Liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in a hepatitis B endemic area.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver. Treatment options include liver resection, tumor ablation, and liver transplantation.

Methods: We report the results of all patients undergoing partial hepatectomy for HCC with curative intent from a center where all major treatment modalities were available.

Quality of life assessment in patients with inguinal hernia.

Background: The natural history of untreated inguinal hernia (IH) is poorly understood. Whether a delay in operative repair of IH leads to excessive physical suffering or significant psychosocial impairment is not known. This study attempts to quantify the morbidity of patients with IH by assessing their quality of life (QOL) while on a waiting list for IH surgery.

Improved breast cytology results with near patient FNA diagnosis.

Objective: To examine the impact of a cytopathologist using near patient fine needle aspiration diagnosis (NPFD) for breast diagnosis.

Study Design: The cytology results of all palpable solid breast lesions undergoing fine needle aspiration (FNA) during a two-year period were prospectively audited and categorized as definitely benign or malignant (definite), probably benign, indeterminate or suspicious (indefinite) or unsatisfactory. The final diagnosis (benign or malignant) was determined from a review of patients' charts and a survey of patients' family physicians.