BACKGROUND: We evaluated outcome of pregnancies of morbidly obese women who are within the first 2 years after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. METHODS: 215 morbidly obese women of reproductive potential (age 18-45 years), who had agreed to remain on reliable contraceptives for 2 years after surgery, were retrospectively analyzed following bariatric surgery. RESULTS: 7 unexpected pregnancies were observed. 5 pregnancies were full-term (3 vaginal and 2 cesarean deliveries). The birth weights ranged from 2110 g to 3860 g. 2 women had first trimester miscarriages. All gastric bands were completely decompressed due to nausea and vomiting, resulting in further weight gain. 2 serious band complications were observed (1 intragastric band migration and 1 balloon defect), which required re-operation. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy in morbidly obese women soon after adjustable gastric banding may occur unexpectedly during a period of weight loss. Prophylactic fluid removal from the band eliminates the efficacy of the obesity treatment. Moreover, this cohort shows an increased incidence of spontaneous abortions and band-related complications.
BACKGROUND: We evaluated outcome of pregnancies of morbidly obesewomen who are within the first 2 years after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. METHODS: 215 morbidly obesewomen of reproductive potential (age 18-45 years), who had agreed to remain on reliable contraceptives for 2 years after surgery, were retrospectively analyzed following bariatric surgery. RESULTS: 7 unexpected pregnancies were observed. 5 pregnancies were full-term (3 vaginal and 2 cesarean deliveries). The birth weights ranged from 2110 g to 3860 g. 2 women had first trimester miscarriages. All gastric bands were completely decompressed due to nausea and vomiting, resulting in further weight gain. 2 serious band complications were observed (1 intragastric band migration and 1 balloon defect), which required re-operation. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy in morbidly obesewomen soon after adjustable gastric banding may occur unexpectedly during a period of weight loss. Prophylactic fluid removal from the band eliminates the efficacy of the obesity treatment. Moreover, this cohort shows an increased incidence of spontaneous abortions and band-related complications.
Authors: S Sauerland; L Angrisani; M Belachew; J M Chevallier; F Favretti; N Finer; A Fingerhut; M Garcia Caballero; J A Guisado Macias; R Mittermair; M Morino; S Msika; F Rubino; R Tacchino; R Weiner; E A M Neugebauer Journal: Surg Endosc Date: 2004-12-02 Impact factor: 4.584