Conservative management of intragastric migration of Swedish adjustable gastric band by endoscopic retrieval

Background: Intragastric migration is a known complication of gastric banding for morbid obesity. Methods: Instead of immediate reoperation, complete migration of the Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band (SAGB) into the gastric lumen was awaited in 4 patients who were asymptomatic. Results: After completed migration, the episternally placed access port was removed with the patient under local anesthesia, and the disconnected adjustable band was retrieved endoscopically. All 4 patients underwent rebanding with SAGE within 3 months after extraction. Conclusions: With this procedure, patients who are asymptomatic can be spared laparotomy and possibly gastrostomy.