Placement of self-expanding metal stents is an effective and safe definitive procedure in the palliation of malignant colorectal obstruction. In operable patients, it provides a useful option to avoid colostomy, by facilitating safer single-stage surgery.

NASH patients have a higher prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth which is associated with enhanced expression of TLR-4 and release of IL-8. SIBO may have an important role in NASH through interactions with TLR-4 and induction of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-8.

Summary Gastric antral vascular ectasia, or ‘watermelon stomach’, is a rare but important cause of gastrointestinal blood loss and anaemia, which has characteristic endoscopic and histological features. The pathogenesis of this condition remains unclear; however, many associated disorders have been documented. Various medical, surgical and endoscopic therapeutic modalities have been attempted with variable success. Leading contenders for the therapeutic modality of choice include hormonal therapy, endoscopic Nd:YAG laser and argon plasma coagulation. Randomized controlled trials to identify the ideal treatment method are lacking at present.

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