Useful predictive factors of common bile duct stones prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones.

Background/aims: The aim of this study was to determine useful predictive factors of common bile duct stones (CBDs) as diagnosed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for gallstones.

Methodology: A total of 510 patients underwent ERCP prior to LC. Also reviewed in each were clinical data, laboratory data, and ultrasonographic findings.

Clinical experience of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and its effects on systemic hemodynamics.

We performed TIPS (transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt) in patients with intractable esophageal varices accompanied by repeated hematemesis or with refractory ascites for the purpose of portal venous decompression, and successfully obtained complete elimination of esophageal varices or a marked decrease in ascites. While TIPS caused no particular variations in mean blood pressure or heart rate, cardiac output increased markedly on the 2nd and 3rd postoperative days before declining on the 5th postoperative day. Along with this, right atrial pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure also increased transiently.

Perforated duodenal ulcer at seven years after heart-renal transplantation: a case report.

We experienced a rare case of perforated duodenal ulcer that occurred at seven years after heart-kidney transplantation. This patient is reported here together with a discussion of the etiology, the selection of treatment, and perioperative management. The patient was a 46-year-old man who presented with precordial pain.