Gastrointestinal obstruction secondary to enteral nutrition bezoar: A case report

BACKGROUND Post-operative enteral nutrition via gastric or jejunal feeding tubes is a common and standard practice in managing the critically ill or post-surgical patient.It has its own set of complications,including obstruction,abscess formation,necrosis,and pancreatitis.We present here a case of small bowel obstruction caused by enteral nutrition bezoar.It is the second recorded incidence of this complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy in the medical literature.CASE SUMMARY The 70-year-old female presented to our institution for a pancreaticoduodenectomy(Whipple’s procedure)for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.On day 5 post-operative,having failed to progress and developing symptoms of small bowel obstruction,she underwent a computed tomography scan,which showed features of mechanical small bowel obstruction.Following this,she underwent an emergency laparotomy and small bowel decompression.The recovery was long and protracted but,ultimately,she was discharged home.A literature search of reports from 1966-2020 was conducted in the MEDLINE database.We identified eight articles describing a total of 14 cases of small bowel obstruction secondary to enteral feed bezoar.Of those 14 cases,all but 4 occurred after upper gastrointestinal surgery;all but 1 case required further surgical intervention for deteriorating clinical picture.The postulated causes for this include pH changes,a reduction in pancreatic enzymes and gastric motility,and the use of opioid medication.CONCLUSION Enteral feed bezoar is a complication of enteral feeding.Despite rare incidence,it can cause significant morbidity and potential mortality.

Navigating reflux disease after achalasia treatments:Balancing risks and benefits

The peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM)procedure has revolutionized the management of achalasia in many centres around the world as it offers patients a minimally invasive endoscopic solution to their dysphagia caused by achalasia.Alongside its success in alleviating dysphagia,concerns regarding postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease have emerged as a pertinent issue which are not fully resolved.In this study,Nabi et al have comprehensively reviewed the topic of the prediction,prevention and management of gastroesophageal reflux after POEM.POEM is a purely endoscopic procedure which is usually performed without any anti-reflux procedure.Certain patients may be better served by a laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy and fundoplication and it is important that gastroenterologists and surgeons provide comprehensive risks and benefits of each achalasia treatment option so that patients can decide what treatment is best for them.This article by Nabi et al provides a comprehensive review of the current status of this issue to allow these discussions to occur.

Gastroesophageal reflux following per-oral endoscopic myotomy:Can we improve outcomes?

This editorial is an analysis the review article by Nabi et al recently published in this journal.Achalasia Cardia is a disease whose pathophysiology is still unclear.It is known that there is inflammation of unknown aetiology leading to loss of ganglion cells in the muscularis propria.The end result is lower oesophageal sphincter spasm,loss of receptive relaxation,decreased oesophageal peristalsis,all leading on to varying degrees of dysphagia.The treatment of this condition is palliative in nature,performed by myotomy of the lower oesophagus either surgically or endoscopically.Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)has been associated with the myotomy performed,particularly with the Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy(POEM)procedure.Nabi et al have provided an excellent overview of the latest developments in predicting,preventing,evaluating,and managing GERD subsequent to POEM.Based on this theme,this review article explores the concept of using histology of the oesophageal muscle layer,to grade the disease and thereby help tailoring the length/type of myotomy performed during the POEM procedure.In the future,will a histology based algorithm available preoperatively,help modify the POEM procedure,thereby decreasing the incidence of GERD associated with POEM?

Current status of early gastric cancer screening research

Gastric cancer is a predominant threat to the health and well-being of China's residents. Data from the World Health Organization(WHO) in 2020 revealed that gastric cancer in China notably accounted for 44.0% of new cases worldwide and 48.6% of global deaths attributed to this malignancy~1.

Management of early oesophageal cancer:An overview

The incidence of esophageal cancer,namely the adenocarcinoma subtype,continues to increase exponentially on an annual basis.The indolent nature of the disease renders a significant proportion inoperable at first presentation,however,with the increased utilisation of endoscopy,many early lesions are now being identified which are suitable for endotherapeutic approaches.This article details the options available for dealing with early esophageal cancer by endoscopic mean obviating the need for surgery thereby avoiding the potential morbidity and mortality of such intervention.

Surgical management of high-grade pancreatic injuries: Insights from a high-volume pancreaticobiliary specialty unit

BACKGROUND The management of high-grade pancreatic trauma is controversial.AIM To review our single-institution experience on the surgical management of blunt and penetrating pancreatic injuries.METHODS A retrospective review of records was performed on all patients undergoing surgical intervention for high-grade pancreatic injuries [American Association for the Surgery of Trauma(AAST) Grade Ⅲor greater] at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney between January 2001 and December 2022. Morbidity and mortality outcomes were reviewed, and major diagnostic and operative challenges were identified.RESULTS Over a twenty-year period, 14 patients underwent pancreatic resection for highgrade injuries. Seven patients sustained AAST Grade Ⅲinjuries and 7 were classified as Grades Ⅳ or Ⅴ. Nine underwent distal pancreatectomy and 5 underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD). Overall, there was a predominance of blunt aetiologies(11/14). Concomitant intra-abdominal injuries were observed in 11 patients and traumatic haemorrhage in 6 patients. Three patients developed clinically relevant pancreatic fistulas and there was one in-hospital mortality secondary to multi-organ failure. Among stable presentations, pancreatic ductal injuries were missed in two-thirds of cases(7/12) on initial computed tomography imaging and subsequently diagnosed on repeat imaging or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. All patients who sustained complex pancreaticoduodenal trauma underwent PD without mortality. The management of pancreatic trauma is evolving. Our experience provides valuable and locally relevant insights into future management strategies.CONCLUSION We advocate that high-grade pancreatic trauma should be managed in high-volume hepatopancreato-biliary specialty surgical units. Pancreatic resections including PD may be indicated and safely performed with appropriate specialist surgical, gastroenterology, and interventional radiology support in tertiary centres.

Validation of a surgical model for posthepatectomy liver failure in rats

Background:The upper limit for liver resections in rats is approximately 90%.In the early postoperative phase,mortality increases.The aim of the present study was to validate the rat model of 90%partial hepatectomy(PH)as a model of post-hepatectomy liver failure(PHLF).Further,we wanted to test a quantitative scoring system as a detector of lethal outcomes caused by PHLF in rats.Methods:Sixty-eight rats were randomized to 90%PH,sham operation,or no sur-gery.Further,block randomization was performed based on time of euthanization:12,24,or 48 h after surgery.A general distress score(GDS)≥10 during the day or≥6 at midnight prompted early euthanization and classification as nonsurvivor.Animals euthanized as planned were classified as survivors.During euthanization,blood and liver tissue were collected,and liver-specific biochemistry was evaluated.Results:Based on the biochemical results,all animals subjected to 90%PH expe-rienced PHLF.Seventeen rats were euthanized due to irreversible PHLF.The GDS increased for nonsurvivors within 12–18 h after surgery.The mean time for euthaniza-tion was 27 h after surgery.Conclusion:Based on the GDS and liver-specific biochemistry,we concluded that the model of 90%PH seems to be a proper model for investigating PHLF in rats.As a high GDS is associated with increased mortality,the GDS appears to be valuable in detect-ing lethal outcomes caused by PHLF in rats.

SR-BI expression regulates the gastric cancer tumor immune microenvironment and is associated with poor prognosis

Aim:Scavenger receptor class B,type I(SR-BI)is an integral plasma membrane protein that has been reported to be overexpressed in various malignancies,such as renal cancer,breast cancer,and prostate cancer,and is an independent prognostic factor.However,the clinical value and expression of SR-BI in GC are unknown.Our research aimed to explore the role of SR-BI in combination with immune markers as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for gastric cancer(GC).Methods:GC tissues,paracancerous tissues,and clinicopathological data of 149 patients were collected.The expression level of SR-BI,Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes(TILs),and PD-L1 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry(IHC).The associations of the SR-BI staining intensity with clinicopathological features and immune markers were determined by the chi-square test.Univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses were used to evaluate independent prognostic factors.Kaplan–Meier analyses were performed to plot the survival curve.Results:Our results indicated that SR-BI was expressed at higher levels in tumor tissues than in adjacent paracancerous tissues(p<0.001),and patients with high levels of SR-BI expression had a worse prognosis.Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that high SR-BI expression was an independent factor for poor prognosis.The chi-square test determined that the expression of SR-BI was negatively correlated with CD4+T cells and CD8+T cells(CD4+T cells,p=0.013;CD8+T cells,p=0.021),and positively correlated with PD-L1(p=0.022).Finally,survival analysis revealed that CD4+T cells were associated with the prognosis of GC patients(p=0.019),and the combined survival analysis of SR-BI and CD4+T cells was also statistically significant(p=0.030).Conclusion:SR-BI is highly expressed in GC tissue and associated with poor prognosis.Moreover,SR-BI can also regulate the GC tumor immune microenvironment.

Pyogenic liver abscess:An audit of 10 years’experience

AIM:To describe our own experience with pyogenic liver abscesses over the past 10 years and investigate the risk factors associated with failure of initial percutaneous therapy.METHODS:A retrospective study of records of 63 PLA patients presenting between 1998 and 2008 to Australian tertiary referral centre,were reviewed.Amoebic and hydatid abscesses were excluded.Demographic,clinical,radiological,and microbiological characteristics,as well as surgical/radiological interventions,were recorded.RESULTS:Sixty-three patients(42 males,21 females) aged 65(±14) years[mean±(SD) ]had prodromal symptoms for a median(interquartile range;IQR) of 7(5-14) d.Only 59%of patients were febrile at presentation;however,the serum C-reactive protein was elevated in all 47 in whom it was measured.Liver function tests were non-specifically abnormal.67%of patients had a solitary abscess,while 32%had>3 abscesses with a median(IQR) diameter of 6.3(4-9) cm.Causative organisms were:Streptococcus milleri 25%,Klebsiella pneumoniae 21%,and Escherichia coli 16%.A presumptive cryptogenic cause was most common (34%).Four patients died in this series:one from sepsis,two from advanced cancer,and one from acute myocardial infarction.The initial procedure was radiological aspiration±drainage in 54 and surgery in two patients.17%underwent surgical management during their hospitalization.Serum hypoalbuminaemia[mean (95%CI) :32(29-35) g/L vs 28(25-31) g/L,P=0.045] on presentation was found to be the only factor related to failure of initial percutaneous therapy on univariate analysis.CONCLUSION:PLA is a diagnostic challenge,because the presentation of this condition is non-specific.Intravenous antibiotics and radiological drainage in the first instance allows resolution of most PLAs;However,a small proportion of patients still require surgical drainage.

Premalignant lesions and gastric cancer: Current understanding

Over the last two decades there has been a broad paradigm shift in our understanding of gastric cancer(GC)and its premalignant states from gross histological models to increasingly precise molecular descriptions.In this review we reflect upon the historic approaches to describing premalignant lesions and GC,highlight the current molecular landscape and how this could inform future risk assessment prevention strategies.

Physical activity, obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease in the general population

AIM: To clarify the association between physical activity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in nonobese and obese people. METHODS: A Swedish population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted. Participants aged 40-79 years were randomly selected from the Swedish Registry of the Total Population. Data on physical activity, GERD, body mass index (BMI) and the covariates age, gender, comorbidity, education, sleeping problems, and tobacco smoking were obtained using validated questionnaires. GERD was self-reported and defined as heartburn or regurgitation at least once weekly, and having at least moderate problems from such symptoms. Frequency of physical activity was categorized into three groups: (1) "high" (several times/week); (2) "intermediate" (approximately once weekly); and (3) "low" (1-3 times/mo or less). Analyses were stratified for participants with "normal weight" (BMI < 25 kg/m 2 ), "overweight" (BMI 25 to ≤ 30 kg/m 2 ) and "obese" (BMI > 30 kg/m 2 ). Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for potential confounding by covariates. RESULTS: Of 6969 eligible and randomly selected individuals, 4910 (70.5%) participated. High frequency of physical activity was reported by 2463 (50%) participants, GERD was identified in 472 (10%) participants, and obesity was found in 680 (14%). There were 226 (5%) individuals with missing information about BMI. Normal weight, overweight and obese participants were similar regarding distribution of gender and tobacco smoking status, while obese participants were on average slightly older, had fewer years of education, more comorbidity, slightly more sleeping problems, lower frequency of physical activity, and higher occurrence of GERD. Among the 2146 normal-weight participants, crude point estimates indicated a decreased risk of GERD among individuals with high frequency of physical activity (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.39-0.89), compared to low frequency of physical activity. However, after adjustment for potential confounding factors, neither intermediate (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 0.75-2.26) nor high (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.62-1.60) frequency of physical activity was followed by decreased risk of GERD. Sleeping problems and high comorbidity were identified as potential confounders. Among the 1859 overweight participants, crude point estimates indicated no increased or decreased risk of GERD among individuals with intermediate or high frequency of physical activity, compared to low frequency. After adjustment for confounding, neither intermediate (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.46-1.22) nor high frequency of physical activity were followed by increased or decreased risk of GERD compared to low frequency among nonobese participants. Sleeping problems and high comorbidity were identified as potential confounders for overweight participants. In obese individuals, crude ORs were similar to the adjusted ORs and no particular confounding factors were identified. Intermediate frequency of physical activity was associated with a decreased occurrence of GERD compared to low frequency of physical activity (adjusted OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22-0.77). CONCLUSION: Intermediate frequency of physical activity might decrease the risk of GERD among obese individuals, while no influence of physical activity on GERD was found in non-obese people.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the prophylactic role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

AIM: To critically appraise the published randomized, controlled trials on the prophylactic effectiveness of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs), in reducing the risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) pancreatitis. METHODS: A systematic literature search(MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library, from inception of the databases until May 2015) was conducted to identify randomized, clinical trials investigating the role of NSAIDs in reducing the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Random effects model of the meta-analysis was carried out, and results were presented as odds ratios(OR) with corresponding 95%CI.RESULTS: Thirteen randomized controlled trials on 3378 patients were included in the final meta-analysis. There were 1718 patients in the NSAIDs group and 1660 patients in non-NSAIDs group undergoing ERCP. The use of NSAIDs(through rectal route or intramuscular route) was associated with the reduced risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis [OR, 0.52(0.38-0.72), P = 0.0001]. The use of pre-procedure NSAIDs was effective in reducing approximately 48% incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis, number needed to treat were 16 with absolute risk reduction of 0.05. But the risk of post-ERCP pancreattis was reduced by 55% if NSAIDs were administered after procedure. Similarly, diclofenac was more effective(55%) prophylactic agent compared to indomethacin(41%).CONCLUSION: NSAIDs seem to have clinically proven advantage of reducing the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Chinese expert consensus and practice guideline of totally implantable access port for digestive tract carcinomas

Totally implantable access port is a fully implantable drug delivery system that is implanted subcutaneously and can be retained for a long time.Advantages of ports include a simple nursing process,low risk of infection and embolism,and high patient comfort.In order to promote the standardized application of ports in the treatment of digestive tract tumors and reduce port-related complications,the Chinese Research Hospital Association Digestive Tumor Committee,the Chinese Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons,the Chinese Gastric Cancer Association,and the Gastrointestinal Surgical Group of Chinese Surgical Society Affiliated to Chinese Medical Association have organized multidisciplinary expert discussions at the General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army and nationwide expert letter reviews and on-site seminars,and formulated an expert consensus of the operation guidelines.

Serum immunoglobulin A concentration is a reliable biomarker for liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

AIM:To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of serum Immunoglobulin A(IgA)for differentiating early stage nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH).METHODS:All cases had fatty liver change confirmed by ultrasound and aminotransferases of at least twice the normal level.Clinical and biochemical data,including serum IgA,were obtained from 50 histologically proven NAFLD cases and 54 healthy controls.Fasting whole blood samples were obtained from the study population.Immunoturbidimetric methods were used to measure the IgA levels.All NAFLD cases were hospitalized for liver biopsy.Liver specimens were examined for steatosis,steatohepatitis and fibrosis within hepatocytes.Patients were categorized into two groups:NASH and non-NASH.Variables were compared within cases(NASH vs non-NASH)and controls.Cut-off values of serum IgA were evaluated using analysis of receiver operating characteristic(ROC curves).Associations between the variables were tested using calculations of correlation coefficients.Statistical significances were assigned to P values<0.05.RESULTS:The extent of liver fibrosis correlated positively with IgA levels.Subjects with no fibrosis in their liver biopsies had a lower IgA level(301.5±91.2 mg/dL)than subjects with any degree of fibrosis(388.8±140.8 mg/dL),(P=0.01).IgA levels were higher in NASH cases,and its value was significantly higher for higher degrees of fibrosis.Patients with perisinusoidal or pericellular fibrosis had significantly higher levels of IgA(403.5±133.9 mg/dL,418.2±129.5 mg/dL)compared to those without it(301.8±94.9 mg/dL,297.7±91.5 mg/dL),respectively.No significant correlation was found between steatosis grade and serum IgA levels.Based on ROC analysis,the best predictive IgA cutoff value for detecting liver fibrosis was 360mg/dL(61%sensitivity,81%specificity).CONCLUSION:The serum IgA level is useful to evaluate the severity of liver fibrosis and can be used serially for evaluation and follow-up of NAFLD cases.

Incidental non-benign gallbladder histopathology after cholecystectomy in an United Kingdom population: Need for routine histological analysis?

AIM To analyse the range of histopathology detected in the largest published United Kingdom series of cholecystectomy specimens and to evaluate the rational for selective histopathological analysis.METHODS Incidental gallbladder malignancy is rare in the United Kingdom with recent literature supporting selective histological assessment of gallbladders after routine cholecystectomy.All cholecystectomy gallbladder specimens examined by the histopathology department at our hospital during a five year period between March 2008 and March 2013 were retrospectively analysed.Further data was collected on all specimens demonstrating carcinoma,dysplasia and polypoid growths.RESULTS The study included 4027 patients.The majority(97%) of specimens exhibited gallstone or cholecystitis related disease.Polyps were demonstrated in 44(1.09%),the majority of which were cholesterol based(41/44).Dysplasia,ranging from low to multifocal high-grade was demonstrated in 55(1.37%).Incidental primary gallbladder adenocarcinoma was detected in 6 specimens(0.15%,5 female and 1 male),and a single gallbladder revealed carcinoma in situ(0.02%).This large single centre study demonstrated a full range of gallbladder disease from cholecystectomy specimens,including more than 1% neoplastic histology and two cases of macroscopically occult gallbladder malignancies.CONCLUSION Routine histological evaluation of all elective and emergency cholecystectomies is justified in a United Kingdom population as selective analysis has potential to miss potentially curable life threatening pathology.

Multimodality treatment of potentially curative gastric cancer: Geographical variations and future prospects

After much controversy, multimodality therapy is now accepted worldwide as the gold standard for treatment of resectable bulky localized gastric cancer. There is significant regional variation in the style of multimodality treatment with adjuvant chemoradiation the North American standard, neoadjuvant chemotherapy preferred in Europe and Australasia, whilst adjuvant chemotherapy is preferred in Asia. With further standardization of surgery and D1+/D2 resections increasingly accepted world wide, and in particular in the West, as the surgical standard of care for potentially curable disease, it is timely to reassess the multimodality regimes being used. The challenge in the use of multimodality therapy is how current outcomes can be standardized and improved further. Recent studies indicate that mere intensification of the regime in time, dosage or addition of further agents does not improve localized gastric cancer outcomes. More novel strategies including early commencement of adjuvant therapies, intra-peritoneal chemotherapy or assessing neoadjuvant response with positron emission tomography scanning may give improvements in outcomes. The introduction of targeted therapies means that the adjuvant use of biological agents needs to be explored. By proper assessment of the patient's co-morbidities, full tumour staging, and a better understanding of the tumour's molecular pathology, multimodality therapy for gastric adenocarcinoma may be individualized to optimize the likelihood of cure.

One hundred and seventy-eight consecutive pancreatoduodenectomies without mortality:role of the multidisciplinary approach

BACKGROUND:Pancreatoduodenectomy offers the only chance of cure for patients with periampullary cancers.This,however,is a major undertaking in most patients and is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality.A multidisciplinary approach to the workup and follow-up of patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy was initiated at our institution to improve the diagnosis,resection rate,mortality and morbidity.We undertook the study to assess the effect of this approach on diagnosis,resection rates and short-term outcomes such as morbidity and mortality.METHODS:A prospective database of patients presenting with periampullary cancers to a single surgeon between April 2004 and April 2010 was reviewed.All cases were discussed at a multidisciplinary meeting comprising surgeons,gastroenterologists,radiologists,oncologists,radiation oncologists,pathologists and nursing staff.A standardized investigation and management algorithm was followed.Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification.RESULTS:A total of 295 patients with a periampullary lesion were discussed and 178 underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (resection rate 60%).Sixty-one patients (34%) required either a vascular or an additional organ resection.Eighty-nine patients experienced complications,of which the commonest was blood transfusion (12%).Thirty-four patients (19%) had major complications,i.e.grade 3 or above.There was no in-hospital,30-day or 60-day mortality.CONCLUSIONS:Pancreatoduodenectomy can safely be performed in high-volume centers with very low mortality.The surgeon’s role should be careful patient selection,intensive preoperative investigations,use of a team approach,and an unbiased discussion at a multidisciplinary meeting to optimize the outcome in these patients.

Gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection as a treatment for early neoplasia and for accurate staging of early cancers in a United Kingdom Caucasian population

AIM To investigate the efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) at diagnosing and treating superficial neoplastic lesions of the stomach in a United Kingdom Caucasian population.METHODS Data of patients treated with or considered for ESD at a tertiary referral center in the United Kingdom were retrieved for a period of 2 years(May 2015 to June 2017) from the electronic patient records of the hospital. Only Caucasian patients were included. Primary outcomes were curative resection(CR) and were defined as ESD resections with clear horizontal and vertical margin and an absence of lympho-vascular invasion, poor differentiation and submucosal involvement on histological evaluation of the resected specimen. Secondary end-points were reversal of dysplasia at 12 mo endoscopic follow-up and/or at the latest follow up. Change in histological diagnosis pre and post ESD was also analysed.RESULTS Twenty-four patients were initially identified with intention to treat. 19 patients were eligible after mapping gastroscopy and ESD was attempted on a total of 25 ESD lesions, 4 of which failed and had to be aborted mid-procedure. Out of 21 ESD performed, en-bloc resection was achieved in 71.4% of cases. Resection was considered complete on endoscopy in 90.5% of cases compared to only 38.1% on histology. A total of 6 resections were considered curative(28%), 5 noncurative(24%) and 10 indefinite for CR or non-CR(24%). ESD changed the histological diagnosis in 66.6% of cases post ESD. Endoscopic follow-up in the "indefinite" group and CR group showed that 50% and 80% of patients were clear of dysplasia at the latest follow-up respectively; 2 cases of recurrence were observed in the "indefinite"group. Survival rate for the entire cohort was 91.7%.CONCLUSION This study provides early evidence for the efficacy of ESD as a therapeutic and diagnostic intervention in Caucasian populations and supports its application in the United Kingdom.

Conduit necrosis following esophagectomy: An up-to-date literature review

Esophageal conduit ischaemia and necrosis is an uncommon but devastating complication of esophagectomy and remains one of the most challenging issues in surgical practice. The incidence, time interval to develop symptoms, and clinical presentation are highly variable with no predictable pattern. Evidence comes from case reports and case series rather than randomized controlled trials.We describe the issues surrounding conduit necrosis affecting the stomach,jejunum and colon as an esophageal replacement and the advantages,disadvantages and challenges of each type of reconstruction. Diagnosis is challenging for the most experienced surgeon. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and computed tomography thorax with both oral and intravenous contrast is the gold standard. Management, either conservative or interventional is also a difficult decision. Management options include conservative treatment and more aggressive treatments such as stent insertion, surgical debridement and repair of the esophagus using jejunum, colon or a musculocutaneous flap. In spite of recent advances in surgical techniques, there is no reliable strategy to manage esophageal conduit necrosis. Our review covers the pathophysiology and clinical significance of esophageal necrosis while highlighting current techniques of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this life-threatening condition.

Effects of terlipressin versus splenectomy on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats: What we know so far?

To the editor:We read with great interest the article entitled "Comparative study of the effects of terlipressin versus splenectomy on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats" by Ulmer et al.[1].The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of terlipressin ver-