Single incision laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: 111 cases.

Background: As single incision surgery increases in popularity, the feasibility of offering this approach in bariatric surgery is further progression of this surgical technique. With the technical challenges that both operating on the morbidly obese patient and single incision surgery present, we describe our initial experience undertaking 111 single-incision gastric band insertions.

Methods: From June 2009 to October 2010, 111 obese patients underwent single-incision laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding through a single transverse incision using a multichannel single port and a pars flaccida technique. Prospective data collection was undertaken, including visual analog scores.

Results: In this initial series, the median operative time was 65 minutes (range 34-165). There was 1 conversion to a 5-port laparoscopic technique (.9%), and an additional port was placed in 7 patients (6%). Male patients were more likely to require an additional port (P < .05). The single-incision size ranged from 26 to 45 mm (median 35). At 23 hours postoperatively, the median pain score was 2.5 on a 0-10 visual analog score. On multivariate analysis, pain was found to increase with operation time (P < .001). The median length of stay was 24 hours (range 5.5-48). There was no mortality and minimal morbidity, with 1 wound infection necessitating band removal.

Conclusions: Single-incision laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding can be performed safely with minimal morbidity and mortality in the morbidly obese patient, and our technique has a high rate of success. The benefits compared with the traditional laparoscopic approach and long-term outcomes are yet to be established. However, if the intra-abdominal operative time is >60 minutes, one should consider the placement of an additional port, especially in male patients.