Long-Term Results of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding in French adolescents: The Utmost Importance of Follow-Up

Abstract

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text ABSTRACT Objectives: To investigate the long-term follow-up (FU) and effectivity of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in a French adolescent cohort. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the results of LAGB at our institution. We collected information on FU, adjustable gastric banding (AGB) status, weight-related parameters, and comorbidity at multiple timepoints. Results: Fifty-six patients (77% female) with a mean age of 16.5\u200ayears and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 45\u200akg/m2 underwent LAGB over a period of 12\u200ayears. The mean postpediatric FU was 23\u200amonths. FU decreased progressively from 96% at 3\u200ayears to 54% and 29% at 6 and 9\u200ayears, respectively. The loss to FU was 39% at last contact. AGB was removed in 17 patients (30%) and 12 patients (21%) underwent a second bariatric procedure. Mean BMI decreased by 11\u200akg/m2 at last contact (P\u200a<\u200a0.001). The prevalence of most comorbidities also decreased significantly after 3\u200ayears. The mean excess weight loss (to reach a BMI of 25\u200akg/m2) was 47% during the first year postsurgery and further increased to 55% at last contact. Conclusion: Overall, AGB resulted in significant weight loss; however, the increase in heterogeneity suggests that LAGB is more effective in some individuals than in others in the long-term. This study confirmed that LAGB is a valuable bariatric procedure in adolescents, either as a long term-term efficient or bridging method that would be replaced at the time of transition to adult care. The importance of a standardized long-term follow-up should always be emphasized.