Comparative analysis and evaluation of the effectiveness of demographic policies in EU countries (2009-2010).

Purpose: This article contains a comparative analysis and evaluation of the effectiveness of population policies in European Union (EU) countries, using multivariate analysis.

Data And Methods: To study these differences, it is primarily necessary to have the relevant data. The most recent database available was developed by the OECD in 2007 and currently covers OECD countries and most EU Member States.

Co-expression of bone morphogenetic protein 6 with estrogen receptor a in endometriosis.

Background: Bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP-6) has decisive role in controlling multiple organogenetic processes, as well as modulating cell differentiation and proliferation. Considering those pleiotropic effects, we focused on determining expression of that multifunctional growth factor in ectopic endometriotic tissues.

Materials And Methods: In this prospective study, 85 consecutive women with endometriosis were included.

Laparoscopic resection of pheochromocytomas with delayed vein ligation.

Objective: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has been established as the surgical procedure of choice for benign adrenal diseases. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma has been the subject of debate, due to potential systemic consequences of pneumoperitoneum in patients with catecholamine-secreting tumors and a perceived increased risk of malignancy for large-sized tumors. In this study we present our experience for laparoscopic resection of pheochromocytomas, and evaluate the safety of delayed adrenal vein ligation.

Laparoscopic resection of large adrenal tumors.

Background: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy has rapidly replaced open adrenalectomy as the procedure of choice for benign adrenal tumors. It still remains to be clarified whether the laparoscopic resection of large (≥ 8 cm) or potentially malignant tumors is appropriate or not due to technical difficulties and concern about local recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term outcome of 174 consecutive laparoscopic and open adrenalectomies performed in our surgical unit.

Cholangiocarcinoma: principles and current trends.

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a lethal cancer of the biliary epithelium, originating from the liver (intrahepatic), at the confluence of the right and left hepatic ducts (hilar) or in the extrahepatic bile ducts. It is a rare malignancy associated with poor prognosis.

Data Sources: We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE database for relevant articles published from 1989 to 2008.

Radical resection of pancreatic cancer.

Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PCa) is a disease with dismal prognosis, and the only possibility of cure, albeit small, is based on the combination of complete resection with negative histopathological margins (R0 resection) with adjuvant treatment. Therefore, a lot of effort has been made during the last decade to assess the role of extensive surgery in both local recurrence and survival of patients with PCa.

Data Sources: Medline search and manual cross-referencing were utilized to identify published evidence-based data for PCa surgery between 1973 and 2006, with emphasis to feasibility, efficacy, long-term survival, disease free survival, recurrence rates, pain relief and quality of life.

Open and laparoscopic approach in incisional hernia repair with ePTFE prosthesis.

Background: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the results of incisional hernia laparoscopic and open surgery, focusing on the morbidity and postoperative implications.

Materials And Methods: A group of 106 (42 men, 64 women) patients suffering from incisional hernias were treated with either a laparoscopic (30) or an open (76) placement of a prosthetic mesh between January 1997 and December 2004. The age and gender of the patients, the size and type of the mesh, operation note, the length of postoperative hospital stay, and morbidity were recorded.