Erosion of Marlex band and silastic ring into the stomach after gastroplasty: endoscopic recognition and management.

We report three patients who developed erosion of a Marlex band or a silastic ring that was used to reinforce the stoma after vertical stapled gastroplasty. The patients were symptomatic and the diagnosis was made by endoscopy. After endoscopic removal of the foreign body, symptoms resolved in two patients. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful removal, by endoscopy, of an eroding mesh or a ring.