The Diagnostic Accuracy of F-FGD-PET/CT for Cancer of the Gallbladder: A Retrospective Study.

 Gallbladder cancer has a poor prognosis and imaging can have variable diagnostic accuracy. We assessed the ability of preoperative F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography ( F-FDG-PET/CT) imaging to predict a postoperative histological diagnosis of gallbladder cancer.  A retrospective analysis was undertaken in a cohort of patients, who had suspected gallbladder cancer on cross-sectional imaging and that underwent preoperative FDG-PET/CT scan.

The Role of Circulating Biomarkers in the Early Detection of Recurrent Colorectal Cancer Following Resection of Liver Metastases.

On a global scale, colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer and despite progress in early diagnosis and treatment has the third highest mortality. Patients with oligometastatic disease to the liver may be suitable for liver resection with a curative intent. A sustained progress in perioperative management and surgical techniques, including staged liver resections, has increased the number of patients who may be offered hepatectomy.

Migrated fish bone induced liver abscess: medical management.

Liver abscess secondary to a migrated ingested foreign body is an uncommon condition where early diagnosis helps management and improves prognosis. Abscess drainage with removal of the foreign body is the recommended management. We report the successful management of a patient with a liver abscess from a migrated fishbone that was treated medically with the foreign body left in situ.

Open and Minimal Approaches to Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

Surgical options and approaches to pancreatic cancer are changing in the current era. Neoadjuvant treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer combined with the increased use of minimal access surgical techniques mean that the modern pancreatic surgeon requires mastering a number of surgical approaches with to optimally manage patients. Whilst traditional open surgery remains the most frequent approach for surgery, the specific steps during surgery may need to be modified in light of the aforementioned neoadjuvant treatments.

RNA and microRNA Stability in PAXgene-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Blocks After Seven Years' Storage.

Objectives: To evaluate the stability of RNA and microRNA (miRNA) in PAXgene-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks after 7 years' storage.

Methods: RNA and miRNA were extracted from PAXgene-fixed paraffin-embedded (PFPE) blocks in 2009 then stored at -80°C. Seven years later, RNA and miRNA were again extracted from the same blocks.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in Ayrshire, Scotland: a comparison of two age cohorts.

Background And Aims: There is an increased trend in prevalence of pancreato-biliary disease in the elderly population. Consequently there is an increasing demand for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The aims of this study were to compare ERCP outcomes in patients over 80 with those aged between 60 and 79 years and with the published literature.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of case-matched studies comparing open and laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy: is it a safe procedure?

Objectives: Distal pancreatectomies and enucleations have become the most popular laparoscopic pancreatic resections and in some centers outnumber the traditional open approach. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on the safety of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomies (LDP) in relation to open distal pancreatectomies in the management of adult patients and, where possible, perform a meta-analysis of reported outcomes.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of knowledge, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews using the following keywords: pancreas, pancreatectomy, pancreatic, laparoscopic, laparoscopy.

Undergraduate medical education in Cyprus: the introduction of two medical schools.

Background: Plans are underway to open the first two medical schools in Cyprus, a small island nation in the eastern Mediterranean. Two schools are planned: a private one which will offer graduate-only entry and provide a 4-year course and a state one which will admit school leavers for a 6-year course.

Aim: The article aims to examine some of the arguments that led to this development and how this fits into the health education policy of Cyprus.

Array comparative genomic hybridization identifies novel potential therapeutic targets in cholangiocarcinoma.

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is a rare tumour with a dismal prognosis. As conventional medical management offers minimal survival benefit, surgery currently represents the only chance of cure. We evaluated DNA copy number (CN) alterations in CC to identify novel therapeutic targets.

Lung adenocarcinoma presenting as obstructive jaundice: a case report and review of literature.

Background: Lung cancer is known to metastasize to the pancreas with several case reports found in the literature, however, most patients are at an advanced stage and receive palliative treatment.

Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 56 year old male patient who presented with a picture of obstructive jaundice. Investigations revealed an obstructing lesion in the pancreas and a further lesion in the lung with benign appearances.