Bowel obstruction and cecal volvulus as a complication of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: A case report

Abstract

Obesity is a common condition in westernized countries and it is increasing in prevalence in both pediatric and adult populations. Morbidity associated with severe obesity can be life threatening. Surgical intervention has demonstrated efficacy at reduction of morbidity and mortality resulting from obesity. The laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a well-known bariatric procedure which has been popular for its minimally invasive approach. Several early and late complications from this procedure have been reported in the literature. The most common complications involve slippage of the band and local inflammatory processes related to the subcutaneous port site. This case report describes a 59-year-old female who developed a bowel obstruction secondary to a cecal volvulus caused by adhesions to her gastric band connecting tube. This is another example of one of the many growing, yet unusual complications associated with the LABG.