[Correlations between splenectomy and allergic symptoms. Preliminary results of a study concerning IL-4 and IgE serum level].

The Authors, studying the condition of immunodepression observed in patients who underwent splenectomy for traumatic lesion, noticed that a significant part of them complained of allergic symptoms. These seemed to appear only in subjects whose Th2 lymphocytes functionality was preserved--as witnessed by normal or increased IL-4 serum level--showing an increased level of IgE too, thus confirming the role of Th2 lymphocytes in stimulating IgE synthesis. On the contrary splenectomized patients with functional harm of the Th2 lymphocytes--proved by low IL-4 serum level--did not show increase of haematic IgE level nor allergic manifestations.

[Subtotal colectomy in the treatment of neoplastic left colon obstruction].

Introduction: Subtotal colectomy and ileo-sigmoid or ileo-rectal anastomosis is a treatment wort of considering in patients affected by colonic neoplastic obstruction, as it shows low morbidity and mortality, and good results.

Case Report: A case of bowel obstruction due to a stenotizing neoplasm of sigmoid colon is reported. The obstruction causes severe dilation before the stricture), particularly accentuated in the cecum, which showed very reduced wall thickness and initial signs of ischaemia.

[Complications in the treatment of cholangiolithiasis. Personal experience].

Bile ducts lithiasis is a very common disease all over the world. In Italy prevalence is about 5 millions cases: 11% of the population. Choledocholithiasis concurrent with gallbladder stones frequency is estimated from 4 to 20%.

[Evaluation of operative risk in emergency treatment of neoplastic left colon obstruction: personal experience].

Aim Of The Study: To analyse the risk factors in the treatment of intestinal obstruction due to colorectal carcinoma. The treatment of neoplastic obstruction of the right colon until the splenic flexure is well defined: right hemicolectomy, enlarged right hemicolectomy. Otherwise the treatment of the obstruction due to left colon carcinoma beyond left flexure is not standardized.

[Reintervention in abdominal surgery. Personal experience in emergency].

The Authors, regarding their emergency surgical experience, examine the need of reintervention in abdominal surgery at a distance (operations carried out not less than 30 days after previous procedure), a controversial situation, usually dealt with empirical approach. Such a feature is not rare in the experience of a surgeon; nevertheless still few are the studies concerning the severity of the disease and related complications requiring surgery. Occasionally it is really difficult--quite impossible- in these often complex clinical conditions, to identify the aetiology and even to perform a pre-operative diagnosis.

[Chronic abdominal pain and peritoneal mesothelioma: case report].

Chronic abdominal pain syndrome is becoming increasingly important. The main symptom is persistent abdominal pain, which may vary intensely and be associated with constipation and episodes of vomiting, evolving towards sub- or total occlusion of the bowel. A 65-year old man presented with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, with environmental asbestos exposure and chronic abdominal pain for more than one year.

Acute onset of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with serious gastrointestinal haemorrhage: diagnosis and surgical treatment (case report).

The authors report a rare case of acute onset of gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage. The patient, a man aged 49 years, was admitted to the surgical department for the evaluation of an increased anemia and weakness. Physical examination disclosed mild epigastric tenderness in response to palpation but no palpable mass.