Influence of somatostatin on acute pancreatitis in rats.

Objective: To assess the effect of two regimens of somatostatin on the morbidity and short term outcome of acute pancreatitis in rats.

Design: Randomised laboratory study.

Setting: Teaching hospital, France.

Early operation for severe corrosive injury of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Objective: To describe our experience of treating severe corrosive burns of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Design: Open study.

Setting: Teaching hospital, France.

Aneurysms of the visceral and renal arteries.

Visceral aneurysms represent a rare clinical entity; however, 10-20% will rupture and this is accompanied by a significant mortality rate of 20-70%, depending on the location of the aneurysm. The incidence, pathogenesis and clinical aspects of splanchnic and renal artery aneurysms are reviewed from the available literature and the problems of diagnosis and treatment are discussed. Their incidence is increasing and controversy still exists regarding their treatment.

[Treatment of caustic stenoses of the upper digestive tract].

Stenosis of the upper digestive tract developed in 22 patients with stage IIB or stage III caustic burns due to massive ingestion of an alkaline substance in 18 cases and an acid substance in 4 cases is analysed. Emergency oesogastrectomy without thoracotomy was performed in emergency situations in 10 patients in whom mortality reached 30%. For the remaining 12 patients with minimal stage IIB lesions, a jejunostomy was opened for enteral nutrition.