Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in severely obese adolescents.

Background: Severely obese adolescents are suffering all the consequences well known in adults. A decision was made to offer laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery to severely obese adolescents.

Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the outcomes of 41 adolescents aged 12-19 years (mean 15.6 years) who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery. At surgery, their mean weight was 125 +/- 9 kg (range 83-220), and the mean body mass index was 42.4 +/- 8.2 kg/m(2) (range 31-71). The comorbidities included 2 patients with diabetes, 1 with sleep apnea requiring continuous positive airway pressure, 2 with hypertension, and 1 with Perthe's disease of the hip.

Results: No operative or 60-day morbidity or mortality occurred. One patient was lost to follow-up, but returned at 3 years. The mean follow-up was 33.8 +/- 19 months (range 1-70). Eighteen patients have had a Lap-Band for at least 3 years. Compliance was excellent, with 12.2 visits per child (range 7-22) at 2 years. At 3 years, the mean body mass index had decreased to 29 +/- 6 kg/m(2) (range 23-47), which was maintained at 5 years. Of the 41 adolescents, 83% were no longer obese, with a BMI <30 kg/m(2). The estimated weight loss was 70% +/- 21% (range 37-101%) and was maintained at 5 years.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery is a valid option for the care of severely obese adolescents.