Whole-body computed tomography: a new point of view in a hospital check-up unit? Our experience in 6516 patients.

Background: There is a growing awareness that prevention and early diagnosis may reduce the high mortality associated with cancer, cardiovascular and other diseases. The role of whole-body computed tomography (WB-CT) in self-referred and asymptomatic patients has been debated.

Aim: To determine frequency and spectrum of WB-CT findings in average-risk subjects derived from a Medical-Check-Up-Unit, to evaluate recommendations reported and distribution according to sex and age-groups.

Results of a laparoscopic approach for the treatment of acute small bowel obstruction due to adhesions and internal hernias.

Introduction: Laparotomy is the standard approach for the surgical treatment of acute small bowel obstruction (ASBO).

Patients And Methods: From February 2007 to May 2012 we prospectively recorded all patients operated by laparoscopy in our hospital because of ASBO due to adhesions (27 cases) and/or internal hernia (6 cases). A preoperative abdominal CT was performed in all cases.

[Cold or hot sitz baths in the emergency treatment of acute anal pain due to anorectal disease? Results of a randomised clinical trial].

Introduction: The popular belief advocates the use of sitz (sitting) baths with cold water for the treatment of acute anal pain, but clinical practice guides recommend the use of hot water for its known effect on the at-rest anal pressure.

Aim: The objective of the study was to examine the analgesic effect on the quality of life, manometer data and clinical progress, of the two temperatures in sitz baths in patients with anal pain.

Material And Methods: A randomised clinical trial on patients with acute anal pain due to haemorrhoids or anal fissures, divided into Group 1: Sitz baths with water at a temperature of less than 15 degrees C, and Group 2: Baths with a water temperature above 30 degrees C.

Preoperative risk factors for mortality after relaparotomy: analysis of 254 patients.

Introduction: The aim of this work was to analyze preoperative mortality risk factors after relaparotomy for abdominal surgery in a unit of General Surgery at a University Hospital.

Methods: A total of 314 relaparotomies in 254 patients were performed between February 2004 and February 2008. We analyzed data about past medical history, first operation, as well as clinical and biochemical parameters previous to reoperation.