Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in adolescents: Results at two years including psychosocial aspects

Background/purpose: Obesity now affects 3%-4% of the pediatric population and contributes to the increase in cardiac mortality in adulthood. Bariatric surgery is the best treatment for weight loss and the obesity-associated comorbidities in adults. We report here our experience of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in adolescents. Methods: The medical charts of the first 16 patients operated on in our center were reviewed. Data were compiled concerning weight loss, physical and biological comorbidities, health-related quality of life (QOL) and surgical complications before surgery and during 24 months of follow-up. Results: The maximal pre-operative median body mass index was 43.0 kg.m(-2), decreasing to 33.0 kg.m(-2) at 2 years post-LAGB, which corresponded to a 49.2% excess body weight loss (p < 0.001). Most comorbidities (glucose intolerance, hypertension and sleep apnea) resolved within the first year post-LAGB and QOL was improved on the PedsQL (TM) scales. No severe surgical complications were noted, with only three re-interventions for device failure (2) or band removal (1). Conclusion: LAGB is well tolerated in adolescents and shows a beneficial impact on weight loss and obesity-related comorbidities. Associated with global management, it may have a positive impact on patients' QOL and social and psychological status. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.