Prospective respiratory triggering improves high-resolution brachial plexus MRI quality.

Background: Oblique sagittal MRI sequences, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the brachial plexus, can reliably depict morphologic and signal abnormalities. However, nerve visualization may be obscured by ghosting artifact from periodic respiratory motion. Respiratory triggering (RT) with a thoracoabdominal bellows can reduce ghosting artifact, but it is not routinely used for brachial plexus MRI.

Laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernia: impact on dyspnoea.

Introduction: This study aims to examine the impact of laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernia on dyspnoea severity, respiratory function and quality of life.

Methods: From 2004 to 2008, 30 consecutive patients with large para-oesophageal hernia defined as >50% of stomach in the intra-thoracic cavity and minimum follow-up of 2 years were included in this study. All patients had a formal respiratory function test 1 week prior and 3 months after their laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair.

Radiofrequency ablation of lung tumors: feasibility and safety.

Background: Percutaneous image-guided radiofrequency ablation is being promoted as a novel technique with a low morbidity rate in the treatment of inoperable lung tumors. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence and risk factors of various complications after radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary neoplasms.

Methods: The clinical and treatment-related data regarding 129 consecutive percutaneous radiofrequency ablation treatment sessions for 100 patients with inoperable lung tumors were collected prospectively.

A systematic review of radiofrequency ablation for lung tumors.

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been increasingly utilized as a non-surgical treatment option for patients with primary and metastatic lung tumors. We performed the present systematic review to assess the safety and efficacy of RFA.

Methods: Searches for all relevant studies prior to November 2006 were performed on six databases.

Recurrence and survival outcomes after hepatic resection with or without cryotherapy for liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma.

Background: Some reports support resection combined with cryotherapy for patients with multiple bilobar colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) that would otherwise be ineligible for curative treatments. This series demonstrates long-term results of 415 patients with CRLM who underwent resection with or without cryotherapy.

Methods: Between April 1990 and January 2006, 291 patients were treated with resection only and 124 patients with combined resection and cryotherapy.