A simple technique for thoracoscopic treatment of diaphragmatic eventration.

True diaphragmatic eventration is a rare congenital defect that is most commonly asymptomatic, but can result in dyspnea and recurrent respiratory infections. Advancements in endoscopic technology and technique have resulted in minimally invasive methods for repair of this defect with pronounced benefit when compared to the open thoracotomy. We report a case in which a two year old male who suffered from recurrent respiratory infections was found to have unilateral right diaphragmatic eventration that underwent plication utilizing thoracoscopy and cutting endostaplers with Peri-strips.

Choledochoduodenostomy: is it really so bad?

Background: Choledochoduodenostomy (CDD) has been shunned by some surgeons for the management of the benign distal common bile duct stricture due to the potential complication of "sump syndrome." The feared sump syndrome is theorized to occur from bile stasis and reflux of duodenal contents into the terminal common bile duct with bacterial overgrowth, resulting in cholangitis or hepatic abscess. The true incidence and resultant morbidity of sump syndrome, however, are not well defined.

Pancreatic cyst: pseudocyst or neoplasm? Pitfalls in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography diagnosis.

Pancreatic pseudocysts represent the majority of cystic lesions, and can usually be differentiated from cystic neoplasms, which have malignant potential. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can help in solving diagnostic dilemmas. When ERCP demonstrates cyst communication with the pancreatic duct, the diagnosis of pseudocyst is usually secure.