Disconnection of port after laparoscopic gastric banding: Causes and solution

Background: Gastric banding is a popular operation for the treatment of morbid obesity. However, the procedure itself is not free from complications. Our study describes port disconnection, and our suggested solution. Materials and Methods: In 6 of 58 patients who underwent gastric banding, we diagnosed disconnection of the tube from the port and found the tube in the pelvis. This required laparoscopic retrieval and reconnection of the tube. Results: All 6 patients noticed that the moment that the tube disconnected from the port, they felt sharp right abdominal pain. They all sought medical aid, and abdominal plain films showed the tubing in the pelvis. The 6 patients underwent a second laparoscopic procedure, during which the tube was found in the lower abdomen. A grasper was passed through the endoscope, and the tube was pulled out and reconnected to the port. 2 of the 6 patients required complete change of the port to a new one. Conclusions: Disconnection of the tubing from the port must be considered in patients who previously underwent gastric banding and suffer from acute abdominal pain.