Periprosthesis sepsis: an undesirable complication of silicone gastric banding.

BACKGROUND

Gastric banding is a very satisfactory procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. The significant incidence of skin suppuration in these patients makes the laparoscopic approach a suitable technique. Regardless of this, in some cases, suppuration can still rarely result.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In four patients the authors observed diffusion of suppuration in both directions along the catheter which connects the port to the band, necessitating band removal and thus invalidating the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Suppuration of port location is an undesirable complication that must be avoided because it may contaminate the entire device system. This complication must be carefully evaluated for a correct diagnosis and an eventual removal of the band.