Value of laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasonography in determining resectability of colorectal hepatic metastases.

Background: The aim was to assess the value of laparoscopy and laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS) in selecting patients for resection of colorectal hepatic metastases.

Methods: Sixty patients with potentially resectable colorectal hepatic metastases after helical computer tomography (CT) and scheduled to undergo laparoscopy and LUS were studied retrospectively. Primary outcome measurement was the number of cases in which laparoscopy and LUS resulted in a change of therapeutic approach.

Prospective comparative study of spiral computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for detection of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often detected at a relatively late stage when tumour size prohibits curative surgery. Screening to detect HCC at an early stage is performed for patients at risk.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare prospectively the diagnostic accuracy and classification for management of the two state of the art secondline imaging techniques: triphasic spiral computer tomography (CT) and super paramagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Fine needle aspiration cytology of thyroid nodules: how accurate is it and what are the causes of discrepant cases?

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is widely accepted as the most accurate, sensitive, specific and cost-effective diagnostic procedure in the assessment of thyroid nodules and helps to select people preoperatively for surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of thyroid FNAC in our institution and to determine the reasons for discrepancies between the cytological and histological diagnosis. We evaluated the cytological and histological results of 254 FNACs obtained from 231 patients who underwent subsequent thyroid surgery.

Diagnosis and treatment of portal vein thrombosis following splenectomy.

Background: Portal vein thrombosis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of splenectomy. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, risk factors, treatment and outcome of portal vein thrombosis after splenectomy in a large series of patients.

Methods: All patients who had undergone a splenectomy in the University Hospital, Rotterdam, between 1984 and 1997 were reviewed retrospectively.

Laparoscopic detection and resection of insulinomas.

Background: Laparoscopic ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool for the localization of islet cell tumors has been described before, but few reports on laparoscopic resection of insulinomas exist. We retrospectively reviewed the results of our experience with laparoscopic detection and the resection of insulinomas to determine its feasibility.

Methods: Between February 1996 and February 1999, 10 patients underwent operation for organic hyperinsulinism at our institution.

MRI with mangafodipir trisodium in the detection and staging of pancreatic cancer.

The purpose of this study was to compare prospectively computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging before and after mangafodipir trisodium infusion for the detection and staging of focal pancreatic lesions. From November 1996 to October 1997, 43 consecutive patients suspected to have a focal pancreatic lesion were included in a phase III study. Triphasic helical CT was performed, as well as MRI at 1.

Is routine scrotal ultrasound advantageous in infertile men?

Purpose: We determine the value of routine scrotal ultrasonography in the evaluation of male infertility.

Materials And Methods: Scrotal color Doppler ultrasonography reports of 1,372 infertile men were reviewed to assess the prevalence of scrotal abnormalities and compared to clinical findings.

Results: The prevalence of scrotal abnormalities was 38%.

Accurate assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysm with intravascular ultrasound scanning: validation with computed tomographic angiography.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) parameters of abdominal aortic aneurysm, used for endovascular grafting, in comparison with computed tomographic angiography (CTA).

Methods: This study was designed as a descriptive study. Between March 1997 and March 1998, 16 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms were studied with angiography, IVUS (12.

Health care professionals' characterizations of the system of care for long-term ventilator-dependent patients: a preliminary study.

The purpose of this study was to characterize, from multiple professional perspectives, current management approaches and systems of care for long-term ventilator-dependent patients. This study was preliminary in nature and served to generate questions to be explored with subsequent research. A focus group methodology was used.