Staging Laparoscopy in Patients with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Is It Still Useful?

Background: The role of staging laparoscopy in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma remains unclear. Despite extensive preoperative imaging, approximately 25% of patients are deemed unresectable at laparotomy due to metastasized disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of unresectable disease found at staging laparoscopy and to identify predictors for detecting metastasized intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Progression from paroxysmal to persistent atrial fibrillation clinical correlates and prognosis.

Objectives: We investigated clinical correlates of atrial fibrillation (AF) progression and evaluated the prognosis of patients demonstrating AF progression in a large population.

Background: Progression of paroxysmal AF to more sustained forms is frequently seen. However, not all patients will progress to persistent AF.