Perioperative Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Is Associated With Decreased Postoperative Complications in Decompensated Cirrhotics Undergoing Abdominal Surgery.

Background: Operative risk in patients with cirrhosis is related to the severity of liver disease and nature of procedure. Pre and postoperative portal decompression via transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) are logical approaches to facilitate surgery and improve postoperative outcomes. We compared postoperative outcomes of decompensated cirrhotics undergoing abdominal surgery either with or without perioperative TIPS placement.

Relationship between dysphagia, lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, and esophagogastric junction distensibility.

Background: It is debated whether high-resolution manometric (HRM) integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) or functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) distensibility index (DI) is the superior measure of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) opening. We examined the relationship between the DI and IRP and assessed correlations with dysphagia symptoms in patients with achalasia and EGJ outflow obstruction (EGJOO).

Methods: Patients with achalasia and those with barium tablet retention at the EGJ were grouped as follows: Group 1:Achalasia (IRP ≥ 15 mmHg + complete absence of normal peristalsis); Group 2: Manometric +FLIP EGJOO (IRP ≥ 15 mmHg with some intact peristalsis + DI ≤ 2.

Length of Barrett's segment predicts failure of eradication in radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's esophagus: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: We aim to investigate factors that may contribute to failure of eradication of dysplastic Barrett's Esophagus among patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation treatment.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation for treatment of Barrett's Esophagus was performed. Data analyzed included patient demographics, medical history, length of Barrett's Esophagus, number of radiofrequency ablation sessions, and histopathology.

Comparative Effectiveness of Vedolizumab vs. Infliximab Induction Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis: Experience of a Real-World Cohort at a Tertiary Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center.

Background: Vedolizumab (VDZ), an adhesion molecule inhibitor and infliximab (IFX), a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker, are both approved as first-line induction agents in moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). However, there are no head-to-head studies comparing the relative effectiveness of the two agents. Here we provide a real-world comparison of these two agents.

Socioeconomic Status and Race are both Independently associated with Increased Hospitalization Rate among Crohn's Disease Patients.

Racial disparities are observed clinically in Crohn's Disease (CD) with research suggesting African Americans (AA) have worse outcomes than Caucasian Americans (CA). The aim of this study is to assess whether socioeconomic status (SES) rather than race is the major predictor of worse outcomes. We designed a retrospective cohort study of 944 CD patients seen at our center.

Orthotopic liver transplantation changes the course of gastric antral vascular ectasia: a case series from a transplant center.

Background And Aim: Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is an important cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia in patients with cirrhosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) on GAVE and associated anemia.

Patients And Methods: We performed a chart review and identified all cirrhotic patients with GAVE who underwent OLT at the University Of Alabama at Birmingham between 2005 and 2013.

Autogenous Fascia Lata Graft Fixation to Treat Exotropia Resulting From Iatrogenic Medial Rectus Transection.

Purpose: To describe autogenous fascia lata graft fixation as a novel method to treat exotropia related to medial rectus (MR) muscle injury following functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Methods: Three consecutive patients with MR transection and exotropia after functional endoscopic sinus surgery were selected. Preoperative examination was performed; no MR function was noted for over 3 months after injury.

Interreader Variability of Computed Tomography for Orbital Floor Fracture.

Importance: The timing and indications for repair of orbital floor fractures have been controversial. Current practice dictates that fractures involving more than 50% of the orbital floor should be repaired. Early management is initiated in such situations to prevent long-term sequelae of enophthalmos and diplopia.

The Prevalence of Air Regurgitation and Its Consequences After Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy and Dacryocystorhinostomy in Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Patients.

Purpose: To describe the prevalence of air regurgitation into the periocular region in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) patients with a history of conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy with a Lester Jones tube and a dacryocystorhinostomy with silicone intubation, as well as problems caused by this regurgitation and methods to cope.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who either underwent a conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy or dacryocystorhinostomy was performed. Patients were contacted via phone interview.