Cholecystectomy or Cholelithiasis - a Missed Marker for Hyperlipidaemia? A Combined Retrospective and Prospective Study.

Background: Multiple studies have shown an association between gallstones and abnormal lipids and the latter increases the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke. Our study investigates the current incidence of lipid abnormalities in patients who have undergone cholecystectomy (retrospective study) and who have gallstones (prospective study).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the lipid profiles of 715 patients who underwent cholecystectomy in a rural district general hospital from 2003 to 2006.

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori in surgical practice: a randomised trial of triple versus quadruple therapy in a rural district general hospital.

Aim: To compare a lansoprazole-based triple versus quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) eradication with emphasis on side effect profile, patient compliance and eradication rate at a rural district general hospital in Wales, United Kingdom.

Methods: One hundred one patients with H pylori infection were included in the study. Patients were randomised to receive triple therapy comprising of lansoprazole 30 mg, amoxycillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg, all b.

Who should stage upper gastrointestinal tract malignancy?

District general hospitals with trained upper gastrointestinal surgeons should undertake staging of patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers within their catchment areas. This could considerable reduce the workload at regional cancer centres.