Access-port complications after laparoscopic gastric banding.

Background: The aim of this retrospective study was to identify complications related to the access-port, after Lap-Band system placement by laparoscopy.

Methods: The records of 333 morbidly obese patients who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) were reviewed for the overall surgical complications. Data was further analyzed regarding the complications related to the access-port.

Results: From January 1999 to December 2001, the overall complication-rate with the LAGB was 25.8%. 45 complications (13.5%) were related to the access-port in 34 patients following LAGB placement. The 45 access-port complications were distributed as follows: infection 51.1%, tubing disconnection 17.7%, dislodgment of the access-port 15.6%, leak of the reservoir 11.1%, and skin ulceration by the port 4.45%.

Conclusion: The integrity of the Lap-Band system is essential to achieve the objective of the operation: weight loss. Complications related to the access-port were relatively frequent, but preventable.