Browsing by Author "Pimentel, F"

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    Increased activity in the biliary Con A-binding fraction accounts for the difference in crystallization behavior in bile from Chilean gallstone patients compared with Dutch gallstone patients
    (W B SAUNDERS CO, 2001) Miquel, JF; van der Putten, J; Pimentel, F; Mok, KS; Groen, AK
    Chile has one of the highest prevalences of cholesterol gallstone disease in the world. Recent data indicate that this is partly caused by genetic (Indian) factors. However, the causal factors inducing increased gallstone formation have not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to compare biliary composition and cholesterol crystallization in bile from patients of high and moderate risk areas (Chile and The Netherlands) for gallstone disease. Bile was sampled at cholecystectomy from 30 Chilean and 26 Dutch gallstone patients. The Con A-binding fraction (CABF) was extracted from fresh native bile samples by incubation with Con A-sepharose. Reconstitution of the CABF to the Con A-extracted native bile induced almost full recovery of crystallization confirming the validity of this technique. There was no difference between the two groups regarding sex and age. Chilean bile nucleated significantly faster (3.5 +/- 0.6 vs. 7.9 +/- 1.5 days) despite the fact that Dutch bile had a significantly higher cholesterol saturation index (CSI) (1.6 vs. 1.2, P = .01). The total lipid content was not different. Chilean bile contained more total protein (5 vs. 2.9 mg/mL, P = .008), IgG, IgM, Haptoglobin and alpha -1-acid glycoprotein were not different between the two groups. IgA, though, was significantly higher in the Chilean samples (0.44 vs. 0.19 mg/mL, P <.001). Extraction of CABF increased crystal observation time (COT) and decreased crystal growth in both groups. However, the effects were much more pronounced in the Chilean samples. Compared with Dutch bile, Chilean bile crystallizes much faster despite a lower CSI. Chilean bile contains an increased content of Con A-binding nucleation promoting activity.
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    Malignant obstructive jaundice - Evaluation and management
    (1996) Rossi, RL; Traverso, LW; Pimentel, F
    A large number of laboratory tests, radiologic studies, and endoscopic techniques are available for the evaluation of the jaundiced patient. Similarly, the therapeutic options have increased with the development and improvement of endoscopic, percutaneous, and laparoscopic procedures, and the morbidity and mortality rates associated with open surgery have decreased. The challenge is to select, on an individual basis, the most efficient and cost-effective evaluation as well as the management with the lowest morbidity and mortality rates and the best short- and long-term goals.
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    Results of surgical treatment of gastric cancer
    (1999) Llanos, O; Guzman, S; Pimentel, F; Ibañez, L; Duarte, I
    Background/Aim: The extent of gastric resection and the role of lymphadenectomy in the treatment of gastric cancer are controversial. Methods: This study evaluates the results of radical gastric resection (D2 lymphadenectomy) in 375 patients with a gastric carcinoma operated according to a prospective protocol, Results: Total gastrectomy was performed in 196 and a subtotal gastrectomy in 179 patients, with an operative mortality of 3.5 and 2.8%. The presence of lymph node metastasis was related to the depth of the tumor in the gastric wall. The cumulative 5-year survival was dependent on the depth of tumoral invasion in the gastric wall and also on the presence of lymphatic metastasis. Curative resection had a significantly better 5-year survival (72%) than noncurative resection (26%). Conclusion: Although it is difficult to prove the benefits of extended lymphadenectomy in the surgical treatment of gastric carcinoma, the results of these series seem to support its usefulness. Copyright (C) 1999 S. Karger AG, Basel.