Complications and toxicity after abdominal and pelvic hypoxic stop-flow perfusion chemotherapy: incidence and assessment of risk factors.

Background: Controversial results regarding the efficacy and toxicity of hypoxic abdominal and pelvic stop-flow perfusion chemotherapy (SFP) have been reported in relatively small series. Hence, because adequate assessment of its benefit in large homogenous cohorts is missing, acceptable morbidity should initially be assured in a series of adequate size. Additionally, risk factors should be assessed for eventual patient selection.

Identification of the M541L sequence variation of the transmembrane KIT domain in Merkel cell carcinoma.

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive KIT-positive cutaneous tumor. KIT mutations are considered to play a key role in the pathogenesis of various neoplasms, but have not been found so far in MCC. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the presence of KIT mutations in MCC.

Antiemetic prophylaxis in thyroid surgery: a randomized, double-blind comparison of three 5-HT3 agents.

Purpose: The aim of this double-blind randomized study was to compare the antiemetic efficacy of three 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 antagonists in terms of the incidence and intensity of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in a homogenous group of female patients undergoing thyroidectomy.

Methods: The study cohort consisted of 203 American Society of Anesthesiologists PS I-II female patients randomized into four groups to receive at induction of anesthesia an intravenous (IV) bolus of 5 ml solution of one of the following: normal saline (placebo), granisetron 3 mg, ondansetron 4 mg, or tropisetron 5 mg. Nausea and vomiting were evaluated at five time points: during the first hour in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and 6, 12, 18, and 24 h postoperatively.

KIT receptor activation by autocrine and paracrine stem cell factor stimulates growth of merkel cell carcinoma in vitro.

The co-expression of KIT receptor and its ligand stem cell factor (SCF) has been reported in biopsy specimens of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). However, the functional role of SCF/KIT in the pathogenesis of this aggressive tumor has not been elucidated. The present study reports expression and effects of SCF and KIT in the Merkel cell carcinoma cell line MCC-1 in vitro.

Sleeve gastrectomy-a "food limiting" operation.

Background: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG), which, thus far, is showing good resolution of comorbidities and good weight loss, shows increasing popularity among bariatric surgeons. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcome and the gastric emptying of solid foods, 24 months after SG.

Methods: Fourteen morbidly obese patients, four males and ten females, median age 41 years (range 29-65), median body mass index (BMI) 49.

Giant ureteral stone in association with primary megaureter presenting as an acute abdomen.

A 20-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain of 4-h duration and of sudden onset. A plain abdominal radiograph showed a giant ureteral stone measuring 12 cm causing ureteral obstruction. Abdominal ultrasound revealed severe dilatation of the two upper thirds of the left ureter and a hydronephrotic ipsilateral kidney.