A 6-year experience with the Swedish adjustable gastric band

In morbid obesity conservative therapy often fails to reduce overweight permanently. As a consequence, several bariatric surgical procedures have been developed to achieve permanent excess weight loss. Among these, the laparoscopic restrictive procedures seem to be the least invasive. The aim of this prospective study was to assess and analyze the effects, complications, and outcomes after the implantation of the Swedish adjustable gastric band (SAGB) in long-term follow-up.

All consecutive patients with implantation of a SAGB between August 1996 and August 2002 were prospectively investigated. The placement of the SAGB was done by laparoscopy in all cases. Success was rated by the reduction of body mass index (BMI) excess weight loss (EWL), and reduction of comorbidities. “Nonresponders” to SAGB were defined as <30% EWL after a 3-year follow-up. Band-related complications were recorded and classified. Patient’s outcome was assessed after 6 months and subsequently each year postoperatively.

A total of 190 patients received a SAGB, 97% of whom could be followed up with a mean follow-up period of 39.4 months (duration of follow-up, 6–72). During follow-up, a significant reduction or improvement of BMI, EWL, and comorbidities were found. Nineteen percent of patients were identified as nonresponders. Early intraoperative and postoperative complications related to SAGB were one perforation of the gastric fundus (0.5%), one conversion (0.5%), one bleeding (0.5%), and two band infections (1.1%). The SAGB-related complications encountered during long-term follow-up were three port problems (1.6%), four band migrations (2.1%), five slipping/pouch dilatations (2.6%), and two band leakages (1.1%). All intra- and postoperative SAGB-related complications accounted for a total morbidity of 10.5%. Operative mortality was 0%. The overall reoperation rate was 8.5%.

In long-term follow-up, SAGB is safe and effective. Our results demonstrate a significant EWL of 50% during the first 24 months. However, patient selection has to be improved to reduce the nonresponder rate. SAGB leads to a significant reduction of obesity-related comorbidities. SAGB is an attractive alternative in the surgical treatment of morbid obesity.