Strain induced esophageal growth in a novel rodent model.

Purpose: Longitudinal esophageal strain has been shown to increase esophageal length but the contribution of tissue hyperplasia to this growth is unknown. We used a novel model of esophageal stretch to determine the cellular response to the strain stimulus.

Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent transection of the distal esophagus.

Immediate extubation after pediatric liver transplantation: a single-center experience.

The care of pediatric liver transplant recipients has traditionally included postoperative mechanical ventilation. In 2005, we started extubating children undergoing liver transplantation in the operating room according to standard criteria for extubation used for general surgery cases. We reviewed our single-center experience to determine our rates of immediate extubation and practice since that time.

Report of 111 consecutive patients enrolled in the International Serial Transverse Enteroplasty (STEP) Data Registry: a retrospective observational study.

Background: The International Serial Transverse Enteroplasty (STEP) Data Registry is a voluntary online database created in 2004 to collect information on patients undergoing the STEP procedure. The aim of this study was to identify preoperative factors that are significantly associated with transplantation or death or attainment of enteral autonomy after STEP.

Study Design: Data were collected from September 2004 to January 2010.