Incidence and clinical characteristics of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor in Korea: a single-center experience.

Background/aims: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) may originate from heterogeneous neuroendocrine cells. The incidence is increasing worldwide, and World Health Organization (WHO) updated its classification in 2010. We investigated clinical characteristics of gastroenteropancreatic NETs in a single center.

Premedication with erythromycin improves endoscopic visualization of the gastric mucosa in patients with subtotal gastrectomy: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

Background: Food residue in the remnant stomach after subtotal gastrectomy (STG) interferes with endoscopic observation. We investigated whether intravenous erythromycin improves gastric mucosa visualization in patients with STG.

Methods: This study was conducted from April 2012 to October 2012 as a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.

Usefulness of the introducer method for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy using ultrathin transnasal endoscopy.

Background: The introducer method of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) minimizes procedure-related peristomal infection. Ultrathin transnasal endoscopy (UTE) allows comfortable endoscopic examination of patients with fewer adverse effects and passage of the endoscope through a narrow esophagus or oropharynx. This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes for the introducer method of PEG with UTE.

Detection of neoplastic gastric lesions using capsule endoscopy: pilot study.

Objectives. Capsule endoscopy is relatively noninvasive method and its use extends from the small bowel to the esophagus and colon. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of capsule endoscopy for neoplastic gastric lesions.

Expression of girdin in human colorectal cancer and its association with tumor progression.

Background: Girdin is crucial for cellular motility in cancer cell lines and for metastasis in a mouse model. Its expression has been demonstrated in a range of cancers by a few studies and was a prognostic factor in a subset of patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of Girdin expression to clinicopathologic factors in terms of the progression of colorectal cancers and patient survival.

Pneumopericardium as a complication of pericardiocentesis.

Pneumopericardium is a rare complication of pericardiocentesis, occurring either as a result of direct pleuro-pericardial communication or a leaky drainage system. Air-fluid level surrounding the heart shadow within the pericardium on a chest X-ray is an early observation at diagnosis. This clinical measurement and process is variable, depending on the hemodynamic status of the patient.