The sky blue method as a screening test to detect misplacement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube at exchange.

Background: During tube exchange for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), a misplaced tube can cause peritonitis and death. Thus, endoscopic or radiologic observation is required at tube exchange to make sure the tube is placed correctly. However, these procedures cost extensive time and money to perform in all patients at the time of tube exchange.

A nuclear receptor-mediated choleretic action of fibrates is associated with enhanced canalicular membrane fluidity and transporter activity mediating bile acid-independent bile secretion.

Fibrates are commonly used lipid-lowering agents that act via PPARalpha, a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. The mechanism(s) of fibrate-induced changes in the hepatic canalicular membrane and bile lipids are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of fibrates on hepatic lipid metabolism and to assess the hepatocellular cytoprotective effect on hepatocyte canalicular membrane.

Impaired gallbladder mucosal function in aged gallstone patients suppresses gallstone recurrence after successful extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy.

Background: Absorption of water, as well as emptying of bile, are important functions of the gallbladder. We studied the changes of gallbladder function with age in gallstone patients and their influence on the outcome of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL).

Methods: (i) A total of 123 consecutive patients with complete stone clearance by ESWL were examined.