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J Himpens

Publications and source records attributed to J Himpens.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Surgical technique and complications during laparoscopic repair of diaphragmatic hernias.

Diaphragmatic hernias can present as retrocostoxiphoid hernias (RCXH) or diaphragmatic dome hernias. The RCXH include the Larrey hernia (LH), the Morgagni hernia (MH), and the Larrey-Morgagni hernia (LMH). These congenital hernias are usually asymptomatic, and the diagnosis is simplified by two exams: chest X-ray, and thoraco-abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan. The potential risk in this condition is small-bowel incarceration in the hernia defect and subsequent obstruction. We report two cases of LH and one case of LMH treated by laparoscopy between February 2004 and October 2005, with a review of the surgical techniques. Two different laparoscopic techniques were used: the tension-free technique, and resection of the hernia sac with closure of the defect and reinforcement by prosthesis. One patient presented a postoperative cardiac tamponade due to a clip-induced bleeding of an epicardial artery at the inferior surface of the heart. Treatment by laparoscopy is feasible, but a consensus regarding the best laparoscopic repair is needed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Thoracoscopic and laparoscopic oesophagectomy improves the quality of extended lymphadenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Oesophagectomy with extended lymphadenectomy carries considerable morbidity due to parietal trauma. It is also technically extremely demanding because the difficult access even through a large thoracotomy requires the use of long instruments to reach the deepest recess in the chest cavity. Since the first thoracoscopic oesophagectomy reported by Cuschieri et al. [1] in 1992, different minimally invasive approaches have been proposed [2-12]. The aim of this video is to show the accurate and relative ease of an entirely thoracoscopic and laparoscopic oesophagectomy with an extended lymph node dissection of mediastinum in prone position (thoracoscopically) and celiac trunk (laparoscopically). METHODS: Oesophagectomy by thoracoscopy, laparoscopy and cervicotomy was proposed in a 63-year-old man with a lower third oesophageal cancer. General anaesthesia was performed with a double-lumen endotracheal tube and the patient was placed in prone position. Surgeons were positioned at the right side of the patient. Only three trocars were needed. A 10 mm 30-degree angled scope was inserted in the 7th intercostal space on the posterior axillary line and the remaining two 5 mm trocars were inserted in the 5th and 9th intercostal spaces on the posterior axillary line. Prone position allows an excellent visibility of the operative field even in an only partially deflated lung. In order to achieve a good exposure, transitory pneumothorax with CO2 (14 mmHg) was performed. The mediastinal pleura overlying the oesophagus was incised and the arch of azygos vein was isolated, ligated and divided. The oesophagus was circumferentially mobilized from the thoracic inlet down to oesophageal hiatus. Para oesophageal and subcarinal lymph nodes were dissected so as to remain in block with the surgical specimen. A 28 F chest tube was inserted in the 8th intercostal space on the anterior axillary line. In the second stage the patient was placed in supine position and pneumoperitoneum was established. Five trocars were placed along an ideal semicircular line, with the concavity facing the subcostal margin and a 30-degree angled laparoscope was used. The lesser omentum was widely opened up the right pillar of the hiatus. Mobilization of the greater curvature of the stomach was performed preserving the right gastroepiploic artery. A wide Kocher maneuver was performed. Celiac lymphadenectomy started with skeletonization of the hepatic artery until the root of left gastric artery was reached. This artery and the left gastric vein were dissected, clipped and sectioned. All fatty tissue and lymph nodes along hepatic artery, left gastric artery and celiac trunk were resected in block with the surgical specimen. Multiple applications of a linear endoscopic stapler were used to create the gastric tube. Finally the distal oesophagus was dissected, until the thoracoscopic dissection field was joined. In the third stage a left lateral cervicotomy was performed and the cervical oesophagus was dissected down to the thoracoscopic dissection plane. Oesophagus and stomach were delivered through the cervical incision and an oesophagogastric anastomosis was created by a linear stapler technique. Cervical and abdominal drainages were installed. RESULTS: The total operative time was 271 minutes (thoracoscopy: 106 minutes, laparoscopy 120 minutes and cervicotomy 45 minutes) and blood loss was about 100 ml. Histological examination demonstrated a squamous cell carcinoma. Both margins of resection were free of tumour and 29 lymph nodes were retrieved. The final stage was IIA (pT3N0Mx). CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic and laparoscopic oesophagectomy with extended lymphadenectomy is technically feasible and safe. Thoracoscopic oesophagectomy in prone position improves the quality of dissection because: The oesophagus and aorto-pulmonary window are reached under excellent visibility, despite a partially deflated lung, which because of gravity will always remain out of harm's way. For the same reason small to moderate bleeding will not obscure the operative field. Dissection with the long endoscopic instruments is more accurate due to the support provided by the entrance site at the parietal level and the ergonomic position of surgeon. This article contains a supplementary video.

Blood Loss, Surgical↗
PubMed2006

Endoluminal fundoplication (ELF)--evolution of EsophyX, a new surgical device for transoral surgery.

A novel endoluminal fundoplication (ELF) technique using a trans-oral and fastener-deploying device (EsophyX, EndoGastric Solutions) was developed and evaluated for feasibility, safety and the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a series of bench, animal, human (phase 1, phase 2, commercial registry) studies. The studies verified biological compatibility, durability and non-toxicity of the polypropylene fasteners as well as the feasibility of the ELF technique. The results of the preclinical testing indicated that the EsophyX device was shown to be safe, and capable of deploying fasteners directly into tissue and forming an interrupted suture line at the base of the gastro-esophageal valve (GEV). Moreover, the studies demonstrated that the ELF technique performed using the EsophyX device resulted in the creation of new GEVs of 3-5 cm in length and a circumference of 200 degrees -310 degrees , which maintained their anatomical aspects at six months. The ELF-created GEVs appeared similar to those created by laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS). The ELF procedure also resulted in reduction of all small hiatal hernias (2 cm in size) and restoration of the angle of His. The ELF procedure provides an anatomical approach similar to that of LARS for the treatment of GERD.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Multimedia article. Entirely thoracoscopic pneumonectomy using the prone position: a new technique.

BACKGROUND: Reports on video-assisted pneumonectomy have remained scarce, despite early demonstration of its technical feasibility. A totally videothoracoscopic pneumonectomy was first reported by Conlan and Sandor. The patient in this report was positioned in the full lateral position. In this video, we report a totally videothoracoscopic left-side pneumonectomy with the patient in prone position. METHODS: A 49-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for a bifocal cancer of the left lower lung lobe (LLL) and the cervical esophagus. The preoperative workup included a chest computed tomography (CT) scan showing a 3-cm mass of the laterobasal segment of the LLL, with retrotumoral atelectasis, lymph nodes smaller than 1 cm in diameter at the aortopulmonary window and under the carena, and finally posterolateral adherences between the parietal and the visceral pleura. Flexible bronchoscopy confirmed the presence of a bronchial tumor at the offspring of the apical bronchus of the LLL. Biopsy showed invasive adenocarcinoma, and a CT scan of the neck and head was significant for tumoral infiltration of the cervical esophagus and retropharyngeal space. Gastroscopy showed a stenosis of the cervical esophagus and hypopharynx. Biopsy showed spinocellular epithelioma, but CT scan of the abdomen and bone scintigraphy did not show metastatic disease. A position emission tomography (PET) scan confirmed the findings of the CT scan. Pneumonectomy and esophagectomy by thoracoscopy, laparoscopy, and cervicotomy were proposed. The purpose of this video is to show the details of the thoracoscopic technique with the patient in the prone position. RESULTS: After induction of general anesthesia, a double-lumen endotracheal tube was placed. The patient was subsequently placed and strapped in a prone position. The surgical team was placed to the left of the patient. A 10-mm trocar was placed in the seventh intercostal space on the posterior axillary line, and a 30 degrees angled videoscope was introduced. Three additional 5-mm trocars were placed at the same level in the 5th, 9th, and 11th intercostal spaces on the posterior axillary line. The mediastinal pleura was opened just ventral to the aorta. The first structure identified was the left main bronchus, which was dissected free and transected with a linear stapler (blue load). The aortopulmonary window became immediately visible. Clearance of this window's lymphoglandular tissue showed, bottom to top, the inferior pulmonary vein, the superior pulmonary vein, and the pulmonary artery. These vascular structures were carefully dissected free with the cautery hook and transected with a vascular linear stapler (white load). The lung was freed entirely tend placed in a retrieval bag for later transhiatal extraction during the laparoscopic phase of the esophagectomy. The intraoperative time for the pneumonectomy was 146 min, and intraoperative blood loss was 30 ml. The pathology report confirmed the presence of invasive, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The bronchial section was free of tumor. One intrapulmonary lymphnode (N1) was positive, whereas all 10 N2 and N3 nodes harvested were free of disease. The tumor was thus staged as IIB (pT2N1Mx). The esophagetomy specimen showed fairly wide differentiated keratinizing of the spinocellular epithelioma with invasion of both pyriform sinuses and both sides of the glottis. CONCLUSIONS: First described by Cuschieri et al. in 1992, the prone position for thoracoscopy allows for a more direct approach to the aortopulmonary window under excellent visual and ergonomic circumstances. Dissection of the hilar larger vessels and performance of lymphnode sampling appear more straightforward because with this technique, the lung is kept out of harm's way, thanks to gravity.

Humans↗
PubMed2005

[Laparoscopic stomach bypass surgery].

Obesity is rapidly becoming a major medical problem in the developed world. Surgery is the only treatment with proven long-term efficiency for morbid obesity. We claim this surgery should be done by laparoscopy, because it is less invasive and morbidity is relatively low in obese patients, who are by definition fragile. Jejunojejunostomy can be performed by different techniques: side-to-side semimechanical, side-to-side entirely mechanical, end-to-side hand-sewn, and side-to-side hand-sewn. Gastrojejunostomy can be performed by different techniques: circular mechanical anastomosis with the anvil inserted through the mouth, gastrostomy, linear mechanical anastomosis, or hand-sewn anastomosis. We report our technique of laparoscopic gastric bypass with different possibilities for the two anastomoses.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed2005

Multimedia article: laparoscopic left lateral hepatic lobectomy for metastatic colorectal tumor.

BACKGROUND: The growth of experience in laparoscopic surgery, technological improvements in laparoscopic instruments, and the application of laparoscopy to oncology surgery are responsible for the new challenge of laparoscopic liver surgery. Several series of laparoscopic liver resections have been reported, and these series have shown the feasibility of resections. The first anatomical laparoscopic liver resection was a left lateral segmentectomy, reported in 1996 by Azagra et al. due to favorable anatomy of this hepatic segment for a totally laparoscopic approach. METHODS: This video shows a left lateral hepatic lobectomy (bisegmentectomy 2-3) by a total laparoscopic approach in a 56-year-old woman who presented with a metastatic tumor from operated colorectal cancer. A CO(2) pneumoperitoneum was induced with a Veress needle and abdominal pressure was maintained at 12 mmHg. Five trocars were placed along an ideal semicircular line, with the concavity facing the right subcostal margin, and a 30 degrees angled laparoscope was used. A retraction of round ligament with suture was performed to obtain exposure of the inferior face of liver. The left hepatic pedicle was dissected in close vicinity with the portal branch. Segmental vascular structures and bile ducts of segments 3 and 2 were progressively and intraparenchymatously identified, clipped, and sectioned. A Pringle's maneuver was not necessary. The dissection line was demarcated on the liver with monopolar cautery, and liver parenchymal transection was obtained with an ultrasound scalpel (Ultracision, Ethicon Endosurgery). Finally, the left hepatic vein was sectioned with a linear vascular endostapler (Ethicon Endosurgery). Extraction of specimen was performed using a plastic bag through an enlarged trocar site. RESULTS: The operative time was 110 min, and blood loss was zero. The postoperative period was uneventful, the length of hospital stay was 5 days, and the patient returned to normal activity 1 week postoperatively. The surgical margins of specimen were free of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic left lateral lobectomy of the liver is feasible and safe in patients with isolated malignant disease of the left lateral segment. This approach reduces blood loss and postoperative hospital stay, and it has a better cosmetic result.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗
PubMed2004

Laparoscopic resection of colon Cancer: consensus of the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES).

BACKGROUND: The European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) initiated a consensus development conference on the laparoscopic resection of colon cancer during the annual congress in Lisbon, Portugal, in June 2002. METHODS: A systematic review of the current literature was combined with the opinions, of experts in the field of colon cancer surgery to formulate evidence-based statements and recommendations on the laparoscopic resection of colon cancer. RESULTS: Advanced age, obesity, and previous abdominal operations are not considered absolute contraindications for laparoscopic colon cancer surgery. The most common cause for conversion is the presence of bulky or invasive tumors. Laparoscopic operation takes longer to perform than the open counterpart, but the outcome is similar in terms of specimen size and pathological examination. Immediate postoperative morbidity and mortality are comparable for laparoscopic and open colonic cancer surgery. The laparoscopically operated patients had less postoperative pain, better-preserved pulmonary function, earlier restoration of gastrointestinal function, and an earlier discharge from the hospital. The postoperative stress response is lower after laparoscopic colectomy. The incidence of port site metastases is <1%. Survival after laparoscopic resection of colon cancer appears to be at least equal to survival after open resection. The costs of laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer are higher than those for open surgery. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic resection of colon cancer is a safe and feasible procedure that improves short-term outcome. Results regarding the long-term survival of patients enrolled in large multicenter trials will determine its role in general surgery.

Colectomy↗
PubMed2004

Totally laparoscopic transhiatal esophago-gastrectomy without thoracic or cervical access. The least invasive surgery for adenocarcinoma of the cardia?

BACKGROUND: The recent progress of minimally invasive surgery has allowed esophagectomy to be performed by both combined laparoscopic/thoracoscopic and totally laparoscopic transhiatal approaches. All these techniques imply a thoracic and/or cervical access for the creation of the esophagogastric anastomosis. METHODS: Five surgical ports are introduced in the abdomen. The stomach is mobilized, divided, and tubulized, preserving the right arteries. The lymphadenectomy of the celiac trunk and the hepatic pedicle is achieved. The dissection and resection of distal esophagus and a two-fields mediastinal lymphadenectomy are performed by means of harmonic scalpel. The realization of the intrathoracic esophago-gastrostomy is accomplished by means of a circular stapler. RESULTS: Three patients underwent the procedure. Mean operating time and blood loss were 347 min and 360 cc. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Mean postoperative stay was 9 days. CONCLUSION: In selected cases, it is possible to perform a distal esophagectomy entirely by laparoscopy, without the need for any thoracic or cervical access.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2004

Surgical revision after failure of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

BACKGROUND: This paper reports the outcome of surgical revision for complications following laparoscopic placement of an adjustable silicone gastric band (AGB) to treat morbid obesity. METHODS: Seventy-three (19.1 per cent) of 382 patients who underwent laparoscopic AGB placement between January 1996 and March 2001 presented with complications within 6 years after operation. Revision was carried out with the intention of reinstating the functional device in all patients. RESULTS: Successful surgical revision or gradual balloon deflation was performed in 53 patients (29 port-related complications, 14 pouch dilatations, 12 band leakages, three oesophageal dilatations, two symptomatic hernias, one late migration, one intracerebral bleed). Of these patients, 51 (96.2 per cent) had a successful outcome according to the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System following significant additional postinterventional weight loss. AGB removal was carried out in 20 patients (13 early or late migrations, five pouch dilatations, three port-related complications, two psychiatric disorders, one band leakage). The final failure rate for complicated AGB procedures was 30.1 per cent. CONCLUSION: AGB placement is associated with a variety of complications. In most cases surgical complications can be treated with minimally invasive surgery, which should allow further weight loss and improvement of quality of life during long-term follow-up. Alternative bariatric procedures should be reserved for patients with poor outcome after surgical revision of the AGB.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Symptomatic adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder--report of a case.

Adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder is a benign and degenerative condition of the gallbladder, characterized by proliferation of the mucosa of the gallbladder wall, forming invaginations and diverticula, penetrating a thickened muscular layer: the so-called Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses (RAS). Most of the patients with adenomyomatosis remain asymptomatic. Hence adenomyomatosis is usually an incidental finding, either on ultrasonography performed for the detection of stones or by histologic examination of surgical gallbladder specimens. Only occasionally does adenomyomatosis not associated with cholelithiasis cause right upper quadrant pain. We report a case of symptomatic adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder. Clinical findings, etiology, diagnosis and therapy are discussed.

Adenomyoma↗
PubMed2002

Laparoscopic right posterior hepatic bisegmentectomy (Segments VII-VIII).

The role of laparoscopy in liver surgery is still a subject of debate. Up to now, isolated hepatic lesions requiring a segmental (or bisegmental) resection have been considered to be an indication for laparoscopic surgery only when they are located in the left lobe or in the right lower lobe, whereas an open approach by laparotomy or thoracotomy is still preferred for lesions of the upper right lobe. Here we report a case of a right posterior hepatic bisegmentectomy (segments VII-VIII) performed for a hepatic hemangioma that was carried out entirely laparoscopically. In our opinion, there is not an a priori contraindication to the laparoscopic resection of any hepatic benign lesion, wherever it is located in the liver parenchyma. Nevertheless, major hepatic resections still have to be performed by expert surgeons in specialized centers.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Laparoscopic pyloric exclusion after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography perforation.

We describe a laparoscopic technique of pyloric exclusion with gastroenterostomy and common bile duct T tube insertion for obvious perforation at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with papillotomy. The patient was operated on immediately after diagnosis of the lesion. The postoperative sequellae were very comparable to those of elective laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. We believe this approach is interesting, especially in the current era of frequent litigation.

Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde↗
PubMed2002

Laparoscopic banding: selection and technique in 830 patients.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) with the Lap-Band has been our first choice operation for morbid obesity since September 1993. Results in terms of complications and weight loss are analyzed. METHODS: 830 consecutive patients (F 77.9%) underwent LAGB. Initial body weight was 127.9 +/- SD 23.9 kg, and body mass index (BMI) was 46.4 +/- 7.2 kg/m2. Mean age was 37.9 (15-65). Steps in LAGB were: 1) establishment of reference points for dissection (equator of the balloon inflated with 25 cc air and left crus); 2) creation of a retrogastric tunnel above the bursa omentalis; 3) creation of "virtual" pouch; 4) embedding the band. RESULTS: Mortality was 0, conversion 2.7%, and follow-up 97%. Major complications requiring reoperation developed in 3.9% (36 patients). Early complications were 1 gastric perforation (requiring band removal) and 1 gastric slippage (requiring repositioning). Late complications included 17 stomach slippages (treated by band repositioning in 12 and band removal in 5), 9 malpositions (all treated by band repositioning), 4 gastric erosions by the band (all treated by band removal), 3 psychological intolerance (requiring band removal), and 1 HIV positive (band removed). A minor complication requiring reoperation in 91 patients (11%) was reservoir leakage. 20% of patients who had % excess weight loss < 30 had lost compliance to dietetic, psychological and surgical advice. BMI declined significantly from the initial 46.4 +/- 7.2 to 37.3 +/- 6.8 at 1 year, 36.4 +/- 6.9 at 2 years, 36.8 +/- 7.0 at 3 years, and 36.4 +/- 7.8 at 5 years. CONCLUSION: LAGB is a relatively safe and effective procedure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

The introduction of laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding (LASGB) has recently revolutionized gastric restrictive procedures in the treatment of morbid obesity. We analysed the short and long term results of this minimally invasive bariatric procedure. A total of 652 patients with a body mass of (median) 45 kg/m(2) were treated. There were only minor preoperative incidents. One patient died more than one month after the procedure. Early postoperative complications included 2 gastric perforations caused by a nasogastric tube and one early slipping of the band. Late complications occurred in 7% of the patients: 25 patients suffered a pouch dilation, 2 patients had gastric erosion by the band; 18 patients had port complications requiring reoperation. Loss of excess weight was 62% at 2 years. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a safe and effective treatment for morbid obesity. The most frequent complication is pouch dilation. Further study is warranted for the evaluation of long term results.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Evaluation of telesurgical (robotic) NISSEN fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic surgical approach has proven its benefit for the patient. There are however several shortcomings, which have triggered considerable research for improvement. One improvement may be the introduction of telesurgery by the interposition of a computer interface between surgeon and patient. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective randomized study was conducted in an advanced laparoscopic procedure, Nissen fundoplication. The control group underwent the conventional laparoscopic approach, while the investigational group underwent the telesurgical approach. RESULTS: Feasibility was 100%. The procedure was more time consuming in the Telesurgical group, at all stages of the operation. Mortality was nil and morbidity was comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION: The telesurgical approach is feasible in advanced laparoscopic procedures like Nissen fundoplication. At the present time there is however no obvious added benefit from this new technique.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Feasibility of robotic laparoscopic surgery: 146 cases.

Theoretically, in laparoscopic surgery, a computer interface in command of a mechanical system (robot) allows the surgeon: (1) to recover a number a number of lost degrees of freedom, thanks to intraabdominal articulations; (2) to obtain better visual control of instrument manipulation, thanks to three-dimensional vision; (3) to modulate the amplitude of surgical motions by downscaling and stabilization; (4) to work at a distance from the patient. These advances improve the quality of surgical tasks in a perfect ergonomic position. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing a robot in laparoscopic surgery. The first robot-assisted procedure in humans was performed in March 1997 by our team. One hundred forty-six patients underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Between March 1997 and February 2001 a nonconsecutive series was performed of 39 antireflux procedures, 48 cholecystectomies, 28 tubal reanastomoses, 10 gastroplasties for obesity, 3 inguinal hernias, 3 intrarectal procedures, 2 hysterectomies, 2 cardiac procedures, 2 prostactectomies, 2 arteriovenous fistulas, 1 lumbar sympathectomy, 1 appendectomy, 1 laryngeal exploration, 1 varicocele ligation, 1 endometriosis cure, 1 neosalpingostomy, 1 deferent canal. The robot (Da Vinci system, Intuitive Surgical, Mountain View, CA), consists of a console and a cart with three articulated robot arms. The surgeon sits in front of the console, manipulating joysticklike handles while observing the operative field through binoculars that provide a three-dimensional picture. This computer is capable of modulating these data by eliminating physiologic tremor and by downscaling the amplitude of motions by a factor 5 or 3 to one. This study has demonstrated the feasibility of several laparoscopic robotic procedures. There is no morbidity related to the system. Operating time and the hospital stay were within acceptable limits. The system seems most beneficial in intra-abdominal microsurgery or for manipulations in a very small space. Optimized ergonomics and increased mobility of the instrument tips are beneficial in many steps of abdominal surgical procedures.

Feasibility Studies↗
PubMed2001

Causes of dissatisfaction in some patients after adjustable gastric banding.

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic application of the adjustable gastric band has gained widespread acceptance as a gastric restrictive procedure. The weight loss been well documented. This paper evaluates the patients' satisfaction. METHODS: Between April 1995 and July 1999, 82 consecutive patients underwent the Lap-Band procedure. RESULTS: Follow-up is 100%. The satisfaction index is high. 80% of all patients are extremely pleased or pleased. 15% of patients are displeased or extremely displeased. 5% have no opinion. The reason for low satisfaction differ, but 3 groups can be distinguished: 1) patients who suffered surgical complications; 2) patients who did not benefit from the procedure; 3) most importantly, patients who suffered psychological complications. CONCLUSION: Gastric Banding is a safe, standardized and effective operation, with good acceptance by the patients. More efforts have to be made to improve patient selection and to avoid surgical complications. Most importantly, more focus is needed on the psychological aspect of the procedure and its consequences.

Adolescent↗