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Abstract  Cirrhosis is associated with global homodynamic changes, but the majority of the complications are usually manifested through the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has become an important tool in the multidisciplinary approach in the management of these patients. With the ever growing number of cirrhotic patients requiring pre-transplant endoscopic management, it is imperative that the community endoscopists are well aware of the pathologies that can be potentially noted on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Their timely management is also considered to have the utmost importance in being able to stabilize the patient until their transfer to a Liver Transplant Center. The aim of this manuscript is to give a comprehensive update and review of various endoscopic findings that a non-transplant endoscopist will encounter in the pre-transplant setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Tumor markers such as carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) are commonly measured in the serum of patients with suspected pancreaticobiliary malignancies. Moderate elevations of CA 19-9 may be seen in benign disease, but levels in the thousands are indicative of malignancy. We report the case of a 64-year-old man with an elevated CA 19-9 of 5791 U/ml and radiological findings suggestive of metastatic gallbladder carcinoma. The patient underwent cholecystectomy and excision of a common bile duct stricture, with hepaticojejunostomy and liver biopsy. The final surgical pathology was consistent with xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) and the elevated CA 19-9 returned to normal postoperatively. Thus, an elevated CA 19-9 level, even in the thousands, should not preclude patients from an operation if a mass is deemed resectable. Thorough investigation and treatment may result in a curative operation even if unresectable malignant disease is initially suspected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Ciliated hepatic foregut cyst is a rare foregut cystic developmental malformation. It presents as a solitary cystic lesion in segment four of the liver. Histologically, it consists of four distinct layers; namely, the inner ciliate columnar epithelium, subepithelial connective tissue, smooth muscle layer, and an outer fibrous layer. Usually asymptomatic and detected incidentally, other modes of presentation can include portal hypertension, obstructive jaundice, and development of malignancy. We present a case of a young asymptomatic woman with a complex cyst in segment four of the liver, who underwent a laparoscopic resection, focusing our discussion on the review of the literature and the diagnostic dilemma encountered in these rare cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]