Rectosigmoid gallstone coleus: a rare emergency presentation.

An elderly woman presented with abdominal pain and vomiting, was known to have gallstones. A CT scan was arranged identifying gallstone ileus and cholecystitis. Ensuing sepsis precipitated fast atrial fibrillation delaying the planned laparotomy.

Characterization of epithelial cell shedding from human small intestine.

Intestinal epithelial cells migrate from the base of the crypt to the villi where they are shed. However, little is known about the cell shedding process. We have studied the role of apoptosis and wound healing mechanisms in cell shedding from human small intestinal epithelium.

Therapy for intra-abdominal adhesions.

Therapy for adhesions encompasses their prevention and treatment. They are reduced in number and severity by good surgical technique but anti-adhesion agents are useful adjuncts. Small bowel obstruction secondary to adhesions requires surgery following resuscitation if signs of peritonism develop.

Laparoscopic surgery for inflammatory bowel disease.

Laparoscopic surgery for inflammatory bowel disease is an expanding field, which has physical benefits to the patient and economic benefits to the trust and community.

Surgery for inflammatory bowel disease.

Ulcerative colitis is potentially cured by total excision of the colon and rectum. Crohn's disease is an unremitting condition in which operations are frequently multiple and in which the minimum amount of bowel possible should be excised.

Stapled haemorrhoidectomy: a novel procedure.

Stapled haemorrhoidectomy is an effective procedure for symptomatic haemorrhoids with mucosal prolapse. The advantages over the conventional surgical technique include reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay and earlier return to work.

The role of the nurse in colorectal cancer follow up.

The follow up of patients after colorectal cancer surgery remains controversial. It may be intensive or minimal. The authors describe an intensive follow-up regimen and discuss the leading role of the colorectal specialist nurse.

STAR procedure: stapled transanal resection of tumour.

This study assesses the practicality, mortality and morbidity of the STAR procedure for debulking of large rectal tumours prior to transanal endoscopic microsurgery.