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IntroductionThere are insufficient data regarding the changes in adipokine levels after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in diabetic and non-diabetic patients and their effects on insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes remission.AimTo assess leptin, adiponectin, and insulin resistance changes after LAGB in diabetic and non-diabetic morbidly obese patients.Material and methodsOne hundred and three patients (37 with and 66 without type 2 diabetes) underwent LAGB from January 2009 to January 2010. Glycated hemoglobin, insulin, adipokine levels and insulin resistance were evaluated preoperatively, and 1 and 4 years after LAGB.ResultsThe mean patient age was 45.9 ±11.7 years and mean preoperative body mass index was 47.5 ±7.3 kg/m2. A total of 80 of 103 patients (77.6%) completed the 4-year follow-up. After 4 years the mean excess weight loss was 38.8% and 39.5% in diabetic and non-diabetic patients respectively. Leptin levels decreased significantly in both groups at 1 year, but after 4 years this was noted only in non-diabetic patients. After 1 year adiponectin levels increased significantly only in non-diabetic patients (p = 0.003) and remained almost the same at 4 years. A significant decrease in insulin resistance was noted in both groups 1 year after LAGB and diabetes remission was observed in 23 (62.1%) patients. There was a negative correlation between preoperative insulin resistance and adiponectin levels throughout the follow-up period. Leptin levels positively correlated with BMI throughout the study period (baseline r = 0.45; p < 0.001; after 1 year r = 0.71; p < 0.001; after 4 years r = 0.68; p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between leptin and adiponectin concentrations preoperatively or after 1 year; however, at 4 years it was significant (r = 0.27; p < 0.02).ConclusionsThe most significant metabolic changes occurred within 1 year after LAGB. The 4-year follow-up revealed stabilization in metabolic indices rather than significant improvement.

Echinococcus multilocularis causes infection where the most commonly affected organ is the liver, followed by the lung, kidney, bone and the brain. Other sites such as the heart, spleen, pancreas and soft tissues are very rarely affected. Surgical treatment combined with chemotherapy using various technical approaches remains the main therapeutic modality for echinococcal liver disease. To the best of our knowledge there are less than five clinical cases of cutaneous presentation of liver alveolar echinococcosis described. We present a unique case of liver echinococcosis presenting as recurrent abdominal wall fistula and abscess in a 29-year-old man. Diagnosis was based on CT imaging, serological analysis and histological findings from the fistula. Medical treatment with albendazole was initiated and liver resection was performed. The patient has no symptoms and signs of recurrence 1 year after operation, while still on albendazole therapy. This case description highlights the importance of early suspicion and treatment of unusual echinococcosis clinical presentations.

SAGB and MiniMizer Extra bands demonstrated similar long-term results regarding the weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, morbidity, and quality of life.

IntroductionLaparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is considered to be the least invasive, reversible, and the safest bariatric operation regarding mortality and morbidity, and its application to high-risk superobese (SO) individuals seems rational.AimThere are differing viewpoints regarding the effectiveness of LAGB in superobese (BMI > 50 kg/m2) patients. The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of LAGB in SO and non-superobese (NSO) patients in the long term (> 5 years).Material and methodsWe undertook a prospective single-center study to compare the safety and efficacy of LAGB in SO and NSO patients after 5 years. One hundred and three morbidly obese patients underwent LAGB in the period from January 2009 to January 2010. Sixty-four of the patients were NSO and 39 SO. After 5 years, we evaluated their weight loss, comorbidities, complications, and quality of life.ResultsA total of 90 of 103 patients (87.3%) completed the 5-year follow-up. The percentage excess weight loss was 50.4% in the NSO and 38.8% in the SO group (p = 0.072). The proportion of patients who lost > 50% excess weight was significantly larger in the NSO group (p = 0.045). There were significantly more patients in the NSO group whose metabolic syndrome had resolved (p < 0.001). There were no differences regarding the resolution of other comorbidities and postoperative complications.ConclusionsThis study suggests that LAGB can lead to substantial and long-lasting weight loss after 5 years. Our study found that SO patients demonstrate inferior weight loss results, and lower overall BAROS scores; thus we do not support the primary use of LAGB in SO patients.