RACGP
Australian Family Physician
Australian Family Physician

Advertising

Volume 38, Issue 12, December 2009

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding - Effects, side effects and challenges

Wendy Brown Anna Korin Paul Burton Paul E O'Brien
Download article
Cite this article    BIBTEX    REFER    RIS

Background
The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band is a useful tool in the treatment of severe obesity. It is a safe and durably effective procedure, however, optimal results depend upon the patient participating in a process of lifelong care.
Objective
This article discusses the procedure, follow up, and late complications for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. It also provides the general practitioner with ‘alert’ symptoms and signs of when to contact the treating surgeon.
Discussion
Lifelong care involves counselling about food choices and eating patterns, as well as adjustment of the device. The delivery of this care usually involves a multidisciplinary team. Patients should not be offered surgery unless a process for continuing care is in place. Late complications of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding are relatively common; however, they can be readily treated in most cases, with weight loss continuing. Symptoms of volume reflux, nocturnal aspiration, dysphagia, regular regurgitation and vomiting may alert the primary care GP to complications. Abdominal pain along with any of these symptoms may suggest an acute complication, but other causes of abdominal pain should also be considered, depending on the clinical scenario.

Download the PDF for the full article.


Download article PDF

Advertising

Australian Family Physician RACGP

Printed from Australian Family Physician - https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2009/december/gastric-banding
© The Australian College of General Practitioners www.racgp.org.au