Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity: clinical and radiographic follow-up

Purpose. To evaluate the role of imaging for follow-up after treatment of morbid obesity by laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Patients and methods. Since 1996, more thin 1,000 patients underwent gastric banding using 5 different types of devices. Our experience is based on a retrospective study (from September 1996 to September 2002) concerning 663 consecutive patients who underwent LAGB: 114 Lapband system (LB) and 549 Swedish adjustable gastric banding (SAGB). Upper gastrointestinal series were performed within 24-48 hours after surgery in all patients. Radiological examination was also used to detect complications and to adjust gastric band. Results. The five types of gastric band are easily identified on plain films. Early and late complications ire illustrated: pouch dilatation, slippage, band migration, rotation of the port, and system disconnection. Radiological criteria for adjustment of gastric band are explained on the basis of barium studies performed before and after any modification of the stoma size. Conclusion. In patients treated with LACB for morbid obesity, radiology plays an important role in evaluating early and late complications.