Airway emergency from megaoesophagus: A rare complication of an adjustable gastric band

Abstract

A 77-year-old lady with a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB), implanted 12 years earlier for obesity, developed an unusual but almost fatal complication, characterised by dysphonia and stridor within minutes and a tensely swollen anterior neck. The condition mimicked haemorrhage into the subcutaneous tissues of the neck, and the airway was secured with an awake fibreoptic intubation. Subsequent computed tomography imaging of the abdomen and chest revealed megaoesophagus with dilatation up to 7 cm, proximal to the gastric band. The band was then deflated percutaneously with immediate resolution of the neck swelling. In patients with LAGB in situ, fluid should be removed from the band for any suspected device-associated symptoms such as severe vomiting, severe gastro-oesophageal reflux or neck swelling and respiratory distress. When there is radiological evidence of gross oesophageal dilatation or a high likelihood of an obstructive pathology at the level of the band, a careful nasogastric tube decompression may also resolve reflux, neck swelling or respiratory distress. A complication associated with LAGB should be considered in a patient with unexplained neck swelling or other features of airway obstruction who has an LAGB in situ.