[Experimental teaching program on cooperation between "Sapienza" University of Rome and the University Hospital "Le Bon Samaritain" in N'Djamena, Chad].

Background: The shortage of essential surgical care in sub-Saharan Africa is a worldwide problem. Lack of healthcare workers, surgeons and very limited resources are the reason for this critical health crisis. Furthermore in Africa many physicians as soon as they get a degree emigrate in more attractive countries.

[Subtotal or total colectomy as surgical treatment of left-sided occlusive colon cancer].

Introduction: The treatment of acutely obstructed carcinoma of the left colon and sigmoid still represents a matter of controversy. The aim of this study was to assess retrospectively the results of its management by emergency subtotal or total colectomy with primary anastomosis.

Materials And Results: Sixty-seven patients were reviewed.

[Creation of the St Joseph University Faculty of Medicine in Beirut: 125 years of Franco-Lebanese healthcare cooperation].

The Mediterranean--mare nostrum--has always been a cradle of exchanges for the different inhabitants of its shores, as highlighted by myths and legends dating back to antiquity. Cooperation between France and Lebanon expanded markedly in the 17th century and has continually expanded since, in fields such as education, through initiatives launched by the French government and by religious institutions. The Faculty of Medicine is an excellent example.

Perforation of the rectum and colon during barium enema examination. Report of four cases.

Background: The barium enema examination (BEE) is an important diagnostic study and considered to be safe without adverse effects. Perforation of the bowel is rare but is the most frequent complication of BEE and can be life-threatening.

Study Design: We report four cases of barium extravasation due to BEE treated at our institution, three rectal perforations and one perforation in the descending colon.

Use of fine-needle aspiration cytology and frozen section in the management of nodular goiters.

Background: This study evaluates the role of frozen section (FS) in surgical decisions for nodular thyroid disease when a preoperative fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is available.

Material And Method: The charts of 113 patients who underwent thyroidectomy for nodular goiter were reviewed. Each patient underwent FNAC, FS, or both.