Radiology - Gastric band adjustments

Please read the information and follow the instructions carefully.

Why do I need a Gastric Band Adjustment?

Your doctor has decided that you need an examination of your oesophagus/stomach and possible adjustment of your gastric band. This test may be performed as part of a series of other tests. However, if you do not want this procedure, please discuss this with your doctor, and let us know if you decide not to have it done.

What is a Gastric Band Adjustment?

This is an x-ray procedure to examine the oesophagus, stomach and check the position of the gastric band and possibly inflate or deflate the gastric band.

Who will be doing the Gastric Band Adjustment?

A specialist x-ray doctor called a Radiologist, or a specially trained radiographer will perform this examination. They are specialists in using x-ray equipment and in understanding the images produced.

What happens during the Gastric Band Adjustment?

During the examination, x-rays will be taken so that the position of the port and band can be identified. You will be standing and lying down during the procedure. You will be asked to drink some barium liquid whilst being observed on an x-ray screen to see how the band is working.

The skin area which is closest to the port of the gastric band will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A needle and special type of access tube is inserted into the port to make it possible to adjust the band. To deflate (loosen) the band, water will be removed via the access tube. To inflate (tighten) the band, sterile water will be added. The needle will be removed, and a small dressing or plaster will be applied to the area afterwards.

How long will it take?

The examination usually takes around 20-30 minutes, but sometimes will take longer.

What happens next?

The results of your examination will be sent to the doctor who referred you for the examination. If you have any problems, please contact them.

Is x-ray guidance dangerous?

All x-ray machines use potentially harmful x-rays. Modern equipment is designed to keep the dose you receive as low as possible. If your doctor has asked for this test, they will have decided that the benefits from the procedure outweigh the risks from the very small dose of radiation that you receive.

What if I decide not to have the adjustment done?

You will be able to discuss any concerns you have with the radiologist or radiographer. If you then decide not to go ahead with the examination, we will write to your referring doctor to let them know.

Are there any alternatives to this procedure?

Inflation or deflation of the band could be performed in clinic without the use of x-rays and the barium.

What if I’m pregnant?

As x-rays can harm unborn babies, if there is any chance you could be pregnant, please call 0161 206 4941 if your appointment is at Salford Royal Hospital or 0161 656 1178 if your appointment is at Royal Oldham Hospital.

All persons of childbearing age will be asked if they could be pregnant when x-rays are to be used.

If you require alternative tests or treatments due to pregnancy, then your doctor will discuss this at your next appointment.

Patients with diabetes

If you are diabetic and you need advice about your medication and diet, please contact the Diabetes Centre on 0161 206 4888 between 8.30am and 12.30pm, Monday to Friday as soon as you receive this appointment and ask to speak to a diabetes specialist nurse.

What if I cannot attend for my appointment?

If you have any queries about your appointment or cannot attend, then please telephone the booking office on 0161 206 2044 or 0161 206 2404 (Salford Royal Hospital) or 0161 624 0420 (Royal Oldham Hospital) available Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm.

You can also email booking.radiology@nca.nhs.uk (Salford Royal Hospital) or bookingandscheduling.outpatients@nca.nhs.uk (Royal Oldham Hospital).

Please include name, date of birth, address and hospital number (if known) in any correspondence.

Interpreters

If you need an interpreter for your examination, please call the department so that we can try to arrange this.

I need an ambulance. How do I arrange this?

If you need an ambulance there are contact details on your appointment letter.

Please contact us if you are arriving by ambulance so we can time your appointment with your ambulance arrival. If we are not aware that you are coming by ambulance, you may miss your appointment and it may have to be rebooked.

Contact Details

We hope your questions have been answered by this leaflet.

If you require help or any other information regarding your appointment you can contact:
Fluoroscopy Department, Salford Royal Hospital Tel: 0161 206 4941
Interventional Radiology, Royal Oldham Hospital Tel: 0161 656 1178

Websites

For general information about radiology departments, visit The Royal College of Radiologists’ website:
www.goingfora.com
www.rcr.ac.uk