Gastric Banding Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Gastric Banding, including details on laparoscopic gastric banding, stomach stapling, gastric bypass, risks, diet.

Enterocutaneous fistula: a rare complication of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Elakkary E, El Essawy D, Gazayerli MM

Department of Surgery, North Oakland Medical Centers, Pontiac, MI 48341, USA. elakkary@gmail.com

Morbid obesity is a refractory disease with serious co-morbidities. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has generally been a safe and effective method for achieving sustained weight loss. We report a man who presented after LAGB with persistent wound infection at the access port-site, which failed conservative management. Diagnostic laparoscopy found an enterocutaneous fistula from herniated bowel (in a Richter's hernia) into which the catheter had eroded. The small bowel and fascial defect were repaired. The catheter was then clipped and divided, and the port was removed.

Published 27 June 2005 in Obes Surg, 15(6): 897-900.
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