RT Journal
A1 Edelman DA, Laker S, Weiner M, Webber JD
T1 ROutine postoperative gastrografin studies are not necessary after laparoscopic gastric banding
JF Archives of Surgery
JO Archives of Surgery
YR 2010
FD February 1
VO 145
IS 2
SP 211
OP 212
DO 10.1001/archsurg.2009.274
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.2009.274
AB 
In the August 2009 issue of Archives, we read with great interest the retrospective analysis by Frezza et al1 on the value of routine postoperative gastrografin contrast swallow studies after laparoscopic gastric banding. Frezza et al reported on 97 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric banding followed by a swallow study to evaluate for leaks. All swallow study results were normal, no alteration in patient care resulted, and an extra $49 470 was spent. Frezza et al concluded that routine postoperative upper gastrointestinal tract radiologic studies are expensive and of limited value.