Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) is the construction of a small vertical pouch using a linear stapler, with addition of a Marlex band placed through a window formed by a circular stapler. Compared to gastric bypass, VBG maintains a more normal anatomy of the upper gastrointestinal tract. However, due to poor long-term outcomes and a high percentage of patients requiring revisional surgery, most bariatric surgeons have abandoned VBG as a primary bariatric procedure. Early complications include acute gastric distention and gastric leaks. Late complications include mesh migration or erosion, stomal stenosis, staple-line disruption, and gastrogastric fistulas. The most common revision is to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). There are reports of other revisions, such as the vertical banded gastroplasty−gastric bypass (VBG-GB), re-VBG, RYGB-on-VBG, VBG to duodenal switch, VBG to biliopancreatic diversion, VBG to sleeve gastrectomy, VBG to adjustable gastric band, and VBG reversal, as well as endoscopic alternatives.
Gastroesophageal Reflux after Vertical Banded Gastroplasty is Alleviated by Conversion to Gastric Bypass