A simple technique for laparoscopic removal of silicone adjustable gastric banding

Laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding is currently among the most common surgical procedures performed in morbidly obese patients. The safety, reversibility, and technical simplicity of this procedure account for its wide and rapid diffusion. Concern still exists about the long term efficacy of the procedure in achieving weight loss and mechanical complications continue to represent the Achilles' heel of the procedure. Little or no attention has been given in the literature to the technical aspects of band removal. The surgical technique must be as simple and minimally invasive as possible. We report the technique we currently use to remove failed bands.