Erosion of Gastric Band Tubing Presenting as Port-Site Cellulitis

Melissa Felinski, DO, Kulvinder S. Bajwa, MD, Shinil K. Shah, DO

Department of Surgery, McGovern Medical School at UT Health, Houston, Texas, USA (all authors).
Michael E. Debakey Institute for Comparative Cardiovascular Science and Biomedical Devices, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA (Dr. Shah).

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Long-term outcomes of laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) placement have shown suboptimal excess weight loss and higher than expected device-related complications.

Case Description: We report a 45-year-old woman in whom the adjustable gastric band tubing eroded into the stomach, causing a port-site infection.

Conclusion: Because of the number of LAGB procedures performed previously and the incidence of band-related complications, surgeons must be able to recognize and manage these complications. Erosion of the gastric band or the connection tubing or both should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with a port-site infection.

Key Words: Complications, Erosion, Gastric band.

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