LAP-BAND
Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (also called the Lap-Band)
Restrictive Procedure
The LAP-BAND system was first used in Europe in 1993 and was approved by the FDA in June 2001. The procedure, which is usually done laparoscopically using several small incisions, works by limiting the amount of food that a person can consume at one time.
During the operation, surgeons implant an inflatable silicone band into the patient’s abdomen. The band is fastened around the upper stomach creating a new, small pouch and small outlet for food. This new pouch/outlet limits the amount of food intake and slows the process of food emptying into the stomach and intestine. After surgery, the diameter of the stoma outlet between the small upper stomach pouch and the rest of the stomach can be adjusted by adding saline solution to the silicon band. The saline solution can be injected or removed with a needle via a port that is implanted under the skin and connected to the band by tubing.
Since there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved with the Lap-Band procedure, it is considered the safest and least traumatic type of weight loss surgery. The laparoscopic approach to the surgery also offers the advantages of reducedis also reverseable and once it is removed, the stomach generally returns to its original form.
The Lap-Band System is the only adjustable weight loss surgery. Adjustments to the diameter of the band can be made with the addition or removal of saline solution for a customized weight-loss rate. Your individual needs can change as you lose weight. For example, pregnant patients can expand their band to accommodate a growing fetus, while patients who aren’t experiencing significant weight loss may need to have their bands tightened. Studies show that patients can maintain 30-40% excess weight loss after 3 years with this procedure.
Side effects of the Lap-Band may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Gastroesophageal reflux (regurgitation)
Complications of the Lap-Band may include:
- Band slippage/pouch dilatation
- Stomal obstruction (stomach-band outlet blockage)
- Esophageal dilatation or dysmotility (poor esophageal function)
- Constipation, diarrhea and dysphasia (difficulty swallowing)
- Leak or twist at the access port
- Band erosion into the stomach
- Port displacement, port site pain
- Re-operation to fix a problem with the band or initial surgery