Safety and Short-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy as a Revisional Approach for Failed Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding in the Treatment of Morbid Obesity

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been used as a first step of a two-stage approach in bariatric surgery for high-risk patients. Recently, LSG is being utilized as a primary and final procedure for morbid obesity with acceptable short-term results. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of LSG as a revisional procedure for patients with unsatisfactory outcomes after laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB). A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed. Data were reviewed for all patients undergoing revision from LAGB to LSG during the period May 2005 and May 2009. Data collected included demographics, indication for revision, operative time, length of stay, postoperative complications, and degree of weight reduction. Fifteen patients (three males and 12 females) had revisional surgery converting a LAGB to a LSG. The indication in four patients (26.66%) was weight regains and in five patients (33.33%) was poor weight loss; four patients (26.66%) had a band slippage and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, and one patient (6.66%) had poor weight loss, band slippage, and reflux. In one patient (6.66%), the indication was slippage and duodenal fistula. One-step revision procedure was done in 13 patients (86.66%), while two-step procedure was done in two patients (13.33%). Mean preoperative weight and BMI were 233.02 (181.4–300) lb and 38.66 (29.7–49.3) kg/m², respectively. Mean weight loss at 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively was 20.7, 48.3, 57.2, 60.1, and 13.5 lb, respectively. Mean % excess BMI loss was 28.9%, 64.2%, 65.3%, 65.7%, and 22.25% at 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively. There was one major complication (staple line leak) and one postoperative acute gastric outlet obstruction. We had no mortality. Thirteen patients were followed up postoperatively. The number decreased as follow-up time progressed. LSG could provide short-term weight loss after previously failed LABG, but prone to more complications compared to an initial LSG without a prior bariatric procedure.