PubMed HealthSearch

Biomedical subjects

P Reissman

Publications and source records attributed to P Reissman.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery: analysis of 140 cases.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to prospectively assess the results of our first 140 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted colorectal operations. METHODS: The parameters studied included the type and length of procedure, intra- and postoperative complications, conversion to open surgery, and length of ileus and hospitalization. RESULTS: 140 laparoscopic and laparoscopic-assisted procedures were performed between May 1991 and January 1995. The mean patient age was 48 (range 12-88) years; there were 78 males and 62 females. Indications for surgery included inflammatory bowel disease in 47, colorectal carcinoma in 19, diverticular disease in 17, polyps in 16, familial polyposis in 7, colonic inertia in 7, fecal incontinence in 11, sigmoidocele in 3, irradiation proctitis in 3, rectal prolapse in 2, intestinal lymphoma in 2, and miscellaneous conditions in 6. The procedures included 38 total abdominal colectomies (TAC) (ileoanal reservoir 28, ileorectal anastomosis 8 and end ileostomy 2); 70 segmental resections of the colon, small bowel, and rectum; 18 diverting stoma creations; 10 reversal of Hartmann's procedures; and 4 other procedures. In 15 cases, the laparoscopic procedure was converted to a laparotomy (11%); 31 patients (22%) sustained 37 complications, which included: enterotomies(7), hemorrhage(10), intraabdominal abscess(4), prolonged ileus(6), wound infection(4), intestinal obstruction(2), anastomotic leak(1), aspiration(1), cardiac arrhythmia(1), and upper intestinal bleeding(1); there was no mortality. The overall complication rate in TAC cases was significantly higher (42%) when compared to that of all other procedures (segmental resection 17%, others 9%), P < 0.05. The mean length of operating time was 4 (range 2.5-6.5) h for TAC, 2.6 (range 1.5-5.5) h for segmental colonic resections, and 1.7 (range 0.7-4) for all other procedures. The length of ileus was 3.5 (range 2-7) days after TAC, 3 (range 2-7) after the segmental resections and 2 (range 1-4) after the other procedures. The mean length of hospital stay was 6.8 (2-40) days (8.4, 6.5, and 6.3 days for the TAC, segmental resections, and other procedures, respectively). CONCLUSION: The feasibility of laparoscopic colorectal surgery has been well established. TAC is associated with a higher complication rate compared to other laparoscopic colorectal procedures.

Adolescent

A constipation scoring system to simplify evaluation and management of constipated patients.

PURPOSE: Constipation is a common complaint; however, clinical presentation varies with each individual. The aim of this study was to assess a standard scoring system for evaluation of constipated patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients with idiopathic constipation who were referred for anorectal physiologic testing were assessed. A subjective constipation score was calculated based on a detailed questionnaire that included over 100 constipation-related symptoms. Based on the questionnaire, scores ranged from 0 to 30, with 0 indicating normal and 30 indicating severe constipation. The constipation score was then compared with the objective findings of the physiology tests, which include colonic transit time (CTT), anal manometry (AM), cinedefecography (CD), and electromyography (EMG). Colonic inertia was defined as diffuse marker delay on CTT without evidence of paradoxical contraction on AM, CD, or EMG. Pelvic outlet obstruction was defined as paradoxical puborectalis contraction, rectal prolapse or rectoanal intussusception, rectocele, or sigmoidocele. RESULTS: A total of 232 patients (185 females and 47 males) of a mean age of 64.9 (range, 14-92) years were evaluated. All patients had a score of more than 15; on evaluation of the significance of different symptoms in the constipation score with the Pearson's linear correlation test, 8 of 18 factors were identified as significant (P < 0.05). These factors included frequency of bowel movements, painful evacuation, incomplete evacuation, abdominal pain, length of time per attempt, assistance for evacuation, unsuccessful attempts for evacuation per 24 hours, and duration of constipation. All 232 patients had objective obstruction attributable to one or more of the following causes: paradoxical puborectalis contraction (81), significant rectocele or sigmoidocele (48), rectoanal intussusception (64), and rectal prolapse (9). CONCLUSION: The proposed constipation scoring system correlated well with objective physiologic findings in constipated patients to allow uniformity in assessment of the severity of constipation.

Adolescent

Laparoscopic surgery in Crohn's disease. Indications and results.

BACKGROUND: An effort was made to assess the feasibility, safety, and outcome of laparoscopic procedures performed in patients with Crohn's disease. METHODS: A prospectively maintained laparoscopic database was analyzed regarding operation time, intra- and postoperative complications, conversion to laparotomy, and length of hospitalization.Fifty-one patients (23 males and 28 females) with a mean age of 36 (20-79) years underwent a laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted procedure for Crohn's disease. The indications included terminal ileitis in 31 patients, colitis in 11, perianal disease in four, duodenal Crohn's disease in three, and rectovaginal and rectourethral fistula in one patient each. Thirty-two patients underwent an ileocolic resection; total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis was performed in six patients with end ileostomy in one, take down of end ileostomy and ileorectal anastomosis in three, duodenal bypass gastrojejunostomy in three, and loop ileostomy in six patients. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 2.4 (0.6-4.5) h and the mean length of hospital stay was 5.1 (3-18) days. Eight complications were noted in seven patients (14%), which included enterotomy in two patients, bleeding in two, stoma obstruction in two, pelvic sepsis in one, and efferent limb obstruction in one. The procedure was converted to laparotomy in seven patients (14%) due to a large inflammatory mass in five and to bleeding in two patients; there was no mortality. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery is a feasible, versatile, and safe modality in the surgical management of Crohn's disease. Despite the often-malnourished state of these steroid-dependent patients with intraabdominal inflammatory conditions, morbidity, procedural length, and length-of-hospitalization data are all similar to results previously reported for less-challenging laparoscopic colorectal procedures.

Adult

Laparoscopic surgery in the management of inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: The role of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of various upper and lower gastrointestinal disorders is still under investigation. However, a variety of laparoscopic procedures may be applied in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We present our initial results of laparoscopic and laparoscopic-assisted management of IBD in 72 consecutive patients (37 women and 35 men; mean age 36 years, range 20 to 79). The indications for surgery included: terminal ileitis in 29 patients, mucosal ulcerative colitis in 23 patients, Crohn's colitis in 11 patients, severe perianal Crohn's disease in 4 patients, duodenal Crohn's disease in 3 patients, Crohn's rectovaginal fistula in 1 patient, and rectourethral fistula in 1 patient. The procedures performed included: total abdominal colectomy (TAC) in 30 patients (22 with total proctocolectomy with ileoanal reservoir, 6 with TAC with ileorectal anastomosis, and 2 with TAC with end ileostomy), ileocolic resection in 30 patients, diverting loop ileostomy in 6 patients, closure of an end ileostomy as an ileorectal anastomosis in 3 patients who already underwent a TAC with end ileostomy, and duodenal bypass gastrojejunostomy in 3 patients. RESULTS: There were 16 complications in 13 (18%) patients: 3 enterotomies, 4 episodes of bleeding, 3 pelvic abscesses, 2 intestinal obstructions, 2 prolonged ileus, 1 anastomotic leak, and 1 efferent loop obstruction after gastrojejunostomy. However, only 3 patients required laparotomy for morbidity, and there was no mortality. In 7 (10%) patients, the laparoscopic procedure was converted to a laparotomy due to a large inflammatory mass with fistula in 4 patients, bleeding in 2 patients, and an enterotomy in 1 patient. The mean operating time was 2.9 hours (range 0.7 to 6) and the mean length of hospital stay was 6.5 days (range 3 to 19). When compared with ileocolic resection, total colectomy was associated with higher morbidity (30% versus 10%, P < 0.05) and longer hospitalization (8.7 days [range 4 to 19] versus 5.2 days [range 3 to 7], respectively; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: According to this initial experience, laparoscopic surgery is a versatile and effective modality in the surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease in selected patients. However, laparoscopic total colectomy is associated with higher morbidity when compared with ileocolic resection.

Adult

Functional outcome of the double stapled ileoanal reservoir in patients more than 60 years of age.

Total proctocolectomy with creation of an ileoanal reservoir (IAR) is currently the preferred surgical treatment of mucosal ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. However, the creation of an IAR on older patients is controversial and commonly avoided because of anticipated poor functional results and increased morbidity. We prospectively studied 140 consecutive patients who underwent a double stapled IAR (DSIAR) between 1988 and 1993. We compared the outcome of 14 patients (Group I) 60 years of age or older (mean 65, range 60-71 years; 10 males and 14 females), to 126 patients (Group II) under the age of 60 (mean 37, range 12-59 years; 80 males and 14 females). Mucosal ulcerative colitis and indeterminate colitis were noted, respectively, in 12 (93%) and 1 (7%) patients in Group I and in 94 (75%) and 5 (4%) patients in Group II. In Group II, 21 (16%) patients had familial adenomatous polyposis, and 6 (5%) had a postoperative diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Subjective functional results and anal manometry were assessed in all 14 patients in Group I (100%) and in 110 of the 117 patients in Group II (94%) whose stomas were closed at a mean followup of 24 (3-60) months. Manometry was per- formed before, and 2 and 12 months after surgery. Patients in Groups I and II reported a mean of 6.2 and 5.2 bowel movements during the day (P=NS), and 2 and 1.1 at night, respectively (P<0.05). A total of 12 (86%) patients in Group I and 104 (95%) in Group II reported perfect or almost perfect continence at night (P=NS), and 12 (93%) patients in Group I and 104 (95%) in Group II reported perfect or almost perfect continence during the day (P=NS). The preoperative mean and maximal resting pressures were similar in both groups (71.7 mmHg and 94 mmHG in Group I and 71.6 and 88 mmHg in Group II respectively; P=NS). Postoperative resting pressure changes were also similar in both groups P=NS), with a similar significant decline 2 months after surgery, which recovered by 12 months after surgery in both groups. There were no significant changes between the pre- and postoperative mean and maximal squeeze pressures in either group. The overall morbidity and mortality rates in Groups I and II were 21 and 0 per cent, and 21 and 0.8 per cent, respectively (P=NS). DSIAR in patients 60 years of age or older is as safe and is associated with as good functional and physiologic results as it is in younger patients. Thus, this procedure may be offered to older patients with expectation of good outcome.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli

Is complete laparoscopic colectomy superior to laparoscopic assisted colectomy?

Much debate has centered around what constitutes a true laparoscopic colon resection. Purists argue that intracorporeal division of the mesentery and anastomosis confer a benefit over a "laparoscopic assisted" procedure. The aim of this study was to further examine this issue. Data were prospectively collected on 102 consecutive laparoscopic colon resections. Five procedures were converted to open cases and were excluded from analysis. Procedures were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 34) consisted of complete laparoscopic procedures (no abdominal incision was made): abdominoperineal resection (3), Hartmann's reversal (3), end colostomy (7), low anterior resection (5), proctectomy (1), sigmoid colectomy (15). Group 2 (n = 63) consisted of laparoscopic "assisted" procedures (i.e., an incision was made to facilitate anastomosis, division of the mesentery, and/or specimen retrieval): Ileocolic resection (6), restorative proctocolectomy (26), right colectomy (19), subtotal colectomy/end ileostomy (5), subtotal colectomy/ileorectal anastomosis (7). Length of hospitalization and duration of postoperative ileus were compared. A subset analysis of right colectomy (intracorporeal mobilization and extracorporeal division of the mesentery and anastomosis) versus sigmoid colectomy (intracorporeal mobilization, division of the mesentery and anastomosis) was also performed. There were no statistically significant differences in length of hospital stay (Group 1, 7.47 +/- 2.75 days; Group 2, 7.78 +/- 5.55 days) or duration of postoperative ileus (Group 1, 3.24 +/- 1.56 days; Group 2, 3.68 +/- 1.58 days). Similarly, in the sigmoid colectomy versus right colectomy subset analysis, there were no statistically significant differences in length of hospital stay (sigmoid colectomy, 7.92 +/- 2.90 days; right colectomy, 6.40 +/- 1.50 days) or duration of postoperative ileus (sigmoid colectomy, 3.36 +/- 1.39 days; right colectomy, 3.18 +/- 1.07 days). Our data demonstrate that intracorporeal division of the mesentery and anastomosis confer no advantage over the laparoscopic assisted procedures. Data were prospectively collected on 102 consecutive laparoscopic colon resections. There were no statistically significant differences in length of hospital stay or duration of postoperative ileus regardless of whether intracorporeal or extracorporeal mesenteric division and anastomosis were undertaken. These data demonstrate that a completely laparoscopic procedure does not appear to offer any advantage as compared to a laparoscopic assisted one.

Abdomen

Adhesion formation after laparoscopic anterior resection in a porcine model: a pilot study.

Although decreased adhesion formation is one of the accepted advantages of laparoscopic colorectal surgery, no prospective studies have been done to support this claim. Therefore, we prospectively assessed adhesion formation following laparoscopic anterior resection of the rectum in a porcine model. Five domestic female pigs underwent the procedure with a double-stapled intracorporeal anastomosis. After completion of the laparoscopic procedure, 50 cm of ileum was retrieved through the right lower port site. Controlled serosal abrasion of the antimesenteric surface was performed using a fresh knife. The abraded loop was returned into the peritoneal cavity and the fascia closed at all port sites. All animals underwent a midline laparotomy 3 weeks later to assess adhesions using a 0-3 score according to the density vascularity, and extent of adhesions. All animals survived the study period. The mean level of the anastomosis was 8 cm (range, 7-10) above the anal verge; all anastomoses were intact and completely healed. None of the animals had adhesions to the port sites. The anastomotic site was completely free of adhesions in four animals, and only one animal (20%) had grade 1 adhesions between the urine horns and the anastomosis. Conversely, all animals had adhesions of the abraded loop involving 60 cm (range, 40-75) of bowel and 7 cm (range, 4-9) of the abdominal wall (remote to the port sites); no other adhesions were noted. In this pilot study, serosal abrasion of the small bowel resulted in severe adhesion formation in the porcine model. However, laparoscopic anterior resection of the rectum in the same animals was associated with only minimal insignificant adhesions. Furthermore, unlike in laparotomy incisions, adhesions to port sites did not occur.

Abdomen

Outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in older patients.

The object of this study was to assess the outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in patients >60 years of age and compare it to a younger group of patients who underwent similar procedures. All consecutive patients who underwent a laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted procedure were evaluated. The parameters analyzed included gender, indication for surgery, procedure, complications, conversions, length of ileus, length of hospitalization, and comorbidity. The results of patients 60 years of age or older were compared to a procedure-matched group of younger patients. Between August 1991 and August 1995, 165 patients underwent a laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted colorectal procedure. Thirty-six patients were 60 years of age or older [mean age, 73 (60-88) years; 17 males and 19 females] and were compared with 36 younger patients [mean age, 44 (20-58) years; 13 males and 23 females]. The indications for surgery included Crohn's disease in 14 patients, polyps in 23, diverticular disease in 15, carcinoma in 11, fecal incontinence in 4, rectal prolapse in 2, radiation proctitis in 2, and sigmoidocele in 1. Identical procedures were performed in each group including right colectomy or ileocolic resection in 17 patients, sigmoidectomy in 14, loop ileostomy in 3, loop colostomy in 1, and abdominoperineal resection in 1 patient. Fourteen patients (38%) in the elderly group had comorbid conditions including ischemic heart disease (3), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (3), hypertension (2), chronic renal failure (2), atherosclerotic vascular disease (2), congestive heart failure (1), and diabetes (1). All patients were cleared for surgery by their respective specialists. There were no statistically significant differences between the younger and older groups relative to the incidence of complications (11 vs 14%, respectively) and conversion (8 vs 11%, respectively) or the length of ileus (2.8 vs 4.2 days, respectively) or hospitalization (5.2 vs 6.5 days, respectively) (P = NS for all). There was no mortality in either group. The outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in older patients is similar to that noted in younger patients. Advanced age should not be a contraindication to laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Adult

[Kidney transplantation from living, related donors].

Kidney transplantation is the best treatment for selected end-stage renal patients. The shortage of cadaveric organs for transplantation has led to the development of a protocol for kidney transplantation from living, related donors. In the past 20 years, 58 living, related kidney transplantations were done in our department. Mean patient age was 30 +/- 10 (SD) years and mean donor age was 36 +/- 10. There were 34 transplantations between brothers or sisters, 15 from parent to child, 4 between cousins, 4 between spouses and 1 from son to father. Mean follow-up time was 4 years. 1 and 5 years after transplantation, patient survival rates were 85% and 80%, respectively, graft survival rates were 85% and 75%. The introduction of cyclosporin-A as an immunosuppressive agent in 1985 led to improvement in graft survival rates: from 77% and 51% after 1 and 5 years, respectively, to 88% and 84%. No correlation between HLA match or patient's age and graft survival rates was found. We conclude that living, related donor transplantation is effective for suitable cases of end-stage renal disease. It should be recommended to patients who have a healthy, interested family member.

Adult

Colectomy as treatment for constipation in selected patients.

The aim of this study was to conduct a prospective assessment of the results of total abdominal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis (TAC) in patients with colonic inertia. Overall, 416 patients were evaluated for chronic constipation. Of the patients 54 (13 per cent) had colonic inertia, defined as diffuse marker delay during transit study without paradoxical puborectalis contraction on cinedefaecography or electromyography. All 54 patients (42 women and 12 men), with a mean age of 49 (range 17-78) years, underwent TAC. Preoperative bowel frequency was a mean of one every 8 days, requiring large doses of laxatives, enemas or both. There was no major postoperative morbidity; five patients were readmitted due to bowel obstruction, three for successful conservative management while the other two required enterolysis. After a mean follow-up of 27 (range 2-51) months these 54 patients reported a mean frequency of spontaneous bowel movements of 3.7 (range 1-10) per day. 'Excellent' or 'good' outcome was reported by 51 patients (94 per cent). TAC can be performed with acceptable morbidity and 94 per cent of patients will have satisfactory improvement in bowel habit.

Adolescent

Laparoscopic surgery for intestinal obstruction.

The indications for laparoscopic surgery have steadily diversified over the last several years. At the present time, the level of comfort with laparoscopic procedures has allowed surgeons to perform procedures which several years ago never would have been attempted. One of the indications for surgery which has only recently been appreciated is bowel obstruction. Specifically, in the last several years a number of authors have described successful application of the laparoscope to treat patients with either acute or chronic bowel obstruction. This article reviews the indications and contraindications for the procedure as well as recommended preoperative evaluation and suggested surgical technique. Furthermore, the early results in these few series is discussed.

Clinical Trials as Topic

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery--are we being honest with our patients?

PURPOSE: A survey was undertaken to assess the impact of laparoscopy on the practice of colorectal surgery. METHODS: A total of 1,520 questionnaires were mailed to all members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons; 635 (42 percent) surgeons responded, 50 percent, and indicated that one questionnaire represented their entire group practice. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-eight (47 percent) respondents currently perform laparoscopic colorectal surgery; 62 percent (171) use the laparoscope for < or = 20 percent of their bowel resections. Conversely, only 6 percent (16) use the laparoscope in over 50 percent of resections. The percentage of surgeons who perform various procedures were right colectomy, 78 percent; left colectomy, 57 percent; stoma creations, 52 percent; anterior resection, 44 percent; Hartmann's closure, 42 percent; abdominoperineal resection, 27 percent; rectopexy, 18 percent; and total colectomy, 14 percent. If the preoperative diagnosis is known to be carcinoma, 196 (71 percent) surgeons attempted laparoscopic colorectal surgery, but 55 percent of surgeons (108) operated only for early lesions and 35 percent (68) only for palliation. To enable the procedure to be laparoscopically performed, 87 percent (243) of surgeons stated that they have changed their practice to include routine use of ureteral stents (23 percent), preoperative colonoscopic marking of small lesions (40 percent), or intraoperative colonoscopy. Despite increased use of endoscopy, there were 18 patients in whom the wrong segment of colon was removed. Moreover, nine patients had early local recurrence after resection of colon cancer, nine had early local recurrence after rectal cancer resection, and five had early port-site recurrence. Although 255 (40 percent) surgeons surveyed would themselves undergo laparoscopic colorectal surgery for a rectal villous adenoma, only 38 (6 percent) would have a laparoscopic anterior resection for cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Several important problems exist including early port-site recurrence and a dual surgical standard. Although many surgeons are eager to practice laparoscopic colorectal surgery on their patients with carcinoma, they are reluctant to have the new technique applied to themselves.

Colectomy

Ergotamine-induced complex rectovaginal fistula. Report of a case.

PURPOSE: This report stresses the importance of local complications caused by ergotamine abuse for the treatment of migraine headaches. METHODS: We present an unusual case of a complex rectovaginal fistula (RVF) caused by long-term ergotamine suppository abuse. RESULTS: A 39-year-old female was referred after she had undergone a transverse colostomy for temporary fecal diversion. Evaluation, including proctoscopy, gastrograffin enema, vaginogram, and pelvic computerized tomography revealed a RVF 6 cm proximal to the dentate line with distal rectal stricture. Surgical intervention included take down of the transverse colostomy with reanastomosis, proctectomy with excision of the fistula, creation of a colonic "J-pouch" with a coloanal anastomosis, and construction of a temporary loop ileostomy. The patient had an uneventful recovery, and her ileostomy was closed three months later. Pathologic examination of the surgical specimen failed to reveal any specific etiology of the RVF. However, her ten-year use of up to five ergotamine suppositories per day for migraine treatment is associated with a local ischemic effect. Pathophysiology of this rare cause of RVF and the surgical procedure are discussed. CONCLUSION: If evidence of any side effects of ergotamine suppositories is seen, early discontinuation of the drug should be considered to avoid complications such as RVF and/or strictures.

Administration, Rectal

Enhancing cosmesis in laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery.

PURPOSE: The only unanimously accepted advantage of laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery, at present, is cosmesis. Techniques to enhance cosmesis in laparoscopic surgery are presented. METHOD: Careful and meticulous placement of laparoscopic ports and incisions enhance the cosmetic effect of the procedure. Determination of port sites is aided, in part, by preoperative assessment of natural skin folds and creases by a stomatherapist. Intraoperative techniques include placement of ports directly through the umbilicus, previous incisions, and natural skin folds and creases. RESULTS: These techniques have been practiced with no complications or added morbidity. Safety and good access during the procedure is not compromised. The cosmetic effect in laparoscopic surgery is enhanced. CONCLUSION: Techniques to enhance cosmesis in laparoscopic surgery can be practiced safely and efficiently. Surgeons should make an effort to focus on this benefit, when possible.

Cicatrix

Pancreaticojejunostomy versus controlled pancreaticocutaneous fistula in pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leak of the pancreaticojejunostomy is a major cause of morbidity and mortality following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Reports have described a large variety of techniques for performing this anastomosis and managing the pancreatic stump. In an attempt to obviate the pancreaticojejunostomy, we prospectively studied the technique of ligating the pancreatic duct and using external drains to create a temporary controlled pancreaticocutaneous fistula. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive patients who were to undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary carcinoma were prospectively randomized to one of two groups: pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) (n = 18) or controlled pancreaticocutaneous fistula (CPF) (n = 17). The groups were well matched for age, sex, coexisting medical illnesses, type of tumor, and preoperative condition. Except for the management of the pancreatic remnant, all patients in both groups underwent an identical procedure. Major morbidity, length of hospitalization, duration of the controlled pancreatic fistula, and mortality were analyzed over a mean follow-up interval of 26 months (range 5 months to 7.5 years). RESULTS: The CPF group experienced lower overall operative morbidity rates than the PJ group (24% versus 56%, P < 0.01). Two patients (11%) in the PJ group and none in the CPF group died (P = NS). Half the morbidity in the PJ group and both mortalities were related to anastomotic leak. The CPF and PJ groups left the hospital after mean stays of 26.4 and 42.2 days respectively (< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to pancreaticojejunal anastomosis, creation of a temporary controlled pancreaticocutaneous fistula in patients who undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary malignancy has no appreciable risk. It is associated with reduced morbidity and shorter length of hospitalization.

Adult

Malignant neuroepithelioma of the colon.

A rare case of malignant peripheral neuroepithelioma originating from the right colon is presented. The patient underwent right hemicolectomy followed by combination chemotherapy and there has been no evidence of tumour recurrence or metastases during three years of follow up. Emphasis is given to the extremely unusual location of this tumour and the favorable clinical outcome.

Adult