Esophageal perforation during laparoscopic adjustable gastric band: conversion to open sleeve gastrectomy and endoscopic stent placement

Abstract

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) is one of the most popular bariatric surgical procedures both in Europe and United States, because it is considered to be a safe and effective way of treating morbid obesity. This minimally invasive frequently employed bariatric procedure has many reported complications, but only a few cases of esophageal perforation have been reported. We present a case of iatrogenic esophageal perforation in an 18-year-old patient occurring during attempt to place an adjustable gastric band laparoscopically, which was diagnosed intraoperatively. Conversion to open sleeve gastrectomy with primary suturing of the perforation and drainage were performed. On the early postoperative period leak from the intra-abdominal part of the esophagus was diagnosed and treated with endoscopic placement of a self-expandable metal stent. After 2-years of follow-up the patient continues to have no sequelae from the perforation or symptoms of dysphagia, while Excess Weight Loss is 74.

Fig. 1

Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen revealing air in the soft tissue around the intra-abdominal esophagus and extravasation of contrast from the esophagus (white arrow).