Use of a variable-stiffness colonoscope decreases the dose of patient-controlled sedation during colonoscopy: a randomized comparison of 3 colonoscopes.

Background: The variable-stiffness colonoscope incorporates different degrees of stiffness of the insertion tube, which can be adjusted during the examination. Whether its use can lead to reduced procedure-related pain and sedative use is unknown.

Objective: Our purpose was to compare the use of 3 types of colonoscope with different shaft stiffnesses in relation to procedure-related pain and sedative consumption.

Small-bowel intestinal obstruction caused by an unusual internal hernia.

We report a rare case of transomental small-bowel herniation in a 91-year-old lady who presented with central abdominal pain and mild distension. Urgent abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed a segment of dilated ileum with features suggestive of strangulation. Emergency exploration revealed a segment of congested small-bowel loop herniated through a defect over the greater omentum.

Acupuncture anaesthesia in inguinal hernia repair.

Background: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture anaesthesia in inguinal hernia repair.

Methods: Twelve patients with non-recurrent inguinal hernia had Lichtenstein mesh repair under acupuncture anaesthesia. Selected acupuncture loci were stimulated with fine needles connected to low frequency current.