Patient-related factors are as important as procedure-related factors in determining risk for post-ERCP pancreatitis. These data emphasize the importance of careful patient selection as well as choice of technique in the avoidance of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

This study emphasizes the role of patient factors (age, SOD, prior history of post-ERCP pancreatitis) and technical factors (number of PD injections, minor papilla sphincterotomy, and operator experience) as the determining high-risk predictors for post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Plasma polymerization of maleic anhydride has been studied using continuous-wave and pulsed glow discharges. The deposited plasma polymer layers have been characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission infrared spectroscopy. Anhydride functionality incorporation into the growing films is found to be greatest during pulsed plasma polymerization with low duty cycles.

No abstract

Metallic stent performance was superior to plastic for hilar tumor palliation with respect to short-term outcomes, independent of disease severity, Bismuth class, or drainage quality.