World J Gastroentero
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World J Gastroentero · Nov 2006
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyEfficacy of thymosin alpha-1 and interferon alpha in treatment of chronic viral hepatitis B: a randomized controlled study.
To observe the efficiency and safety of thymosin-alpha1 treatment in patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and HBV DNA positive chronic hepatitis. ⋯ The results suggest that a 6-mo course of T-alpha1 therapy is effective and safe in patients with chronic hepatitis B. T-alpha1 is able to reduce HBV replication in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Furthermore, T-alpha1 is better tolerated than IFN-alpha and can gradually induce more sustained ALT normalization and HBV DNA and HBeAg loss. However, a response rate of 48.3% is still less ideal. A more effective therapeutic approach warrants further study.
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World J Gastroentero · Oct 2006
Editorial ReviewTechniques for restoring bowel continuity and function after rectal cancer surgery.
A very low local recurrence rate of 3%-6% (associated with improved 5 year survival) is possible when proper oncological surgery is performed of mid and distal rectal adenocarcinoma. Restoration of bowel continuity is possible in most cases, without compromise of cancer clearance. Re-anastomosis can be performed with stapled, transabdominal hand-sewn or coloanal pull-through techniques. ⋯ However, the risk of anastomotic complications is higher possibly related to its end-to-end anastomotic configuration. Laparoscopic techniques for accomplishing all the above are being proven to be effective. Restorative surgery for rectal cancer can be safely and effectively performed with methods to improve bowel function very acceptably; the future advances are likely in laparoscopy.
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World J Gastroentero · Oct 2006
Diagnostic dilemma of abdominal tuberculosis in non-HIV patients: an ongoing challenge for physicians.
To assess the clinical features, yield of the diagnostic tests and outcome of abdominal tuberculosis in non-HIV patients. ⋯ Abdominal TB has diverse and non- specific symptomatology. No single test is adequate for diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis in all patients. Abdominal TB in non-HIV patients remains an ongoing diagnostic dilemma requiring a high index of clinical suspicion.
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World J Gastroentero · Sep 2006
Review Case ReportsPortal venous gas and thrombosis in a Chinese patient with fulminant Crohn's colitis: a case report with literature review.
Ever since its earliest reports, portal venous gas (PVG) has been associated with numerous intraabdominal catastrophes and has served as an indication for urgent surgical exploration. It is traditionally regarded to be an ominous finding of impending death, with highest mortality reported in patients with underlying bowel ischemia. Today, computed tomography has demonstrated a wider range of clinical conditions associated with PVG, some of which are "benign" and do not necessarily require surgery, unless when there are signs of intraabdominal catastrophe or systemic toxicity. ⋯ The present literature review has shown that the finding of PVG associated with Crohn's disease does not always mandate surgical intervention. It is the clinical features and the related complications that ultimately determine the treatment approaches. The overall outcome of PVG associated with Crohn's disease has been favourable.
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World J Gastroentero · Sep 2006
Case ReportsStump appendicitis is a rare delayed complication of appendectomy: A case report.
Stump appendicitis is an acute inflammation of the residual appendix and one of the rare complications after appendectomy. Paying attention to the possibility of stump appendicitis in patients with right lower abdominal pain after appendectomy can prevent the delay of diagnosis and treatment. In patients with stump appendicitis, CT scan not only assists in making an accurate preoperative diagnosis but also excludes other etiologies. We report a 47-year old man with preoperatively diagnosed stump appendicitis by CT, who underwent an open appendectomy 20 years ago.