Lab Band Erosion: symptoms, causes and treatment [EXPLANATION]

Lab Band Erosion

Gastric band, also called lap band surgery (lapband or lap band) is a weight loss surgery dedicated to people with BMI over 35 who have tried to lose weight with a diet and exercises but with no effects. The gastric banding involves placing a plastic band around the stomach (it’s upper parts), which creates a small pouch. The surgeon places a deflated band and once in place, it is inflated with saline. As a result, patients eat much less food (and calories) and the feeling of fullness comes very quickly, which provokes a rapid weight loss. Like any other surgery, the gastric band involves possible complications. Bariatric procedures are considered safe, but a patient must realize what may happen afterward. The characteristic complication of gastric band is gastric band erosion. It is not frequent, but definitely, gastric band patients should be aware of this condition. 

What is gastric band erosion?

Gastric band erosion belongs to the long-term complications which tend to happen within 2-3 years after the procedure. What is gastric band erosion exactly? This condition happens when the gastric band comes in contact with the stomach and makes friction against it. It may result in either the band growing into the stomach and weakening of surrounding tissues or making a hole in the stomach. It is a rare complication happening to only 2% of gastric band patients, however, it belongs to the most serious ones. Hence, it is necessary that you know what may cause lap band erosion and how to diagnose and treat it. 

Lap band erosion causes

The lap band erosion may be caused by the following conditions:

• the gastric band is placed too tight and affects blood flow, it may result in weakening or dying of the stomach tissue;
• the stitches after gastric band surgery are placed much too deep in the stomach, it may result in infections;
• there is a surgical injury, which weakens the stomach wall;
• there are ulcers in the stomach (in the gastric band area) caused by stomach acids and vomiting. 

Symptoms of lap band erosion

One of the signs of lap band erosion maybe only just a pain in the stomach which happens to everyone and is not a sign of a serious disorder, but in the case of the bariatric patients even this should be consulted with the doctor

Diagnosing lap band erosion might be quite difficult because some patients show absolutely no symptoms of lap band erosion. The early signs of lap band erosion can be very mild and not associated with such a serious condition. Patients may feel just a pain in the stomach which happens to everyone and is not a sign of a serious disorder. Regarding the characteristic symptoms of gastric band erosion, patients experience a weight gain or rapidly they stop losing weight. Being in the process of weight loss after a gastric band lasts about 1-2 years and when patients follow weigth loss surgery diet and exercising plan, they lose kilograms regularly, so a sudden stop of this process must not be ignored.

Apart from a lack of weight loss, gastric band erosion symptoms include also:

• increased hunger (because the band is no longer in place)
• skin infection or abscess at the port site
• indigestion problems or acid reflux
• vomiting and nausea
• pain in the upper abdomen
• difficulty in swallowing.

If you notice any of the above lap band erosion signs, you should contact your doctor. There is a low probability that you are experiencing gastric band erosion, but you must check it with the doctor just in case. You need to note which signs and symptoms of lap band erosion you have to make it easier for the doctor to diagnose your condition.  

Gastric band erosion treatment

The most effective examination for gastric band erosion is endoscopy

Gastric band erosion can be diagnosed by abdominal x-ray, ct scan, endoscopy, or upper gastrointestinal series. The most effective examination is endoscopy – it gives a 100% certainty of the band erosion diagnosis. Ct scan identifies about 80% of the erosions and xray – about 25-30% of the erosions. Once diagnosed, it must be treated as soon as possible.

Modern medicine allows for gastric band erosion treatment at the same time as endoscopic diagnosis. The endoscopic removal of the eroded band is possible only in some cases – when the health condition of a patient is satisfying and there are no other severe health problems. Also, removing a band means the end of the weight loss process triggered by bariatric surgery. Some patients, however, want to continue weight loss, so they need a second – revision surgery. They may have a new gastric band, which is placed about 3 months after the removal of the eroded band, but the more recommended solution is a gastric sleeve or bypass. If you must have your band removed and want to continue losing weight, just talk with your surgeon and you will be explained all the options.

Lap Band erosion summary

Lap band erosion is a rare complication after gastric band procedure, however, once it happens, it needs immediate treatment and removal. Once you consider the gastric band, you need to be aware of this possible complication, and it’s symptoms. Also, do not hesitate to contact your doctor any time you experience some worrying signs and conditions – it is always better to check with a specialist whether everything is ok. 

Sources

Ferreira, Leonor Mateus. “Gastric Band Erosion: What You Need to Know.” Obesity News Today, 19 Nov. 2015, obesitynewstoday.com/gastric-band-erosion/.

“Lap Band Erosion: Diagnosis, Pictures, Treatment & Recovery.” Jet Medical Tourism® in Mexico, 21 Oct. 2020, jetmedicaltourism.com/lap-band-erosion/.

Shayani, Dr. Vafa. “Lap-Band Erosion – All You Need to Know.” Bariatric Surgery Source, Bariatric Surgery Source, LLC, 30 Sept. 2018, www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/lap-band-erosion.html.