The LAP-BAND AP^® System Procedure

The LAP-BAND AP^® System is inserted laparoscopically around the upper part of the patient’s stomach, creating a new small upper stomach pouch and narrowed stoma. The slip-through buckle design of the LAP-BAND AP^® System facilitates placement of the band around the stomach. The procedure generally takes from 30 to 60 minutes.

There are three techniques used to place the LAP-BAND AP^® System band:

Pars flaccida:

This is the recommended technique as it is the most widely used method for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and results in a reduced incidence of gastric prolapse and pouch dilatation. Dissection begins lateral to the midpoint in the space of the pars flaccida and continues over to the angle of His.

Perigastric:

Dissection starts on the lesser curve at the midpoint and continues behind the stomach toward the angle of His.

Pars flaccida to perigastric:

Dissection begins with the pars flaccida technique, but ends with the band being placed from the angle of His through to the perigastric opening.

Detailed risk information can be found here.