Small nodular hepatocellular carcinoma treated by laser thermal ablation in high risk locations: preliminary results.

Objectives: To demonstrate the effectiveness and the safety of laser thermal ablation (LTA) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) deemed not accessible for other percutaneous procedures (radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy).

Methods: From September 2003 to August 2008, 140 patients with HCC nodules were treated. In 49 patients, the lesions were localized in "critical sites".

Patient satisfaction after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for biliary stones: a prospective multicenter study in Lombardy.

Aims: To measure patients' satisfaction after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for biliary stones in a large number of unselected endoscopy units.

Methods: A prospective study using a questionnaire (Group Health Association of America-9 [GHAA-9], modified) was administered 24 h and 30 days after the procedure. Patients undergoing endoscopy for biliary stones for the first time were enrolled in a large number of endoscopy units, regardless of their size and workload.

In view of an optimal gut antifungal therapeutic strategy: an in vitro susceptibility and toxicity study testing a novel phyto-compound.

Objective: In view of the raising concern for gut fungal infection, the aim of the present research was to carry out a systematic in vitro study testing the antifungal activity and possible toxicity of a polygodyal-anethole compound (Kolorex) in several strains of Candida albicans and in other fungal pathogens.

Methods: The in vitro susceptibility tests were carried out on 4 strains of C. albicans (C.