Comparative Assessment of Two Strategies for Interpreting Tumor Markers in Ascitic Effusions.

Background/aim: There are two strategies for the interpretation of tumor markers (TM) in fluid effusions: i) high cut-off and ii) fluid/serum ratio (F/S) and low cut-off. The objective of this study is to compare these two strategies and to determine whether diagnostic accuracy improves by the identification of possible false positives using Adenosine deaminase (ADA), C reactive protein (CRP) and % of polymorphonuclear cells (%PN).

Patients And Methods: We studied 157 ascitic fluids, 74 of which were malignant.

Accuracy of the Narrow-Band Imaging International Colorectal Endoscopic Classification System in Identification of Deep Invasion in Colorectal Polyps.

Background & Aims: T1 colorectal polyps with at least 1 risk factor for metastasis to lymph node should be treated surgically and are considered endoscopically unresectable. Optical analysis, based on the Narrow-Band Imaging International Colorectal Endoscopic (NICE) classification system, is used to identify neoplasias with invasion of the submucosa that require endoscopic treatment. We assessed the accuracy of the NICE classification, along with other morphologic characteristics, in identifying invasive polyps that are endoscopically unresectable (have at least 1 risk factor for metastasis to lymph node).

[Assessment and treatment of acute pancreatitis. Position document of the Catalan Society of Gastroenterology, Catalan Society of Surgery and Catalan Society of the Pancreas].

The incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) is increasing. AP is one of the gastrointestinal diseases that most frequently requires hospital admission in affected individuals. In the last few years, considerable scientific evidence has led to substantial changes in the medical and surgical treatment of this disease.

Diagnostic accuracy of abdominal ultrasound in the screening of esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis.

Background: Abdominal ultrasound (US) may provide data on the presence of esophageal varices in cirrhosis. We assess the diagnostic accuracy of this procedure.

Patients And Methods: Retrospective recording of clinical data was carried out in cirrhotic patients who underwent abdominal US and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

How and when should NSAIDs be used for preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to be efficacious to prevent pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, the target patients, the type of NSAID, the route of administration and the time of drug delivery remain unclear, as well as the potential efficacy in reducing the severity of pancreatitis, length of hospital stay and mortality. The objective of the study was to evaluate these questions by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis.

[Cost of screening for hepatocarcinoma in patients with cirrhosis: a prospective study].

Introduction: Current clinical guidelines recommend biannual screening for hepatocarcinoma in cirrhotic patients; however, the cost of this preventive activity is unknown.

Objective: To determine the cost of ultrasound screening for hepatocarcinoma in patients with cirrhosis.

Patients And Method: Data on patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis in a population of 245,042 inhabitants were prospectively gathered.

[Acute recurrent pancreatitis in a patient with Oddi's sphincter dysfunction].

Alcohol consumption and gallstones are the most common causes of acute pancreatitis in developed countries. However, some episodes of acute pancreatitis have being regarded "idiopathic" once blood samples have been analyzed and diagnostic procedures (abdominal ultrasonography, CT and ERCP) have been performed. Sphincter of Oddi (SO) dysfunction is a rare entity that may be involved in the development of recurrent acute pancreatitis.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a reusable double-channel sphincterotome.

Background: To date, one reusable, double-channel sphincterotome has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. Whether this device can be reprocessed easily and whether it is more durable than currently manufactured disposable sphincterotomes are uncertain.

Methods: Thirty double-channel, 20 mm, braided-wire sphincterotomes approved for multiple uses were studied in vitro/in vivo with regard to durability and sterilization.

Expandable metallic prostheses for malignant obstructions of gastric outlet and proximal small bowel.

Background: Data are limited on use of expandable metal stents for treatment of malignant gastric outlet obstruction. Accordingly, we report our experience using these stents to palliate malignant obstructions of the gastric outlet, duodenum, and proximal jejunum.

Methods: Eight patients with malignant strictures causing gastric obstruction underwent endoscopy with fluoroscopic guidance to delineate tumor borders and length followed by expandable metallic prosthesis placement (Wallstent, Z-Stent, Ultraflex, and Endocoil).

Occupation and gastric cancer in Spain.

The association between occupational exposure and stomach cancer was investigated in a multicenter case-referent study conducted in Spain on 354 histologically confirmed cases and 354 hospital referents, matched by age, gender, and residence. An increased risk of gastric cancer was found for coal mining workers [odds ratio (OR) 11.8], but the number of workers was small, and therefore the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was wide (95% CI 1.

Fiberendoscopy in the diagnosis of the pathology of the ileal conduit.

The advantages of the exploration with flexible fiberendoscopy in the pathologies of the ileal conduit, as in hematuria, are commented. The method to be followed, as well as the results of the explorations in 2 patients are evaluated. This method has proved to be highly advantageous compared with the standard methods.