Multiple gastrointestinal atresias in two consecutive siblings.

Two consecutive female siblings with multiple gastrointestinal atresias are described. The history of consanguinity in the parents and the presence of extensive typical pathological lesions suggest a genetically-induced developmental fault in the alimentary tract during the early embryonic period.

Junctional epidermolysis bullosa lethalis with pyloric and anorectal obstruction.

The authors present a case of epidermolysis bullosa lethalis (EBL) associated with a double obstruction, one at the pyloric and the other in the anorectal region. Both obstructions could be due to separation of the rectal mucosa during intrauterine life followed by adhesive closure of its wall. Both the gastrointestinal lesions could be part of the generalized denudation process involved in EBL.

Outcome of minimal surgery for hydatid cysts of the liver in children with reference to post-operative biliary leakage.

Analysis of 30 children with hydatid cysts of the liver who were treated by partial pericystectomy and external tube drainage showed that five (21%) of 24 cases in whom clear hydatid fluid was observed during surgery developed biliary leakage. The cysts in the remaining six contained bile-stained fluid, indicating the presence of cystobiliary communications, and five of these children continued to drain bile post-operatively, in spite of appropriate precautions taken during surgery. Histological examination of the pericyst wall confirmed the presence of openings of small bile ducts in the cyst which probably caused the biliary leak.

Surgical and pathological basis for interval appendicectomy after resolution of appendicular mass in children.

Background/purpose: The role of appendicectomy after the resolution of appendicular mass is debatable. A study was conducted to evaluate whether surgical and pathological features of the excised appendices favor the operation in the quiescent period.

Methods: During a 60-month period, 59 patients were admitted in our unit with a diagnosis of appendicular mass and were treated initially with conservative management.

Gall bladder cancer in north eastern Libya.

Objective: Assessment of gall bladder cancer among cholecystectomy specimens.

Design: Retrospective study of all cholecystectomy specimens coupled with data from clinical oncology department.

Setting: Department of Pathology and Department of Clinical Oncology, Al Arab Medical University, Benghazi, Libya.

Melanosis of the prostate in an elderly patient--a case report.

A case of melanosis of the prostate in an 85 year old Libyan patient is reported. This rare lesion is the first incidence from our area. The occurrence of melanin pigment in the prostate is extremely rare.

Management of appendicular mass in children.

Of 66 children under 12 years of age treated for appendicular mass, seven underwent immediate surgery, and two of them developed post-operative wound infection. The remaining 59 children had conservative management which consisted of bedside observation of vital and abdominal signs, intravenous fluids and triple antibiotic therapy with ampicillin, gentamicin and metronidazole. The majority of the children responded well to this method, and in 54 (91.

Granulomatous peritonitis due to Ascaris lumbricoides.

A child with granulomatous peritonitis caused by ascariasis is described. Laparotomy revealed no obvious evidence of intestinal perforation. It is postulated that a worm escaped through the appendicular tip, causing transient peritonitis followed by adhesions and granulomatas in the peritoneal cavity.