Ten-year series of splenic abscesses in a general hospital in Singapore.

Introduction: Splenic abscess is an uncommon clinical problem. Traditionally, the "gold standard" treatment has been splenectomy. However, there is increasing use of non-operative treatments worldwide.

Risk factors for conversion to open surgery in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard treatment for most gallbladder diseases. Conversion to open cholecystectomy is necessary in some patients for any of a number of factors. Identifying these factors will help the patient, the surgeon, and the hospital.

Mortality, morbidity and functional outcome after total or subtotal abdominal colectomy in the Asian population.

Objective: This study reviews the functional outcome and satisfaction of patients after subtotal or total colectomy (STTC).

Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent STTC between June 1999 and September 2003 was performed. A standardized questionnaire was formulated and phone interviews were conducted with these patients.

Breast cancer in young Asian women: study on survival.

Background: Breast cancer in young patients is often associated with a poorer prognosis, but there has been a paucity of published data in an Asian population.

Methods: One hundred and six patients (12.6%) under the age of 40 years with breast cancer (group V) were compared with 737 patients with breast cancer aged 40 years or more (group W).

Mirizzi syndrome: noteworthy aspects of a retrospective study in one centre.

Background: Mirizzi syndrome is uncommon. It is, however, clinically important, as it is associated with an increased incidence of bile duct injury and demands more complex surgical techniques.

Methods: A retrospective review of 24 consecutive cases of Mirizzi syndrome that arose between January 1997 and July 2002 was performed.

Adult intussusception: experience in Singapore.

Introduction: Gastrointestinal intussusception is an uncommon clinical entity in adults and is interestingly distinct from its paediatric form. In adults an identifiable lead lesion is found in the majority of cases, of which a significant percentage are malignant. Its treatment is thus different from that of paediatric intussusception.