Clarithromycin-resistant genotypes and eradication of Helicobacter pylori.

Background: Three point mutations (A2143G, A2142G, and A2142C) have been involved in Helicobacter pylori clarithromycin resistance.

Objective: To compare the eradication rates among the different point mutations and the efficacy of triple therapy and a sequential regimen according to genotypic resistance.

Design: Post hoc subgroup study from a multicenter, randomized trial.

[Prosthetic treatment in inoperable cancers of the oesophagus and cardia: a report of 7 cases].

The Authors report their personal experience with 9 patients affected by cardial cancer and 4 with medio-distal oesophageal cancer, treated at the Department of Surgical Sciences of the University of Foggia. Of the 9 patients with cardial cancers, 4 were submitted to total gastrectomy; while the other 5, who had clearly inoperable forms, were fitted with a self-expanding metal prosthesis (Ultraflex). Of the 4 cases with medio-distal oesophageal cancers, which were considered beyond any kind of surgical treatment, 2 (with stenosing forms) were fitted with the self-expanding prosthesis (Ultraflex), while the other 2 (with friable, bleeding tissue) were treated by laser therapy with all the drawbacks such treatment entails.

Argon plasma coagulation of hemorrhagic solitary rectal ulcer syndrome.

Solitary ulcer syndrome (SUS) is a rare disorder that may provoke hematochezia. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is used in a wide range of gastrointestinal bleeding. We experienced APC in a patient with a bleeding gigantic SUS: a 64-year-old woman who developed a SUS at 60.