Significant results of using laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) for the treatment of morbid obesity

Background: Morbid obesity contributes to many health risks including physical, emotional, and social problems. The increasing prevalence of obesity is a major public health concern since obesity is associated with several chronic diseases. Morbid obesity is one of the biggest independent risk factors for early mortality. Various options for the surgical treatment of morbid obesity have been developed with varying results Materials and methods: LAGB technique with MID-BAND was carried out on 32 patients with morbid obesity (27 female and 5 male median age 34, range 21 to 56) that had no hypothyroidism, hypercortisolism and diagnosed psychiatric diseases. Mean weight and body mass index were 117 (92 to 159) kg and 43.4 (34-56) kg/m2 respectively before operation. The mean follow-up period was 12 months (range 6 to 18). Findings: Mean excess weight loss were 29% (range 8% to 62%), 46% (range 18% to 90%) 60% (range 26% to 92%) and 75%(range 36% to 98%) at 3,6,9 and 12 months post operation respectively (P <0.001). Median operative time was 55 (range 25 to 125) minutes and median hospital stay was 36 hours (range 12 to 72 hours) . Early complications were seen in 12 (38%) patients most commonly nausea/vomiting or hair loss. As late complication, port infection in 2 (6.3%) patients , band infection in 1(3.2%) patient and band malposition in 1(3.2%) patient Were seen. One patient (3.2%)had conversion to open .Mortality rate was zero. Conclusions: Although, this study was the first experience in LAGB, weight reduction in comparison with other studies was exccellent. Additionally, the complication rate was reasonable with no mortalities. LAGB is an effective and safe operation for the treatment of morbid obesity.