ABSTRACT
Goblet cell carcinoid tumor is a rare form of carcinoid tumor of the appendix. It behaves more aggressively than classical carcinoid tumor of the appendix. Thus, special attention must be given to its disease course and treatment. Our case presentation is of a 68-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain. Computed tomography of her abdomen and pelvis showed a perforated appendicitis. She underwent an ileocectomy with pathological report showing a goblet cell carcinoid tumor of the appendix with negative lymph nodes. A subsequent colonoscopy done 5 months later showed no synchronous lesions and a healthy anastomosis. Given the limited amount of data available about goblet cell carcinoid tumors of the appendix, it is important to report all findings in an effort to improve our understanding and treatment approaches of this rare disease.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The intragastric balloon (IGB) is an adjunctive treatment for obesity. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IGB treatment by reviewing randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: A total of 20 RCTs involving 1195 patients were identified. Weight loss results before and after 3 months were analyzed separately. The weight loss results of patients with and without IGB treatment were compared. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis calculated the following significant effect sizes: 1.59 and 1.34 kg/m2 for overall and 3-month BMI loss, respectively; 14.25 and 11.16 % for overall and >3-month percentage of excess weight loss, respectively; 4.6 and 4.77 kg for overall and 3-month weight loss, respectively; and 2.81, 1.62, and 4.09 % for overall, 3-month, and >3-month percent of weight loss, respectively. A significant effect size was calculated that favored fluid-filled IGBs over air-filled IGBs. Flatulence (8.75 vs. 3.89 %, p = 0.0006), abdominal fullness (6.32 vs. 0.55 %, p = 0.001), abdominal pain (13.86 vs. 7.2 %, p = 0.0001), abdominal discomfort (4.37 vs. 0.55 %, p = 0.006), and gastric ulcer (12.5 vs. 1.2 %, p < 0.0001) were significantly more prevalent among IGB patients than among non-IGB control patients. No mortality was reported from IGB treatment. CONCLUSION: IGB treatment, in addition to lifestyle modification, is an effective short-term modality for weight loss. However, there is not sufficient evidence confirming its safety or long-term efficacy.
