Tipping the scales.
The Lap-Band System is used to restrict the quantity of food held in the stomach by the use of an adjustable gastric band. These bands are implanted laparoscopically to help those who need to lose significant amounts of weight.
Function
The Lap-Band System is inserted around the upper part of the stomach, creating a smaller stomach cavity, which limits the amount of food storage available. This silicone ring is filled with saline and helps control the amount of food passed between the pouch and stomach, causing patients to feel full more quickly.
History
A Swedish physician, Dr. Dag Hallberg, first applied for a patent on a Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band in 1985. The first adjustable silicone gastric band surgery was performed in June 1986 with public distribution in Europe beginning in 1990.
Geography
The first laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery was performed in September 1991 during a clinical trial program held in Huy, Belgium. In 1993, it began consumer distribution in Europe.
U.S. Distribution
The FDA-approved clinical trials on the Lap-Band System began in 1995 with U.S patients. t was later approved in June 2001 for the public. It is the first adjustable gastric band approved by the FDA for weight reduction.
Statistics
As of May 2009, more than 500,000 Lap-Band Systems have been dispersed worldwide to aid patients in the reduction of weight.
Considerations
Surgeons who utilize the Lap-Band System should have ample experience in bariatric surgery, be well-trained in the system and have superior laparoscopic skills.
