Association between chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer at a central hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Background: The frequency of histological chronic pancreatitis (CP) evidence in the resident pancreas of resected periampullary cancers (PACs) has never been studied in Africa. This study aims to describe the spectrum of pathology and outcomes of pancreatic surgeries and address this deficit from a South African central hospital cohort.

Methods: A retrospective audit of patients undergoing pancreatic surgery at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) between 2003 and 2023 was conducted.

HIV associated malignancies presenting as acute pancreatitis: a case series.

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) may be the presenting symptom in a small percentage of patients harbouring pancreatic or extra pancreatic tumours. This case series aims to describe the pathological spectrum of tumours detected in two AP cohorts from a high HIV-endemic region.

Methods: Prospectively collected databases of patients admitted with AP over two periods 2001 to 2010 and 2013 to 2015, were retrospectively evaluated to detect those with pancreatic and extra-pancreatic tumours.

Diagnostic Differentiation between Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer: A Scoping Review.

Pancreatitis, encompassing acute and chronic forms, and pancreatic cancer pose significant challenges to the exocrine tissue of the pancreas. Recurrence rates and complications following acute pancreatitis episodes can lead to long-term risks, including diabetes mellitus. Chronic pancreatitis can develop in approximately 15% of cases, regardless of the initial episode's severity.

Spectrum and surgical outcomes of gastrointestinal stromal tumours.

Background: Surgery and imatinib are the mainstays of the management of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST). This study aimed to analyse the outcomes in the management of GIST utilising surgery and imatinib.

Methods: Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analysed in relation to imatinib therapy, location of tumour, resection margins, type and extent of surgery.

Obstructive jaundice: Studies on predictors of biliary infection and microbiological analysis in an HIV setting.

Background: Early diagnosis of biliary infection is critical for timely antimicrobial therapy and biliary drainage. HIV infection may influence the spectrum and severity of biliary infection in an environment with a high HIV prevalence. Charcot's triad has low sensitivity and higher specificity for biliary infection, and more sensitive markers are required.