Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: Is there a learning curve?

Background: To be certified for laparoscopic placement of adjustable gastric banding, surgeons must have advanced laparoscopic experience. Despite previous exposure to other kinds of laparoscopy, there may a learning curve specific to Lap-Band placement. Methods: Sixty consecutive patients were prospectively separated into two groups: the first 30 patients operated on (group 1) and the second 30 patients operated on (group 2). Results: Both groups were similar statistically in regard to gender, age, and body mass index. Operative time for group 1 was 79 ± 31.1 min. There were 11 (37%) complications in 10 patients. Operative time for group 2 was 59 ± 19.9 min. There were two complications (7%). All operations were completed laparoscopically. Operative time was significantly lower in group 2 (t-test; p = 004). Complications were also significantly lower (chi-square; p = 0.005). The number of reoperations was also reduced and approached statistical significance (chi-square; p = 0.054). Readmissions, although reduced, were not statistically significant. There were no deaths in either group. Conclusions: Despite a surgeon's history of advanced laparoscopic experience, there is a definite learning curve associated with the laparoscopically placed adjustable gastric band.