Delayed presentation of an aspirated capsule endoscope.

Capsule endoscopy has revolutionized the investigation of small intestinal pathology with an increasing repertoire of indications. We present the first reported case of an aspirated capsule presenting after a long asymptomatic period that was removed with no permanent pulmonary sequelae. This report highlights a cohort of patients who could be susceptible to this rare complication.

Phenoxybenzamine treatment can lead to loss of endothelial cell viability.

Phenoxybenzamine, an irreversible alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist, is used as a topical treatment against catecholamine-induced contraction in radial artery bypass grafts. Published data suggest that a wide range of phenoxybenzamine doses may be equally effective. This study aimed to investigate whether lower doses of phenoxybenzamine would benefit grafts by better preserving endothelium.

Ectopic thymoma of the chest wall.

A case of ectopic thymoma arising from the chest wall is reported. A chest wall tumour involving the third and fourth ribs and extending extrapleurally and subpectorally was resected following a histopathological diagnosis of hemangioendothelioma obtained at initial incision biopsy. Pathological examination of the excised mass, revealed appearances consistent with a malignant thymoma.

The effect of chronic steroid therapy on outcomes following cardiac surgery: a propensity-matched analysis.

Objective: Steroids are beneficial in reducing the inflammatory response accompanying surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. However, chronic steroid therapy has been implicated as a risk factor for abdominal complications and mortality following surgery. We assessed the impact of chronic steroid therapy had on outcome following cardiac surgery.