Index C-reactive protein predicts increased severity in acute sigmoid diverticulitis.

Purpose: Conservative management is successful in unperforated (Hinchey Ia) acute diverticulitis (AD) and also generally in local perforation or small abscesses (Hinchey Ib). A higher degree of radiological severity (Hinchey >Ib), ie, a larger abscess (>3-4 cm) or peritonitis, commonly requires percutaneous drainage or surgery. Retrospective studies show that high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) distinguish Hinchey Ia from all cases of minor and major perforations (Hinchey >Ia).

Does tissue ischemia actually contribute to leak after sleeve gastrectomy? An experimental study.

Background: Staple line leak, although rare, is among the most common postoperative complications after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and usually occurs in the gastroesophageal (GE) junction. Increased intragastric pressure, regional ischemia, and technical failure of stapling devices have been reported as the main risk factors of postoperative leak. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of ischemia and intraluminal pressure in leak appearance.

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration after failed endoscopic stone extraction.

Background: Our objective was to present the technical aspects and results of laparoscopic common bile duct (CBD) exploration following failed endoscopic stone extraction.

Method: From April 1997 to December 2006, 32 patients were referred to us after unsuccessful attempts at endoscopic CBD stone extraction. Transcholedochal laparoscopic CBD exploration was used in all patients.

Perioperative erythropoietin administration in patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer: prospective randomized double-blind study.

Objective: To investigate the effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) administration on perioperative hemoglobin concentrations and on the number of blood transfusions in patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal tract malignancies.

Summary Background Data: Erythropoietin has been shown to improve the yield of autologously predonated blood and to reduce the subsequent requirements for homologous blood transfusions in cancer patients.

Methods: In this double-blind placebo-controlled study, 31 cancer patients received subcutaneous r-HuEPO in a dose of 300 IU/kg body weight plus 100 mg iron intravenously (study group) and 32 patients received placebo medication and iron (control group).