AIM To present a series of covered self-expandable metal stents (CSEMS) placed for different indications and to evaluate the effectiveness, complications and extractability of these devices. METHODS We therefore retrospectively reviewed the courses of patients who received CSEMS due to malignant as well as benign biliary strictures and post-sphincterotomy bleeding in our endoscopic unit betwe...

From 1983 until 1987, 4177 outpatient urologic procedures were performed at Shahid Labbafi Nejad Medical Center. 34% of the cases were open surgical, while 66% were endourologic procedures. There was no surgical complication related to the outpatient aspect of the procedure. Rate of infection in open surgical cases was almost zero. The number of procedures was increased each succeeding yea...

Objective: To explore the incidence and severity of pancreatitis and to assess the outcome of all measures taken to treat gallstones in following recovery from pancreatitis in patients 70 years of age or older in a community-based setting. Methods: All patients with pancreatitis as diagnosis in Uppsala, Sweden, 2003–2005, were identifi ed retrospectively. Data relevant for assessing etiology an...

BACKGROUND/AIMS Endoscopic sphincterotomy may be limited in Billroth II gastrectomy because of difficulty in orientating the duodenoscope and sphincterotome as a result of altered anatomy. This study was planned to investigate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic transpapillary large balloon dilation (EPBD) without preceding sphincterotomy for removal of large CBD stones in Billroth II gastrec...

A chronic anal fissure is a common perianal condition. This review aims to evaluate both existing and new therapies in the treatment of chronic fissures. Pharmacological therapies such as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), Diltiazem ointment and Botulinum toxin provide a relatively non-invasive option, but with higher recurrence rates. Lateral sphincterotomy remains the gold standard for treatment. Ana...

The majority of common bile duct stones can be effectively treated by endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone extraction using basket or balloon extractor. Stones more than 2 cm in diameter on the other hand require mechanical, electrohyraulic lithotripsy and sphincterotomy and balloon dilation. Mechanical lithotripsy may not be successful because of the size, consistency and site of the stones. In...

A 65-year-old female presenting with hepatobiliary cystadenoma (HC) comprised of multiple cysts in the liver and a non-specific epigastric pain is reported herein.  Ultrasound study demonstrated dilated common bile duct (CBD) and intrahepatic bile ducts, plus two spherical stone-like bodies filling defects in the proximal CBD. Sphincterotomy and basket performed for the patient were not success...