Impact of liver cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C viral infection on the outcome of ovarian cancer: a prospective study.

Background: This study was designed to investigate the impact of liver cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on the disease-free and overall survival of ovarian cancer patients undergoing a standard primary operation followed by standard chemotherapy. Attainment of the operative goals, intra- and postoperative events, possible complications under chemotherapy necessitating the termination of treatment, and the impact of ovarian cancer treatment on liver function were assessed.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study that included only patients with primary epithelial ovarian cancer.

Open randomized clinical trial of laparoscopic versus open incisional hernia repair.

Background: Incisional hernia is a common complication following abdominal surgery. Although the use of prosthetics has decreased recurrence rates, the standard open approach is still unsatisfactory. Laparoscopic techniques are an attempt to provide similar outcomes with the advantages of minimally invasive surgery.

The EXIT procedure: principles, pitfalls, and progress.

Although performing procedures on a fetus before severing the umbilical cord has previously been reported, the principles of the ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure were first fully developed for reversing tracheal occlusion in fetuses with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The EXIT procedure offers the advantage of insuring uteroplacental gas exchange while on placental support. The lessons learned in the development of the principles that underlie the EXIT procedure have improved outcomes when applied in other conditions, most notably in cases of airway obstruction.