Sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy using radioactive tracer in gastric cancer.

Background: Lymph node metastasis is one of the most important prognostic factors in gastric cancer survival. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping and biopsy may reduce the extension of lymph node dissection by determination of lymph node involvement. The current study prospectively evaluates the feasibility and reliability of SLN biopsy in gastric cancer.

Botulinum toxin injection versus lateral internal sphincterotomy for the treatment of chronic anal fissure: randomized prospective controlled trial.

Purpose: Lateral internal sphincterotomy has been the gold standard treatment for chronic anal fissure, but it still carries the risk of permanent damage of the anal sphincter, which has led to the implementation of alternative treatment like botulinum toxin injection. The aim of this randomized prospective controlled trial was to compare the efficacy and morbidity of botulinum toxin injection and lateral internal sphincterotomy in the treatment of chronic anal fissure.

Methods: Fifty consecutive adults with chronic anal fissure were randomly treated with either lateral internal sphincterotomy or botulinum toxin (BT) injection with 50 U BT into the internal sphincter.