Faculty Collaboration Database

High failure rate of the laparoscopic-adjustable gastric band as a primary bariatric procedure. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2014;10(6):1070-5

Date

03/19/2014

Pubmed ID

24630503

DOI

10.1016/j.soard.2013.11.014

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84924079454 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   35 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Determinants of success of a bariatric procedure are many but paramount is the ability to durably produce significant and reliable weight loss. We sought to determine the primary success of the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) by defining failure as clinical weight loss failure with an intact band (excess weight loss [EWL]<20%) or band removal (terminal removal or conversion to a secondary bariatric procedure).

METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent an LAGB as a primary bariatric procedure between January 2003 and December 2007. Data collected included body mass index (BMI), weight, postoperative follow-up length, EWL, and adjustment number, as well as complications of the LAGB.

RESULTS: Sixteen of 120 patients had the band removed. Nine were terminally removed for unmanageable symptoms, and 7 were converted to an alternative bariatric procedure. The average follow-up for the 104 patients with an intact band was 4.8 years. The average EWL for successful intact bands was 44.9±19.4%; however, an additional 35.6% of patients had an EWL<20%. Patients with an EWL<20% had a significantly higher preoperative BMI and fewer band adjustments. In total, 44% of patients had band failure because of clinical weight loss failure (31%) or eventual band removal (13%).

CONCLUSION: This study finds that the LAGB failed as a primary bariatric procedure for 44% of patients because of either inadequate weight loss or adequate weight loss with unmanageable symptoms. This suggests that the LAGB should be abandoned as a primary bariatric procedure for the majority of morbidly obese patients because of its high failure rate.

Author List

Kindel T, Martin E, Hungness E, Nagle A

Author

Tammy Lyn Kindel MD, PhD Associate Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Age Factors
Body Mass Index
Cohort Studies
Device Removal
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Gastroplasty
Humans
Laparoscopy
Male
Middle Aged
Obesity, Morbid
Postoperative Complications
Prosthesis Failure
Retrospective Studies
Risk Assessment
Sex Factors
Time Factors
Treatment Failure
Weight Loss