Saudi Med J
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Lymphatic metastasis is an important event in the progress of metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC). The purpose of this article is to assess the role of lymphangiogenesis on CRC. In peritumoral areas of CRC, the lymphatic microvessel density (LMVD) is higher than those in normal colorectal tissues. ⋯ Inhibition of the VEGF-C/VEGF-D/VEGFR-3 pathway by specific antibodies has been reported to efficiently inhibit experimental tumor lymphangiogenesis and metastasis in animal experiments. Although lymphangiogenesis has been reported to play an important role in the occurrence of colon cancer and to be associated with prognosis, it remains unclear whether it is a valid therapeutic target molecule. Further study of the potential of targeting this process for anti-lymphatic therapies is worthwhile.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of the efficacy of standard bariatric surgical procedures on Saudi population using the bariatric analysis and reporting outcome system.
To compare the efficacy of various standard bariatric surgical procedures using the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS). Methods: This is a prospective, descriptive analytical study conducted in 2 medical institutions in Saudi Arabia. A total of 270 patients who had different bariatric surgery during the period between March 2010 and December 2012 were included. The data was analyzed and scored against 3 outcomes, excess weight loss, cure or improvement of comorbidities, and quality of life changes. Results: All patients who had different bariatric procedures were included in our study. ⋯ The BAROS score was good or higher in 78.5% of LRYGBP, 83.6% for the LSG, and 84.4% of LAGB patients. The average excess weight loss was 67.9% in LRYGBP, 75.8% in LSG, and 81.7% LAGB patients. Conclusion: Bariatric surgery provides a substantial reduction in excess weight, improvement and cure of comorbidities, and improvement in quality of life. Standard bariatric procedures have different degrees of outcomes that can be beneficial in selecting appropriate procedure for appropriate indications and patients.