Outcome of cirrhotic patients undergoing cholecystectomy: applying Bayesian analysis in gastroenterology.

Background And Aim: Cholelithiasis is a common finding in patients with cirrhosis. Previous studies showed that open cholecystectomy (OC) carries a high risk of postoperative complications and deaths in cirrhotic patients. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has significantly decreased hospital stay and postoperative morbidity in non-cirrhotic patients.

Treatment of achalasia with botulinum A toxin.

Achalasia is an idiopathic neuromuscular disorder of the esophagus which is associated with absence of esophageal peristalsis and incomplete relaxation of a normal or raised lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Dysphagia is the most commonly associated symptom. Conventional therapeutic approaches are directed to reducing LES pressure and include orally-administered smooth muscle relaxants, forceful sphincter dilation with balloon dilators, and open or laparoscopic-assisted myotomy of the LES.

Achalasia: a review of therapeutic options and outcomes.

Advances in achalasia has led to the development of new therapeutic options. This review will focus on methodology and outcomes of two established techniques; pneumatic dilation and surgical myotomy; and one new technique, LES injection of botulinum A toxin.