Extraction of a rectal foreign body - an alternative method.

We present a case report of trans-anal extraction of a foreign body from the rectum using an unconventional instrument. Our patient presented with impacted retained rectal foreign bodies. As the patient suffered from psychosis, a laparotomy with a stoma would have been difficult to manage.

Synchronous perforation of sigmoid diverticula: a rare presentation.

Diverticular disease affects more than 50% of the population over the age of 60 years in the west and becomes even more common as the population ages. Diverticulitis is one of the complications of diverticular disease and can culminate into colonic perforation. Though perforated diverticular disease is not uncommon, synchronous colonic perforations in diverticulitis is rare.

Pseudo-obstruction with pitch black colon--a very rare presentation of melanosis coli.

Melanosis coli is associated with an increased risk of colorectal tumors but is not agreed to be a precancerous lesion. The condition has been associated with the ingestion of anthracene laxatives and is believed to be caused by increased epithelial apoptosis. Although melanosis coli is a frequent finding in colonic biopsies and resection specimens, to our knowledge severe jet black melanosis coli with pseudoobstruction has not been reported in literature.

Small lateral access--an alternative approach to appendicitis in paediatric patients: a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Conventionally the appendix is removed through a right lower quadrant transverse incision or a gridiron incision approximately 5 cm in length. In this modern era of minimally invasive surgery, there is a lot of emphasis on cosmesis and early recovery. We performed a prospective, double blind, randomised trial to evaluate a new incision for appendectomy to compare with conventional appendectomy.

Ectopic ganglion cyst presenting as a breast lump: a rare case report.

We report a rare case of a breast lump in an 81-year-old woman. Initial investigations were inconclusive and excision biopsy of the lump was done. Histologically the mass proved to be a ganglion cyst.

Management of hepatobiliary and pancreatic ascariasis in children of an endemic area.

Ascariasis is the most common parasitic infestation in endemic areas and accounts for 50-60% of pediatric admissions in the surgical emergency department. Hepatobiliary and pancreatic ascariasis accounts for about 10% of such admissions. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical features, investigations, and management of hepatobiliary and pancreatic ascariasis.