Gastric necrosis:: a rare complication of gastric banding

In the last decade, laparoscopic gastric banding has become an increasingly popular surgical option for morbidly obese patients, because of the minimally invasive and easy surgical technique, its reversibility, and the possibility to calibrate the stoma. Gastric necrosis, as a complication of laparoscopic gastric banding, has been only rarely reported. Herein described is the case of a 45-year-old obese patient with gastric necrosis occurring 2 years after the placement of the band. After initial conservative management, the patient underwent urgent surgery. A huge anterior gastric prolapse through the band was found to be responsible for necrosis of the herniated stomach. An upper polar gastrectomy was performed. The mechanisms responsible for this life-threatening complication are discussed.