Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability of a port stapling device to simplify and improve port implantation in laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB).
Methods: From November 2005 to September 2006, a prospective study was conducted on 23 consecutive patients who underwent LAGB with Swedish adjustable gastric banding. Patients were randomized to either conventional titanium-port implantation or port stapling using the "Velocity" device.
Results: No differences in age, body weight, body mass index, fascia depth or incision length were reported between the groups. Port implantation time was significantly less using port stapling (90+/-24 s) compared to conventional port implantation (521+/-138 s). Port related complaints postoperatively and at follow-up were equal in both groups.
Conclusions: Port stapling is an excellent tool to facilitate port implantation, particularly in massively obese patients with a thick abdominal wall.