# Catheter Displacement and Penetration of a Vaginal Cuff Following Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A rare case of a gastric banding catheter penetrating a vaginal cuff is reported, highlighting unusual complications of a common weight-loss surgery.

## Contribution

This is one of the first documented cases of vaginal cuff penetration caused by a catheter from laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

## Key findings

- A catheter from a gastric banding device migrated and penetrated the vaginal cuff, causing dyspareunia.
- Surgical intervention was required to remove the displaced catheter.
- The case emphasizes the need for vigilance in managing long-term complications of LAGB.

## Abstract

This case report describes a rare complication following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in a 47-year-old woman. The patient, who had a history of obesity and a previous hysterectomy, presented with dyspareunia. Upon examination, a catheter was visualized in the upper vaginal canal, which penetrated the right vaginal cuff and caused significant pain. Imaging revealed that a catheter from the LAGB device had penetrated the vaginal cuff. This unexpected migration of the catheter necessitated surgical intervention for removal. The case underscores the importance of monitoring for unusual symptoms in patients with a history of LAGB, as this procedure, while minimally invasive and generally safe, can have serious long-term complications. These complications may include gastric erosion, perforation, band migration, and, in this rare instance, vaginal cuff penetration. The report emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to maintain a high level of suspicion for such complications, particularly in patients presenting with atypical symptoms post LAGB. It also highlights the interdisciplinary approach required to manage these complex cases, involving both general surgery and radiology teams. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first cases with a history of LAGB, which was associated with the complication of penetration of the vaginal cuff.