[Indications for the surgical therapy of obesity with magenband operation (gastric banding)]. / Indikation zur chirurgischen Therapie der Adipositas mit der Magenband-Operation (Gastric Banding).

ABSTRACT

Morbid obesity is an increasing problem in most of the industrial countries. Conservative treatment strategies are often not very effective. Because of the enormous costs and concomitant diseases of obesity, effective therapeutic strategies are mandatory. Gastric banding is a surgical method to reduce weight in the long run when patients are morbidly obese. A silicone band is used to create a small pouch in the upper part of the stomach leading to early satiety after ingestion only small amounts of food. The benefit of this method is the laparoscopic technique and the reversibility, because the band is easy to remove. In the long run a significant reduction of weight and an amelioration or even prevention of diseases resulting from obesity can be achieved. To assure treatment quality, it makes sense to administer this therapy in an interdisciplinary setting that integrates psychosomatic diagnostics and therapies, too. This paper reviews indications, contraindications as well as pre- and postoperative necessarily care of gastric banding.