Hybrid Technique for Removal of Eroded Adjustable Gastric Band

BACKGROUND Intragastric migration is a late and rare postsurgical complication in patients with gastric band placement. Gastric band erosion rate has previously been described to be 1.46%. In this report, we present the case of a 43-y-old male with gastric band erosion undergoing a laparoendoscopic retrieval of the gastric band, due to intragastric migration. METHOD A hybrid procedure was performed to retrieve the gastric band. A laparoscopic approach was initially used to extract the connecting tube. Endoscopy was then performed to cut the gastric band with a specific cutter system and was subsequently extracted transorally. RESULTS The postoperative course was uneventful. Clear liquids were started on day 1, and the patient was discharged on day 2. DISCUSSION The purpose of this study was to describe a hybrid technique for the removal of an eroded gastric band, as a safe and feasible option in patients with band erosions. CONCLUSION The laparoscopic approach enables safe extraction of the connecting tube, while endoscopy allows extraction of the band without creating a large incision in the stomach.