Browsing by Author "Radunovic, Miodrag (57203560483)"

BACKGROUND: Stenting of malignant hilar strictures remains a standard endoscopic treatment in patients with unresectable tumors. The aim of this two-center prospective study was to compare unilateral versus bilateral drainage in hilar malignant stenosis Bismuth-Corlette type II. METHODS: During a 3-year period, a total of 49 patients with hilar tumors (Bismuth-Corlette type II) were referred for endoscopic treatment, following the criteria of unresectability. Ultrasound, computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) were previously performed in all patients in order to facilitate endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The stricture was first passed by the hydrophilic guide-wire and then contrast medium was injected. Mechanical bile duct dilation was performed, followed by plastic stent placement only in the liver lobe which was previously opacified. The procedures were performed under conscious sedation. The patients were followed up for the next 12 months with a stent exchange every 3 months. Primary outcome was assessed by patient survival in the first 12 months after the procedure. RESULTS: All 49 patients were treated with ERCP while 39 (79.59%) had successful stent placement. Among these, 32 had hilar cholangiocarcinoma (82%) and 7 (18%) had gallbladder cancer. Two groups of patients had Bismuth II strictures: A, 21 patients (54%) with unilateral contrast injection and drainage, and B, 18 (46%) with bilateral contrast injection and drainage. A total of 57 plastic stents were used (10 Fr, 89%; 11.5 Fr, 11%). Group B showed a lower bilirubin level 7 days after the procedure (P=0.008). Early complications were cholangitis (3 patients, 2 in group A and 1 in group B) and acute pancreatitis (2 patients, 1 each in A and B) with no statistical difference between the groups. Late complications were stent migration (5 patients, 1 in A and 4 in B) and stent clogging (6 patients, 2 in A and 4 in B) showing a significant difference between the groups (P<0.01). The first stent replacement after 3 months was successful in 87% of patients (four died due to disease progression and one due to cardiopulmonary insufficiency) showing no statistical difference between the groups. At 6 months follow-up, 72% patients survived, with no statistical difference between the groups. A final follow-up (12 months) showed the survival rate of 18% (4 patients from group A and 3 from group B) (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A minimally invasive approach, based on the criterion that every bile duct being opacified needs to be drained, is associated with a lower incidence of early complications. Considering that the clinical outcome measured by bilirubin level was lower in patients with bilateral drainage 7 days after the procedure, we assumed that drainage of 50% or more of the liver volume leads to sufficient drainage effectiveness. © 2012, Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int.

Objectives Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of two different screening approaches in a small country (Montenegro, 650 000 inhabitants) with a CRC incidence lower than the European average. Methods Two structured invitation programs were compared with respect to compliance and neoplasia yield: (i) program A focused on first-degree relatives of CRC patients diagnosed in two hospitals (n=206), inviting them for colonoscopy; (ii) program B was an invitation program for fecal occult blood testing, followed by colonoscopy if positive, conducted in University Hospital, Podgorica, Montenegro, on 2760 randomly selected average-risk persons, age 50-74 years, living in a single municipality. Results Of 710 first-degree relatives of 206 CRC patients approached, 540 presented for colonoscopy (76.05% uptake). Overall, 31 were diagnosed with a cancer, 58 with advanced adenoma, and 151 with adenoma in general. In the general screening program, of 2760 individuals invited, 920 underwent fecal immunochemical test (33.3% uptake) and colonoscopy was performed in all 95 positive cases (10.3%); six cancers was found in five patients (one patient had two cancers), 19 patients were diagnosed with advanced adenoma, and 26 with any adenomas. The risk-targeted screening program had a significantly higher yield for cancers in both per invited (31/710 vs. 5/2760, P<0.001) and per eligible person analysis (31/540 vs. 5/920, P<0.001). Conclusion In a low-incidence country with limited resources, it may be advisable to start with CRC screening targeted to risk groups. Copyright © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

The pilot study presented was conducted to determine as to whether ergot alkaloids (alpha-adrenergic blockers) have a potential effect on penile erectile function. The influence of dihydroergotoxine, bromocriptine, and ergotamine was studied on the erection ability in intact, two-grade outbred male Wistar albino rats that were out of their estrous phase. The experimental animals were injected intrapenially with the substances under examination: dihydroergotoxine mesylate (0.1 mg/0.1 mL, 0.3 mg/0.1 mL, and 1 mg/0.1 mL), bromocriptine mesylate (0.3 mg/0.1 mL, 1 mg/0.1 mL, and 3 mg/ 0.1 mL), and ergotamine tartrate (0.1 mg/0.1 mL, 0.3 mg/0.1 mL, and 1 mg/0.1 mL). Every dose was tested on a pattern of 30 rats. These mentioned substances were injected in the amount of 1mmto the left of the proximal part of the superficial dorsal vein of the penis, in the region of the penis root. After injection, the animals were then observed within the next 90minutes. In the trial, the following was observed: the number of rats with an erection achieved, the period of time from intrapenial application to the appearance of the first erection, and the duration of the erection. Ultimately, the research results confirm the efficiency of dihydroergotoxine and bromocriptine as erectogenic agents, as well as ergotamine as a detumescent compared with saline solutions. © American Society of Andrology.

The pilot study presented was conducted to determine as to whether ergot alkaloids (alpha-adrenergic blockers) have a potential effect on penile erectile function. The influence of dihydroergotoxine, bromocriptine, and ergotamine was studied on the erection ability in intact, two-grade outbred male Wistar albino rats that were out of their estrous phase. The experimental animals were injected intrapenially with the substances under examination: dihydroergotoxine mesylate (0.1 mg/0.1 mL, 0.3 mg/0.1 mL, and 1 mg/0.1 mL), bromocriptine mesylate (0.3 mg/0.1 mL, 1 mg/0.1 mL, and 3 mg/ 0.1 mL), and ergotamine tartrate (0.1 mg/0.1 mL, 0.3 mg/0.1 mL, and 1 mg/0.1 mL). Every dose was tested on a pattern of 30 rats. These mentioned substances were injected in the amount of 1mmto the left of the proximal part of the superficial dorsal vein of the penis, in the region of the penis root. After injection, the animals were then observed within the next 90minutes. In the trial, the following was observed: the number of rats with an erection achieved, the period of time from intrapenial application to the appearance of the first erection, and the duration of the erection. Ultimately, the research results confirm the efficiency of dihydroergotoxine and bromocriptine as erectogenic agents, as well as ergotamine as a detumescent compared with saline solutions. © American Society of Andrology.