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Cosmetic Surgery: Gastric Band

In recent years gastric banding has become increasingly popular in Ireland, due to an escalating awareness about body image among the Irish population. A survey released in June 2007 reported how the majority of Irish women, as young as 13, are unhappy with their body image. As a result of negative body image, numerous people resort to gastric banding in a bid to lose weight, however on occasion with adverse consequences.

What is gastric banding?
Gastric banding is a cosmetic surgery procedure, used by obese patients, which restricts the amount a person eats. A gastric band is referred to in medical terms as a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band LAGB. It is usually inserted using keyhole surgery i.e. laparoscopic surgery; however the procedure can also be performed using open surgery.

The procedure entails the insertion a silicone prosthetic device, placed around the upper portion of the stomach, which results in modification of the original shape of the stomach. The insertion of an adjustable band around the upper portion of the stomach creates a small pocket. This pocket fills quickly and delays the passage of food from the top of the stomach to the bottom. The size of the opening between the two parts of the stomach can be adjusted by injecting or removing saline from the band. The band limits the consumption of food and will result in a feeling of fullness after a small portion of food.

Gastric banding is becoming so popular in Ireland that one of the country's largest cosmetic surgery companies, Advanced Cosmetic Surgery, has reported they are carrying out 450 operations a year.

What is the problem with the cosmetic industry?
The Department of Health stated that the responsibility to ensure safety for patients undergoing cosmetic surgery lies with the Medical Council. Currently the cosmetic surgery industry is not regulated, which has resulted in numerous adverse consequences. Problems that arise from lack of regulation include:

• "Botched up" surgery
• Poor aftercare- Foreign doctors performing procedures and returning to their home country, with no follow-up procedures for patients
• Patients are under the illusion they are receiving cosmetic surgery from a specialist surgeon when the procedure is performed by a general surgeon
• Lack of standardisation of equipment and procedure
• Lack of information

Seeking Health Law Advice

For further information and advice regarding your legal rights and entitlements, please contact Malcomson Law by calling 01 8744422 or complete an Online Enquiry Form. Your enquiry will be forwarded to a solicitor who specialises in Medical Negligence.

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