Sixty-three carcinomas of the lower third of the rectum operated of anterior resection with low colorectal or coloanal anastomosis are presented. Handsewn anastomoses were performed in 33 patients, while staplers were used in 30 cases. The average distance of the tumor from the anal verge is 10.8 cm. in hand sutured anastomoses and 7.8 cm. in stapled ones. Dehiscences, stenosis and temporary incontinence are observed more frequently after stapled anastomosis, while the incidence of neoplastic recurrences is higher in sutured anastomosis; hospital stay and mortality are similar in the two series. Our results and literature review show that both techniques are comparable though maintaining their own specific identity and precise indication.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Surgery in Crohn's disease: when, where and why the recurrences?

One frustrating feature in the surgical management of Crohn's disease is the high recurrence rate which may lead to reoperation. It is common opinion that relapses occur haphazardly both in time and in site, and the causes remain unknown. When does a recurrence really arise after surgery? Is the site of recurrence determined by definite causes? Is there a relapsing factor? Between 1965 and 1995, 177 patients underwent surgery for Crohn's disease. The procedures performed in 145 cases were those popular at the time, while a recent series of 20 selected patients was managed following a new approach based on epiploonplasty. This strategy stems from the strong conviction that Crohn's disease is not a primary bowel disease but the result of stasis and superimposed infection due to a primary hemolymphatic disorder of the mesentery. The five-year recurrence rate was 62% in patients operated on according to standard procedures, while no recurrences were reported in the epiploonplasty group. Among 12 remaining patients with recurrent disease, two cases are reported in detail because they provide evidence in favor of the hemolymphatic theory. This study also maintains that recurrences, viewed with the hemolymphatic disorder in mind, occur immediately after surgery, while the superimposed intestinal inflammatory process and stricturing events may appear clinically at different time intervals during follow-up. The site of recurrences usually corresponds to the mesenteric region subjected to compression. Altered mesenteric microcirculation appears to be the true essence of the disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Hepatic growths mimicking adrenal tumors.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The upper district of the perirenal space is widely open and compliant, especially on the right side. Hepatic growths can, therefore, easily invade the adrenal gland area, mimicking adrenal tumors and vice-versa for adrenal and renal tumors. Data on the nature and exact origin of a mass in this region are important for appropriate preoperative management, surgical approach and prognosis but, sometimes, even modern imaging fails in this design. METHODOLOGY: The records and imaging documentation of 42 patients with a mass exceeding 6 cm in the hepatorenal space, have been retrospectively reviewed and compared with surgical and histological findings. RESULTS: Among the 14 patients with "non-functioning adrenal tumors," the preoperative diagnosis had been accurate in all but 2 cases where the suspected adrenal lesion turned out, intraoperatively, to be liver growths. These 2 cases are discussed in detail. CONCLUSIONS: The distinction between an intrahepatic and extrahepatic mass challenges modern imaging techniques, and even invasive procedures sometimes fail. A deceptive diagnosis may lead to inappropriate preoperative management and surgical procedures.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗