Self-expanding metal stents versus antrectomy for the palliative treatment of obstructive adenocarcinoma of the gastric antrum.

Background: gastric cancer patients are first diagnosed with an unresectable tumor in up to 40% of cases. Gastric outlet obstruction causes nausea, vomiting, dehydration and malnutrition. The aim of the study was to compare self-expanding metal stents to antrectomy and Roux-en Y gastrojejunostomy for palliation of obstructive adenocarcinoma of the gastric antrum.

Argon plasma coagulation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in chronic radiation proctopathy, effectiveness and impact on tissue toxicity.

Background: chronic radiation proctopathy (CRP) is associated with recurrent rectal bleeding and transfusional requirements. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT) have been shown to be effective in the control of CRP. No prospective comparisons have been reported between these treatments.

[Endoscopic inanimate biological simulators for training in endoscopic mucosal dissection].

Background: Simulators have been used as a training method; they allow training, skill development, standardization of techniques and the performance of a greater number of risk-free procedures. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the standard treatment for early gastric cancer since it allows en bloc resection of larger lesions however requires longer procedure time and has more complications than endoscopic mucosal resection.

Objective: To evaluate the use of biological inanimate simulators in endoscopic training for the development of skills required for ESD.

Dilated intercellular spaces in subtypes of gastroesophagic reflux disease.

Background: Dilatation of the intercellular spaces by electron microscopy has been considered as an early morphological marker of tissue injury in gastroesophageal reflux disease. The degree of dilatation in Barret's esophagus in currently unknown.

Objectives: To determine the frequency of dilated intervellular spaces in Barrett's esophagus.