The British journal of surgery
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Despite advances in medical therapy, there remains no effective preventive or non-surgical therapeutic option for fibrostenotic Crohn's disease (CD). Symptomatic recurrences are common, necessitating reintervention. Intestinal fibroblasts mediate stricture formation, but their exact source is unclear. Recent evidence indicates that circulating fibrocytes drive fibrosis through differentiation into fibroblasts and the production of extracellular matrix proteins. The aim of this review is to describe current understanding of the pathophysiology underlying fibrosis in CD, the cellular and molecular biology of fibrocytes and their role in CD. ⋯ Levels of circulating fibrocytes are raised in conditions marked by exaggerated fibrosis. These and other observations prompt a characterization of fibrocyte activity in CD with a view to investigating a pathogenic role.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Randomized clinical trial of pancreaticogastrostomy versus pancreaticojejunostomy on the rate and severity of pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Anastomotic leakage of pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) remains the single most important source of morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The primary aim of this randomized clinical trial comparing PG with PJ after PD was to test the hypothesis that invaginated PG would result in a lower rate and severity of pancreatic fistula. ⋯ ISRCTN58328599 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Management of complex colonic polyps in the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.
Large sessile or flat colonic polyps, defined as polyps at least 20 mm in size, are difficult to treat endoscopically and may harbour malignancy. The aim of this study was to describe their current management to provide insight into optimal management. ⋯ Management of large sessile or flat colonic polyps is safe and effective in the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. Wide variation in the use of surgery suggests a need for standardized management algorithms. Presented to a meeting of the British Society of Gastroenterology, Birmingham, U.K., March 2011.
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The impact of conversion on postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal surgery remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess whether a conversion results in increased postoperative morbidity and mortality, and to evaluate whether any specific factors affect the outcomes of converted procedures. ⋯ Conversions of laparoscopic colorectal resection are not associated with increased overall morbidity, regardless of the timing of conversion.