A comparison of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in adolescents and adults

Background: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (AGB) induces effective weight loss in adults, but its efficacy in adolescents has yet to be determined. Methods: Since 1996, data have been collected prospectively on all patients undergoing laparoscopic AGB procedures performed at our hospital by a single surgeon (G.F.). Patients < 20 years old at surgery (adolescents) were compared with patients > 20 years old (adults) who were matched for sex and body mass index (BMI). Results: Seventeen adolescents with a median age of 17 years (range, 12-19) and a BMI of 42.2 kg/m(2) (range, 30.3-70.5) were compared to 17 adults with a median age of 41 years (range, 23-70) and a BMI of 41.8 kg/m(2) (range, 30.1-71.5). There were no significant differences between the adolescents and the adults in complications or weight loss. The BMI dropped to 30.1 kg/m(2) (range, 22.6-39.4) in adolescents and 33.1 kg/m(2) (range, 28.4-41.3) in adults at 2-month follow-up. Conclusion: Laparoscopic AGB is as effective in adolescents as it is in adults.