A pair of surgeons at NYU's bariatric surgery center are being accused by a former colleague of running a "lap-band factory"--performing surgeries at a dangerous pace in a disorganized fashion. The surgeons are paid consultants for Allergan Inc., a gastric-band manufacturer. One of the surgeons was an investigator for an Allergan-sponsored report studying the use of gastric bands in teenagers. The FDA is currently reviewing a proposal by the company to begin using the bands on teens as young as 14, a proposition that worries critics who cite potential complications particular to younger patients.

Story by: Debra Sherman
FROM REUTERS