Background

While placement of laparoscopic adjustable gastric bands (LAGB) is falling out of favor, bariatric surgeons frequently manage complications from previously placed bands. We present here, the case of a woman in her 40s with a history of adjustable gastric band placement at an outside hospital in 2009, who presented to her gynecologist’s office with reports of pain during vaginal intercourse. Her partner also reported feeling a hard tubular foreign body in her vagina. On vaginal exam with her gynecologist, there was evidence of white tubing, which broke off during evaluation. She was sent over to the bariatric surgeon as there was suspicion of this being related to her gastric band. Of note, six years prior, she had a band port site hernia which was repaired with mesh. This subsequently became infected, requiring explantation of the mesh and port, with the tubing left in place with hopes to salvage it in future. She was then lost to follow up. The patient was evaluated at the bariatric surgery clinic. Imaging showed gastric band tubing embedded in the vaginal cuff. She was taken to the operating room and the catheter and band were removed without incident. Gastric band tubing-related complications are few and far apart, with variable clinical presentations making diagnosis extremely challenging. In the case of our patient, having a detailed discussion regarding LAGB reconnection surgery or revision surgery could have resulted in complete hardware removal years prior and avoided this complication.