LAPAROSCOPIC PLACEMENT OF ADJUSTABLE SILICONE GASTRIC BAND IN THE TREATMENT OF MORBID-OBESITY - HOW TO DO IT

Background: laparoscopic placement of the adjustable silicone gastric band (ASGB) was begun in our institution in 1992. Methods: this work started on the animal model first. In the animal laboratory, details of laparoscopic dissection around the pig's stomach were defined. A new prototype of the adjustable silicone band for laparoscopic use was devised. The first human laparoscopic ASGB procedure was performed in our institution on September 1, 1993; 37 patients have undergone this operation by May, 1994. There were 33 women and four men. The average pre-operative weight was 114 kg (92-160 kg). The mean BMI was 42 kg m-2 (37-50 kg m-2). Results: no major operative difficulty has been encountered. Immediate post-operative outcome was uneventful except for one patient. Conclusion: the technique of laparoscopic ASGB is described. Preliminary weight loss is comparable to open ASGB and vertical gastroplasty, provided that the surgeon has mastered laparoscopy and open bariatric surgery.