Laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding: Complications

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a procedure that is now approved by the Federal Drug Administration for use in the United States to treat morbid obesity. Numerous complications can occur as a result of the device. These include both early technical complications as well as long-term problems such as esophageal dilatation and failed weight loss. While improvements in surgical technique may decrease early technical complications such as gastric prolapse, long-term follow-up studies will be required to determine the ultimate success of this device in controlling severe obesity.