Migration of an Adjustable Gastric Band Into Gastric Lumen: A Rare Complication of Bariatric Surgery: Case Report

Laparascopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a frequently used procedure in treatment of morbid obesity. It is the first minimally invasive method in treatment of morbid obesity. Sliding of the band and erosions are gastric band-related complications. In this study, we presented a 36-year-old morbid obese [body mass index (BMI) 53.9 kg/m(2)] female patient in whom LAGB was performed in June 2007. The patient lost 62 kg until November 2009 (BMI: 30.9 kg/m(2)). An expansion was detected in proximal pouche on fluoroscopic examination when she was investigated for the complaint of epigastric pain in March 2010. A revision surgery was planned with the pre-diagnosis of band sliding. Total migration of the band into lumen and towards terminal ileum was detected on operation. The band was removed with enterotomy and a vertical band gastroplasty was performed. This is the first case in literature that the band lost its connection with the tube and migrated into the lumen of terminal ileum. If the band is migrated into distal parts as in this case, early surgery must be planned for preventing complications as ulceration, perforation and obstruction.