Outcome of total splenectomy with portosystemic shunt for massive splenomegaly and variceal bleeding in cystic fibrosis.

Multilobular biliary cirrhosis and portal hypertension are frequent complications of cystic fibrosis liver disease, leading to esophageal varices and splenomegaly. Therapy is focused on variceal bleeding control; however, reduction of spleen volume is also important to restore gastric volume and resolve invalidating abdominal discomfort. We report long-term follow up (median duration, 5.

Proceeding with clinical trials of animal to human organ transplantation: a way out of the dilemma.

The transplantation of porcine organs to humans could in the future be a solution to the worldwide organ shortage, but is to date still highly experimental. Further research on the potential effects of crossing the species barrier is essential before clinical application is acceptable. However, many crucial questions on efficacy and safety will ultimately only be answered by well designed and controlled solid organ xenotransplantation trials on humans.

Fat absorption and metabolism in bile duct ligated rats.

Background: Bile excretion is obstructed in children with extrahepatic bile duct atresia (EHBA) resulting in fat malabsorption and disturbed lipid metabolism.

Aim: Investigate if the bile duct ligated rat exhibits similar deviations as patients with EHBA under different feeding conditions.

Methods: 6 bile duct ligated Wistar rats and 12 matched paired controls were randomised over 3 feeding groups.