Hydrocarbon indication in Rio Bonito Formation sandstone:Implication for CO_(2)storage in São Paulo,Brazil

São Paulo State has witnessed CO_(2)storage-based investigations considering the availability of suitable geologic structures and proximity to primary CO_(2)source sinks related to bioenergy and carbon capture and storage(BECCS)activities.The current study presents the hydrocarbon viability evaluations and CO_(2)storage prospects,focusing on the sandstone units of the Rio Bonito Formation.The objective is to apply petrophysical evaluations with geochemical inputs in predicting future hydrocarbon(gas)production to boost CO_(2)storage within the study location.The study used data from eleven wells with associated wireline logs(gamma ray,resistivity,density,neutron,and sonic)to predict potential hydrocarbon accumulation and fluid mobility in the investigated area.Rock samples(shale and carbonate)obtained from depths>200 m within the study location have shown bitumen presence.Organic geochemistry data of the Rio Bonito Formation shale beds suggest they are potential hydrocarbon source rocks and could have contributed to the gas accumulations within the sandstone units.Some drilled well data,e.g.,CB-1-SP and TI-1-SP,show hydrocarbon(gas)presence based on the typical resistivity and the combined neutron-density responses at depths up to 3400 m,indicating the possibility of other hydrocarbon members apart from the heavy oil(bitumen)observed from the near-surface rocks samples.From the three-dimensional(3-D)model,the free fluid indicator(FFI)is more significant towards the southwest and southeast of the area with deeper depths of occurrence,indicating portions with reasonable hydrocarbon recovery rates and good prospects for CO_(2)injection,circulation and permanent storage.However,future studies based on contemporary datasets are required to establish the hydrocarbon viability further,foster gas production events,and enhance CO_(2)storage possibilities within the region.

Indication and surgical approach for reconstruction with endoprosthesis in bone-associated soft tissue sarcomas:Appropriate case management is vital

It is important for surgeons performing sarcoma surgery to know that bone resection and tumor prosthesis applications in soft tissue sarcomas(STS)have unique features in terms of indication,surgical approach and follow-up,in terms of the management of these cases.Some STS are associated with bone and major neurovascular structures.Bone-associated STS are generally relatively large and relatively deep-seated.Additionally,the tendency for metastasis is high.In some cases,the decision about which structures to resect is difficult.These cases are often accompanied by poor oncological and surgical outcomes.Management of cases should be done by a multidisciplinary team in advanced centers specialized in this field.The surgical team must have sufficient knowledge and experience in the field of limb-sparing surgery.Preoperative evaluation and especially good planning of bone and soft tissue reconstruction are vital.

Vulvectomy: Indications and Results in the General Surgery Department of the Ignace Deen Chu Hospital in Conakry

Introduction: The aim of this study was to report the indications and evaluate the results of vulvectomy in the general surgery department of Ignace Deen Hospital, CHU Conakry. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study, conducted over a period of five (05) years from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022, in the general surgery department of Ignace Deen Hospital, CHU Conakry. We included in our study all patient records in whom vulvectomy was performed. Results: We recorded 15 cases of vulvectomy out of 453 perineal surgeries, i.e. 3.31%, with a mean age of 43.56 years and extremes of 35 and 69 years. Vulvar cancer was the most common diagnosis (46.67%), followed by Buschke-Lowenstein (33.33%) and anal canal cancer extending to the vulva (20%). Six patients had undergone biopsy (40%). Vulvectomy with lymph node dissection was performed in only 9 patients (60%), and all surgical specimens were sent to anatomical pathology (100%). Conclusion: Vulvectomy is a surgical technique most often indicated for the treatment of vulvar cancer.

Splenectomy: Indications in the General Surgery Department of Ignace Deen Hospital

Introduction: Splenectomy is the surgical removal of the spleen. It can be performed during various pathologies, ranging from abdominal trauma to hemoglobinopathies. The progress made in the knowledge of the immune functions of the spleen and the fear of post-splenectomy infectious complications have favored the development of surgical or non-surgical splenic preservation techniques calling into question the dogma of splenectomy. The aim of this study was to determine the indications for splenectomy. Methodology: This was a retrospective, descriptive study lasting 5 years in the general surgery department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital. All files of splenectomized patients were included, our variables were clinical, therapeutic and progressive. Results: We collected 42 cases of splenectomies out of the 2478 surgical procedures performed, representing 1.7% of the department’s surgical activities. The average age was 44 years. The age group of 41 to 50 years was the most represented, i.e. 26% (n = 11) of cases. Sex ratio = 1. Abdominal pain was the reason for consultation in patients, i.e. 100% (n = 42) of cases. The antecedents were dominated by recurrent malaria with 52.3% (n = 22) of cases, then recurrent anemia in 21% (n = 9), and 16.7% (n = 7) had sickle cell disease. Splenomegaly was found in 31 patients, or 73.6%. Ultrasound was performed in all patients. The indications for splenectomy were: isolated splenomegaly with risk of rupture (38%, n = 16), hypersplenism (26%, n = 11) and trauma to the spleen (19.04%, n = 8). Total splenectomy was performed in all cases. The surgical consequences were favorable in 85.7%, (n = 36) with morbidity of 14% (n = 6) and mortality of 9.52% (n = 4). The average length of hospitalization was 10.4 days with extremes of 1 and 22 days. Conclusion: Splenectomy constitutes a relatively common surgical procedure in our context. The indications for splenectomy were isolated splenomegaly with risk of rupture, hypersplenism and trauma to the spleen and total splenectomy was the rule.

Caesarean Section in the Mother and Child University Hospital of N’Djamena: Indications and Prognosis

Introduction: Caesarean section is a surgical procedure which allows childbirth after opening the abdominal wall and the uterus. Objective: To study caesarean section in the N’Djamena Mother and Child University Hospital (NMCUH). Patients and Method: This was a cross-sectional, analytic descriptive study over a 5-month period from 10 January to 10 June 2023, focusing on caesarean sections section in the N’Djamena Mother and Child University Hospital (NMCUH). Studied variables were epidemiological, clinical and prognostic. Patients were divided according to the classification of Robson into 10 groups. Results: During the study period, we recorded 724 caesareans sections among 3,565 deliveries, giving a rate of 20.3%. The age group from 25 to 29 represented 39.2%. The average age was 31.2 ± 2.8 years, with extreme ranging from 14 to 44 years. Nulliparous women accounted for 42% and 26% had at least one previous caesarean section (n = 188). Patients with full-term pregnancies (37 - 40 gestational weeks + 6 days) represented 64.1%. Emergency caesareans accounted for 92.8% (n = 672). Robson’s group 1 was noted to be 40.3%. Hemorrhage was the main intraoperative complication, with 7.2%. In post-operatively, anemia was the main complication at 23.8%. We recorded 16 maternal deaths, giving a maternal death rate of 2.2%. Live newborns accounted for 81.1%. Conclusion: Caesarean section is a common procedure in the CHUME maternity unit. The main indications are those of Robson’s group I. Caesarean sections are associated with both maternal and fetal complications.

Thyroidectomy: Frequency and Indications in the General Surgery Department of the Hôpital National Ignace Deen/CHU de Conakry

Introduction: Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The aim of this study was to report the results of thyroidectomy in the general surgery department of the Hôpital national Ignace Deen/CHU de Conakry. Methodology: This was a retrospective study, of seven (07) years (January 1, 2016 - August 31, 2023), in the General Surgery Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital-CHU in Conakry. We included all records of patients admitted and operated on for thyroidectomy and with up-to-date medical records. The variables were epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic. Results: During the study period, we recorded 3221 cases of surgery, including 40 thyroidectomies (1.24% of cases). The average age was 42.4 years. Women were the most represented, with a sex ratio of 0.16. The reason for consultation was anterior cervical swelling in 86% (n = 25) of cases, followed by signs of cervical compression 21% (n = 6) and signs of thyrotoxicosis 31% (n = 9). Indications for thyroidectomy were dominated by homogeneous goitres in 69% (n = 20) of cases, basedow’s disease in 20.7% (n = 6) and nodular goitres in 6.9% (n = 2) of cases. The surgical procedures were lobo-isthmectomies in 72.4% (n = 21), subtotal thyroidectomies 13.8% (n = 4), total thyroidectomies 10.3% (n = 3). Postoperative follow-up was straightforward in 69% (n = 20). Complications included haemorrhage in 20.7% (n = 6) and recurrence in 6.9% (n = 2). The average hospital stay was 7 days. Conclusion: Thyroidectomy is a relatively frequent surgical procedure in our department. Indications are dominated by homogeneous goitres. Morbidity is related to hemorrhage. Rigorous hemostasis could improve the quality of thyroidectomy.

Geographical Indication Intellectual Property Protection and Regional Public Brand Construction of Rape Industry in China

As China s largest oil crop,rape occupies a central position in ensuring the safety of China s cooking oil supply.This paper introduced China s rapeseed industry from the rape type,rapeseed production,planting area,national rapeseed production protected area,rape national dominant characteristic industrial clusters,and rapeseed industry,etc.Besides,from the aspects of geographical indication products,geographical indication trademarks,and geographical indications of agricultural products,this paper discussed the intellectual property protection of geographical indications of rape,rapeseed,and rapeseed oil in China.It analyzed the main problems such as the lag in the formulation of relevant standards for geographical indications and the low use of special signs for geographical indications,and finally came up with recommendations including building a public brand of geographical indications and expanding foreign exchanges of geographical indications.

Prediction of Success Rates of Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Delivery According to the Previous Indication for Cesarean Delivery

Background: Trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) has long been accepted as a safe option for women with previous cesarean delivery. Previous efforts have been exerted in trials to predict the success rates of TOLAC according to specific parameters related to previous cesarean section and before TOLAC. We aimed to investigate the different indications of previous cesarean delivery as independent predictors for successful vaginal birth. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in Armed Forces Hospitals of the Southern Region between December 15, 2019, and July 1, 2020. The included 566 patients with previous cesarean section who were willing to undergo a trial of labor were divided into two groups according to the success of vaginal birth (VBAC). Results: The nonrecurring indications for previous cesarean delivery were higher in the successful group (fetal distress 54.7% vs 41.1%, malpresentation 26% vs 21.4%, multifetal pregnancy 3.8% vs 2.7%). Additionally, the successful VBAC group had a significantly higher percentage of previous successful VBAC (47.7% vs 21.9%) and prior vaginal deliveries (58.5% vs 44.2%) and less coincidence of medical disorders and meconium-stained liquor (18.1% vs 26.3% and 3.2% vs 8.2%, respectively) than the unsuccessful group. Conclusion: During counseling regarding trial of labor after cesarean section, indications for previous cesarean section not related to arrest of labor can predict higher success of VBAC. Moreover, previous successful vaginal delivery or VBAC improves the success rates.

Evaluation and Relevance of Indications for Primary Caesarean Section: A Five-Year Experience Report from Nevers Hospital Center

Context: The caesarean section rate continues to increase in our different health structures specially for women who have not had a scar in the uterus. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the key factors and main indications for primary caesarean sections and to find ways to reduce the increasing rates. Patients and Method: This is a longitudinal and retrospective study carried out from June 1, 2018 to July 31, 2022. The study included all patients who had a cesarean-section for the first time (primary caesarean). An anterior uterine scar was a non-inclusion criterion. Data were collected prospectively using Synfonievre and Agopra software via patients’ files and information collection sheet. Data were analyzed with SPSS 21 software, Mac version. Averages were calculated for quantitative data and percentages for qualitative data. The statistical tests used were the Pearson Chi2 test. The observed differences were considered significant when the p-value was less than 0.05. Results: During the study period, we recorded 8832 deliveries and 3148 caesarean sections (35.6%). Primary CS concerned 70% of overall C-section rate. The main indications were FHR Fetal Heart Rate abnormalities (FHRA) (27%), followed by the other indications (including preterm delivery, umbilical cord dystocia, malpresentation of fetus, foetal abnormalities, elective CS, triple gestation, mother abnormalities);dystocia or prolonged labor (18.7%), breech presentation in a twin pregnancy with 11.3% and 9.6% respectively. We recorded more vaginal deliveries with labor induction: 81.4% against 75.2%. An obstetrical audit led to better labor management and a reduction in the cesarean section rate. Conclusion: We need to focus on diagnosis of fetal distress, management of breech presentation during of a twin birth and a singleton. Induction of labor can be an effective alternative in certain indications. An obstetrical audit is needed to reverse the caesarean section rate.

Cardiac Echography in Pediatrics at the Regional Hospital of Diourbel: Indication and Result

Childhood heart disease is a real public health problem. In our contexts, care remains a major challenge. Doppler echocardiography remains the essential examination for diagnosis. The objective of our study was to describe the different clinical indications for cardiac ultrasound in children and the main pediatric heart diseases at the Diourbel Heinrich Lübke Regional Hospital. This was a descriptive and analytical retrospective study spanning from 2020 to 2022;covering a series of 140 cases. The study was carried out using patient clinical observation sheets and consultation sheets. We identified 140 ultrasounds. The average age of patients was 35.96 months with extremes of 0.03 months and 192 months. The female sex was predominant, with an M/F sex ratio of 0.72. Ultrasound was systematically requested in 67.14% of the study population. The indications found were mainly: heart murmur, polymalformative syndrome, respiratory failure, bronchiolitis, cardiomegaly, suspicion of heart disease, cardiomegaly, pre-therapeutic and pre-operative assessment. A total of 71 cardiac abnormalities were found in 65 patients, i.e. a prevalence of 46.42%. Congenital heart disease was more frequent (found in 49 patients, a prevalence of 35%) and was dominated by the CIA. There was a female predominance in almost all heart diseases except in the case of endocarditis where codominance is found. Our study has made it possible, through echocardiography, to evaluate the indications for echocardiography in children, to determine the prevalence of heart disease in children and also to assess the relevance of requests for echocardiography.

Practice of Obstetrical Hysterectomy at the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital Center: Indications and Maternal Prognosis

Obstetric hysterectomy is a surgical procedure most often performed in a context of extreme emergency in an obstetric environment. The incidence of obstetric hysterectomy is differently expressed around the world. In the CHU-SO maternity ward, hemorrhagic obstetric emergencies are common. The extreme urgency in which patients are admitted, the insufficiency of the technical platform, associated with the challenge of the availability of blood products, often leads to performing an obstetric hysterectomy for hemostasis. It is responsible for high maternal morbidity and mortality. Since 2000 no study has been carried out on this practice in the service. Objective was to describe the practice of obstetric hysterectomy at the CHU-SO and specifically to determine the prevalence, the prognostic factors to be able to act to reduce maternal mortality. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional, and analytical study was carried out at the Gynecology-Obstetrics clinic of the CHU-SO;from January 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. All hysterectomies performed in an obstetric emergency context (during pregnancy, perpartum or postpartum) in the department were included in our study. We did not include cases of obstetric hysterectomies outside the SO hospital or planned non-obstetric hysterectomies. Results: We recorded 75 cases of obstetric hysterectomy and 15,625 deliveries (0.48%). The average age was 32.89 ± 5.93. The age group between 30 and 35 years old was the most affected with a rate of 37.33%. Labor and third trimester hemorrhage were the main reasons for admission, patients were referred in 80% of cases. The average parity was 3.25 ± 1.92 with utmost of 0 and 11. The pauciparous (41.67%) and multiparous (32%) were the most affected. The indications frequently found were uterine atony (44%);uterine rupture (33.33%). Subtotal inter adnexal hysterectomy was performed in 94.67%. General anesthesia practiced in 69%. They were all polytransfuses. Three poor prognostic factors were observed during our study, namely: uterine atony;the state of hemodynamic shock before the operation;lack of blood transfusion. The maternal death rate was 21.33%. Conclusion: Obstetric hysterectomy is a very mutilating and complicated surgical procedure and is still common practice in Africa. The maternal prognosis is still reserved with a very high mortality rate in Togo.

Cesarean Sections according to the Robson’s Classification in Two University Hospitals of Yaoundé: Indications and Maternofetal Outcome

Introduction: Cesarean section is a surgical intervention which consists in the extraction of a fetus from the uterus after its incision. The rate of cesarean section varies depending on the country and the health facility. For this reason, in 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of Robson’s classification to evaluate the practice of cesarean sections in order to identify the groups of women who had abnormally high rates. The objective of our study was to evaluate cesarean sections using the Robson’s classification in CHRACERH and in the Yaoundé Central Hospital (YCH). Methodology: We carried out a retrospective cross sectional and descriptive study in two (02) university hospitals in Yaoundé which took place from December 2017 to May 2018. We included in our study all women who gave birth over a period of two (02) years from January 2016 to December 2017 in these two health facilities. Our sampling was exhaustive over the study period. The parturients’ information was collected using an anonymous and pretested questionnaire. The Robson’s group of every parturient was determined. Descriptive parameters like mean and proportions were calculated. We compared the rates and indications of cesarean sections between the both hospitals using Chi2 test. Results: Out of 330 deliveries realized in CHRACERH, we had 90 cesarean sections;hence, a rate of 27.2%. Out of 1863 deliveries carried out at the YCH, 462 were by cesarean section, hence a rate of 24.8%. The women who belonged to groups 1, 3 and 5 contributed to the highest rates of cesarean sections in both hospitals: in CHRACERH, group 5 (31.1%), group 3 (20%) and group 1 (15.6%), at YCH: group 3 (22.5%), group 1 (21.6%) and group 5 (17.3%). The indications of the cesarean sections varied depending on the Robson’s group and the hospital, the principal indication in group 1 was acute fetal distress (28.6%) in CHRACERH and cephalopelvic disproportion (36.7%) at YCH. Cephalopelvic disproportion was the predominant indication in groups 3 of CHRACERH (44.4%) and YCH (39.2%). In groups 5, CHRACERH and of YCH, a scarred uterus was the principal indication for the cesarean section at 82.4% and 78.4% respectively. At CHRACERH, the maternofetal complications were more frequent in groups 1 and 2 at the YCH, this was the case mostly in groups 1 and 3. Conclusion: The Robson’s classification is an adequate tool for the evaluation and comparison of the rates of cesarean sections. The rates of cesarean section in CHRACERH (27.2%) and at YCH (24.8%) were higher than the rates recommended by WHO. Robson’s groups 1, 3 and 5 were identified as the groups most at risk for cesarean sections in the both hospitals.

Vaginal Caesarean Section: A Review of Indications in Mali

Introduction: The vaginal caesarean described since the 19th century remains unknown to many practitioners. The publications available on the subject are rare. The objective of this review is to report the experience of our team in Mali on vaginal cesarean section. Materials and Methods: This is a documentary review of a series of 5 cases on the practice of vaginal caesarean section at the Sominé Dolo Hospital and Reference Health Center of the Sanitary District of Bla in Mali between 2005 and 2022. Results: We performed a vaginal caesarean section on 5 patients in this series. The indications were retroplacental hematoma in 2/5 cases including 1 with a live fetus, eclampsia crisis in 1/5 cases, dystocia on uterine prolapse in 1/5 cases and beating cord prolapse in 1/5 cases. In the 5 cases, the pregnancy was not at term. In 3/5 cases, cesarean section was indicated to save the non-term fetus with a very low possibility of success by classic cesarean section and in 2/5 cases for maternal rescue with fetal death in utero. 2 live newborns were released in satisfactory condition, 1 died after 6 hours of life. Antibiotic therapy was not necessary in the majority of cases. The average length of hospitalization was 3 days. Conclusion: The circumstances of the realization of the vaginal cesarean section in our series of studies remain frequent in the practice of modern obstetrics. The short duration of hospitalization and the low use of antibiotics can contribute to the reduction of the medical cost of caesarean section in low-income countries, such as Mali.

Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: Indications and Results, a Preliminary Senegalese Experience from the Neurosurgery Department of the CHNU of Fann

Introduction: Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are percutaneous techniques that consist in injecting an acrylic cement into the body of a pathological vertebra. This work aims to report the experience the of Fann’s neurosurgery department in treating certain spinal pathologies by vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Methods: During a 3-year period from July 1, 2019 to July 31, 2022, we conducted a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study, including patients who underwent vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty for dorsolumbar spinal pathology. Results: The mean age of the 13 patients in our study was 51.61 years. Female gender was predominant in 62% (n = 8). The context of spontaneous onset was found in six patients. Nine patients had a VAS (visual analogue scale) ≥ 8 (69.23%). On clinical examination, all patients had a syndrome without neurological deficits. 84.61% of patients had a CT scan (n = 11). The dorsolumbar hinge was most affected with 53.85% of cases. Seven patients had a vertebral compression of between 25% and. The average degree of kyphosis was 8˚ and seven patients had a degree of kyphosis ≥ 10˚. Tumour aetiology accounted for 46.15% of cases. Kyphoplasty was performed in 61.53% (n = 9) of the cases and vertebroplasty was performed in 38.47% (n = 4) of the patients. Kyphoplasty was associated with biopsy in two cases and with osteosynthesis in one patient. Vertebroplasty was always associated with a biopsy. The evolution was favourable with a significant reduction in pain and vertebral kyphosis. The mean VAS decreased from 8.15 to 0.69 three months after treatment and the mean kyphosis decreased from 8˚ to 2˚. Conclusion: Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty as percutaneous techniques allow consolidation of the vertebral body and pain relief. Kyphoplasty alone not only reduces pain but also restores the height of the compacted vertebral body.

Research on Geographical Indications and Cultural Heritage of Famous Tea in Hubei

In the study, analysis was made on present situation and development measures of geographical indications and cultural heritage protection of famous teas in Hubei Province. In addition, 8 related suggestions were proposed as well.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy:Indications,technique,complications and management

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the preferred route of feeding and nutritional support in patients with a functional gastrointestinal system who require long-term enteral nutrition. Besides its well-known advantages over parenteral nutrition, PEG offers superior access to the gastrointestinal system over surgical methods. Considering that nowadays PEG tube placement is one of the most common endoscopic procedures performed worldwide, knowing its indications and contraindications is of paramount importance in current medicine. PEG tubes are sometimes placed inappropriately in patients unable to tolerate adequate oral intake because of incorrect and unrealistic understanding of their indications and what they can accomplish. Broadly, the two main indications of PEG tube placement are enteral feeding and stomach decompression. On the other hand, distal enteral obstruction, severe uncorrectable coagulopathy and hemodynamic instability constitute the main absolute contraindications for PEG tube placement in hospitalized patients. Although generally considered to be a safe procedure, there is the potential for both minor and major complications. Awareness of these potential complications, as well as understanding routine aftercare of the catheter, can improve the quality of care for patients with a PEG tube. These complications can generally be classified into three major categories: endoscopic technical difficulties, PEG procedure-related complications and late complications associated with PEG tube use and wound care. In this review we describe a variety of minor and major tube-related complications as well as strategies for their management and avoidance. Different methods of percutaneous PEG tube placement into the stomach have been described in the literature with the “pull” technique being the most common method. In the last section of this review, the reader is presented with a brief discussion of these procedures, techniques and related issues. Despite the mentioned PEG tube placement complications, this procedure has gained worldwide popularity as a safe enteral access for nutrition in patients with a functional gastrointestinal system.

Indication Function of Aquatic Algae for Environment

In order to better monitor N and P pollutants, heavy metals, pesticides and other organic pollutants in water areas, we researched sensitivity and tolerance of aquatic algae on water environment and effects of the pollutants on algae population, analyzing toxin and enrichment of pollutants on algae. The results indicated that aquatic alga is a better indicator for some pollutants in water, for which water contamination can be surveyed and analyzed rapidly.

Necessity and indications of invasive treatment for Budd-Chiari syndrome

BACKGROUND:The development of collaterals in Budd-Chiari syndrome has been described and these collaterals play an important role in the presentation of this disease.These collaterals are diagnostic and their use in management strategy has never been evaluated.This study aimed to investigate the indications,feasibility and necessity of invasive treatment for patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome and to determine whether such a strategy is necessary for optimal management.METHODS:Twenty-nine patients who had been treated at our unit were enrolled in this study.Based on physical and biochemical examination,and hemodynamic compensation by collaterals,18 patients underwent radiological intervention (group A),while the other 11 had no invasive treatment (group B).The related hemodynamic parameters were acquired when percutaneous angiography was performed.RESULTS:In group A,all patients underwent successfully inferior vena cava (IVC) balloon angioplasty with or without stenting.Four patients also underwent hepatic vein angioplasty.In these patients,the mean IVC pressure before and after treatment was statistically different (29.3±9.2 vs 15.1±4.6 mmHg,P<0.01).The mean IVC pressure was much lower in group B than in group A (12.9±2.4 vs 29.3±9.2 mmHg,P<0.01),but there was no difference from that of the patients after radiological treatment (12.9±2.4 vs 15.1±4.6 mmHg,P>0.05).Median follow-up was 32.3 months (mean 21.3 months;range 3-61 months).In the course of follow-up,the patients in group A survived with good systemic status except for re-stenosis in one patient who underwent re-canalization of the IVC.In group B,10 patients had good systemic status except one patient who had a meso-caval shunt because of deterioration.CONCLUSIONS:The rationale of 'early diagnosis and early treatment' is not suitable for all patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome.Satisfactory survival can be achieved in some patients without invasive treatment,who are completely compensated by rich collaterals.Nonetheless,a positive treatment procedure should be performed if the patient's situation worsens in the course of regular follow-up.

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the liver as a rare indication for liver transplantation

AIM: To investigate the indications and outcomes of liver transplantation for hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE).

Endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy:indications,outcome,and a safe stentless technique

AIM Endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy is less widely practiced than biliary sphincterotomy, in part because of the lack of firm data regarding its indications and safety. In addition, recent reports of ductal and parenchymal changes occurring after pancreatic stenting raise concerns about the standard practice of stent placement at the time of pancreatic sphincterotomy. We report our experience with pancreatic sphincterotomy and describe the use of a technique involving overnight nasopancreatic drainage rather than stenting.METHODS We reviewed the records of the 164 pancreatic sphincterotomies performed on 160 patients at our institution between January 1, 1991, and October 1, 1996, comparing procedures done with overnight nasopancreatic catheter placement with those done with stenting or no drainage. We also examined the longterm clinical outcome of patients after pancreatic sphincterotomy.RESULTS Of the 164 sphincterotomies, 98 were done with overnight nasopancreatic drainage, 50 with stent placement, and 16 with no drainage. Complications (all pancreatitis) were significantly more frequent in the group with no drainage (125%) as compared with those with drainage (07%); P<0003. Nasopancreatic drainage was as safe as stent placement, with no complications after 98 procedures. Pancreatic sphincterotomy was effective when used as primary therapy, with 64% of patients so treated experiencing complete and longlasting resolution of symptoms after the procedure.CONCLUSION Pancreatic sphincterotomy is safe and effective, although pancreatic drainage is required to reduce the incidence of pancreatitis. Overnight nasopancreatic drainage is the method of choice, as it carries as low a complication rate as stent placement, but without the need for a repeat procedure, and presumably without the risk of ductal and parenchymal damage.