- Endoscopic removal (if majority of band is intraluminal and tubing disconnected):
- Requires band cutter and retrieval system
- Low morbidity if successful
- Subcutaneous port needs to be removed first and the tubing divided so the remaining tubing can be pulled into the stomach without tethering to the port
- Laparoscopic removal (most common approach):
- Mobilise adhesions and identify tubing
- Divide band and remove
- Fully eroded
- Gastrotomy
- Cut the band inside the stomach
- Close the Gastrotomy behind
- The stomach will have healed as the band eroded therefore no defect to close
- Partially eroded
- Cut down on to the adhesions and identify the band
- Cut the band
- May required gastric defect to be closed
- Consider endoscopy + leak test
- Drain placement if stomach wall repaired
- Open surgery (reserved for complex cases):
- Required for dense adhesions, severe sepsis, or inability to safely access band laparoscopically