Results of a screening program for multiple endocrine neoplasia type II.

After the diagnosis of MEN IIa syndrome in five members of a British family, a further 180 members were identified, 167 of whom were still alive. From death certificates, a further three were found to have been affected. Of these eight patients, only two were diagnosed and survived.

The value of routine peroperative cholangiography--a report of 4000 cholecystectomies.

A total of 4000 consecutive cholecystectomies performed over a period of 25 years has been analysed to determine whether routine peroperative cholangiography (PC) has influenced overall mortality. The patients have been divided into four cohorts of 1000, the first cohort before the introduction of PC, two covering the period of introduction of PC and the final cohort when PC was an established routine. A significant fall in overall mortality has been demonstrated, but when the patients are divided into simple cholecystectomy and the group undergoing additional choledochotomy there is no significant fall in the mortality rate.

Pentazocine suppositories versus pethidine injections in 500 patients with post-operative pain.

Pentazocine (Fortral) suppositories (50 mg) were compared with pethidine (100 mg) by injection in 500 patients after general and gynaecological surgery. Pain was assessed by patients using a pain thermometer, (a modification of a visual analogue scale), and by observers using an adjectival scale. There was a good relationship between these methods.