Bowel function following insertion of self-expanding metallic stents for palliation of colorectal cancer.

Objective: Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) are an important addition to the treatment of large bowel obstruction. The aim of this study was firstly to assess bowel function following SEMS placement and secondly to identify any potential factors which might aid in the prediction of technical failure of stent insertion.

Methods: A review of all patients undergoing attempted SEMS placement for palliation of malignant left-sided colorectal obstruction over a four-year period (1st May 2000-30th April 2004) was performed.

Short-term results of femoropopliteal subintimal angioplasty.

Background: Subintimal angioplasty may be more successful than conventional (intraluminal) angioplasty for treatment of long femoropopliteal occlusions. This study assessed the clinical and haemodynamic outcome of subintimal angioplasty.

Methods: All patients with femoropopliteal occlusions treated by subintimal angioplasty over a 3-year period at two centres were reviewed.

Limitations of chest radiography in discriminating between aortic dissection and myocardial infarction: implications for thrombolysis.

It has been stated that chest radiographic features of aortic dissection are a contraindication to intravenous thrombolysis in patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction. Excluding aortic dissection could significantly delay such treatment in patients who would benefit from thrombolysis. Initial chest radiographs of 18 patients with acute aortic dissection and 25 patients with acute myocardial infarction were evaluated.