Frequency of Nonalcoholic fatty pancreatic disease in patients with carcinoma pancreas presenting for upper abdominal Endoscopic Ultrasound in a tertiary care center.

Objective: To determine the frequency of nonalcoholic fatty pancreatic disease in patients with carcinoma pancreas presenting for upper abdominal endoscopic ultrasound.

Methods: The prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Endoscopy Suite of Surgical Unit 4, Civil Hospital, Karachi, from October 2019 to September 2020, and comprised patients presenting for endoscopic ultrasound. Patients were divided into Group A comprising carcinoma pancreas patients, and Group B having non-carcinoma pancreas patients.

Resolution of symptoms after Heller's cardiomyotomy with DOR fundoplication versus endoscopic balloon dilatation in patients with achalasia Cardia at tertiary care hospital.

Objective: To compare improvement in symptoms following Heller's myotomy with Dor fundoplication and endoscopic pneumatic dilatation for the treatment of achalasia cardia.

Methods: The prospective comparative study was conducted at the Department of Upper Gastroenterology and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Civil Hospital, Karachi, from February 2016 to January 2019, and comprised patients diagnosed with achalasia cardia on oesophageal manometry. The subjects were randomised into endoscopic pneumatic dilatation group A and laparoscopic Heller's myotomy with Dor fundoplication group B.

A comparative follow up study of transabdominal preperitoneal mesh repair in inguinal hernias with or without mesh fixation.

Objective: To compare the recurrence rate and chronic pain in hernia patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic transabdominal preperitoneal fixation with and without mesh.

Methods: The prospective comparative study was conducted at Surgical Units 4 and 5 of the Civil Hospital, Karachi, from August 1, 2017, to July 1, 2018, and comprised hernia patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic transabdominal preperitoneal fixation who were randomised into fixation Group A and non-fixation Group B. Postoperative visual analogue scale score was calculated at the time of discharge.

Does Fgf23-klotho activity influence vascular and soft tissue calcification through regulating mineral ion metabolism?

Recent studies describe a novel role of fibroblast growth factor-23 (Fgf23)-klotho activity in the systemic regulation of calcium and phosphate homeostasis. Both Fgf23 and klotho ablated mice develop extensive vascular and soft tissue calcification. Inability to clear the required amount of phosphate by the kidney, due to the absence of Fgf23-klotho activity, leads to increased accumulation of serum phosphate in these genetically modified mice, causing extensive calcification.