OBJECTIVE: The authors examined the expression of transforming growth factor-beta receptor (TGF-beta r) types I and II and the mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor-II receptor (M6-P/IGF-IIr) in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is part of a superfamily of peptide-signaling molecules that play an important role in modulating cell growth. It is secreted as a latent complex and therefore, must be activated to ...

BACKGROUND: Heterogeneous taxonomy of groin injuries in athletes adds confusion to this complicated area.

AIM: The 'Doha agreement meeting on terminology and definitions in groin pain in athletes' was convened to attempt to resolve this problem. Our aim was to agree on a standard terminology, along with accompanying definitions.

METHODS: A one-day agreement meeting was held on 4 November 2014. Twenty-four international experts from 14 different countries participated. Systematic reviews ...

These studies investigate the role of transforming growth factor-beta 1, a potent inhibitor of epithelial cell proliferation and stimulator of extracellular matrix biosynthesis, during intrahepatic bile duct hyperplasia and biliary fibrosis. These pathogenic responses were induced in rats by common bile duct ligation. Bile duct cell replication, measured by the bromodeoxyuridine labeling index, was significantly increased 24 hr after common bile duct ligation. This response diminished to ...

PURPOSE: To retrospectively determine the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in patients with clinical athletic pubalgia, with either surgical or physical examination findings as the reference standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was granted for this HIPAA-compliant study, and informed consent was waived. MR imaging studies in 141 patients (134 male patients, seven female patients; mean age, 30.1 years; range, 17-71 ...

The operative results, outcome, and short-term follow-up after laparoscopic exploration for Nissen fundoplication were evaluated in 35 patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux and reflux-induced pulmonary disease. There were 19 female and 16 male patients, ranging in age from 17 to 72 years (mean: 42 years, SD: 11.6 years). In 20 patients, the symptoms were predominantly of regurgitation and heartburn; the remaining 15 patients had mixed regurgitation/heartburn and pulmonary ...

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine possible mechanisms of 17 gastric and esophageal perforations that occurred during laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

METHODS: Specific details of each perforation relating to mechanism of injury, surgeon experience, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome were obtained. For each perforation, an attempt was made to accurately determine the mechanism of perforation.

RESULTS: Three mechanisms accounted for the 17 perforations, the majority ...

OBJECTIVE: A total of 50 major bile duct injuries after laparoscopic cholecystectomy were managed by the Duke University Hepatobiliary Service from 1990-1992. The management of these complex cases is reviewed.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the preferred method for removing the gallbladder. Bile duct injury is the most feared complication of the new procedure.

METHODS: Review of videotapes, pathology, and management of the original operations were reviewed ...

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery with the HandPort System, a new device.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: In hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon inserts a hand into the abdomen while pneumoperitoneum is maintained. The hand assists laparoscopic instruments and is helpful in complex laparoscopic cases.

METHODS: A prospective nonrandomized study was initiated with the participation of 10 laparoscopic surgical centers. ...

OBJECTIVE: The authors report on indications and results of local excision of tumors of the ampulla of Vater.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Local excision of ampullary tumors has been performed for nearly a century but remains controversial. The use of this procedure for benign conditions is clear, but its place, if any, in the management of ampullary malignancy is debated.

METHODS: The presentation, evaluation, and treatment of 26 patients who underwent local resection of ampullary tumors ...

In liver transplantation, activation of NFkappaB occurs upon reperfusion, yet few data exist regarding NFkappaB activation during cold ischemia. We hypothesized that activation of NFkappaB may initially occur during cold ischemia, prior to reperfusion, and serve as an important determinant of postreperfusion function. To test this hypothesis, serial biopsies during porcine liver harvest were obtained immediately upon laparotomy, upon completion of dissection, after 45 and 120 min of cold ...

Local resection of tumors of the papilla of Vater was performed in six cases (three benign adenomas and three adenocarcinomas). Pathology was suggested in all cases by endoscopic biopsy and confirmed by operative excision. A method of excision of the tumor and reconstruction of the pancreaticobiliary apparatus was used that eliminated all gross and microscopic disease. Only one of the patients with benign disease (familial polyposis) suffered from local recurrence. All three patients ...