Single Incision Laparoscopic Gastric Banding Versus Conventional Five Port Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

Single Incision Laparoscopic Gastric Banding Versus Conventional Five Port Laparoscopic Gastric Banding

Gastric banding has been shown to significantly reduce weight and has been approved as a treatment of morbid obesity. The standard laparoscopic operation requires five small incisions for the introduction of instruments and the band into the patient's abdomen. We have developed a technique for performing this operation through a single incision at the belly button. This study compares this method to the conventional 5-incision approach.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI > 40
• ASA Class I or II

Exclusion Criteria:

• Comorbid cardiac, pulmonary, renal, hepatic disease
• Bleeding disorder
• Previous gastric/esophageal surgery