Endoscopically Assisted Laparoscopic Gastric Resection for Benign and Malignant Lesions: A Report of Two Cases.

BACKGROUND The first gastric resection for stomach cancer was performed in 1879, and the first gastric resection for gastric ulcer disease was performed in 1882. During the 1990s, the first laparoscopic gastrostomies were reported. During the past decade, laparoscopic techniques have developed rapidly, gaining wide clinical acceptance.

Gallbladder Hypoplasia, a Congenital Abnormality of the Gallbladder: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND There are different variations in the anatomy of the gallbladder. Congenital abnormalities of the gallbladder such as agenesis and hypoplasia are rare conditions and difficult to diagnose with imaging studies. Patients are usually asymptomatic or have symptoms that mimic gallstone disease.

Effects of atorvastatin on red-blood cell Na(+)/Li(+) countertransport in hyperlipidemic patients with and without hypertension.

Background: To explore the effect of short-term cholesterol-lowering treatment with atorvastatin on erythrocyte sodium-lithium countertransport (Na(+)/Li(+) CT) activity.

Methods: Group A consisted of 30 patients (14 men) with mild essential hypertension (systolic blood pressure (SBP), 140-159 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP, 90-99 mm Hg) and primary hypercholesterolemia low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol >4.1 mmol/l and triglycerides (TG) <2.