Gastric band
Updates to Article Attributes
A gastric band is a surgically placed device, used to assist in weight loss. It is now the most popular form of bariatric surgery, largely replacing gastric bypass procedures 1.
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, 2, 3:
- gastric perforation (rare)
- gastric band erosion
- band slippage
- pouch dilatation
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 orientated to the vertebral column and another through the long-axis of the gastric band
See also
-<li><a title="Erosion of gastric bands" href="/articles/gastric-banderosion">gastric band erosion</a></li>- +<li><a href="/articles/gastric-banderosion">gastric band erosion</a></li>