Red hot chili pepper and hemorrhoids: the explosion of a myth: results of a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

Purpose: Spicy foods are appreciated by a large part of the world population but have been blamed for causing hemorrhoids or exacerbating their symptoms, although no epidemiologic studies have been performed supporting this hypothesis. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, we have studied the effects of a single dose of red hot chili pepper on the hemorrhoidal symptoms.

Methods: Fifty patients with second-degree and third-degree symptomatic hemorrhoids were randomly assigned to take a capsule containing red hot chili powder or placebo during lunch, scoring five hemorrhoidal symptoms (bleeding, swelling, pain, itching, and burning) on a visual analog scale.

[FastTrack approach to major colorectal surgery].

Intensive rehabilitation programs after major abdominal, thoracic and vascular surgery have been published over the last few years, showing early recovery, fewer complications and a quicker discharge. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a multimodal intensive rehabilitation program (FastTrack) after major colorectal surgery, according to the experience of Dr. H.

[Video laparoscopic adrenalectomy. The authors' personal experience].

Personal experience on two cases of laparoscopic adrenalectomy, operated, one on the right and the other on the left side, during 1996 is reported. The surgical technique, using a lateral decubitus and a transperitoneal approach is described, as well as the postoperative outcome. The laparoscopic approach to adrenal surgery seems to be "ideal", since it has a low "trauma ratio" (surgical procedure/access) with an anatomical an virtually bloodless dissection.

[Hemorrhoidectomy with circular stapler in advanced hemorrhoid pathology].

The Authors refer their early experience with the treatment of 4th grade haemorrhoids and 4th grade with mucosal prolapse using a circular stapler. The operation is quite easy with a short learning period, with no short term complications and low post-operative pain. The good results need to be confirmed on a large number of cases and a longer follow-up.