Feasibility of 'day case' laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was offered as a day case to 15 patients (mean age 42; range 33-72 years). Three patients required overnight admission for non-operative reasons. The mean in-hospital stay for those patients successfully treated as day cases was 8.

Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita. Caesarean section under epidural anaesthesia.

Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita is a rare condition with several features of concern to the anaesthetist. The patients are of extremely short stature and the presence of kyphoscoliosis may lead to significant respiratory impairment. Cervical vertebral body changes can result in spinal cord compression and laryngotracheal stenosis may be present.