Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: a report of 228 cases

Objective: To evaluate the surgical outcomes and complications after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in obese patients. Methods: This retrospective study included 228 patients (73 males and 155 females, mean age, 32.5 ± 10.3 years) who underwent LAGB at the Changhai Hospital of the Second Military Medical University from June 2003 to June 2011. The body weight and postoperative complications were followed up. Results: The pre-operative mean body mass index (BMI) was 39.5 ± 6.3 kg/m(2). Except in one case of inadequate exposure of the stomach, all laparoscopic procedures were successfully accomplished, with no conversion to open surgery. The mean operation time was 65.0 ± 20.3 min. The mean hospital stay was 2.7 ± 0.9 days. Early postoperative complications (<30 days) occurred in five cases (2.2%) and late complications (>30 days) occurred in 75 cases (32.9%), including 56 cases (24.6%) with band-associated complications. The percentage of excess weight loss (EWL%) at 1, 3 and 5 years was 40.5 ± 30.5%, 59.5 ± 41.5% and 58.9 ± 46.4%, respectively. The percentages of patients with EWL% >25%, >50% and >75% were, respectively, 60%, 33% and 0% at 1 year follow-up, 43%, 39%, and 16% at 3 years follow-up and 40%, 34% and 16% at 5 years follow-up. Conclusion Although LAGB has low peri-operative mortality and morbidity rates, it is associated with a high late complication rate and unsatisfactory weight loss. It may be optional, but not the first choice, for the treatment of obesity.