Radiographical imaging of the normal anatomy and complications after gastric banding.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a surgical procedure that is increasingly being performed for the treatment of morbid obesity. As with any intervention, gastric banding is not free from complications. Complications after gastric banding can be divided into early and late complications. Early complications include band malposition and perforation of the stomach. Late complications comprise pouch dilatation, intraluminal band penetration and oesophageal dilatation. Understanding the principles of the intervention is essential for both the interpretation of the resulting radiographical findings and the diagnosis of potential complications. We report on the normal anatomy and the most frequent complications seen after gastric banding.