Microbiologic risk factors of recurrent choledocholithiasis post-endoscopic sphincterotomy.

Background: Choledocholithiasis is a severe disorder that affects a significant portion of the world's population. Treatment using endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) has become widespread; however, recurrence post-EST is relatively common. The bile microbiome has a profound influence on the recurrence of choledocholithiasis in patients after EST; however, the key pathogens and their functions in the biliary tract remain unclear.

Quantum electric-dipole liquid on a triangular lattice.

Geometric frustration and quantum fluctuations may prohibit the formation of long-range ordering even at the lowest temperature, and therefore liquid-like ground states could be expected. A good example is the quantum spin liquid in frustrated magnets. Geometric frustration and quantum fluctuations can happen beyond magnetic systems.

Diagnostic Utility of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiography/Intraductal Ultrasound (ERC/IDUS) in Distinguishing Malignant from Benign Bile Duct Obstruction.

Background And Aim: Accurately differentiating malignant diseases from benign ones in patients having bile duct obstruction is of significant importance and remains a major clinical problem. This study investigated the diagnostic yield of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography/intraductal ultrasound (ERC/IDUS) in distinguishing malignant from benign bile duct obstruction and assessed some image findings from ERC/IDUS which might be useful in differentiation.

Methods: From January 2008 to January 2015, patients who underwent ERC/IDUS for bile duct obstruction were enrolled.

Efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy for unresectable cholangiocarcinoma: A meta-analysis.

Background: Photodynamic therapy with the placement of a biliary stent may improve the prognosis in patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma. The aim of this research is to determine the hazard ratio of photodynamic therapy with stent compared to biliary stenting alone or other therapies for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods: Several databases were searched from inception to December 31 2013 for trials comparing photodynamic therapy+stent vs.

Endoscopic retrieval technique of proximally migrated pancreatic stents: a retrospective study in a tertiary centre.

Background. There were scarce trials concerning the treatments and outcomes of proximal pancreatic stent migration. Herein, we did a retrospective study to discuss this problem from an endoscopist's point of view.

Short-term and long-term outcomes after endoscopic sphincterotomy versus endoscopic papillary balloon dilation for bile duct stones.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the short-term and long-term outcomes of endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD), and to find out risk factors for long-term complications.

Patients And Methods: From January 2008 to June 2011, patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for common bile duct stone removal were included, and they were divided into EST and EPBD groups. Clinical information was retrospectively viewed, and the patients were contacted through telephone or by searching for the medical records to get long-term outcomes.