Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: Technique and results

Prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide and bariatric surgery is the most effective surgical therapy for obesity. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LABG) is one of the most common bariatric procedures in the world. Popularity is high among surgeons due to shorter learning curve and lower early complication rate. There are 2 insertion techniques for LABG: the perigastric technique and pars flaccida technique. Pars flaccida approach evolved due to high complication rate of perigastric technique. Most common complications of LABG are pouch dilation, band slippage, band migration, and port complications. Although LABG is an effective weight loss procedure, weight loss is slower compared with other bariatric procedures, such as gastric sleeve or bypass. It results in significant improvement in co-morbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and sleep apnea, and significant improvement in quality of life is seen. Despite the high safety profile of LABG in short term, it has a high complication rate in long term. Patients who are candidates for LABG must understand that intensive follow-up, compliance, and motivation are necessary for good results and outcomes.