Annals of surgery
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Surgery for pediatric idiopathic constipation (IC) is undertaken after failure of bowel management programs. Decisions are influenced by rectal biopsy, transit studies, megacolon/megarectum, degree of soiling/incontinence, and anorectal manometry profile(s). A systematic review of ALL published studies critically evaluates outcomes of surgery for IC. ⋯ Surgical management and outcome(s) for pediatric IC are based on low-quality evidence. No single operation was considered "best practice." This study crucially highlights that surgeons must develop better care strategies.
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The epidemiologic shift in esophageal cancer from squamous cell carcinoma to esophageal adenocarcinoma coincided with popularization of proton pump inhibitors and has focused attention on gastroesophageal reflux disease as a causative factor in this shift. The aim of this study is to review the literature on the rat reflux model in an effort to elucidate this phenomenon. ⋯ As in the rat so also in humans, reflux of an admixture of gastric acid and duodenal juice in a high-pH environment induces the development of Barrett's esophagus followed by esophageal adenocarcinoma. This has led to the hypothesis that to prevent Barrett's esophagus and subsequent esophageal adenocarcinoma in humans, the reflux of an admixture of acid and bile must be controlled before the development of Barrett's esophagus by methods other than acid-suppression therapy.