatic vein.

Band slippage and erosion after laparoscopic gastric banding: a meta-analysis

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has the lowest morbidity and mortality rates among the common bariatric procedures. Troublesome complications associated with this procedure include band slippage and erosion, often requiring revisionary surgery. Rates of slippage have decreased, and this appears to be due to changes in surgical technique. In the authors' experience, units with a low slippage rate also have a low erosion rate and vice versa. Thus a systematic review was undertaken to investigate this relationship. Electronic databases were searched up to 31 December 2008. Publications focusing solely on laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding with at least 500 patients and a minimum follow-up period of 2 years were included in the study. Publications in languages other than English and those that failed to mention erosion and slippage rates were excluded. Multivariate meta-analyses were conducted separately for the pars flaccida group, the perigastric group, and the combined overall group to pool the average rates of both erosion and slippage for each paper included. The correlation between the occurrence rates for both erosion and slippage then was examined. The inclusion criteria were met by 19 studies. The mean rates of erosion and slippage were 1.03 and 4.93, respectively. The results demonstrated a statistically significant overall correlation between erosion and slippage rates (r = 0.48, p = 0.032). A very strong correlation between erosion and slippage was found if the perigastric technique of insertion was used (r = 0.99, p < 0.001). However, this correlation was not statistically significant where the pars flaccida technique of insertion was used (r = 0.34, p = 0.38). The high correlation rate between erosion and slippage for the perigastric group strongly suggests that these complications share a common pathophysiology. This correlation is reduced with the pars flaccida technique, suggesting that perhaps a different etiology is associated with erosion in these studies. Surgical techniques that help to eliminate lap band slippage should also reduce rates of erosion.

Band Slippage after Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB)

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has proved to be safe and effective, worldwide. The perigastric technique was once the most frequent method of band placement, but posterior prolapse was a problem. The introduction of the pars flaccida technique has considerably reduced the incidence of this complication, and, currently, this technique is the most utilized method and recommended by most bariatric surgeons. However, LAGB with pars flaccida technique has rare complications such as band slippage and gastric pouch dilatation in 2∼5% of patients. We have experienced 2 band replacement cases for band slippage and pouch dilatation each happening about 1 and 2 years after LAGB. (J Korean Surg Soc 2010;78:119-122)

Reducing Band Slippage in Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding: The Mesh Plication Pars Flaccida Technique

Band slippage is a significant complication of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity. This involves prolapse of part of the stomach, with varying degrees of gastric obstruction. The original perigastric technique (PGT) was associated with slippage rates of up to 25%. The pars flaccida technique (PFT) is the more commonly used technique today, reducing slippage rates to as low as 1.4%. We report a technique not previously described, the modified PFT with the use of mesh, and compare slippage rates between these three techniques for band placement. A prospectively entered, retrospective review of 1,446 consecutive patients undergoing LAGB by a single surgeon was undertaken. Patients were divided into five consecutive groups: PGT learning curve (PGTLC) (n = 68), PGT (n = 19), mesh PFT (MPFT) (n = 415), mesh plication PFT (MPPFT) (n = 131), and MPPFT with inadequate follow-up (n = 813). Patient characteristics, band slippage, and other complication rates were compared between groups. The slippage rates for each group were: PGTLC (10%), PGT (5%), MPFT (0.8%), and MPPFT (0%). This demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the slippage rates for each group (p < 0.001). Combining the MPFT and MPPFT groups, there was a statistically significant difference in band slippage compared to the PGT group (p < 0.001). While the MPFT is associated with low band slippage rates, the MPPFT results in further reductions in band slippage. The routine use of this modification to the MPFT is safe and may reduce operative morbidity. A randomized comparison of these techniques is warranted.

Laparoscopic Gastric Rebanding for Slippage with Pouch Dilation: Results on 29 Consecutive Patients

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) slippage with pouch dilation is one the most serious long-term complications and requires reoperation in most cases. It is still controversial whether banding should be offered again or a different procedure should be chosen. We report the results of synchronous de-rebanding on a prospective series of patients treated at our institution for slippage with pouch dilation. From January 2000 to May 2007, 29 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic de-rebanding for slippage with pouch dilation. The mean age at primary operation was 38.9 +/- 8.2 years and the mean BMI was 46.4 +/- 8 kg/m(2). Twenty-eight had previous LAGB, while one had previous open gastric banding, the perigastric technique being used at that time. All the redo procedures were successfully carried out under laparoscopy, via the pars flaccida technique, and all the patients were followed-up according to the usual schedule. The mean time from the original LAGB was 45.3 +/- 30.3 months, and the mean follow-up after rebanding was 26.9 +/- 20.6 months. At rebanding, the mean BMI was 34.3 +/- 7.6, percent excess weight loss (%EWL) 54.5 +/- 31, and percent excess BMI loss (%EBL) 58.3 +/- 33, respectively. After 1 year, BMI was 36.3 +/- 7.9, %EWL 40.8 +/- 30.5, and %EBL 43.9 +/- 32.7, respectively. After 2 years, BMI was 37.13 +/- 7.4, %EWL 36.9 +/- 29.4, and %EBL 39.6 +/- 31.6, respectively, and after 3 years, BMI was 33.5 +/- 5.6, %EWL 51.9 +/- 24.3, and %EBL 55.7 +/- 25.7, respectively. One patient had re-rebanding after 6 months for a new slippage, two had band removal with refusal to switch to another procedure, one had biliopancreatic diversion for slippage recurrence, and one underwent sleeve gastrectomy for insufficient weight loss after 6 months. Although this is a limited series, our results show that good outcomes can be expected after rebanding in properly assessed patients with slippage and pouch dilation. Larger series and longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.

Reoperation after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: analysis of a cohort of 500 patients with long-term follow-up

To assess the rates and causes of reoperations in a long-term follow-up of a cohort of morbidly obese patients treated by laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate a cohort of 498 consecutive patients who had undergone laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding since 1996. The first 50 patients were excluded to avoid the learning curve bias. A perigastric technique was used until 2002 (37% of patients) and was then rapidly replaced by a pars flaccida approach. The patients who underwent band removal or port reposition/removal were considered, respectively, as having required a major or minor reoperation. Of the 448 patients (83% women) followed up for an average of 3.2 +/- 2.2 years, 79 (mean age 37.7 years, mean body mass index 44.0 kg/m(2)) underwent repeat surgery between 1997 and 2006. Of these procedures, 29 were minor and 59 were major reoperations. Ten patients underwent band removal after a port complication developed. The main causes were pouch dilation (37%), insufficient weight loss (20%), erosion (20%), and psychological (15%). Ten patients underwent revisional surgery. A 13% incidence of major reoperations was observed for the entire group; the rate of major and minor reoperations was 4.1 and 2.1 interventions per 100 persons-years, respectively. In patients with follow-up >5 years (perigastric technique), the cumulative incidence reached 24%. The need for a major reoperation appears to be substantial in patients who have undergone laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, particularly when the long-term follow-up data are considered, and can occur at any point after surgery. More severe obesity (body mass index >50 kg/m(2)) seems to carry a greater risk of reoperation. These findings highlight the need for lifelong multidisciplinary management and surveillance for these patients.

Short- and long-term results of laparoscopic gastric banding for morbid obesity

Today, gastric banding has become a common bariatric procedure. Weight loss can be excellent, but is not sufficient in a significant proportion of patients. Few long-term studies have been published. We present our results after up to 9 years of follow-up. One hundred twenty-seven patients (1997-2004) were analyzed retrospectively after laparoscopic gastric banding (perigastric technique: n = 60; pars flaccida technique: n = 67) in terms of preoperative characteristics, weight loss, comorbidities, short- and long-term complications, and quality of life. Median follow-up was 63 months (range 2-104). Incidence of postoperative complications were: gastric perforation in 3.1%, band erosion in 3.1%, band or port leak in 2.3%, port infection in 5.3%, port dislocation in 6.9%, and pouch dilatation in 16.9%. Total number of patients requiring reoperation was 34 (26.7%) [perigastric technique n = 23 (38.8%) versus pars flaccida technique n = 11 (16%), p = 0.039]. Mean excess body weight loss (%) was 50.6%. Most patients reported an increase in quality of life after surgery. Gastric banding is effective for achieving weight loss and improving comorbidity in obese patients. Obviously, gastric banding can be performed more safely with the pars flaccida technique, although the complication rate remains relatively high. Nevertheless, based on adequate patient selection, gastric banding should still be considered a valuable therapeutic option in bariatric surgery.

Laparoscopic Gastric Banding in Adolescents

Adolescent obesity has undesirable short- and long-term effects. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has been considered a procedure of choice for adolescent morbid obesity. We retrospectively evaluated our single-team banding experience in the adolescent population. We reviewed the medical and clinic records and conducted telephone questionnaire interviews, to evaluate the results of banding using the Swedish adjustable gastric band (SAGB) in the 60 adolescents at our institution who had been followed > or =3 years. An average of 39.5 months of follow-up has been conducted in the patients who have been followed > or =3 years. Mean age at the time of the operation was 16 years (9 to 18). 60% reported a family history of obesity. Associated co-morbidities included hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea and asthma. Mean preoperative BMI was 43 (35-61) kg/m(2). Mean postoperative BMI after 39.5 months follow-up was 30 (20-39) kg/m(2). No co-morbidities have existed after the operation. 6 patients (10%) underwent band repositioning and 2 patients underwent band removal, due to slippage; 7 of the 8 slippages occurred with an earlier perigastric technique which transgressed lesser sac. There was no mortality. Average postoperative hospital stay was 24 hours. Gastric banding in adolescents is a safe, satisfactory and reversible weight reduction procedure.

Reduction in Slippage with 11-cm Lap-Band® and Change of Gastric Banding Technique

Slippage occurs after 2-18% of gastric bandings performed by the perigastric technique (PGT). We investigated the slippage-rate before and after the introduction of the pars flaccida technique (PFT) and the 11-cm Lap-Band, and the long-term results of the re-operated patients. Between Dec 1996 and Feb 2004, 360 patients with a mean BMI of 44 kg/m2 were operated. The PGT (n=168) and PFT9.75 (n=15) groups received the 9.75-cm Lap-Band, and the PFT11 group (n=177) received the new 11-cm Lap-Band. Follow-up rate was 99%. Slippage occurred in a total of 31 patients from all groups (PGT, n=28, or 17%; PFT9.75, n=1, or 7%; PFT11, n=2, or 1%). Average yearly re-operation rate for slippage in the first 3 years postoperatively was 3.8%, 2.2% and 0.9%, respectively. Laparoscopic re-banding was necessary for posterior (n=19) or lateral (n=12) slippage. The late postoperative course after re-banding was: uneventful 58%, weight regain 35% and/or esophageal motility disorder 23%, secondary band intolerance 20%, and one persistent posterior slippage. 8 patients (26%) needed biliopancreatic diversion. Since the introduction of the PFT and the 11-cm Lap-Band, we observed a significant reduction in slippage rate and no posterior slippage. Re-banding had a less favorable long-term result than did first-procedure banding.

Clinical and Radiological Follow-up of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Bands, 1998 and 2000: A Comparison of Two Techniques

Concerns still exist about the long-term effectiveness and rate of retention of the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB). Furthermore, esophageal dilatation has been suggested as a long-term complication for LAGB. We therefore sought to objectively analyze our follow-up results in patients with LAGB performed in 1998 by perigastric technique and 2000 by pars flaccida technique. We also offered patients for 1998 a barium esophagram to assess dilatation. Data on all 2,300 LAGBs performed since 1996 have been prospectively collected in LapBase. This data was accessed for 1998 and 2000, for follow-up complication, band removal, weight loss and comorbidity reduction. Patients were offered barium esophagrams. 123 patients (mean weight 127 kg, mean BMI 44.5 kg/m2) had LAGB in 1998, and 162 patients (mean weight 123 kg, mean BMI 44) had LAGB in 2000. Follow-up was a mean 67 months in 88% for 1998 and 94% at 34 months for 2000. Mean %EWL for 1998 was 51.2% with mean BMI 31.9. Slippage occurred in 9.5% in 1998 compared to 4.3% in 2000 (P<0.01). 20 of 23 diabetics are off all treatment. 1 of 34 patients had esophageal dilatation on barium esophagram, which resolved on band deflation. LAGB is a safe and effective at midterm follow-up. Less slippage occurred after the pars flaccida technique. No evidence of permanent esophageal dilatation was found on barium studies.

Critical Extreme Anterior Slippage (Paragastric Richter's Hernia) of the Stomach after Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding: Early Recognition and Prevention of Gastric Strangulation

We report an unusual complication after Lap-Band placement characterized by herniation of the anterior stomach through the band. Group 1 - 105 patients: Operated elsewhere (prior to US FDA approval) and followed by us; perigastric technique was used in 74 and pars flaccida in 31. Group 2 - 218 patients: Operated by us since August 2001 using the pars flaccida approach only. 4 patients with this unusual problem were identified. Patients were all female, with age 37.5 (3343) yr, weight 143.7 (123-167) kg, and BMI 54 (45-65). Onset occurred at 9 (5-16) months, with weight loss: 38.5 (27-53) kg and %EWL 47.3 (31-54)%. All had sudden nausea, vomiting and epigastric abdominal pain that persisted despite emptying the band. None of these symptoms were related to a recent band adjustment. CT scan showed a paragastric Richter's hernia of the stomach underneath the band. At exploration, the band was in the normal location. 3 patients from Group 2 had Richter's hernia of the anterior stomach through the band; reduction of the stomach with closure of the defect was performed. One patient from group 1 had gangrene of the entrapped stomach, resulting in band removal and gastrectomy. Lap-Band patients with sudden nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, when not relieved by emptying the band, should undergo a CT scan. If a traditional slippage is not confirmed, paragastric Richter's hernia of the stomach through the band should be suspected. Immediate exploration with reduction of the stomach and closure of the defect can salvage the stomach and the band. Gastro-gastric sutures must completely close the space underneath the band to prevent this complication.

Complications after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity: experience with 1,000 patients over 7 years.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is considered the least invasive surgical option for morbid obesity. It is less efficient than gastric bypass in weight loss, but has the advantage of being potentially reversible and can improve the quality of life if mortality and morbidity are low. Between 1996 and 2003, 1,000 patients underwent LAGB. There were 896 women and 104 men with mean age 40.4 years (16.3-66.3). Preoperative mean BMI was 44.3 kg/m(2). There were no deaths. Cumulative rate of complications was 192 (19.2%). 12 were life-threatening (1.2%): gastric perforation (n=4), acute respiratory distress (n=2), pulmonary embolism (n=2), migration (n=3), and gastric necrosis (n=1). 111 patients required an abdominal reoperation (11.1%) for perforation (n=2), slippage (n=78), migration (n=3), necrosis (n=1), esophageal dilatation (n=2), incisional hernias (n=4) and port problems (n=21). Before October 2000, we used the perigastric technique, and the slippage rate was 24% (91 / 378 ).Then, we changed to the pars flaccida approach and the slippage rate fell to 2% (13 / 622). The pars flaccida approach demonstrated safety in relation to both risks of perforation and slippage. The cumulative complication rate increased to 3-4 years, and then decreased with experience and technical improvement. Concerns of long-term follow-up should be migration and esophageal dilatation, which seem to be rare at 3 years.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: surgical technique.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is an effective and safe surgical treatment for morbid obesity. Initial experience with the Lap-Band system (Inamed Health, Santa Barbara, California) in the United States and Australia has demonstrated that surgical technique can affect outcomes in terms of weight loss, quality of life, and complication rates. Placement of the gastric band by means of the perigastric technique is associated with high rates of gastric prolapse, food intolerance, and weight loss failure that frequently lead to band explantation. In the pars flaccida technique, band placement higher on the stomach results in the formation of a smaller pouch and lower rates of gastric prolapse, which may contribute to greater weight loss and improved quality of life. This article describes the technical aspects of the pars flaccida approach in the laparoscopic placement of adjustable gastric bands.

11-cm Lap-Band System placement after history of intragastric migration.

Intragastric migration (erosion) of the band after laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding (LAGB) is a serious late complication. It requires removal of the entire system. Subsequent recurrence of obesity can be treated by laparoscopic placement of a larger band: the 11-cm Lap-Band System. In 727 laparoscopic gastric bandings using the 9.75 Lap-Band, 10 cases presented with intragastric migration of the band. The same complication was encountered in an additional 4 patients who had previously been implanted with an Obtech band in another hospital. Laparoscopic removal of the band was performed in all cases. In 9 cases, after a delay of 6 months, a new gastric band was placed using the 11-cm Lap-Band, because of uncontrollable recurrence of obesity. No complication was observed during the laparoscopic removal of the system. The placement of a new band required conversion to laparotomy in 1 patient who had previously received an Obtech band which had been placed using the pars flaccida technique. After a mean follow-up of 21 months, no intragastric migration of the new bands was noted. Laparoscopic placement of an 11-cm Lap-Band in patients with a history of intragastric migration is a safe procedure. It allows effective control of recurrent obesity. The laparoscopic procedure was easier in patients initially operated using the perigastric technique.