vertical gastric plication: is it ready for prime-time?

FGF23: is it ready for prime time?

Since the identification of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) more than a decade ago, interest in this hormone has grown dramatically among both nephrologists and endocrinologists. FGF23, initially identified in patients with rare forms of hypophosphatemia, is also increased in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A handful of studies have suggested that increased circulating concentra...

Ginger: is it ready for prime time?

On the basis of substantial preclinical data showing the preventive efficacy of ginger and its constituents in vitro and in animal models, as well as a phase I pilot trial indicating that ginger extract is well tolerated in humans, Citronberg and colleagues conducted a pilot trial of ginger extract (2 g/day for 28 days) on biomarkers of cell proliferation [human telomerase reverse transcriptase...

Robotic assisted adrenalectomy: Is it ready for prime time?

Adrenal surgery is undergoing continuous evolution and minimally invasive surgery is increasingly being used for the surgical management of adrenal masses. With robotic-assisted surgery being a widely accepted surgical treatment for many urological conditions such as prostate carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma, the use of the robot has been expanded to include robotic-assisted adrenalectomy, of...

Refractive surgery in children: is it ready for prime time?

INTRODUCTION Potential indications for excimer laser procedures in children include accommodative esotropia, bilateral high ametropia, and severe anisometropia. Treatment of these conditions has traditionally included spectacle or contact lens use. This treatment, however, is often ineffective in children with severe anisometropia or bilateral ametropia, especially those with neuropsychological...

Total Barrett eradication: is it ready for prime time?

This special issue of Endoscopy is dedicated to the subject of total Barrett eradication, that is the complete removal of Barrett esophagus and asso− ciated neoplasia by endoscopic resection and/or endoscopic ablation techniques. Many leading experts in the field have contributed to this im− portant issue. Drs. Shaheen and Spechler discuss the relevant methodological issues and pitfalls in stud...

Near Infrared Cerebral Oximetry: Is it ready for prime time?