[Original reconstruction technique after duodenopancreatectomy].

The authors present an original reconstruction technique after pancreaticoduodenectomy, with anastomosis between the pancreatic stump and the posterior wall of the stomach, using two Roux-en-Y loops to separate the hepaticojejunostomy from the pancreaticogastrostomy and gastrojejunostomy in order to reduce postoperative complications and mortality. Eighteen consecutive patients underwent the procedure. There was no mortality and no pancreaticogastrostomy leaks occurred.

[Our experience with Spigelio's hernia].

The authors present their experience about diagnosis and therapy of Spigelian hernia in five cases observed. Clinical examination is the foundation of the diagnosis and radiological findings (ultrasonography, colonic X-rays, CT and NMR) permit to exclude other pathologies which concern differential diagnosis. They suggest prosthetic repair, similar to the therapy of groin hernias, using a tension-free technique.

[Boerhaave's syndrome].

The authors report a personal case of "Boerhaave's syndrome" recovered by immediate reconstruction of perforated distal esophagus. They stress the value of early diagnosis by using X-ray study of upper gastrointestinal tract and immediately surgical treatment, very important for favourable prognosis.

Comparison of two systemic antibiotics for the prevention of complications in elective colorectal surgery.

In a prospective randomized trial on 77 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery, cefoxitin and cephalothin were given as systemic antibiotic prophylaxis. Postoperative sepsis occurred in 2/40 (5%) of those given cefoxitin compared to 9/37 (24.3%) of those given cephalothin.