[Invasive diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in the 2006 clinical practice].

Currently, different approaches are employed to detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): invasive, if based on biopsies performed during endoscopy (urease test, histology, culture, polymerase chain reaction), and non-invasive, if endoscopy is not carried out. Another option is offered by the invasive non-endoscopic methods (string test).

Covered metal stents for management of inoperable malignant colorectal strictures.

Background: Metal stents have been reported as an effective alternative to surgery for the palliation of patients with colorectal neoplastic obstruction. Because most of the published series describe the use of uncovered stents, the purpose of our study was to prospectively evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, safety, and outcome of covered stents for the palliative treatment of malignant colorectal strictures.

Methods: Sixteen patients with advanced distal colorectal cancer underwent placement of 10 and 12 cm long, 23 mm diameter covered stents under fluoroscopic and endoscopic control.