Periodicaly Emptying of the Gastric Band System Reduces Late Complications

Brane Breznikar, MD, Dejan Dinevski, PhD Prof, Grega Kunst, MD, Barbara Rozej, MD. General Hospital Slovenj Gradec

Introduction. We analyzed our first five years of performing gastric bandings. We were monitoring comorbidities and results regarding participation the support group and emptying of the system. Based on our experiences, gastric banding is successful only with thorough assessment and treatment before the operation, as well as methodical professional support after it. Those who had participated the support group more often had better results than those who were present less frequent. Based on our retrospective study periodically emptying reduces late complications. Prospective study is performing from January 2009.
Patients and methods. From May 2005 to May 2010 we have performed 264 gastric bandings (66.5% of all procedures). Patients were 41.0 years old and had BMI of 42.4 kg/m2 on average. There were 224 female (84.8%). 155 patients (80.7%) were evaluated for BAROS.
Results. 1st, 2nd and 3rd year they lost 23.4 kg, 31.4 kg and 33,7 kg on average respectively (EWL 50.3%, 65.6% and 69.8% on average respectively). We monitored the resolution of comorbidities and complications. BAROS quality of life scale was evaluated with grade good in both “comorbidity” and “without comorbidity” group (4.85 and 2.64 respectively).
Retrospective study of 182 patients from May 2005 to January 2009 presented 10 slippages and 1 migration among those we did not empty the system. One slippage was among those we have emptied the system at least once a year. Prospective study from January 2009 to October 2011 presented 2 slippages in the group we did not empty.
Conclusions. The results are better when patients participate the support group and when we empty the system periodically.
 

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