This is a retrospective review of 1,644 LAGBs performed between 2008 and 2010. A total of 756 were performed as SILS bands (46 %) and 888 as standard (non-SILS) (54 click here %). Data points compared include operative time, percent of excess weight loss at 1 and 2 years, complication, and re-operation rates.

Groups were matched by age, initial BMI, and gender: 584 non-SILS and 710 SILS patients. The average operating time was 44.3 +/- 19.6 min for SILS and 51.1 +/- 19.4 min for non-SILS (p < 0.001). The 12-month percent excess weight loss (%EWL) for SILS was 45.0 +/- 19.1; it was 40.7 +/- 17.5 for non-SILS (p = 0.003). The 24 month %EWL for SILS was 54.4 +/-

16.3; it was 46.4 +/- 16.1 for non-SILS (p = 0.10). Complication rates were 5.6 % (40 of 710) for SILS and 4.5 % (26 of 584) for non-SILS (p = 0.34). The 30-day readmission/re-operation rates are 1 % (seven of 710) for SILS and 1.5 % (nine of 584) for non-SILS (p = 0.37). There was one death in the SILS group.

We have been performing more SILS bands over time. Our operative times and weight loss figures show that it is an efficient and effective means of weight loss. Furthermore, the data also show that the SILS approach is safe and does not increase operative time. In conclusion, SILS laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding

is a safe and effective means of attaining weight loss in selected patients.”
“Purpose: To explore the feasibility of using 3T high-resolution MR lymphangiography to characterize inguinal lymphatic vessel leakage (LVL).

Materials and methods: Sixteen patients with known GDC-0994 inguinal LVL underwent 3T MR lymphangiography and T-2-weighted imaging. The presence or absence of inguinal LVL and the responsible lymphatic vessels

were determined using the above imaging modalities and confirmed by surgical procedure. Afterwards, fifteen patients with recurring LVL following conservative treatment were referred to surgical intervention.

Results: Specific inguinal LVL enhancement patterns and leaking lymphatic vessels GSK1210151A were detected in 15 of 16 patients. Compared to the SNR of enhanced lymph nodes, that of the enhanced LVL was significantly greater (t = 7.149, p < 0.01), thereby making it possible to differentiate between LVL sites and enhancing inguinal lymph nodes. Furthermore, the steepest contrast enhancement curve slope of enhanced LVL was lower than that of enhanced lymph nodes (t = -2.860, p = 0.02). After MR diagnosis, 15 patients successfully underwent open exploration and ligation of the leaking lymphatic vessel. Clinical follow-up did not demonstrate recurrence of lymphatic fluid in the groin.

Conclusions: High-resolution MR lymphangiography combined with T-2-weighted imaging is a promising approach to identifying specific features of lymphatic vessel leakage in the groin. (C) 2011 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.