Two cases of conversion of vertical ring gastroplasty to adjustable silicone gastric banding

Background: Since May 1995, we have used laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding (ASGB) as an alternative to silastic ring vertical gastroplasty (SRVG) to treat morbid obesity. Moreover, it seemed that ASGB was an appropriate procedure to use when SRVG had failed and no alternative procedure could be attempted again, which occurred in two patients. Because of adhesions, the laparoscopic approach was inappropriate in both cases. The size of the pouch and the staple-line were not obstacles to ASGB. Methods: Case 1 was a 53-year-old woman of 111 kg (BMI = 46) who had SRVG in July 1994. One year later, she had a 54 kg weight loss, but had continuing food intolerance, although malfunction of the pouch or ring could not be found. A removal of the ring was performed in October 1995, and a 10-cm diameter silicone band placed. The band was not inflated until she had regained weight 5 months later. Case 2 was a 33-year-old woman of 100 kg (BMI = 40) who had SRVG in March 1994. Weight loss was 45 kg 18 months later; then she gained weight. Endoscopy and barium swallow showed both staple-line disruption and band erosion. Removal of the ring was performed in March 1996, and a 9.75-cm diameter silicone band placed, and inflated at the same time with 2 cc saline. Results: Both patients are doing well. Conclusions: ASGB appeared to be the best alternative when revising an SRVG in cases where a new stapling or the placement of a new ring could have had consequences more serious than the primary complications.