Background: Recent studies of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) placement demonstrate improvement of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but the long term results of LAGB for patients with esophageal motility disorders remains unknown. The risk of worsening pre-existing esophageal motility disorders must be balanced against the benefits of LAGB, specifically its efficacy with respect to weight loss and resolution of comorbidities. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness and risk of LAGB in obese patients with esophageal motility disorders. Materials and Methods: After IRB approval, a retrospective review of 116 patients without symptoms of GERD, who were selected for LAGB and underwent esophageal manometric evaluation between January and March 2003, was undertaken. Abnormal manometric findings were demonstrated in 46 (41%) patients, 24 of whom agreed to undergo LAGB. Esophageal disorders in these patients included non-specific in 15, nutcracker esophagus (peristaltic amplitude >180mmHg) in 6, isolated hypertensive LES pressure (>35mmHg) in 2, and isolated hypotensive pressure (
Session: Poster
Program Number: P066
