The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) has become a common, usually successful treatment for morbid obesity. Complications occur in 10-20%, most commonly band slippage and port system problems, especially infection of the port area. A rare complication is penetration of the band into the stomach. We report the penetration of the tube connecting the port system with the gastric band, into the colon 1 year after treatment of a port infection.

Ectopic thyroid glands are generally a rare entity appearing mostly in the cervical midline (90% of the cases) and even more rarely in other anatomical sites (10%). We present the case of an ectopic submandibular thyroid gland. An 81-year-old woman was referred to our department with a history of right-sided submandibular swelling. Preoperative FNA revealed benign ectopic thyroid tissue. The patient was submitted to resection of the mass. Histological examination of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis. A substitution treatment with thyroxin was initiated postoperatively, as this was the only functional thyroid tissue. Review of the literature revealed 18 similar cases. Physicians should be aware of the possibility that a submandibular swelling could be an ectopic thyroid gland. This entity poses specific diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. Thorough preoperative diagnostics and resection of the ectopic tissue guarantee a good outcome.

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Aim: Several factors having an influence on the quality of life after an inguinal hernia repair have been studied, yet little has been reported on sexual function before and after this operation. Methods:In a prospective follow-up study from January 1999 to July 2002, 210 men and 14 women were asked to answer an anonymous questionnaire of 40 questions before elective inguinal hernia repair to assess pre-and postoperative sexual function (preoperatively, 3 months postoperatively and every 6 months afterwards). Inguinal hernia repair was performed using a standardized Plug and Patch mesh technique.Results: Fifty-two (23.2%) patients mentioned preoperative sexual dysfunction related to the groin hernia. Postoperatively, the surgical repair had a positive influence on the sexual function in these patients. Thirty-six (16%) patients complained of postoperative sexual dysfunctions, which improved or disappeared over the next few months. All patients suffered surgical complications, which were surgically treated in six cases. Symptoms specifically associated with inguinal hernias can cause certain limitations in the sexual life. Conclusions:In most cases, and in the absence of postoperative complications, the operative repair can lead to a recovery of the sexual life in patients with preoperative sexual dysfunction, while, in most cases, it does not affect patients with a preoperative normal sexual life.