The diagnostic and surgical challenges of massive localized lymphedema.

Background: Massive localized lymphedema (MLL) is a rare entity first described in 1998 in patients with morbid obesity; the incidence is rising with the increased prevalence of morbid obesity. This report defines the clinical presentation and surgical challenges in 6 patients with MLL.

Methods: The MLL in 6 patients with morbid obesity (weight range 270 to 585 lbs) involved the thigh in 3 patients, the calf in 1 patient, and the abdomen in 2 patients.

The role of endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy for the treatment of type 1 biliary dysfunction (papillary stenosis) with or without biliary stones.

Background: This study assesses the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy (ES) in the treatment of papillary stenosis (PS) with and without biliary stones.

Methods: The records of all patients who had endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (2,689 patients) from January 1, 1991, to August 1, 2010, were reviewed. There were 117 patients with PS who had ES.

Medical student career survey--vascular surgery awareness initiative.

Background: The objectives of this survey were to identify medical students' general knowledge of vascular surgery as a career choice on entrance to medical school, and how student perspectives change during their exposure to clinical disciplines. Furthermore, we sought to determine which factors may influence the choice of a particular career path, and to apply this knowledge to improve the recruitment process of medical students into the specialty of vascular surgery.

Methods: A one-time anonymous questionnaire consisting of 21 open and multiple-choice questions was distributed to first- (MS1), second- (MS2), and third-year (MS3) medical students at a large single-campus medical school.

Intraneural lipoma of the radial nerve presenting as Wartenberg syndrome: A case report and review of literature.

The superficial branch of the radial nerve is highly vulnerable to trauma, irritation and compression due to its anatomical location. Intraneural lipomas and fibrolipomas arising from the supporting tissues of this peripheral nerve can cause compression of the adjacent nerve leading to symptoms of neuritis of the radial nerve or Wartenberg syndrome.