Colonic function in rural and urban populations of Turkey

Two Turkish populations, one with an urban background and the other rural, were compared in regard to their colonic function. Rural subjects consume a diet with higher fiber than urban people in Turkey. The rural group had a greater daily fecal output, faster intestinal transit, and lower intraluminal pressure, with a greater output of calcium in the feces than those living in an urban area in Turkey. The effects are similar to those described when fiber is added to the diet. Urban dwellers in Turkey who lack these effects are said to have a rising incidence of fiber-related diseases of the colon, such as diverticular disease.

A comparison of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in postcholecystectomy jaundice

The Chiba percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (CPTC) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are new techniques useful for accurately diagnosing cholestasis. Both, however, present certain advantages and disadvantages in different clinical settings. In our prospective study we compared and evaluated the two techniques in 21 patients with postcholecystectomy jaundice, analyzing success rate, complications, time spent, and costs. We found CPTC was preferable to ERCP for visualizing the bile ducts and for relative safety. Moreover, CPTC is not only more rapid, but also requires less expertise and costs less.

Effect of aspirin use on survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the seventh most prevalent cancer globally and is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aspirin use on the survival rates of individuals diagnosed with HCC.

METHODS

The patients were divided into two groups: those who used aspirin and those who did not. Aspirin use was defined as individuals who had used aspirin either before or after the diagnosis of HCC. Aspirin usage was determined based on prescription records. The criteria for aspirin use were defined as a minimum of 3 months and a minimum daily dose of 100 mg. Survival time; The time elapsed after the diagnosis of HCC was calculated as 'months'.

RESULT

Of the 300 cohorts studied in our study, 104 (34.6%) were using aspirin, while 196 (65.4%) were not. It was observed that bleeding occurred only in the patient group taking aspirin ( P  = 0.002). When evaluated in terms of survival time, it was observed that it was significantly higher in the patient group using aspirin ( P  = 0.001). Aspirin use was identified as factors that significantly impact survival ( P  < 0.05). Aspirin use was identified as independent risk factors that significantly impact of survival ( P  < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The aspirin group had a similar metabolic and liver reserve as the other group and had a longer survival despite being older and more comorbid diseases.