Long-term results and gastroesophageal reflux in a series of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding

During the past decade, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding has become the most popular surgical procedure in treating morbid obesity. On the other hand, significant drawbacks such as inadequate longterm weight loss, a high prevalence of reoperations, and frequent postoperative symptoms have been reported in the literature. This analysis summarizes our Department's experience with this operation. Thirty-one patients (27 women and 4 men) with a mean body mass index of 46.5 kg/m(2) (range, 38.3-59.8 kg/m(2)) were operated upon laparoscopically between September 1997 and January 2003. The preoperative work-up of all patients included a psychological evaluation. Mean follow-up was 59.3 months (range, 19-84 months). Sixteen patients had esophageal pH-metry and 18 patients had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy preoperatively and postoperatively. Data were collected prospectively during the outpatient visits. Mean preoperative excess weight was 65.6 kg (range, 37.4-96.1 kg). Mean excess weight loss after 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, and 84 months was 40.3%, 50.5%, 51.9%, 48.9%, 46.2%, 51.8%, and 30.2%, respectively. In total, six patients (19.4%) had an abdominal reoperation, including four patients (12.9%) for band removal. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed in 18 patients after 30.1 months (range, 5-67 months), showing a high prevalence of esophagitis (30.0%; grade 1: n = 3, grade 2: n = 3). Conversely, postoperative esophageal pH-metry performed in 16 patients was pathologic in 43.8%. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding produces significant weight loss even after long-term follow-up. However, the reoperation rate is high and postoperative symptoms are frequent. The high incidence of gastroesophageal reflux and esophagitis remains a matter of concern.