Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic appendectomy is commonly performed and has been presumed to offer economic benefits similar to those of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study was done to examine that premise.

Methods: Two surgical groups contributed consecutively operated patients with a clinical diagnosis of appendicitis.

A randomized pilot study comparing two regimens in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma.

Thirty-five patients with epithelial carcinomas not considered to be surgically resectable were randomized to receive two different chemotherapy regimens. Regimen 1 was CCNU followed by bleomycin, and Regimen 2 was a combination of CCNU, bleomycin, methotrexate, and vinblastine. Five of 14 patients treated with CCNU-bleomycin had partial responses.

A clinical trial of CCNU (1-(2 chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea) (NSC 79037) in advanced ovarian carcinoma.

CCNU is a useful drug in treating advanced ovarian carcinoma. Of patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma 37% responded favorably to CCNU. Thrombocytopenia was the primary toxic reaction.

Ergot intoxication: historical review and description of unusual clinical manifestations.

Clinical ergotism as seen today results almost exclusively from the excessive intake of ergotamine tartrate in the treatment of migraine headache. Although both gangrenous and convulsive symptoms are seen in naturally occurring ergotism resulting from the ingestion of fungus infected rye, only gangrenous ergotism has been reported following the excessive ingestion of ergotamine tartrate. The symptoms of both iatrogenic and naturally occurring ergotism appear to result from regional ischemia caused by ergot induced vasospasm.