The results of this prospective randomized pilot study indicate that EST is superior to EBD in terms of stone removal, duration of the procedure, and complication rates. EST will therefore continue to be the standard procedure for stone removal in the near future. Further studies will be needed in order to compare the longer-term results with EST and EBD.

According to our experience to date and based on this study, this new HF surgery unit enables performance of controlled, bloodless sphincterotomies. The danger of papillary hemorrhage appears to be reduced. All examiners found the new system to be safer and more convenient.

Background and aims-To compare extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and laser induced shock wave lithotripsy (LISL) of retained bile duct stones to stone free rate, number of therapeutic sessions, and costs. Patients-Thirty four patients were randomly assigned to either ESWL or LISL therapy. The main reasons for failure of standard endoscopy were due to stone impaction (n=12), biliary stricture (n=8), or large stone diameter (n=14 (Gut 1997; 40: 678-682)

The current concept in management of esophageal perforations comprises surgical as well as medical treatment. In well-selected cases, non-operative treatment can be considered with favorable results.

Potential synergistic interaction between gemcitabine (GEM) and epirubicin (EPI) in pancreatic cancer have been described previously. The maximum-tolerated dose in this trial was GEM 1000 mg m À2 and EPI 45 mg m À2 . Median time to progression was 5.1 months and median survival time 7.4 months. This combination appears well tolerated and shows promising clinical activity.