Laparoscopic Band-Plication Surgery

The Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band Plication or as it is commonly referred to "banded plication" procedure was introduced in an effort to find a durable and safe weight loss procedure that results in excellent short and long terms weight loss. A recent study suggests that gastric-banded plication may be just as effective in weight loss as the gastric bypass without the associated complications, since there is not cutting or re-routing of the stomach or intestine. Studies that are ongoing from some major US medical centers have demonstrated excellent weight loss following the band-plication. The theory behind this technique is that the plication is performed to begin the initial weight loss process. The weight loss continues as the patient modifies their behavior through new eating habits. With minimal band adjustments, weight loss will continue for approximately 8 to 12 months. At that time, if weight loss plateaus, then it is important to start with LAGB adjustments. This theoretically might decrease complications associated with the band. The gastric plication is a new concept and there are very limited studies on this technique; therefore it must be remembered that this is still an investigational surgery. This surgical weight loss procedure reduces the volume of the stomach by "plicating" the outside wall of the stomach into the inside of the stomach, making much less room for food, therefore the patient eats much smaller amounts. Because there is no cutting or re-routing of the intestinal tract the thought is that this procedure may be safer. The complication rate with this surgical procedure may prove to be less than all the currently available surgical procedures, however this will not be known until further studies are published. The plication procedure also has early data to suggest that the weight loss with the band plication is just as good as the sleeve gastrectomy and in some instances the gastric bypass. In patients undergoing the band plication surgery, there are far less band adjustments during the first year following surgery. It has also been hypothesized that, with this technique, since the fundus of the stomach has been plicated, there could be less risk of band slippage or erosion, which is one of the most dreaded complications of the band that usually results in additional surgery. If you want to learn more about this surgery please attend one of our free monthly seminars.