Lap band has become a popular alternative to gastric surgeries due to its noninvasive implantation. Although risks are minimal, like any laproscopic procedure, complications occasionally arise with the LapBand, such as band erosion.

Description

LapBand is implanted around the exterior of the stomach, decreasing the amount of space available for food. The band is a hollow tube that can be filled with water through a port in the skin of the abdomen, allowing a doctor to increase or decrease the space in the stomach. The more full the band, the larger the amount of food that a patient can eat before feeling full. With decreased space in the stomach for food, the patient feels full after smaller meals, allowing the patient to lose weight. Sutures are placed around the band to prevent slippage down the stomach.

Erosion

LapBand erosion occurs when the wall of the stomach erodes and the band gets into the interior of the stomach. Bacteria from the erosion into the stomach can cause infection to travel up the tube into the port, and some patients notice signs of erosion by infection at the port in the stomach: redness, tenderness and swelling.

Causes

Erosion was a more common complication of LapBand surgery in the early days of the procedure being performed, and is attributed to placement of too many sutures and the band being placed too tightly against the wall of the stomach.

Treatment

Most cases of LapBand erosion are formally diagnosed by an upper GI endoscopy or CT scan. The band is removed and sutures are placed into the wall of the stomach. Another band may be placed around the site or gastric bypass may be performed.

Statistics

Erosion of the LapBand occurs in less than 2 percent of the surgeries, according to ThinnerTimes by Charles D. Callery, M.D. .

Source:

Laparoscopy.com: LapBand Frequently Asked Questions

ThinnerTimes: LapBand Complications-Erosion; Charles D. Callery, M.D.

American Journal of Roentgenology: Intragastric Band Erosion

More Information:

International Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery Team LapBand Statistics