Comparative analysis of preparation of human hepatocytes by the ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and collagenase technique.

Purpose: To compare the viability of human hepatocytes dissociated by the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and collagenase techniques.

Methods: Hepatocytes were prepared by dissociation of liver fragments obtained from hepatectomies performed for therapeutic purposes at the Service of Digestive Tract Surgery, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro.

Results: During the first 4 days of the experiment, 70% of the cells presented birefringent membranes and were not stained with 2% erythrosine, and were therefore considered to be viable.

[Manometric evaluation of upper esophageal sphincter in patients with indeterminate form of Chagas' disease].

The objective was to study the disorders of upper esophageal sphincter in 37 patients with indeterminate clinical form of Chagas' disease. Eighty (48.6%) patients with synchronic waves were found.

[Manometric and radiologic aspects of Chagas' megaesophagus: the importance to its surgical treatment].

This study analyzed the radiologic and manometric findings of 43 patients suffering from chagasic megaesophagus with positive tests for Chagas' disease. There was a significant reduction in the high pressure levels of the body of the esophagus related to the stage of the disease: stage I/II--42.9 mmHg; stage III--23.