Gastric band

Last revised by Arlene Campos on 12 Jan 2024

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.

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.

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

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

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

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