Abstract / Summary
Abstract Introduction: Gastric band erosion is a recognized long-term complication of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, with reported incidence between 0.6% and 3%. Distal migration of the eroded band is rare and may present with nonspecific symptoms or acute obstruction. Presentation of case: A 33-year-old man with a history of LAGB performed 17 years prior presented following a road traffic accident. He later developed abdominal pain with a seatbelt sign and mild tenderness but no peritonitis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed an intraluminal gastric band within the small bowel without obstruction. Laparoscopic exploration confirmed migration of the band into the ileum, which was removed through a small enterotomy. The postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day four.
Discussion: Complete intraluminal migration of a gastric band may remain asymptomatic for years until incidental discovery or triggered by unrelated events. Early recognition through imaging and timely laparoscopic removal can prevent severe complications such as small bowel obstruction or perforation.
Conclusions: This case highlights that complete intraluminal migration of a gastric band may remain clinically silent for years and may be discovered incidentally. Prompt surgical intervention allows safe removal and prevents potentially life-threatening complications such as obstruction or perforation.