Current opinion in gastroenterology
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Curr. Opin. Gastroenterol. · Jul 2010
ReviewEsophageal perforation: surgical, endoscopic and medical management strategies.
The purpose of this article is to review current therapeutic strategies and outcomes in the management of esophageal perforation. The relative rarity and unpredictability of esophageal perforation has precluded a randomized or multiinstitutional study of this condition. Practice standards are based primarily on retrospective reviews and expert opinions. ⋯ Perforation of the esophagus, regardless of the cause, remains a major life-threatening event. Early recognition and aggressive care by a clinical team with experience in a variety of treatment modalities is increasingly important in achieving optimal outcomes in this difficult problem. Recently, encouraging results have been published utilizing esophageal stents and diligent nonoperative care in patients with esophageal perforation. The guiding principles in the treatment of this challenging condition remain early diagnosis, appropriate resuscitation, sepsis control, nutritional support, and re-establishment of esophageal continuity. Herein, we review the recent reports on the surgical, medical, and endoscopic treatment of esophageal perforation.
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Curr. Opin. Gastroenterol. · Mar 2010
ReviewNear-normal glycemia for critically ill patients receiving nutrition support: fact or folly.
In critically ill patients, nutrition support may be a life-saving intervention, but is not without risk. Adverse metabolic changes, including hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia, are common. Hyperglycemia is associated with adverse outcomes, in particular, infection. Four major studies have addressed whether near-normal glycemia (80-110 mg/dl) in this clinical setting improves outcomes compared with blood sugars of approximately 150 mg/dl. The purpose of this review is to determine whether tight glycemic control is superior to moderate glycemic control (150 mg/dl) in critically ill patients receiving nutrition support. ⋯ Glycemic control to approximately 150 mg/dl is not inferior to near-normal glycemia in critically ill patients requiring nutrition support and is clearly safer. Lipid changes caused by insulin infusion may improve outcomes more than glycemic control itself, and prevention of hypertriglyceridemia should be a major focus of clinical care.
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To discuss new colorectal cancer screening tests and highlight controversies regarding colon screening and surveillance. ⋯ Colorectal cancer screening can reduce both incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer if performed with high quality. New work should focus on improving the quality of all screening programs.