CT and MR imaging for detecting neoplastic invasion of esophageal inlet.

Aim: Direct neoplastic invasion of esophageal inlet is an uncommon but significant sequela of advanced head and neck carcinomas. The aim of this study was to seek an optimal CT or MRI criterion for determining the neoplastic esophageal inlet involvement in order to help tumor staging and surgical planning.

Methods: CT and MRI of 78 head and neck tumor cases were investigated retrospectively.

Comparison of different intervention procedures in benign stricture of gastrointestinal tract.

Aim: To determine the most effective intervention procedure by evaluation of mid and long-term therapeutic efficacy in patients of stricture of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

Methods: Different intervention procedures were used to treat benign stricture of GIT in 180 patients including pneumatic dilation (group A, n=80), permanent (group B, n=25) and temporary (group C, n=75) placement of expandable metallic stents.

Results: The diameters of the strictured GIT were significantly greater after the treatment of all procedures employed (P<0.

Complications of stent placement for benign stricture of gastrointestinal tract.

Aim: To observe the frequent complications of stent placement for stricture of the gastrointestinal tract and to find proper treatment.

Methods: A total number of 140 stents were inserted in 138 patients with benign stricture of the gastrointestinal tract. The procedure was completed under fluoroscopy in all of the patients.

Follow-up evaluation for benign stricture of upper gastrointestinal tract with stent insertion.

Aim: To determine the best method for benign stricture of the upper gastrointestinal tract (UGIT) with stent insertion by follow-up evaluation.

Methods: A total of 110 stents insertions were performed in 110 cases of benign stricture of the UGIT. Permanent (group A) and temporary (group B) placement of an expandable metal stent in 30 cases and 80 cases respectively.

Restenosis following balloon dilation of benign esophageal stenosis.

Aim: To elucidate the mechanism of restenosis following balloon dilation of benign esophageal stenosis.

Methods: A total of 49 rats with esophageal stenosis were induced in 70 rats using 5 ml of 50% sodium hydroxide solution and the double-balloon method, and an esophageal restenosis (RS) model was developed by esophageal stenosis using dilation of a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) balloon catheter. These 49 rats were divided into two groups: rats with benign esophageal stricture caused by chemical burn only (control group, n=21) and rats with their esophageal stricture treated with balloon catheter dilation (experimental group, n=28).

Selection and evaluation of three interventional procedures for achalasia based on long-term follow-up.

Aim: To determine the best method out of the three types of interventional procedure for achalasia based on a long-term follow-up.

Methods: The study cohort was comprised of 133 patients of achalasia. Among them, 60 patients were treated under fluoroscopy with pneumatic dilation (group A), 8 patients with permanent uncovered or antireflux covered metal stent dilation (group B), and 65 patients with temporary partially covered metal stent dilation (group C).

Temporary partially-covered metal stent insertion in benign esophageal stricture.

Aim: To study the therapeutic efficacy of temporary partially-covered metal stent insertion on benign esophageal stricture.

Methods: Temporary partially-covered metal stent was inserted in 83 patients with benign esophageal stricture. All the patients had various dysphagia scores.