Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for morbid obesity in a patient with situs inversus totalis

Abstract

Laparoscopic surgery with situs inversus may pose particular challenges to the surgeon. We discuss a case of undiagnosed situs inversus totalis in a morbidly obese patient undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). The patient was a 29-year-old male with a body mass index (BMI) of 56. There was no prior knowledge of his situs inversus totalis, which was only discovered during laparoscopy at the time of surgery. The operative challenges are discussed. LAGB was performed successfully without complication. Postoperative imaging confirmed dextrocardia and situs inversus totalis, as well as correct gastric band position. However, there has been subsequent gastric band erosion and eventual band removal. We discuss the appropriateness of LAGB in this group of patients.