A new species of the genus Scincella (Squamata: Scincidae) from Mount Fansipan, Hoang Lien Son Range, northwestern Vietnam.

We describe a new species of the genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 from northwestern Vietnam, based on a new collection of ground skinks from Mount Fansipan of the Hoang Lien Son Range in Lao Cai Province. Scincella fansipanensis sp. nov.

 sp. nov., a new green treefrog species from Vietnam (Anura, Rhacophoridae).

We describe a new treefrog species from Lao Cai Province, northwestern Vietnam. The new species is assigned to the genus based on a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) dorsum green, smooth; body size medium (SVL 30.1-32.

A new shrew mole species of the genus Uropsilus (Eulipotyphla: Talpidae) from northwestern Vietnam.

A new medium-sized shrew mole species of the genus Uropsilus from Mount Fansipan, Hoang Lien National Park, Lao Cai Province, northwestern Vietnam is described based on morphological and molecular differences. Uropsilus fansipanensis sp. nov.

A new species of Vietnamophryne (Anura: Microhylidae) from Northeastern Vietnam.

A new species of the genus Vietnamophryne is described from Vietnam on the basis of two specimens collected from Tuyen Quang Province, Northeastern Vietnam. The new species is morphologically most similar to Vietnamophryne occidentalis from Thailand, however, it differs from the latter by having large black blotches in the lower jaw region, and a yellow-orange chest and belly. The genetic distance between the new species and other Vietnamophryne taxa is > 2.

Implementing living-donor pediatric liver transplantation in Southern Vietnam: 15-year results and perspectives.

Background: ND2 in Ho Chi Minh City is currently the only public center that performs PLT in Southern Vietnam. In 2005, the first PLT was successfully performed, with support from Belgian experts. This study reviews the implementation of PLT at our center and evaluates the results and challenges.

How to isolate a high output enteroatmospheric fistula in the open abdomen with negative pressure therapy: an institution's step by step guide to the VAC donut.

There is multiple evidence to suggest that isolation techniques of high output enteroatmospheric fistulas (EAF) in open abdomens can be advantageous in controlling fistula effluent while allowing time for abdominal wall to granulate. The large loss of proteins, electrolytes and fluid, and the distressing nature of the open abdomen for both patients and doctors, make managing these EAFs a clinical challenge. We present our experience with a high output mucosal protruding EAF and the creation of a 'VAC donut' allowing a successful diversion of the enteric content whilst promoting granulation of the tissue bed.

Impact of single-stage laparoscopic trans-cystic exploration on hospital procedures, admissions and length-of-stay in common bile duct stone clearance.

Background: Single-stage approach with bile duct exploration is considered the most efficient and cost-effective method of bile duct clearance. In Australia, apart from centres with subspecialty interests, notably in Brisbane, Queensland, a multi-stage approach with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is used more frequently. We aim to evaluate the impact of single stage laparoscopic trans-cystic exploration (LTCE) versus multi-stage approach for choledocholithiasis.

Angioleiomyoma presenting as a lateral neck lump: a diagnostic dilemma.

Angioleiomyomas are defined as benign dermal or subcutaneous tumours consisting of smooth muscle cells arranged around vascular channels. Head and neck angioleiomyomas are rarely encountered as they usually occur in the extremities. We report a case of a 71-year-old male, who presented with a 3-month history of a painless lateral neck lump.

Continuous Suction Isoperistaltic Gastroesophagostomy for Esophageal Perforation.

Esophageal perforation is a surgical emergency with significant morbidity. Management of this condition is complex and constantly evolving. To our knowledge, this is the first case series describing repair of esophageal perforation with the use of an isoperistaltic gastroesophagostomy tube connected to continuous suction.

Paracaecal hernia: a case report on the evolving role of laparoscopy.

A paracaecal hernia, a type of pericaecal hernias, is a rare cause of small intestinal obstruction. Failure of early recognition and reduction of this type of internal hernia may lead to strangulation of the herniated intestine. There has been a number of case reports in the literature about the different types of pericaecal hernias, however the anatomy of these hernias is still poorly understood and the management is still evolving.

Massive pericardial effusion following a laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is currently the most common bariatric surgical procedure. The most frequent complications of LAGB surgery are pouch dilatation, gastric prolapse, band erosion, stoma obstruction and access-port problems. We report a rare life-threatening case of massive pericardial effusion as a complication of an infected Lap-Band.

An easy method of deflating a blocked Foley balloon.

Blocked Foley balloons are occasionally encountered by many urological surgeons. A number of methods of removing a blocked balloon catheter have been advocated. They are usually invasive, time and resource consuming and often ineffective.