Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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The incidence (0.6% to 1.3%) of primary hepatolithiasis (PHL), also known as Oriental cholangiohepatitis, is increasing in Western countries and the treatment remains challenging. We analyzed the outcomes of patients undergoing hepatic resection (HR) for PHL at a single Western center. ⋯ Hepatic resection is a safe and definitive treatment option in the management of PHL. It achieves excellent short- and long-term results. The high incidence of concomitant cholangiocarcinoma makes a compelling argument for resection of all involved hepatic segments, when possible.
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Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) is a life-threatening complication of pancreatic resection. Most published series span decades and do not reflect contemporary practice. This study analyzes the rate, management, and outcomes of PPH during a recent 5-year period. ⋯ Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage can be managed successfully with low mortality (3%). Early hemorrhage requires urgent reoperation, and management of delayed hemorrhage should be guided by location (intra- vs extraluminal). Greater pressure to reduce length of hospital stay appears to have increased the likelihood of PPH occurring after discharge; patients and physicians should be aware of this possibility.
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Studies examining patterns of cancer care before 2000 have shown underuse of postmastectomy breast reconstruction as well as racial and socioeconomic disparities in its delivery. These findings prompted legislation designed to broaden use at the turn of the millennium. However, little is known about trends in these findings over the past decade. ⋯ Although the use of breast reconstruction has increased from 1998 to 2007, it is still underused among many patient populations. Furthermore, racial and socioeconomic disparities in its delivery have persisted or widened. Additional effort is necessary to broaden the use of breast reconstruction and to ensure equitable access to it.
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Resveratrol has been shown to reverse some of the detrimental effects of metabolic syndrome (MetS). We sought to define the impact of supplemental resveratrol on normal myocardium remote from an ischemic territory in a swine model of MetS and chronic myocardial ischemia. ⋯ Resveratrol supplementation improves regional left ventricular function and preserves perfusion to myocardium remote from an area of ischemia in an animal model of metabolic syndrome and chronic myocardial ischemia.
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It is hypothesized that activation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) is critical in activating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) during abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation. ⋯ The MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/ERK pathway is an important modulator of MMPs during AAA formation. Targeting the ERK pathway by reagents that inhibit either the expression or phosphorylation of ERK isoforms could be a potential therapy to prevent AAA formation.