ANSWERS: 1
  • Gastric banding (brand name Lap-Band) and gastric bypass are the most common bariatric surgeries used to control chronic obesity in individuals who have failed to lose weight by other means. Both types reduce stomach volume. In gastric banding, a small access port is placed under the skin so that stomach size can be adjusted. Ports may ultimately require surgical replacement for a range of reasons.

    Significance

    Gastric banding involves wrapping an adjustable silicone prosthetic device around the upper stomach to reduce the overall stomach size. A small gastric pouch is created, which limits the intake of food.

    Features

    A port is installed under the skin to allow for the introduction of saline solution. The more saline that's introduced, the more the band expands and puts pressure on the outside of the stomach, which restricts the intake of food.

    Identification

    It's rare, but port complications can occur that require port replacement surgery. The surgery is conducted under local anesthetic in an outpatient facility. Recovery time is swift.

    Considerations

    Port problems can be due to infection or hematoma (a pooling of blood). Occasionally, a port breaks or a crack appears in the tubing that connects to the port. Port leaks are highly unlikely. They can be related to the disconnection of the device, according to the Obesity Control Center.

    Effects

    When a patient is having a port problem, he can experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and gastric reflux, among other symptoms.

    Expert Insight

    Access-port complications are among the most frequent and frustrating in Lap-Band surgery, says the journal Obesity Surgery. In a study, 91 patients required 103 revisional port surgeries.

    Source:

    Obesity Control Center: Lap Band Complications

    Springerlink/Ob. Surg.: Port Complications following Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

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