Perioperative Management of Patients with Colovesical Fistula.

Background: Colovesical fistula (CVF) is an uncommon complication of diverticulitis. Substantial heterogeneity exists in the perioperative management of this condition. We seek to evaluate the role of bladder leak testing, closed suction drainage, prolonged bladder catheter usage, and routine postoperative cystogram in the management of CVF.

Contemporary Management of Sigmoid Volvulus.

Background: Sigmoid volvulus is an uncommon cause of bowel obstruction that is historically associated with high morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate contemporary management of sigmoid volvulus and the safety of primary anastomosis in patients with sigmoid volvulus.

Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Project from 2012 to 2015 was queried for patients with colonic volvulus who underwent left-sided colonic resection.

Bowel Preparation Is Associated with Reduced Morbidity in Elderly Patients Undergoing Elective Colectomy.

Background: Bowel preparation in elderly patients is associated with physiologic derangements that may result in postoperative complications. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of bowel preparation on postoperative outcomes in elderly patients.

Methods: Patients age 75 years and older who underwent elective colectomy were identified from the 2012-2014 American College of National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP database).

Dimethylamino parthenolide enhances the inhibitory effects of gemcitabine in human pancreatic cancer cells.

Introduction: Gemcitabine is standard treatment for pancreatic cancer but has limited clinical benefit due to chemoresistance. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) can promote chemoresistance and is therefore an attractive therapeutic target. We hypothesize that NF-κB suppression with the novel, orally bioavailable inhibitor dimethylamino parthenolide (DMAPT) will sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine.