Novel, high-definition 3-D endoscopy system with real-time compression communication system to aid diagnoses and treatment between hospitals in Thailand.

Introduction: Traditionally, laparoscopy has been based on 2-D imaging, which represents a considerable challenge. As a result, 3-D visualization technology has been proposed as a way to better facilitate laparoscopy. We compared the latest 3-D systems with high-end 2-D monitors to validate the usefulness of new systems for endoscopic diagnoses and treatment in Thailand.

Resection for primary liver tumors in children: an experience of 52 cases at one institution.

Objective: To review the authors' experiences of liver resection for primary tumors in children.

Material And Method: The children who had undergone liver resection for any masses between January 1996 and December 2005 were studied. Their clinical data and pathological reports were reviewed for descriptive study.

Overexpression of hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase in biliary atresia.

Aims: Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare and serious liver disease in infants characterized by progressive inflammatory cholangiopathy. The aims of this study were to investigate hepatic expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in BA and to associate the iNOS expression with their early therapeutic outcome.

Methods: Hepatic iNOS expression was determined using immunohistochemistry from liver biopsies of 24 BA patients, and 16 non-BA patients whose liver tissues were needed in the treatment process.

High-dose steroids do not improve early outcome in biliary atresia.

Purpose: Our objective was to evaluate the effects of steroids on early outcome in biliary atresia (BA).

Methods: Patients with BA between 2001 and 2005 were reviewed. The use of steroids (4 mg/kg per day at alternate days for 1 to 3 months) has been routinely implemented since 2003.

Short-term results of Kasai operation for biliary atresia: experience from one institution.

Background: The purpose of this study is to review the short-term outcome of patients with biliary atresia (BA) treated by the Kasai operation at our institution.

Methods: Ninety-two BA patients treated by the Kasai operation between January 1996 and December 2002 were reviewed. The diagnosis of BA was confirmed by intraoperative cholangiography.

Factors influencing outcome after hepatic portoenterostomy for biliary atresia: a logistic regression analysis.

Background/objective: The association of many factors with the outcome in Biliary atresia (BA) after hepatic portoenterostomy has drawn the attention of many pediatric hepatologists and hepatobiliary surgeons. Understanding these factors will become an important subject in prediction of the postoperative status and in indicating further proper management.

Material And Method: During the last 9 years, 159 BA babies were treated by hepatic portoenterostomy.

Elevated serum nitric oxide metabolites in biliary atresia.

Biliary atresia (BA) remains one of the most intractable liver diseases in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible roles of nitric oxide (NO) in BA. Serum levels of nitrite and nitrate (NO production) were determined using a colorimetric method from 65 post-operative BA patients and 12 healthy children.

Amelioration of intestinal reperfusion injury by moderate hypothermia is associated with serum sICAM-1 levels.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of moderate hypothermia on various serum markers involving in inflammation after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR).

Materials And Methods: The model of 30 min intestinal ischemia +90 min reperfusion was used. Three groups of rats were studied, n=7-8 per group: 1) sham at normothermia, 36.

There is no association between K469E ICAM-1 gene polymorphism and biliary atresia.

Aim: To determine whether there was an association between inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) gene polymorphism and biliary atresia (BA), and to investigate the relationship between serum soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) and clinical outcome in BA patients after surgical treatment.

Methods: Eighty-three BA patients and 115 normal controls were genotyped. K469E ICAM-1 polymorphism was analyzed using PCR assay.

Association between serum hepatocyte growth factor and survival in untreated hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common hepatic malignancy worldwide. Its nature of rapid growth results in a grave prognosis. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a mitogen for hepatocytes, responsible for their proliferation.

Serum hepatocyte growth factor and clinical outcome in biliary atresia.

Purpose: Biliary atresia (BA) remains one of the most intractable liver diseases leading to liver fibrosis. Serum hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been shown to increase in cirrhotic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of HGF in BA.