Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair by an intraperitoneal onlay mesh technique using expanded PTFE: a prospective study.

This prospective trial was initiated to assess laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs by an intraabdominal intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) technique. An IPOM method utilizing 10 x 7.5-cm expanded polytef (PTFE) patches was used to repair 52 inguinal hernias in 50 patients.

Chondroid syringoma of the abdominal wall. A case report and review of the literature.

A case of an unusually large chondroid syringoma of the abdominal wall is described. Chondroid syringomas are rare neoplasms believed to be of sweat gland origin. They are often slow-growing and benign.

Physical examination and selective conservative management in patients with penetrating injuries of the neck.

This prospective study of 335 patients with penetrating injuries of the neck examined the decision whether to operate or observe according to a protocol based mainly on physical examination. Emergency angiography was performed in only three patients. Sixty-six patients (20 per cent) were subjected to emergency operation because of signs and symptoms suggestive of significant injury (60 patients) or because of positive investigations (six).

Role of prophylactic antibiotics in open and basilar fractures of the skull: a randomized study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the controversial issue of the use of prophylactic antibiotics in open and basilar fractures of the skull. A series of 157 patients were randomized to receive no antibiotics (group A = 46 patients) or ceftriaxone for 3 days (group B = 50 patients), or the combination ampicillin/sulphadiazine for 3 days (group C = 61 patients). The incidence of meningitis was similar in both the antibiotic and non-antibiotic groups.

Control of life-threatening haemorrhage from the neck: a new indication for balloon tamponade.

We report the use of a Foley catheter, placed through the wound, to provide balloon tamponade of major bleeding from the neck and supraclavicular fossae. In 10 consecutive explorations for exsanguinating injury in these regions balloon tamponade was used eight times, and was judged to be fully effective in four patients, partly effective in one, and ineffective in three patients.