Diagnostic and prognostic value of preoperative F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography for colorectal cancer: comparison with conventional computed tomography.

Background/aims: F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) has been used for preoperative staging of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the diagnostic accuracy of FDG-PET/CT for detection of lymph node or distant metastasis and its prognostic role have not been well established. We therefore evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic value of FDG-PET/CT in comparison with conventional CT for CRC.

The Usefulness of Early Endoscopic Ultrasonography in Acute Biliary Pancreatitis with Undetectable Choledocholithiasis on Multidetector Computed Tomography.

Background/aims: EUS can detect bile duct stones (BDS) that are undetectable on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). BDS associated with acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) are small and tend to be excreted spontaneously. This study evaluated the usefulness of early EUS in patients with ABP and undetectable BDS on MDCT.

Diagnostic Accuracy of the Initial Endoscopy for Ampullary Tumors.

Background/aims: Ampullary tumors come in a wide variety of malignant forms. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopy for ampullary tumors, and analyzed the causes of misdiagnosis.

Methods: We compared endoscopic imaging and biopsy results to final diagnoses.

Development of a biodegradable sirolimus-eluting stent coated by ultrasonic atomizing spray.

In this study, poly(D,L lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) was used as a drug carrier to generate two types of stents loaded with different concentrations of sirolimus. These stents were prepared by ultrasonic atomizing spray coating. Ultrasonic atomizing spray nozzle uses a low-pressure air/gas to produce a soft, highly focused beam of small spray drops.