A report of two cases of Whipple's disease diagnosed by peroral small intestinal biopsy.
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Two patients with Whipple's disease are described in whom the diagnosis was established by peroral small intestinal biopsy. Scurvy occurred in one patient. (+info)
Diagnostic significance of d-xylose excretion test.
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This paper assesses the use of d.xylose as a test of function of the small intestine. In general d.xylose excretion is associated with disturbance of the intestinal wall of the upper jejunum. Low readings are found with adult coeliac disease but rarely with regional enteritis. (+info)
CHARACTERIZATION OF ENTEROCOCCUS BACTERIOPHAGES FROM THE SMALL INTESTINE OF THE RAT.
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Rogers, C. G. (University of Wisconsin, Madison) and W. B. Sarles. Characterization of enterococcus bacteriophages from the small intestine of the rat. J. Bacteriol. 85:1378-1385. 1963.-Enterococcus bacteriophages were isolated by an enrichment procedure from the contents of the small intestines of Sprague-Dawley white rats. After purification by single-plaque isolation, the phages were maintained in Tryptose broth by propagation on strains of Streptococcus faecalis var. zymogenes of similar intestinal origin. The presence of two phage strains was suggested from host range studies, and confirmed by antiserum neutralization tests, whereby the bacteriophages were placed in two distinct, but serologically related, groups. When the characteristics of one phage from each group were studied, differences were observed in antigenic properties, as shown by the ability to stimulate antibody production in rabbits, and in single-step growth characteristics. At 32 C, the latent period was 21 min, and the burst size was 88 plaque-forming particles (PFP) for phage 1; and 34 min and 147 PFP for phage 2. The bacteriophages were similar in temperature of inactivation, sensitivity to pH, and in rates of adsorption to host cells (K = about 2 x 10(-9) ml/min at 32 C). In electron micrographs, the viruses were characterized by slightly elongated heads and long tails, and resembled one another closely. The dimensions of the phage particles were similar to those reported for other phage-host systems within the genus Streptococcus. (+info)
Smoking and the alimentary tract: a review.
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Because of inherent and inseparable variables, studies of the effect of smoking on gastric secretion and motility have proved inconclusive. The only firm conclusions to be drawn from the work reviewed are that the prognosis of both gastric and duodenal ulcers is made worse by regular smoking and that the healing and response of gastric ulcers to medical treatment is impaired. The mechanisms through which these effects are produced are unknown. It is not even certain that nicotine is the chief noxious agent in tobacco. Careful statistical and epidemiological studies have yielded such facts as exist and this approach seems the most promising one for future studies. (+info)
Who is doing laparoscopic appendicectomies and who taught them?
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BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic appendicectomy offers potential advantages, but its use seems variable and perhaps related to the enthusiasm of individual trainees. There is limited opportunity in many hospitals for consultants to do and teach laparoscopic appendicectomy because of the way emergency work is organised. METHODS: This study investigated the use and teaching of laparoscopic appendicectomy in two health regions, by a questionnaire sent to all specialist registrars (SpRs) in general surgery and completed by 78% (56 of 72). RESULTS: Of the responding SpRs, 43% had performed a laparoscopic appendicectomy (with an average of 2.5 supervised by a consultant and 7.5 with a more junior assistant). Of these, 92% had been taught by a consultant, but only 31% (33 of 108) of the consultants for whom they were currently working had done appendicectomy laparoscopically, and laparoscopic appendicectomy was only being performed on 14% of the SpRs current firms (47% with upper gastrointestinal and 40% with colorectal specialist interest). Some 5-30% of patients on those firms were treated laparoscopically, mostly at the preference of the SpR. CONCLUSIONS: Dedicated consultant time for emergencies would facilitate teaching of laparoscopic appendicectomy but theatre time, costs of disposable instruments, and the inexperience of many consultants in this operation are likely to continue limiting its use. Further debate is needed on its place in the treatment of appendicitis. (+info)
Surgical treatment of portal hypertension.
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Portal hypertension is a common disease with high mortality and serious influence on the life quality of patients. At present, shunt and disconnection are commonly used for the treatment of portal hypertension. In recent years, combined procedures of shunt and disconnection have evoked the potential interest of surgeons. Initial experimental studies and clinical observations showed that the combined procedures are ideal for treating portal hypertension. Transjugular intrahepatic portacaval shunt (TIPS) is a new minimally invasive technique in treating portal hypertension. Some surgeons have tried to perform disconnection under laparoscopy with success. Liver transplantation will be the focus of portal hypertension surgery in the future. (+info)
Fine needle biopsy of focal liver lesions: the hepatologist's point of view.
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Guided biopsy of hepatocellular carcinoma has been recently discussed again due to the progress of imaging techniques and the risk of malignant seeding after the procedure. Ultrasound is probably still the most accurate imaging modality for early detection of nodules arising on cirrhosis, even when compared with more advanced imaging techniques. It can be easily employed in the surveillance of high-risk cirrhotic patients. Ultrasound-guided biopsy has very high sensitivity and almost absolute specificity, which allows the appropriate treatment to start after a positive diagnosis. It also allows correct diagnosis of lymphomatous nodules, the incidence of which is increased in hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis. The risk of seeding appears limited according to the currently available epidemiological data; this should be considered against the risk of false-positive diagnosis of malignancy based on imaging studies alone. Ultrasound-guided biopsy is a valuable tool also for the diagnosis of small nodules (less than 10 mm in diameter). The best accuracy in the sampling of hepatocellular carcinoma nodules is obtained by combining smear cytology and microhistology. This can be achieved by a single biopsy with a fine cutting needle that furnishes pathologic material suitable for both examinations, reducing risks and costs. (+info)
PC GI board review. A ToolBook application for postgraduate review of Gastroenterology.
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"Hypertext" applications have become an important educational resource for medical teaching. ToolBook version 1.5 allows the import of SVGA 256 color, 640 x 480 pixel images. We developed a program for the review of Gastroenterology by Subspecialty Board applicants which included digitized pathology, endoscopy, dermatology, and radiology images interfaced with textual description. 5 cases were presented with 6 questions per case to test the user's comprehension of the material. A scoring function was included to give feedback to the users. An evaluation questionnaire was also completed to survey user satisfaction with the program. A similar "shell" could be applied to other teaching programs. (+info)