Does the addition of methylene blue to the sclerosant improve the accuracy of injections during variceal sclerotherapy?

We evaluated the possibility that the addition of methylene blue to the sclerosant would improve the accuracy of intravariceal injections during endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy. Four patients had eight sessions of endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy with a sclerosant containing a combination of 3% sodium tetradecyl and 60% renograffin. For four sessions, 1 ml of methylene blue was added to 9 ml of sclerosant.

Postprostatectomy lithiasis.

After a short historical survey and a comprehensive review of the world literature which comprises 242 cases (including 19 personal ones), 10 new cases of lithiasis after prostatectomy are added (5 of which are personal ones), making a total of 252 cases. The CT scan was very useful in the diagnostic imaging. In appropriate situations, the use of the stone basket was found advantageous.

Duodenogastric reflux in patients with Barrett's esophagus.

The role of duodenogastric reflux in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease is not clear. Using hepatobiliary scanning techniques, we found evidence of duodenogastric reflux in six of 13 patients with Barrett's esophagus. This compares with only two positive studies in 19 control subjects.

Pancreatic pseudocyst with hemorrhage into the gastrointestinal tract through the duct of Santorini.

Hemorrhage into a pancreatic pseudocyst frequently goes unrecognized. This catastrophic event can be heralded by intermittent bleeding, or may present as massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage. A high index of suspicion, proper diagnostic workup, and prompt surgical management afford the patient the best chance for survival.