Outcomes of balloon vs basket catheter for clearance of choledocholithiasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

 Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the mainstay for treatment of choledocholithiasis. It is unclear whether balloon or basket catheters are better for extraction of stones ≤ 10 mm in size. We performed a meta-analysis of studies comparing rates of complete stone extraction and adverse events after ERCP using balloon vs basket catheters for bile duct stones ≤ 10 mm in size.

Economic impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross-sectional study at teaching hospital in South India.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease continues to be the important contribution toward disability, death, and burden in the costs of health care globally. Economic impact of COPD is attributed with substantial direct and indirect costs. COPD affects the productivity of work that poses a burden on the employers and also on individuals in terms of loss of pay, limitation of activities, and related disability.