Gastric slippage as an emergency: diagnosis and management

Abstract

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is an increasingly common procedure for morbid obesity. The most prevalent complication following LAGB is band slippage leading to gastric prolapse. These cases often present to the emergency department where surgeons need to appropriately diagnose and stabilize the patient, prior to any surgical intervention. It is imperative that surgeons at all levels of training implement an organized, effective acute management plan to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this life-threatening condition. This report highlights the case of a gastric banding patient who presented to an emergency department >1 year after a LAGB operation had been performed, with dysphagia. The diagnosis of gastric prolapse can be overlooked, with potentially serious consequences.