Abstract:

We present a series of patients who have undergone laparo-endoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery for placement of an adjustable gastric band. From December 2007 to December 2008, LESS surgery to place an adjustable gastric band was performed via a trans-umbilical incision. Essentially, multiple ports were placed through a single incision in the umbilicus to allow for liver retraction, visualization, and working instruments. All critical steps using a standard pars flaccida technique were not altered. Twenty-two patients were carefully selected, including 20 women and 2 men ranging in age from 18 to 67 with a mean age of 42. All patients were discharged home within the 23-hour admission window, and there were no perioperative complications noted. In addition, there were no wound-related complications. LESS surgery for adjustable gastric band shows this technique to be both feasible and safe in selected patients to date. Although technical limitations exist that will undoubtedly be improved upon, further studies must be performed to compare LESS surgery for placement of an adjustable gastric band to traditional laparoscopic techniques.

Authors:

Julio Teixeira M.D., F.A.C.S., Chief Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY

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