The odds of nondiagnostic biopsy increase for lesions closer to the diaphragm; however, the odds of pneumothorax are not significantly different.

No abstract

used was 8mm (Fluency stent, Bard), 12 patients underwent an additional bare metal stent implantation, simultaneously. The angiographic images during initial TIPS creation were reviewed independently by two observers who were blinded to outcome. Length of covered-stent in hepatic vein,in portal vein,and length of stent in hepatic vein,in portal vein were measured. Cox proportional regression analysis was performed to assess the effect of these technical parameters on primary patency, survival, and HE. Results: The procedure was successful in all patients. The mean portosystemic pressure decreased from 39.18mmHg to 24.75mmHg (Po0.001). Mortality rates at 2 weeks after TIPS creation were 6.9% (4/57). At a mean follow-up of 64 months, Primary patency rates at 1-5 years were 84%,75%,66%,63%, 54%, respectively.Survival rates at 1-5 years after TIPS creation were 79%,73%,73%,70%,70%, respectively. Postprocedural encephalopathy occurred in 12 patients (22%). There was a significant association between the length of covered-stent in hepatic vein and primary patency (OR¼0.424; P¼0.008).There was a significant association between the length of stent in portal vien and survival (OR¼1.50; P¼0.021). No significant correlation was found between these technical parameters and HE. Conclusions: Increase the length of covered-stent in hepatic vein and decrease the length of stent in portal vein could improve primary patency and survival, respectively.

HNC patients are at increased risk for infection of dual-lumen chest ports placed via a jugular approach compared to patients with other malignancies. Tracheostomy is associated with infection in HNC patients but is not an independent risk factor for infection in the oncologic population as a whole.