A medical breakthrough has given hope to those suffering from severe obesity, and it is called the Lap-Band. The Lap-Band surgery places a silicone band around the top part of the stomach to create a smaller area to hold food. The Lap-Band procedure is less invasive than traditional gastric bypass surgery, but it isn't without risk. According to the Food and Drug Administration, most Lap-Band patients will experience at least one side effect from the procedure.
Inadequate Weight Loss
The FDA states that although most patients lose some weight with the product, there are some that lose no weight at all. According to the journal Annals of Surgery, a very high percentage of people had the device removed due to inadequate weight loss. African-American patients had a harder time losing weight, despite the band functioning properly.
Infection
Infection can occur with Lap-Band placement. The stomach can become infected because of bacteria being allowed to enter with the device. The incisional wounds can also become infected after surgery. If the infection is serious enough, the Lap-Band may need to be removed. The infection can be eradicated following a course of antibiotics.
Saline Leakage
Saline is injected into the port placed in the chest, which tightens the device. Sometimes saline leakage can happen if the device is damaged. This will result in improper function of the Lap-Band, which will require replacement in order to lose weight.
Band Slippage
Band slippage means that the device has moved from its original place. This results in some symptoms in the patient such as abdominal pain and vomiting. Acid reflux can also occur as well as gastric obstruction. Sometimes the slippage results in the need for another surgery to place the device in the correct spot. Other times, the device needs to be removed due to slippage.
Dilation of the Esophagus
Dilation of the esophagus leads to difficulty swallowing, reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus and vomiting. In a study performed by the Medical College of Virginia, 70 percent of 36 patients developed dilation of the esophagus.
Development of Scar Tissue
According to MedlinePlus, scar tissue can develop after surgery in the stomach, causing blockages and possible obstruction of the bowels in the future. The scar tissue develops around the band, making it difficult to remove the device when the time comes. The scar tissue must be removed, causing a greater risk for infection.
References
- MedlinePlus: Laparoscopic Gastric Banding
- NIDDK: FDA Approves Adjustable Stomach Band to Treat Severe Obesity
- Food and Drug Administration: Lap-Band Adjustable Gastric Banding System
- Annals of Surgery: High Failure Rate After Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding for Treatment of Morbid Obesity
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