The British journal of surgery
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Although laparoscopic adjustable gastric bands (LAGBs) have been shown to be efficacious, their long-term usefulness has been questioned. This study examined the fate of LAGBs in a unit with over a decade of experience in their use. Patient factors related to the need for, and timing of, band removal were investigated. ⋯ Even in experienced hands LAGB does not appear to be a definitive solution. In a large number of patients there appears to be a finite 'band life', with the majority of patients requiring conversion to a further bariatric procedure.
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Rates of abdominoperineal resection (APR) have been suggested as a solitary surrogate marker for comparing overall hospital quality in rectal cancer surgery. This study investigated the value of this marker by examining the associations between hospital APR rates and other quality indicators. ⋯ APR rates do not appear to be a useful surrogate marker of overall hospital performance in rectal cancer surgery.