Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for the evaluation of women with invasive breast cancer is rapidly gaining acceptance. The purpose of this study was to assess how surgeons in the Department of Defense (DOD) are incorporating SLNB into practi

Background: This prospective study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) for morbid obesity. Methods: Ninety-five consecutive patients (89 female; median age 38 years, range 19 to 69) underwent LAGB for morbid obesity. Median weight and body mass index were 123.2 (88.9 to 228.6) kg and 45 (32.7-76.4) kg/m2 respectively. Significant coexistent disease was present in 52 (55%) patients. Results: Median excess weight loss was 53% (range 96.9% to 12.1%) and 62% (range 107.5% to 32.3%) at 1 and 2 years respectively (P <0.001). Median operative time was 90 (range 35 to 285) minutes and inpatient stay 2 (range 1 to 10) days. Early complications were seen in 17 (18%) patients most commonly nausea/vomiting or dysphagia. Late complications were seen in 25 (26.3%) patients, most frequently vomiting or reflux due to band slippage or pouch dilatation. There was 1 (1%) operative death. Conclusions: LAGB is an effective operation for morbid obesity that results in equivalent weight loss to open surgical procedures.