Simultaneous gastric banding and cholecystectomy in the treatment of morbid obesity: is it feasible?

BACKGROUND: In the last decade, laparoscopic surgery for morbid obesity has become widely employed, including a marked increase in the placement of adjustable gastric bands (AGB). Among the co-morbidities of morbid obesity is cholelithiasis. The question arises whether concomitant cholecystectomy increases the risk of postoperative infectious complications due to the association of a potentially contaminated procedure with a clean operation, placement of an AGB. The aim of this study is to evaluate the postoperative outcome in patients submitted to laparoscopic AGB with cholecystectomy.

METHODS: From January 2000 to January 2004, 308 patients (85 men and 223 women) had AGB placed. BMI ranged from 38.9 to 65.6 kg/m(2) (mean 41.6). In 17 patients (5.5%), gallstones were detected by ultrasonography, and cholecystectomy was performed together with the AGB. Mean operative time for placement of the AGB was 58 +/- 18 min, and in those with cholecystectomy 86 +/- 17 min (P =0.20).

RESULTS: All patients that had placement of AGB and cholecystectomy had satisfactory postoperative outcome. No infectious complications were observed.

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed simultaneously with placement of an AGB has been a safe procedure.