Presentation
Abdominal pain. History of gastric laparoscopic banding for weight loss.
Patient Data
Images are windowed to optimize visualization of the intraluminal positioning of the gastric band. There is partial intragastric erosion of the gastric band. Coronal reformats show oral contrast surrounding the leftward/cranial aspect of the gastric band, which is intraluminal. The caudal/medial aspect of the band is in correct position.
Case Discussion
Intragastric erosion of laparoscopic gastric band is a delayed complication that may be partial (as in this case) or complete. It can result from gastric wall injury during band placement, overdistension resulting in ischemia, infection, or inflammation. The presentation can be chronic/insidious, or even asymptomatic. For management, the band must be removed to prevent further complications such as abscess, peritonitis, and infection.