Lap Band Surgery Risks Reduced With Improved Gastric Band Design — Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding

Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding Encouraged By Study Results

When considering any sort of surgery patients and their doctors must talk about the associated risks. Lap band surgery risks are minimal thanks to advances in design and being a minimally invasive procedure.

Study On Decreased Lap Band Surgery Risks From Advancements in Gastric Band Design

Significant design changes to the lap band have occurred since its introduction in 1993. The band is a flexible ring that is inflated to tighten around the upper stomach. This produces a smaller stomach and causes a feeling of fullness sooner. Band diameter, balloon volume, and shape have all seen changes. These modifications are the result of follow up visits between medical professionals and patients as well as data showing what works, what’s comfortable, and what’s best for the body. Few studies comparing complication rates among different band types exist, leading Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and her colleagues to study exactly this.

The doctors studied patients at the same medical center who underwent the lap band surgery and reviewed the data retrospectively. To be included, patients had to be adults with a BMI of 35 who had lap band surgery from 2001-2007 and participated in follow ups for at least 5 years.

The study questioned lap band surgery risks as related to design changes. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and her colleagues counted lap band surgery complications requiring a second surgery at the institution within five years of the initial lap band placement surgery. Qualifying second procedures included: diagnostic laparoscopy; hiatal hernia repair; repositioning, replacing, or removing the band; or undergoing a different type of weight loss surgery.

The data in the study covered 2711 patients — 1827 women (67.4%) and 884 men (32.6%) — who had four different types of bands placed.

Encouraging Results About Reduced Lap Band Surgery Risks

Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding and the other doctors involved in the study found that lap band surgery risks have lessened as changes have been made in the band.

485 (17%) experienced lap band surgery complications requiring a secondary procedure. The five year follow-up rates proved that older bands had the highest lap band surgery complication rates. Each new model results in fewer complications. Doctors are encouraged by these results.

A Word on Lap Band Surgery Complications

All medical procedures have attached risk. The medical community is committed to assessing these risks and helping patients avoid them as much as possible. This is often done through literature and conversations about what to expect postoperatively. Talk to your surgeon about what to expect as far as side effects, follow all postoperative directions, and go to the doctor or ER if something doesn’t feel right.

If you’re ready for lap band surgery, contact the team at NYU Langone Medical Center to learn more and attend an information session or set up a consultation with a doctor like Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding.

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