[Ambulatory care of patients with somatically unexplained complaints : A comparative qualitative study]. / Die ambulante Betreuung von Patienten mit somatisch nicht erklärten Beschwerden : Eine vergleichende qualitative Studie.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the approach of general practitioners (GP) and outpatient specialists for psychiatry, neurology or psychosomatic medicine to patients with somatically unexplained complaints. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were conducted with general practitioners in Berlin and with outpatient specialists. Interviews were analyzed by qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Both GPs and specialists rarely used structured diagnostic instruments. Guidelines are seen and used with reservation throughout the different specialties. Similar to the GPs, most of the specialists surveyed in this study had reservations against the necessity of a precise coding according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). CONCLUSION: In outpatient care the concern for the individual patient is the connecting element between different medical specialties. This results in a differential diagnostic and therapeutic approach that is not automatically in line with guidelines. The development of common concepts in ambulatory care might help to meet the demands of this complex group of patients with somatically unexplained complaints.

Discharge management strategies and post-discharge care interventions for depression - Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with depression require treatment continuity when discharged from inpatient care. Interventions aimed at optimizing transition into outpatient care may be effective in preventing symptom deterioration and readmission. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of care transition interventions for patients with depression after psychiatric hospitalization. METHODS: Systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis of controlled trials. Primary outcomes were readmissions and symptoms of depression. The control condition was treatment as usual. RESULTS: We included 16 publications reporting the results of 13 different studies. Studies were heterogeneous concerning patient selection and interventional approach. Effects on readmissions and depression symptoms were non-significant in meta-analysis of 8 studies/710 patients and 7 studies/592 patients, respectively. Overall risk ratio for readmission during follow-up was 0.65 (95% CI [0.42;1.01], p=0.06), standardized mean difference for depression symptoms was -0.09 (95% CI [-0.37;0.19], p=0.53). Subgroup analyses indicated no preference for a specific interventional strategy. Data point to considerable risk for selection and publication bias. LIMITATIONS: Included studies are heterogeneous; subgroups are often small and may not attain the power to detect effects. Reasonable classification of interventions into groups of comparable approaches was a challenge and may be arbitrary in some cases. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis could not identify any convincingly effective interventional transition approach for patients with depression after psychiatric hospitalization. Current evidence regarding discharge management for depression is limited, heterogeneous and potentially prone to bias. Interventions might be more appropriate for patients with other diagnoses than depression. Further high-quality randomized studies are required.

[Unexpected tumour of the distal esophagus]. / Unerwarteter, intraoperativer Befund im Bereiche des distalen Osophagus.

We report a patient with unexpected intraoperative diagnosis of a big leiomyoma of the distal esophagus found during laparoscopic repair of a typ III hiatal hernia complicated by Cameron ulcer and chronic anaemia. Laparoscopic transhiatal enucleation of the tumour was performed with closure of the myotomy, Nissen fundoplication, and crural repair. Briefly, the literature of leiomyoma of the esophagus is reviewed with special regard to different therapeutic strategies.

Five-year results of laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication as the primary surgical repair in GERD patients: is it durable?

INTRODUCTION: Most surgeons operate on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients using the concept of "tailored approach," which depends on esophageal motility. We have abandoned this concept and performed laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication in all patients suffering from GERD, independent of their esophageal motility. METHODS: In a prospective trial we have assessed and evaluated our 5-year results of the first 100 consecutive patients treated with laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication. All patients were evaluated preoperatively by endoscopy and 24-h pH manometry. The patients were followed up clinically 1, 2, 6, 12 and 60 months postoperatively. The course of clinical DeMeester score, appearance and treatment of wrap-related side-effects as well as long-term outcome and patient satisfaction were evaluated. RESULTS: The 5-year follow-up rate was 87%. Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication achieved a 5-year healing rate of GERD in 85%. Of all operated patients, 3.5% had to be reinstalled on a regular PPI treatment because of postoperative GERD reappearance. The median clinical DeMeester score decreased from 4.27 +/- 1.5 points preoperatively to 0.47 +/- 0.9 points 5 years postoperatively (p < 0.0005). Because of persistent postoperative dysphagia, 5% of the patients required endoscopic dilatation therapy. Persistent postoperative gas-bloat syndrome occurred in 1.1%. Wrap dislocation was identified in 3.4% of patients. Reoperation rate was 5%. Total morbidity rate was 19.5% and operative related mortality rate was 0%. Overall, 96.6% of patients were pleased with their outcome at late follow-up, and 95.4% of patients stated they would consider undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication again if necessary. CONCLUSION: Our long-term results showing a low recurrence and morbidity rate of laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication encourage us to continue to perform this procedure as the primary surgical repair in all GERD patients, independent of their esophageal motility. Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication has proven to be a safe and successful therapeutic option in GERD patients.

Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair: long-term outcome with the focus on the influence of mesh reinforcement.

BACKGROUND: The recurrence rate after laparoscopic repair of hiatal hernias with paraesophageal involvement (LRHP) is reported to be high. Mesh reinforcement has been proposed with the objective of solving this problem. This study aimed to compare the outcome of LRHP before and after the introduction of mesh reinforcement. METHODS: Between 1992 and 2003, 56 consecutive patients received LRHP including posterior crurorrhaphy and additional fundoplication. Of these 56 patients, 17 underwent a mesh-reinforced hiatoplasty. Perioperative outcome was assessed retrospectively, and follow-up assessment was performed according to protocol including a barium contrast swallow. RESULTS: The follow-up period averaged 52 +/- 31 months (range, 9-117 months). The recurrence rate for hiatal hernia without mesh reinforcement was 19% (7/36). No recurrence (0/16) was observed in patients with mesh reinforcement. The intraoperative complication rate was 9%, and the perioperative morbidity rate was 14%. There were neither mesh-related complications nor operation-related deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Although challenging, LRPH is a successful procedure. The high recurrence rate reported in the literature can be reduced by additional mesh reinforcement.

[Laparoscopic cholecystectomy as trendsetter in minimal-invasive surgery]. / Der Trendsetter in der minimal-invasiven Chirurgie--die laparoskopische Cholezystektomie.

Only 10 years after the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 1986 this method has become the "gold-standard" in the treatment of uncomplicated and complicated gallbladder disease. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was so successfull, that it became the trendsetter in minimal-invasive surgery leading to revolutionary changes in all fields of surgery. Although nowadays self-evident, minimal-invasive surgery passed through a protracted and hindrance history of development. In this article we will review the history of laparoscopy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy and discuss its influence in the development of minimal-invasive surgery.

A 6-year experience with the Swedish adjustable gastric band Prospective long-term audit of laparoscopic gastric banding.

BACKGROUND: In morbid obesity conservative therapy often fails to reduce overweight permanently. As a consequence, several bariatric surgical procedures have been developed to achieve permanent excess weight loss. Among these, the laparoscopic restrictive procedures seem to be the least invasive. The aim of this prospective study was to assess and analyze the effects, complications, and outcomes after the implantation of the Swedish adjustable gastric band (SAGB) in long-term follow-up. METHODS: All consecutive patients with implantation of a SAGB between August 1996 and August 2002 were prospectively investigated. The placement of the SAGB was done by laparoscopy in all cases. Success was rated by the reduction of body mass index (BMI) excess weight loss (EWL), and reduction of comorbidities. "Nonresponders" to SAGB were defined as <30% EWL after a 3-year follow-up. Band-related complications were recorded and classified. Patient's outcome was assessed after 6 months and subsequently each year postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 190 patients received a SAGB, 97% of whom could be followed up with a mean follow-up period of 39.4 months (duration of follow-up, 6-72). During follow-up, a significant reduction or improvement of BMI, EWL, and comorbidities were found. Nineteen percent of patients were identified as nonresponders. Early intraoperative and postoperative complications related to SAGB were one perforation of the gastric fundus (0.5%), one conversion (0.5%), one bleeding (0.5%), and two band infections (1.1%). The SAGB-related complications encountered during long-term follow-up were three port problems (1.6%), four band migrations (2.1%), five slipping/pouch dilatations (2.6%), and two band leakages (1.1%). All intra- and postoperative SAGB-related complications accounted for a total morbidity of 10.5%. Operative mortality was 0%. The overall reoperation rate was 8.5%. CONCLUSIONS: In long-term follow-up, SAGB is safe and effective. Our results demonstrate a significant EWL of 50% during the first 24 months. However, patient selection has to be improved to reduce the nonresponder rate. SAGB leads to a significant reduction of obesity-related comorbidities. SAGB is an attractive alternative in the surgical treatment of morbid obesity.

Physicochemical and physiological properties of 5alpha-cyprinol sulfate, the toxic bile salt of cyprinid fish.

5alpha-Cyprinol sulfate was isolated from bile of the Asiatic carp, Cyprinus carpio. 5alpha-Cyprinol sulfate was surface active and formed micelles; its critical micellization concentration (CMC) in 0.15 M Na+ using the maximum bubble pressure device was 1.5 mM; by dye solubilization, its CMC was approximately 4 mM. At concentrations >1 mM, 5alpha-cyprinol sulfate solubilized monooleylglycerol efficiently (2.1 molecules per mol micellar bile salt). When infused intravenously into the anesthetized rat, 5alpha-cyprinol sulfate was hemolytic, cholestatic, and toxic. In the isolated rat liver, it underwent little biotransformation and was poorly transported (Tmax congruent with 0.5 micromol/min/kg) as compared with taurocholate. 5alpha-Cyprinol, its bile alcohol moiety, was oxidized to its corresponding C27 bile acid and to allocholic acid (the latter was then conjugated with taurine); these metabolites were efficiently transported. 5alpha-Cyprinol sulfate inhibited taurocholate uptake in COS-7 cells transfected with rat asbt, the apical bile salt transporter of the ileal enterocyte. 5alpha-Cyprinol had limited aqueous solubility (0.3 mM) and was poorly absorbed from the perfused rat jejunum or ileum. Sampling of carp intestinal content indicated that 5alpha-cyprinol sulfate was present at micellar concentrations, and that it did not undergo hydrolysis during intestinal transit. These studies indicate that 5alpha-cyprinol sulfate is an excellent digestive detergent and suggest that a micellar phase is present during digestion in cyprinid fish.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: quality of care and benchmarking. Results of a single-institution specialized in laparoscopy compared with those of a nationwide study in Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: Quality control is an important issue in surgery. Therefore, we assessed the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) performed at our institution specialized in laparoscopic surgery in order to do a benchmarking. METHODS: The perioperative courses of the first 1000 LCs performed in Aarberg hospital were recorded, analyzed, and compared with the results of a recent study including 10, 174 patients published by the Swiss Association of Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Surgery (SALTS). RESULTS: The following quality indicators were compared with the corresponding SALTS rates: primary conversion rate 1.5% (SALTS 8.2%; p <0.01); conversion rate for intraoperative complications 6.5% (63.8%; p <0.01); intraoperative complication rate 22.2% (34.4%; p <0.01); postoperative morbidity rate 8.1% (10.4%; n.s.); in-hospital mortality rate 0.1% (0.2%; n.s.); and reoperation rate 0.8% (1.7%; n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: LC has reached a high quality level in its widespread use, but in a small specialized center even a higher quality level can be achieved. Favorable results seem to depend on structural advantages of a surveyable unit in association with a continuously motivated surgical team.

[Trocar site hernias. A rare but potentially dangerous complication of laparoscopic surgery]. / Trokarhernien Eine seltene, potenziell gefährliche Komplikation nach laparoskopischen Eingriffen.

With increasing numbers of laparoscopic procedures more postoperative trocar site hernias can be expected. This complication of minimally invasive surgery is rare but potentially dangerous. According to the literature, the overall incidence of trocar site hernias is expected to be around 1%. Among trocar site hernias, Richter's hernias are the most frequent, accounting for two-thirds of all small intestinal hernias. The following risk factors for the development of trocar site hernias have been identified: the trocar diameter, the trocar design, preexisting fascial defects, and some operation- and patient-related factors. Peritoneal and fascial closure should be done when blunt trocars of >10 mm have been employed. Based on the literature and our own experience, some preventive recommendations are given to further reduce the risk of hernia formation at trocar sites.

[Therapy of the pilonidal sinus--Primary wound closure or open wound after excision]. / Die Therapie des Sinus pilonidalis - Primärer Wundverschluss versus offene Wundbehandlung nach Exzision.

The postoperative follow up of 177 operations in 162 patients with pilonidal sinus was investigated. After excision of the sinus a primary wound closure was performed in 80 cases; in 83 cases the wound was left open. After primary wound closure 40 % of the patients showed a primary healing of the wound. Although the remaining 60 % of the wounds healed secondarily the patients were not disabled longer and did not demonstrate more frequently recurrences than those with open wound management. As a consequence we recommend a primary wound closure after excision of a pilonidal sinus.

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis as a complication of celiac disease.

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) is an uncommon but important condition characterized by the presence of gas-filled cysts in the submucosa and subserosa of the gastrointestinal tract. PCI has been associated with several clinical settings. We report a case where PCI developed in a patient with known celiac disease. To our knowledge, this type of coincidence has been described in seven prior cases. Since PCI often results in pneumoperitoneum through rupture of the cysts, it is important to differentiate the benign form of pneumoperitoneum, in which no intervention is indicated, from the life-threatening form with intestinal infarction and/or perforation, in which immediate surgery is mandatory. Differentiating between them can be difficult; this explains the high rate of negative laparotomy, which, in the past, occurred in 27% of cases. By performing diagnostic laparoscopy, we were able to establish the diagnosis of PCI and exclude intestinal perforation or infarction, thus permitting the patient to avoid an unnecessary laparotomy. Although diagnostic laparoscopy is not routinely indicated as a diagnostic tool for the detection of PCI, it proved to be a safe and accurate method to differentiate between the benign form of PCI and the life-threatening form. Whenever this differentiation has to be made, we recommend that diagnostic laparoscopy be performed first rather than primary laparotomy. Herein, the laparoscopic features of PCI are described and the coincidence of PCI with celiac disease is reviewed.

Pylorus-preserving total pancreatectomy. Early and late results.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Preservation of the pylorus is an accepted alternative procedure to the classical Whipple operation for pancreatic head resection but data describing its value for total pancreatectomy are sparse. METHODS: A prospective analysis of 22 total pancreatectomies performed in a consecutive series of 436 pancreatic resections from 1.11.93 to 1.5.99. RESULTS: 11 patients underwent total pancreatectomy with preservation of the pylorus. Histopathological examination revealed pancreatic adenocarcinoma in 16 cases and duodenal adenocarcinoma in 1 patient, 5 patients had other types of pancreatic neoplasm. In-hospital mortality was 4.5% (n = 1), cumulative morbidity was 59% and reoperations were performed in 9.1% of cases (n = 2). Median follow-up was 37 months (range 5-66). 62% of patients (n = 13) developed tumor recurrence and 13 patients died during the follow-up period with 10 deaths being cancer related. There was no difference concerning postoperative and follow-up morbidity of survival between patients undergoing pylorus-preserving total pancreatectomy or pancreatectomy with gastrectomy. However, postoperative body weight was increased 3, 6, 9 and 12 months following preservation of the pylorus. CONCLUSION: Total pancreatectomy with preservation of the pylorus is a feasible type of resection for all types of pancreatic or ampullary tumors, which shows a similar morbidity and long-term survival but improved nutritional recovery compared with standard total pancreatectomy.

Surveillance of pre-malignant disease of the pancreatico-biliary system.

Technical advancements in ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as the wider availability of these ultramodern imaging techniques, have resulted in the early detection and a better classification of various asymptomatic and symptomatic pancreatico-biliary lesions. Pre-malignant biliary and pancreatic lesions are rare disorders, and no clear data are available to define their malignant potential. Because of the lack of controlled epidemiological data, the time span for malignant transformation and its frequency cannot be defined in the majority of these lesions. Adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder and gallbladder polyps larger than 10 mm should be treated by cholecystectomy even in asymptomatic patients because of an increased risk of malignant transformation. Chronic cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis and choledochal cysts are also pre-malignant conditions. The timing of surgery, once it is advised for a pre-malignant condition that is still benign, should, however, be individualized to the particular patient situation. In patients with chronic pancreatitis, surgery may be indicated for disease-related complications. In as much as chronic pancreatitis predisposes to a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, any suspicion of malignancy should warrant a surgical exploration. Intraductal papillary tumours and mucin-producing pancreatic tumours are other pre-malignant pancreatic lesions whose malignant potential cannot be precisely determined pre-operatively. They should be resected in situations where there is a high degree of suspicion even without a clear objective diagnosis. In conclusion, pre-malignant hepato-biliary and pancreatic lesions of uncertain pathology should undergo early resection in view of treatment limitations and the dismal prognosis of established cancers. While hepato-biliary and pancreatic surgery is nowadays performed in specialized centres, with a low post-operative morbidity and mortality, it is equally important to understand that observation alone with regular computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging control can no longer be recommended in the management of these lesions.

Use of a fluorescent bile acid to enhance visualization of the biliary tract and bile leaks during laparoscopic surgery in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: We set out to determine whether intravenously administered cholylglycylaminofluorescein (CGF), a fluorescent bile acid, would enhance the visualization of the biliary tract and bile leaks in rabbits undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: CGF was infused at doses of 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg b.w. Biliary recovery was determined spectrophotometrically (six rabbits). For LC (seven rabbits), a blue (fluorescein) filter was attached to the light source, and a fluorescein-emission filter was attached to the charge coupled device (CCD) camera. The biliary tract and bile leak (made by incising the gallbladder) was observed under standard and fluorescent illumination. RESULTS: Apple-green fluorescence appeared in 2 min and persisted for 30-60 min, enhancing visualization of bile duct anatomy as well as the bile leak. Biliary recovery of CGF at 90 min was high (86-96% of the infused dose). CONCLUSION: In rabbits, CGF is secreted quantitatively in bile, induces biliary fluorescence, and enhances visualization of the bile ducts and bile leaks when viewed with appropriate filters.

[Laparoscopic Toupet partial fundoplication as general surgical therapy of gastroesophageal reflux. 1-year results of a 5-year prospective long-term study]. / Laparoskopische partielle Fundoplicatio nach Toupet als generelle chirurgische Therapieform der gastrooesophagealen Refluxkrankheit. 1-Jahresresultate einer auf 5 Jahre ausgelegten prospektiven Langzeitstudie.

INTRODUCTION: A variety of laparoscopic antireflux operations exist for patients with gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD). Most surgeons operate using the concept of "tailored approach", which depends on esophageal motility. We have abandoned this concept because of the relatively high incidence of wrap-related complications in patients treated with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication compared with patients treated with partial fundoplication. It is our policy to perform laparoscopic Toupet partial fundoplication in all patients suffering from GERD, independent of their esophageal motility. METHODS: In a prospective trial we have assessed and evaluated our 1-year results of the first 100 consecutive patients treated with Toupet partial fundoplication. All patients underwent esophagogastroscopy and 24-h pH manometry before operation. One third of patients (n = 34) underwent control manometry 8 weeks postoperatively. The patients were followed up clinically 1, 2, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: In this study group we achieved a healing rate in GERD of 97%. In 3% of patients GERD recurred. The median clinical DeMeester score decreased from 4.27 +/- 1.5 points preoperatively to 0.25 +/- 0.5 points 1 year postoperatively (P < 0.0005). The median fractional time with pH < 4 decreased from 17.8% +/- 12.5% preoperatively to 0.9% +/- 1.2% 8 weeks postoperatively (P < 0.0005). Because of persistent dysphagia 5% of our patients required postoperative dilatation therapy. The rate of reoperation and mortality was 0%. The total morbidity rate was 18%. In 50% of patients with preoperatively recorded esophageal motility disorder, an improvement of esophageal motility was found postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Our 1-year results encourage us to continue to perform laparoscopic Toupet partial fundoplication as the primary repair in all GERD patients, independent of their esophageal motility. Laparoscopic Toupet partial fundoplication has proven to be a safe and highly successful therapeutic option in these patients.

[Total endoscopic pre-peritoneal mesh implant in primary or recurrent inguinal hernias]. / Total endoskopische präperitoneale Netzplastik bei primären und Rezidivleistenhernien. Gibt es Unterschiede?

INTRODUCTION: Since 1994 we perform laparoscopic total extraperitoneal hernia repair (TEP) for primary and recurrent inguinal hernias at our institution. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the results of TEP in primary inguinal hernias and recurrent inguinal hernias and to determine whether there are differences in patient data, complication rates and outcome between these two groups. METHODS: In a prospective trial 338 patients were analyzed who underwent 500 laparoscopic TEP repairs. In all, 431 TEP repairs were performed for primary inguinal hernias, and 69 for recurrent inguinal hernias. For data acquisition the SALTC study protocol was used. All patients were clinically examined 3 and 12 months after the operation. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 67.3 min for TEP repair of primary hernias and 68.1 min for TEP repair of recurrent hernias, respectively. The conversion rate to an open procedure was 0%. Conversion from TEP into TAPP was required in 0.5% of patients with primary inguinal hernias and 1.4% of patients with recurrent inguinal hernias. As the sole difference between the two groups the intraoperative complication rate could be identified. In the TEP repair group of recurrent inguinal hernias a higher incidence of injury to the peritoneum and a higher occurrence of bleeding from the epigastric vessels was found (P = 0.03). The postoperative complication rate was identical in the two groups, amounting to 5.1% and 5.7%, respectively. No differences were found in the 1 year follow-up between the two groups. The 1-year recurrence rate was 0.5% for primary hernias. However, in the group of recurrent hernias there have been no recurrences to date. CONCLUSIONS: The use of laparoscopic TEP repair has proven to be a safe and effective treatment in patients with primary and recurrent inguinal hernias. Because of scar tissue with possible adhesions a higher intraoperative complication rate was observed in the TEP repair of recurrent hernias than in TEP repair of primary inguinal hernias. However, no single recurrence was observed in the TEP repair group of recurrent hernias. In our opinion TEP is the optimal hernia repair for recurrent and bilateral inguinal hernias.

[The role of intravenous cholangiography in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy: is there a renaissance?]. / Die Rolle der intravenösen Cholangiographie im Zeitalter der laparoskopischen Cholezystektomie: eine Renaissance?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The preoperative investigation for choledocholithiasis in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy is still a matter of debate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective clinical trial the accuracy of intravenous cholangiography (IVC), ultrasonography and liver function tests in the preoperative diagnosis of choledocholithiasis was assessed in 98 patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy. Only patients with uncomplicated cholecystolithiasis considered to be at low risk for having bile duct stones were investigated. A 2-year follow-up clinical survey (mean) was performed in 92 of the 98 patients to investigate the occurrence of postoperative choledocholithiasis (gold standard: clinically manifest choledocholithiasis). RESULTS: In this patient cohort the incidence of choledocholithiasis was found to be 5.1%. Among the three diagnostic tests IVC proved to be more accurate with higher sensitivity and a better positive predictive value than ultrasonography and liver function tests. The sensitivity for IVC was 100% compared to 20% for ultrasonography and 40% for liver function tests, respectively. The positive predictive value for IVC was 83.3% in comparison to 20% for ultrasonography and 25% for liver function tests. Mild side effects caused by intravenous contrast media were observed in 2.0%. During a mean postoperative follow-up of 2 years no clinically manifest and initially overlooked choledocholithiasis could be detected in the 92 investigated patients. CONCLUSION: IVC is a reliable method to detect unsuspected common bile duct stones and should be used in the preoperative diagnosis prior to elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. IVC may play a role in decreasing the rate of preoperative ERCP or intraoperative cholangiography in these patients.

Mechanisms of biliary carcinogenesis: a pathogenetic multi-stage cascade towards cholangiocarcinoma.

Carcinomas of the biliary tract are rare cancers developing from the epithelial or blast-like cells lining the bile ducts. A variety of known predisposing factors and recent experimental models of biliary carcinogenesis (e.g., infection with the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini, models of chemically induced carcinogenesis and experimental models of pancreaticobiliary maljunction) have elucidated different stages of this complex system of biliary tumorigenesis. Chronic inflammatory processes, generation of active oxygen radicals, altered cellular detoxification mechanisms, activation of oncogenes, functional loss of tumor-suppressor genes and dysregulation of cell proliferation and cell apoptotic mechanisms have been identified as important contributors in the development of cholangiocarcinomas. In this review, the known mechanisms involved in the carcinogenesis of biliary epithelium are addressed. We will divide the topic into four stages: 1) Predisposition and risk factors of biliary cancer. 2) Genotoxic events and alterations leading to specific DNA damage and mutation patterns. 3) Dysregulation of DNA repair mechanisms and apoptosis, permitting survival of mutated cells and 4) Morphological evolution from premalignant biliary lesions to cholangiocarcinoma. Finally, established and hypothetical future therapeutic strategies directed towards specific pathogenetic events during biliary carcinogenesis will be addressed.