Type of publication:
Conference abstract
Author(s):
*Maharaj G.; *Jain R.; *Riera M.
Citation:
14th Annual Scientific Meeting of British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society, BOMSS 2023
Abstract:
INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LABG) is a popular bariatric procedure. Gastric band slippage is a recognised complication. Treatment options include band removal or unclip. Subsequent re-clip/reposition of a previously unclipped band may provide further weight loss. This study aims to examine patient outcomes following un-clipping of slipped gastric bands. METHOD(S): Electronic Records of patients who underwent gastric band unclipping during a ten year period were examined. RESULT(S): 11 female patients underwent gastric band unclipping, five as emergencies. Nine patients (82%) had confirmed band slippage/pouch dilatation. Mean age at unclip was 46.5yrs. Median duration band insertion to unclip was 7yrs (range 3-11yrs). 8 patients underwent subsequent band reclip/reposition. 1 patient had attempted re-clip converted to removal. Median duration unclip to re-clip was 9months (range 4-14months). 3/8 patients with re-clipped bands had no further procedures and maintained weight loss. Of the remaining five patients, two had early removal because of acute dysphagia on days-2 and 5 post re-clipping. The other three patients eventually suffered further slippage and band intolerance. Median duration re-clip to band removal 2yrs (range 0-4yrs). Two patients were never re-clipped (one had symptomatic removal, the other is awaiting a further procedure). In total, seven bands were removed (64%). Four of these patients suffered significant weight regain, with two requiring revisional surgery. CONCLUSION(S): This study is small. However 64% of patients who underwent gastric band unclipping had subsequent removal. Hence gastric band unclipping does not appear to provide added benefit to patient care, and exposes them to additional procedures.