Bowel ischaemia and cocaine consumption; case study and review of the literature.

Background: Amongst others, cocaine consumption has a detrimental effect in the vascular supply to the mesenteric area causing abdominal ischemic changes. Early recognition of these changes and adequate treatment are essential to avoid serious complications and possible death of the patient from sepsis.

Case Report: In this case study, the subject is a 40-years-old gentleman presenting with acute abdominal pain due to multiple ischemic changes in both small bowel and sigmoid loops.

[Application of new technologies to the teaching of surgery in the school of medicine].

Introduction: The new methods of teaching, based on new technologies, already available in other educational and professional fields are gradually being introduced in our Medical Schools. The aim of our study is to present our initial experience in the introduction of a subject on the principles of surgery in our university.

Material And Methods: The subject was offered voluntary to undergraduate students, with a maximum of 65 students per course during two consecutive academic years, while maintaining the traditional teaching with a formal lecture program with a different lecturer.

[Retroperitoneal sarcomas. Report of five new cases and review of the current situation].

Introduction: Soft-tissue sarcomas represent a heterogeneous group of rare tumors arising from the mesenchymal cells of the connective tissue. Approximately 15% of these tumors arise in the retroperitoneum. These neoplasms are locally aggressive and the only curative treatment is surgical resection "en-bloc".

Differences in polypropylene shrinkage depending on mesh position in an experimental study.

Background: Polypropylene (PP) mesh is one of the most frequent materials used in hernia repair. We have experimentally evaluated the shrinkage of PP mesh depending on the place of implantation.

Methods: In 15 New Zealand rabbits a muscular defect measuring 3 x 3 cm was created in both pararectal sides of the abdominal wall.

[Surveillance of shrinkage of polypropylene mesh used in the repair of ventral hernias].

Introduction: Polypropylene (PP) mesh is one of the most frequently used materials in the surgical repair of ventral hernias. Despite the widely recognized ability of PP to integrate into the host tissue, these meshes may shrink during the healing process in the patient.

Objective: To quantify polypropylene mesh shrinkage.