[Laparoscopic surgery for acute cholecystitis in the elderly. Our experience].

Acute cholecystitis in the elderly is a severe illness with high operative risks and mortality, which, even if less than in the past, is still too high. The surgical approach has significantly changed over the past 10 years: conservative therapy in the early 1990's was considered the only sure approach, while the laparoscopic surgical approach is recommended today for the emergency treatment of acute cholecystitis, also in the elderly. The aim of this retrospective study was to define the safety and effectiveness of early surgery for acute cholecystitis with the laparoscopic approach in the elderly.

Sphincter-saving surgery in low rectal cancer.

A correct surgical approach to rectal cancer today has to make due allowance for both improved overall survival with local control of disease and preservation of the sphincter and urinary and genital functions. Increased understanding of the natural history, the importance of preoperative accurate staging and new surgical techniques may influence future treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to review and make a reappraisal of the role of sphincter-preserving surgery in the treatment of carcinomas of the lower third of the rectum.

[Small intestinal polyposis in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: combined treatment with surgery and intra-operative endoscopy].

Polyps occur throughout the gastrointestinal tract in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, but the most serious problems are encountered in the management of small bowel polyposis. We report here on a case of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome admitted to hospital for intestinal obstruction and anaemia. The patient was submitted to colonoscopy, oesophagogastro-duodenoscopy and small bowel enema.

[Leydig-cell tumors of the testicle].

Leydig's cells tumor account for 1-2% of all testicular tumors. The authors report a rare case of benign Leydig's cells tumor in a young man with gynecomastia. They examine the embryogenesis, the hormonal modifications, the criteria of malignancy, the treatment and results.