[Continuous suture in laparotomy using an absorbable eyelet thread according to the Smead Jones technique].

In 78 patients undergoing laparotomy suturing was carried out using absorbable thread (polyglyconate - Maxon) with eyelet to obtain a continuous knot-free suture according to Smead Jones' technique. A prospective study was made of all surgical wounds three months after the operation to evaluate the reliability of this technique. On examination, wounds were fully healed in 98% of patients.

[Diagnostic-operative laparoscopy. Our experience].

Diagnostic laparoscopy has been an integral part of our surgical practice for over 4 years. Between 1988-1992, 100 diagnostic laparoscopies have been performed in this institution without mortality. We have found the procedure to be particularly useful in the following situation: 1) Hepatobiliary disease where it is used in conjunction with targeted liver biopsy.

[The functional and manometric results of 2 surgical methods of posterior abdominal rectopexy].

Functional changes after posterior abdominal rectopexy for the treatment of rectal prolapse are not fully understood. We studied the effects of Wells' or Ripstein's rectopexy on functional characteristics as related to anal sphincter function, rectal volume and sensory function in 31 patients with complete or internal rectal prolapse. We have observed an improvement of continence over 70% in both groups.

[2 cases of deep fibromatosis].

The authors make clear the importance of extrabdominal fibromatosis as a rare pathology that interests many people in Italy. The pathology is of relatively easy diagnosis with the common investigations, required a radical surgical removed to avoid the frequent local recidivists.

[Variations in rectal capacity and compliance after abdominal rectopexy].

The aim of this study was to attempt to gain insight in to the pathophysiologic characteristics of rectal prolapse by evaluating rectal compliance in patients with complete or incomplete rectal prolapse, before and after rectopexy. 21 subjects with complete rectal prolapse and 10 subjects with internal procidentia of rectum were treated with one of two abdominal rectopexies, according to Wells or according to a modified Ripstein's technique. For comparison, measurements were also carried out in 17 age and sex control subjects who had no bowel disturbances or anal symptoms.