Annals of surgery
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To evaluate the correlation between biliary-enteric surgical drainage and the late development of cholangiocarcinoma of the biliary tract. ⋯ Chronic inflammatory changes consequent to biliary-enteric drainage should be closely monitored for the late development of biliary tract malignancies.
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To assess the distribution and type of nerve fibers present in human peritoneal adhesions and to relate data on location and size of nerves with estimated age and with clinical parameters such as reports of chronic pelvic pain. ⋯ This study provides the first direct evidence for the presence of sensory nerve fibers in human peritoneal adhesions, suggesting that these structures may be capable of conducting pain after appropriate stimulation.
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To evaluate the need for a preoperative tumor biopsy of liver lesions suspicious for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). ⋯ Preoperative diagnosis of HCC was highly accurate in lesions larger than 3 cm. Tumor biopsy is unnecessary in these patients. However, in a subgroup of patients with lesions less than 3 cm, particularly those with alpha-fetoprotein levels less than 100 ng/mL, there is a higher false-positive diagnostic rate, and tumor biopsy should be considered.
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To establish selection criteria for reoperation in patients with peritoneal dissemination from appendiceal malignancy. ⋯ Follow-up of patients treated for peritoneal dissemination from neoplasms of appendiceal origin is indicated. Selected patients in whom recurrence develops are candidates for repeat cytoreductive surgery plus intraperitoneal chemotherapy with curative intent.
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To investigate the feasibility of internal mammary sentinel lymph node biopsy as a method to refine and thereby improve nodal staging in breast cancer. ⋯ Internal mammary sentinel node biopsy is feasible without serious additional complications. It improves nodal staging in breast cancer by identifying higher-risk subgroups with internal mammary nodal metastases, which might benefit from altered adjuvant treatment regimens.