[Bleeding gastroduodenal ulcer: indications for surgical intervention].

The best chance for a patient with a bleeding gastroduodenal ulcer is: "a diligent doctor and a reluctant surgeon". It is necessary to evaluate clinical and endoscopic elements and to check haemodynamic and general conditions of the patient. A better prognosis is ensured by prompt initiation of therapy.

[Traumatic rupture of the diaphragm].

A survey based on 122 personal observations of traumatic rupture of diaphragm, involving stomach and spleen herniation into the chest, is presented. The importance of clinical symptoms for proper diagnosis and treatment is discussed, in relation to the different trends in the literature.

[A case of hernia of the liver following a traumatic lesion of the diaphragm].

The authors describe a case of liver -hernia ensuing a right diaphragmatic rupture. This is a rare event. However, the difficult diagnosis and possible ways of surgical access are discussed.

[Gallstone ileus, observations on 13 cases].

The authors expose some considerations about clinical features of this unusual condition. Thirteen cases of gallstone ileus are reported. The medium age was 70 years.

[Cystic dilatation of the choledocus].

Choledochal cyst is an uncommon congenital lesion of the pancreatobiliary system. The pathologic features are cystic dilatation of the common bile duct, normal liver parenchyma, a normal intrahepatic biliary system and partial obstruction of the terminal common bile duct. More than 1400 cases have been reported in tre literature, 83 per cent of which have been diagnosed in patients below the age of 30.