Gastric Stapling

'Stapling' surgery

Gastric stapling involved open surgery and was performed in the late 1980's. The upper stomach was stapled vertically for about 6cm to create a smaller stomach pouch. The outlet from the pouch is restricted by a band or ring that slows the emptying of the food and thus creates the feeling of fullness.

Unfortunately, staple line disruption lead to failure of the surgery with long term weight gain.

Options following failed gastric stapling

Gastric banding can be performed in patients who have had previous open stapling surgery with good results.