Identification of quarries rehabilitation scenarios: a case study within the metropolitan area of Bari (Italy).

This paper addresses quarries rehabilitation issue within a Metropolitan Area. Areas where mining activity is carried out have been subjected to physical and environmental degradation linked both to pursue the building materials extraction and to the city expansion continuously asking for new areas to be developed with residential and service functions. These changes also occurred where environmental and landscape values are present.

Laparoscopic subtotal gastric resection for chronic gastric ulcers.

Objectives: We analyzed our experience with the laparoscopic approach for treating benign gastric lesions.

Methods: Between June 1998 and June 2002, we performed 18 gastric resections with the laparoscopic approach for 7 pyloric stenoses, 8 recurrent duodenal ulcers, and 3 chronic gastric ulcers.

Results: In our series, we performed Billroth II laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with no morbidity and mortality.

A "one-stage" laparoscopic procedure for treating choledocholithiasis.

Objectives: A minimally invasive approach is considered the treatment of choice for gallbladder stones. We report our experience with the treatment of choledocholithiasis.

Methods: From January 1993 to December 2002, 3118 patients underwent minimally invasive surgery for symptomatic gallstones, 2681 for gallbladder stones and 437 (14%) for cholecysto-choledocholithiasis.