Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilatation with sphincterotomy is safe and effective for biliary stone removal independent of timing and size of sphincterotomy.

Aim: To describe the efficacy and safety of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilatation (EPLBD) in the management of bile duct stones in a Western population.

Methods: Data was collected from the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Radiology electronic database along with a review of case notes over a period of six years from 1 August 2009 to 31 July 2015 and incorporated into Microsoft excel. Statistical analyses were performed using MedCalc for Windows, version 12.

The Plasma and Serum Metabotyping of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Nigerian and Egyptian Cohort using Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

Background/aims: Previous studies have observed disturbances in the H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) blood spectral profiles in malignancy. No study has metabotyped serum or plasma of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients from two diverse populations. We aimed to delineate the HCC patient metabotype from Nigeria (mostly hepatitis B virus infected) and Egypt (mostly hepatitis C virus infected) to explore lipid and energy metabolite alterations that may be independent of disease aetiology, diet and environment.

Urinary Metabotyping of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a UK Cohort Using Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

Background: Discriminatory metabolic profiles have been described in urinary H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy studies of African patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to assess similarities in a UK cohort, where there is a greater etiological diversity.

Methods: Urine from cirrhosis and HCC patients was analyzed using a 600 MHz H NMR system.

Plasma Lipid Profiling in a Rat Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Potential Modulation Through Quinolone Administration.

Background/aims: The primary aim of this study was to characterise the blood metabolic profile of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a rat model, and the secondary aim was to evaluate the effect of the quinolone, norfloxacin on metabolic profiles and exploring the role that gut sterilisation may have on HCC development.

Methods: HCC was induced in 10 Fischer rats by administration of intra-peritoneal diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and oral N-nitrosomorpholine. Plasma was collected upon sacrifice.

Reasons why West Africa continues to be a hotbed for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibits a huge disease burden on West Africa, with a large proportion of all HCC cases worldwide occurring in the sub-region. The high HCC prevalence is due to the endemicity of a number of risk factors, most notably hepatitis B, C and HIV. West African HCC also displays a poor prognosis.