Transarterial chemoembolization using drug-eluting bead compared with radiofrequency ablation for treatment of single small hepatocellular carcinoma: a pilot non-randomized trial.

Background/aims: Surgical resection, transplantation, and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are generally accepted as amenable treatments for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently drug-eluting beads (DEB) which had several treatment advantages were introduced for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and safety of DEB-TACE compared with RFA for the treatment of single small HCC.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase inhibitor induces apoptosis on Epstein-Barr virus positive B lymphoma cells.

Over-expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (Nox) isoform enzymes was recently reported in various cancers including Burkitt's lymphoma (BL). However, the functions of Nox isoform enzymes in BL remain poorly understood. In this study, Nox isoform expression and the effects of a Nox-specific inhibitor were evaluated in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive Raji BL cells in comparison with EBV-negative Ramos BL cells.

The Clinical Usefulness of Simultaneous Placement of Double Endoscopic Nasobiliary Biliary Drainage.

Background/aims: To evaluate the technical feasibility and clinical efficacy of double endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) as a new method of draining multiple bile duct obstructions.

Methods: A total of 38 patients who underwent double ENBD between January 2004 and February 2010 at the Asan Medical Center were retrospectively analyzed. We evaluated indications, laboratory results, and the clinical course.

Factors affecting tumor ablation during high intensity focused ultrasound treatment.

Background/aims: High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) utilizes a targeted extracorporeal focused ultrasound beam to ablate neoplastic pancreatic tissue. We used an in vitro model to examine the effects of bone, metallic stents, plastic stents, metal plates, and cyst-like lesions on HIFU treatment.

Methods: HIFU was delivered to the phantom models implanted with foreign bodies, and the location, shape, and size of the ablated zones were evaluated.

Temporary placement of fully covered self-expandable metal stents in benign biliary strictures.

Background/aims: Benign biliary strictures (BBSs) have been endoscopically managed with plastic stent placement. However, data regarding fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) in BBS patients remain scarce in Korea.

Methods: Forty-one patients (21 men, 65.

A comparison of the BISAP score and serum procalcitonin for predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis.

Background/aims: The bedside index of severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP) is a new, convenient, prognostic multifactorial scoring system. As more data are needed before clinical application, we compared BISAP, the serum procalcitonin (PCT), and other multifactorial scoring systems simultaneously.

Methods: Fifty consecutive acute pancreatitis patients were enrolled prospectively.

Diagnostic role of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration of gallbladder lesions.

Background/aims: Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is a well-established diagnostic technique for examining various organs of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas, but little is known about its use in the diagnostic work-up of GB lesions. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of EUS-FNA of GB lesions.

Methodology: Twenty-eight patients who underwent EUS-FNA for evaluation of GB lesions were enrolled.

[Involvement of splenic hemangioma and rectal varices in a patient with klippel: trenaunay syndrome].

Klippel - Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is characterized by a cutaneous vascular nevus of the involved extremity, bone and soft tissue hypertrophy of the extremity and venous malformations. We present a case of KTS with splenic hemangiomas and rectal varices. A 29-year-old woman was referred for intermittent hematochezia for several years.

Biliary strictures after liver transplantation.

Biliary strictures are one of the most common complications following liver transplantation, representing an important cause of morbidity and mortality in transplant recipients. The reported incidence of biliary stricture is 5% to 15% following deceased donor liver transplantations and 28% to 32% following living donor liver transplantations. Bile duct strictures following liver transplantation are easily and conveniently classified as anastomotic strictures (AS) or non-anastomotic strictures (NAS).

[Clinical characteristics of pancreatic metastases].

Background/aims: Histologically confirmed metastatic pancreatic cancers are infrequent. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical, therapeutic and prognostic features of pancreatic metastases.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated stage of primary malignancies, interval between diagnosis of primary tumors and detection of pancreatic metastases, treatment for metastases to the pancreas, survival rate, and prognostic factors in 31 patients with pancreatic metastases.

Anchoring flap versus flared end, fully covered self-expandable metal stents to prevent migration in patients with benign biliary strictures: a multicenter, prospective, comparative pilot study (with videos).

Background: Recently, placement of fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) has been proposed as an alternative treatment for the management of benign biliary strictures. However, the major limitations of FCSEMSs are frequent migration and removal complications.

Objective: We conducted this study to compare the antimigration effects, complication rates, and short-term efficacy of 2 FCSEMSs with either an anchoring flap (AF) or a flared end (FE) at the proximal end of the stent.

EUS-guided biliary drainage with a fully covered metal stent as a novel route for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic biliary interventions: a pilot study (with videos).

Background: EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) with the use of a fully covered metal stent can result in a large-diameter fistula between the bile duct and the duodenum or stomach. This sustainable fistula may constitute a new endoscopic route to the bile duct.

Objective: To assess the feasibility of performing endoscopic procedures through EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy or hepaticogastrostomy with a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS).