A novel biopolymer device fabricated by 3D printing for simplifying procedures of pancreaticojejunostomy.

The purpose of our research was to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel three-dimensional printed biopolymer device (3DP-BPD) for duct-to-mucosa pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) in minipigs. Polylactic acid (PLA) was selected as the raw materials for 3DP-BPD. Three components of a 3DP-BPD were designed and manufactured: hollow stent, supporting disk, and nut.

Epidemiology of appendicitis and appendectomy for the low-income population in Taiwan, 2003-2011.

Background: Although numerous epidemiological studies on appendicitis have been conducted worldwide, only a few studies have paid attention to the effect of socioeconomic status on appendicitis, particularly studies focusing on the low-income population (LIP).

Methods: We analyzed the epidemiological features of appendicitis in Taiwan using data from the National Health Insurance Research Database from 2003 to 2011. All cases diagnosed as appendicitis were enrolled.