Lesser curve disconnection using a stapling device: highly selective vagotomy made quicker and easier.

A stapling device has been used to disconnect the lesser curve of the stomach during highly selective vagotomy in a consecutive series of ten patients. This modification renders the operation technically easier and quicker to perform. Postoperative recovery was uneventful in all patients, and in the subsequent follow-up period of 7-15 months, no problems relating to the technique were encountered.

Oral urea in the treatment of colo-rectal liver metastases.

A consecutive series of 10 patients with hepatic metastases from colo-rectal carcinoma have been treated with oral urea. This substance has been reported to produce regression of hepatic secondaries from a variety of primary sources including colon. Although well tolerated, and leading to subjective improvement in some patients, no objective benefit has been confirmed from the treatment in this study.

Retroperitoneal seminoma presenting with inferior vena caval obstruction.

A retroperitoneal seminoma in the presence of clinically normal testes can present a considerable diagnostic problem and therapeutic dilemma. We report on a patient with low back pain and inferior vena caval obstruction in whom no primary neoplasm could be detected by surgical exploration of the testes.