Personal Injury Law

Lap Band Erosion

By Alan Ripka

The Lap Band is a device that fits around the top of your stomach. The Lap-Band procedure involves surgically placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach, which reduces the opening to the stomach. The inner liner of the gastric band is filled with saline that can be adjusted with more or less saline to create a smaller or larger opening. If weight loss is too small and the band is too loose, saline is added to reduce the opening. If the opening is too tight, saline can be removed.

Lap-Band erosion happens when the band penetrates into the stomach. Erosions can also increase risk of infection. When the band erodes into the stomach, bacteria from the stomach enter around the band, and spreads. Another indicator of erosion is loss of the band's restrictive effect. When the band erodes into the stomach, food bypasses the band, and the patient can eat much more than before. Usually band erosion is caused by pressing the band too tightly against the stomach. Pressing the band too tightly is a departure from the standard of care that doctors must follow when administering such procedures, according to Alan Ripka, Esquire.

Treatment for erosion starts with prescribed antibiotics, followed by port removal. The band should also be completely removed. If the erosion is not diagnosed, the infection will continue even after the port is removed.

Many patients who develop erosion first notice pain, redness, and swelling at the access port site. Others notice that their weight loss stops, and they may instead begin to gain weight. If your or that of a loved one experienced Lap-Band erosion, you may be entitled to compensation. The professional team of lawyers at Napoli Bern Ripka Law Firm can evaluate your situation and determine the next steps to gain justice for you and your family. Napoli Bern Ripka, LLP has fought against large companies in other matters and will fight for you if we believe you have a potential case for medical malpractice, products liability, personal injury, and is prepared to go to court and have a trial if necessary. Please contact our office and submit or call and ask for Alan Ripka, one of our partners. Please mention that you read our blog.

Full post as published by New York City Personal Injury Lawyer on March 22, 2011 (boomark / email).