Endoscopic diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma of the esophagus, a rare neoplasm.

We report a case of leiomyosarcoma of the distal third of the esophagus in a 51-year-old woman presenting with a six-month history of severe epigastric pain, disphagia and weight loss. The diagnosis, suspected on endoscopic examination, was preoperatively acheived by biopsy and immunohistological stain. Surgical treatment was undertaken with good results.

[The topical therapy of ulcerative colitis. A multicenter study with beclomethasone dipropionate foam].

Background And Aims: The use of steroids was recently extended to the various forms of ulcerative rectocolitis by the introduction of topical formulations, above all steroids with an hepatic "first pass" devoid of systemic interference. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of Beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) in a rectal foam formulation, in the treatment of patients suffering from ulcerative colitis.

Methods: The experimental protocol took the form of a 28-day open prospective trial using BDP rectal foam in patients suffering from ulcerative colitis.

Long-term efficacy of endoscopic stenting in patients with stricture of the biliary anastomosis after orthotopic liver transplantation.

Background And Study Aims: The choledocho-choledochostomy (CCS) stricture is one of the most frequent complications occurring after liver transplantation. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) is the most sensitive method used to define the presence and narrowness of the stricture. Endoscopic stenting of the strictured anastomosis could provide an effective alternative to the surgical intervention.

The effect of endoscopic sclerotherapy of esophageal varices on the development of gastric varices.

Background And Study Aims: The effect of sclerotherapy of esophageal varices on the development of gastric varices is a controversial question. The aim of the present study was to evaluate prospectively the presence and development of gastric varices as a consequence of esophageal variceal sclerotherapy.

Patients And Methods: We prospectively studied 227 patients, all of whom had liver cirrhosis at the time of the first bleeding episode due to esophageal varices.

Non-bleeding visible vessel treatment: perendoscopic injection therapy versus omeprazole infusion.

Background: The non-bleeding visible vessel in a peptic ulcer is the highest risk factor for a bleeding recurrence among not actively bleeding lesions. Perendoscopic injection of sclerosing compounds is usually used as prophylaxis against rebleeding.

Methods: Forty-two patients with visible vessels in a peptic ulcer at an emergency endoscopic procedure have been studied: 21 patients underwent prophylactic perendoscopic hemostasis, and 21 patients were infused with omeprazole intravenously.