Human bile microbiota: A retrospective study focusing on age and gender.

Aims: The emerging biliary colonization of microorganisms in patients with biliary diseases may be devastating. Recent evidence suggests that age and gender may influence changes in the microbial composition of gut microbiota. To study the relationship between these parameters on bile microbiota, we retrospectively reviewed positive bile cultures following an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in a QA-certified academic surgical unit of a single institution.

Complications of hepatic echinococcosis: multimodality imaging approach.

Hydatid disease is a worldwide zoonosis endemic in many countries. Liver echinococcosis accounts for 60-75% of cases and may be responsible for a wide spectrum of complications in about one third of patients. Some of these complications are potentially life-threatening and require prompt diagnosis and urgent intervention.

Conservative management of intestinal obstruction by isolated intramural duodenal hematoma. A case report and review of the literature.

The duodenal injuries occur in the 3-5% of blunt abdominal traumas. The isolated intramural duodenal hematoma is a very rare lesion. An early diagnosis and an adequate therapy are crucial because a delay, beyond 24 hours, increases the mortality from the 11% to 40%.

Post-ERCP pancreatitis. A single center experience and an update on prevention strategies.

Objectives: Pancreatitis is the most frequent complication of the ERCP; in unselected patients the incidence is 3.5%, reaching 25%, and is mild-moderate in 90%. A stratification of patients into low or high risk is important to provide adequate information to patients and to decide when refer them to tertiary centers; moreover, many prophylactic measures have been proposed over years.