Intra-abdominal abscess in the course of intragastric migration of an adjustable gastric band: a potentially life-threatening complication.

Author: Wylezol M, Sitkiewicz T, Gluck M, Zubik R, Pardela M

Author affiliation: Department of General and Bariatric Surgery in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland. wylezol@wp.pl

Publication date & source: 2006.01, Obes Surg., 16(1):102-4.

Publication type: Case Reports

Intragastric band migration is a potential complication of adjustable gastric banding. A 39-year-old morbidly obese female underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. After uneventful postoperative follow-up of 4 years, she had slow, steady failure of the restrictive effect, associated with regain of weight. Intragastric band migration was confirmed on GI series, and the patient was admitted to the hospital for revision. The patient presented no symptoms of acute abdomen. Intraoperatively, a huge intra-abdominal abscess was discovered in the epigastric area. The stomach with the band and tubing were involved in the inflammatory process. Labtobacillus acidofilus was found to be the causative organism. Removal of the gastric band with simultaneous resectional gastric bypass was performed. The recovery proceeded with no complications. Intragastric band migration can cause intra-abdominal abscess; thus, we believe that every case of band migration should be treated without delay to avoid further complications.