Periprosthesis sepsis: an undesirable complication of silicone gastric banding

Abstract

Background: Gastric banding is a very satisfactory procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. The significant incidence of skin suppuration in these patients makes the laparoscopic approach a suitable technique. Regardless of this, in some cases, suppuration can still rarely result.

Methods and results: In four patients the authors observed diffusion of suppuration in both directions along the catheter which connects the port to the band, necessitating band removal and thus invalidating the procedure.

Conclusions: Suppuration of port location is an undesirable complication that must be avoided because it may contaminate the entire device system. This complication must be carefully evaluated for a correct diagnosis and an eventual removal of the band.