[Intra-abdominal desmoid tumors: rare but important disease].

Desmoid tumors are rare benign neoplasms with high tendency to local recurrence, and they can be divided into extra- and intra-abdominal types (mesenteric fibromatosis). Eight cases have been treated in our Department from 1997 to 2006. Six patients (3 men and 3 women) affected by extra-abdominal desmoid tumors have been treated with radical excision.

[Stapled versus hand sewn anastomosis in elective and emergency colorectal surgery].

We studied the incidence of anastomotic leakage in colorectal surgery with the alternative use of stapled anastomosis, hand sewn anastomosis and stapled/hand sewn anastomosis. 477 consecutive patients admitted for elective or emergency colon surgery were divided in: Group I? 337 elective patients submitted to mechanical bowel preparation; Group II - 140 emergency patients operated without mechanical bowel preparation. We analyzed surgical complications in the two group considering the different anastomosis made (stapled, hand sewn and stapled/hand sewn).

[A rare form of intestinal perforation: adenocarcinoma of the ileum. Presentation of a clinical case].

Ileal carcinoma is not frequent and its diagnosis is preoperatively quite difficult. The surgical approach often depends more on the on table situation than on a precise therapeutic protocol. The histological result is sometimes a real negative surprise and the five year survival of patients is similar to those operated for colonic carcinoma at the same stage.

[Bilateral inguinal hernia. Which treatment?].

The authors present a series of 70 bilateral inguinal hernias selected from a total of 641 inguinal hernias operated from May 1994 to November 1996 using alloplastic surgery. They discuss the most appropriate methods of access for treating this pathology in a single operation, and propose inguinal access as the most preferable method owing to its easy execution and apparently greater safety. Laparoscopic techniques should be reserved for special cases such as pluri-recidivating hernias.

[Lipoma of the colon as an unusual cause of recurring partial intestinal occlusion. Clinical case and review of the literature].

A case of a symptomatic colonic lipoma causing recurrent abdominal pain and intestinal obstruction, not treated is reported. Lipomas are the most common mesenchymal benign tumors that can be found in the colon and are second as frequence only to the adenomatous polyps. In 65% of cases the lipomas are located in the large bowel and represent the most common cause of intestinal intussusception in the adult.

[Intestinal perforation caused by a toothpick].

Intestinal injuries are pathologies frequently caused by toothpicks. In literature are reported serious damage to the cardiovascular system, lung and systemic fatal sepsis. In literature are also reported some deaths caused by delayed diagnosis.

[Surgical treatment of recurrent inguinal hernia using prosthetic materials].

The authors affirm that plastic surgery using graft materials is a feasible technique also in case of recurrent inguinal hernia. They follow with interest the evolution of laparoscopic techniques which are still the cause of some perplexity. The paper reports a series of nine recurrent inguinal hernias out of 447 inguinal hernias operated during the period May 1994-May 1996.

[Cystic dilatation of the choledochus].

The authors show a case of cystic dilatation of choledochus in a woman patient aged 10. After reporting its nosologic classification, drawn from the world literature, they dissert about the treatment, which should be essentially surgical. The Authors performed a new surgical technique, as an alternative to the suggestion of other Authors.