Gastric band

A gastric band is a popular form of bariatric surgery and is a surgically placed device, used to assist in weight loss and is adjustable.

Procedure

Performed laparoscopically, a silicone band device is placed around the stomach to reduce its volume. The band is adjustable via a port placed in the subcutaneous tissues of the abdomen, which can be filled with a variable volume of liquid to tighten or release the band constriction.

Radiographic features

Imaging can be used to assess for complications such as ^1-3:

• gastric perforation (rare)
• gastric band erosion
• band slippage
• pouch dilatation
• port-site infection
• port site hernia
• tube detachment or leak
• flipped port or migrated port

Plain film

The band, port and the tubing between them is also visible on plain radiographs.

Fluoroscopy

The port can be accessed using fluoroscopy to puncture the port. The band constriction can then be assessed by barium swallow.

Phi angle is useful to assess position ¹:

• normally between 4-58°
• must be measured with the gastric band in profile
• angle measured between a vertical line oriented to the vertebral column and another through the long-axis of the gastric band

See also

• sleeve gastrectomy
• gastric lap band complications