Technical aspects and complications of laparoscopic banding for morbid obesity—a radiological perspective

Gastric bands: what the general radiologist should know

Obesity in the UK is increasing, it is estimated that in England 24% of men and 25% of women are obese.(1,2) In recent years bariatric surgery has become increasingly common and is effective in producing long-term weight loss.(4,5) The most popular form of bariatric surgery in Europe is laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB).(6) Radiologists play a key role assessing the normal function of bands, adjusting their filling under fluoroscopic guidance, and in recognizing and managing complications. This review will describe the general principles of LAGB; how they are assessed, how to recognize the most common complications, an overview of the appearances of the bands used in the UK, and novel developments in their use and design.

Pre- and postoperative imaging of adolescents undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgery

BACKGROUND

As childhood obesity rates rise, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is being investigated as a bariatric surgical option in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

To examine pre- and postoperative imaging in adolescents undergoing LAGB, describe the most common abnormal preoperative imaging findings, and illustrate the typical appearance and variants on postoperative upper-gastrointestinal (UGI) examinations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of all adolescents from 2008 to 2010 undergoing LAGB at a single tertiary-care pediatric hospital. The picture archiving and communication system was queried for all imaging obtained before and after surgery. Postoperative UGI studies were analyzed for common patterns.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven obese adolescents who underwent LAGB were identified. Twenty-five had preoperative imaging, most commonly a UGI study (81.5%). Eight UGI studies were abnormal but did not impact surgery. Preoperative chest and neck radiographs were also common. Intraoperative imaging was rare. Seventy-three postoperative UGI studies were performed on 22 children (range, 2-12 studies). A common postoperative imaging pattern was observed in 19/22 (86%) children. No complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

The most common pre- and postoperative imaging studies in adolescents undergoing LAGB are UGI studies. Pediatric radiologists should be familiar with the imaging of LAGB as this procedure becomes increasingly common.

[Bariatric surgery and associated complications: radiological imaging]

Obesity is an increasing problem faced by the healthcare system. In managing obesity, bariatric surgery is becoming more important with evidence showing a reduction in long-term morbidity and mortality. There are special challenges faced by the radiology department in providing an imaging service for this population of patients, from technical requirements through to the interpretation of post-surgical images. This article provides an overview of the most frequently performed procedures, normal postoperative imaging findings and the appearance of common complications.

Imaging in bariatric surgery: service set-up, post-operative anatomy and complications

Obesity is an increasingly prevalent and costly problem faced by the healthcare system. The role of bariatric surgery in managing obesity has also increased with evidence showing a reduction in long-term morbidity and mortality. There are unique challenges faced by the radiology department in providing an imaging service for this population of patients, from technical and staffing requirements through to the interpretation of challenging post-surgical images. We describe these challenges and provide an overview of the most frequently performed procedures, normal post-operative imaging findings and the appearance of common complications.

Radiological imaging of the GI tract after bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Obesity is becoming epidemic in proportion and is leading to considerable morbidity and mortality in the community. Bariatric surgery offers one tested solution to sustained weight loss and comorbidity reduction. However, it is associated with a significant number of complications.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article is to review the utility of radiological techniques in the diagnosis of surgical complications after bariatric surgery.

DESIGN

Literature-based review and pictorial illustration in the use of imaging techniques in the diagnosis of complications after bariatric surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiology plays a critical role in the diagnosis of complications after bariatric surgery. Upper GI contrast study and CT are the most commonly used imaging modalities in this regard. They are complementary in their diagnostic abilities and should be used in concert for the complete evaluation of symptomatic patients. All other radiological imaging modalities are also used in the diagnosis of complications after bariatric surgery, but much less commonly.

Radiological assessment of complications after laparoscopic suprabursal adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical impact of radiological assessment on delivery of therapy in patients with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity who have developed gastroesophageal symptoms or have inadequate excess weight loss.

METHODS

Institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained from all patients. Suprabursal banding was performed in 373 patients who underwent 869 upper gastrointestinal series. The control group comprised 59 asymptomatic subjects from the study population with satisfactory weight loss at follow-up.

RESULTS

There were no intra-operative deaths or gastric perforations. A small gastric pouch was found above the band in 13 (22.03%) of the 59 control subjects; the upper limit of the gastric pouch volume was 9.85 ml (mathematical formula for a sphere used). The main postoperative complications included: 21 of 373 (5.63%) gastric portions above the band with a mean volume of 137.98 ml and narrowed stoma of 0.99 mm; 15 of 373 (4.02%) gastric portions above the band with a mean volume of 33.27 ml and open stoma of 4.95 mm; and 16 of 373 (4.28%) tubing disconnection and displacement into the peritoneal cavity. Twenty-one of 21 narrowed-stoma and eight of 15 open-stoma gastric portions underwent repeat surgery, upward herniation of the stomach (from below the band) being found in all 29 cases.

CONCLUSION

Our main findings following the use of the suprabursal approach for surgical band positioning suggest that repeat surgery may be worthwhile for all gastric upper portions >10 ml in patients with gastroesophageal symptoms or inadequate excess weight loss.

[Interest of upper digestive tract study preoperatively to prevent in patients carrying a gastric ban. About two cases]

We report the case of a female patient with gastric band who had aspiration pneumonia after anaesthetic induction for a plastic surgery. In another similar case, we discovered preoperatively, oesogastric stasis with gastric strangulation. After deflation of the gastric band the anaesthetic procedure was uneventful.

Laparoscopic total gastric vertical plication in morbid obesity

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to introduce a new technique, total gastric vertical plication (TGVP), as a restrictive operation. It has the same result of weight loss as others with minimal risk of complication and very low cost, especially in developing countries.

METHODS

This technique was used by one surgeon in private hospitals during 3 years in Tehran, Iran. Patients were placed in the supine position with a 30-degree reverse Trendelenburg position. Trocars were inserted based on an ergonomic assessment (three 5 mm and one 10 mm). After the release of the greater curvature, continuous sutures were used with 00 nylon from the fondus to 3 cm of the pylorus. A vertical plication was performed in one or two layers. Distance between the stitch and lesser curvature was 2 cm in the anterior and posterior and between each stitch, all of them getting extra mucosal (far away from acid effect) owing to mild tension on the sutures that cut mucosa and put on a submucosa layer.

RESULTS

TGVP was performed in 100 cases (mean age, 32; standard error of the mean = 2.1); mostly female (F/M = 76/24) and with average body mass index of 47 (36-58). The mean weight loss in our patients was 21.4% of excessive weight loss (EWL) 1 month after the operation, 54% after 6 months (72 cases), 61% after 12 months (56 cases), 60% after 24 months (50 cases), and 57% after 36 months (11 cases). The average time of follow-up was 18 months. The mean time of operation was 98 (70-152) minutes and all of the patients were discharged from the hospital after an average of 1.3 days (range, 1-4). The main postoperative complications were permanent vomiting, intracapsular liver hematoma, hypocalcemia at early postoperative period, hepatitis, leakage at the suture line, and acute gastric perforation. The volume of the stomach in this condition was 100 cc, but just one half of it was effective. If more than 50 cc was used, a painful condition would occur.

CONCLUSIONS

The percentage of EWL in this technique is comparable to other restrictive methods, but EWL appears more rapidly. Early postoperative complications of this method are minimal, without any important late complications. This technique needs more expertise and is more time consuming. A long-term follow-up is advised.

Adjustment of laparoscopic banding device with the aid of an angiographic compression device

OBJECTIVE

Adjustable laparoscopic gastric banding has been used as a surgical means of weight reduction. Percutaneous access of the port for adjustment can be difficult even if imaging guidance is used. We present a novel use of an angiographic compression device to stabilize the port and facilitate the adjustment procedure.

CONCLUSION

This technique has limited the need for multiple puncture attempts, allowed more efficient access to the port, and reduced radiation dose to the patient and operator.