Recurrent aspiration pneumonia after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a popular therapeutic option for morbid obesity. Band slippage, pouch enlargement and esophageal dilatation are occasional late complications of this procedure. There are rare reports of recurrent aspiration after banding. We report a 44-year-old female suffering from dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia 2 years after adjustable banding. Her esophagus was dilated to 6 cm, and videocinematography showed a severe achalasia-like disorder. Withdrawal of fluid from the band should be immediate, and relieved the stomal obstruction in this patient. Aspiration pneumonia is a serious late complication, which is easily treated by deflation of the band.