Délorme's operation for rectal prolapse.

Between 1981 and 1988 inclusive, 22 patients with full-thickness rectal prolapse presenting to two surgeons in this hospital were treated using the Délorme operation. There was no mortality and morbidity was minimal. Twenty-one patients (95.

Intramural rupture and intramural haematoma of the oesophagus.

We report on two cases of spontaneous intramural rupture and haematoma formation in the oesophagus. This is an unusual and often misdiagnosed condition. Its diagnosis relies on the history and a barium swallow.

Metronidazole in prevention and treatment of bacteroides infections in elective colonic surgery.

A double-blind randomised trial was carried out among 46 patients undergoing elective colonic surgery; 27 patients received prophylactic metronidazole and 19 received placebo. Anaerobic infections did not develop in any of the metronidazole-treated patients, but did develop in 11 (58%) of 19 controls who were subsequently successfully treated with metronidazole.

Metronidazole in prevention and treatment of bacteroides infections after appendicectomy.

The frequency of non-clostridial anaerobic infection was studied in 95 patients who had undergone acute appendicectomy: 49 received prophylactic metronidazole and 46 received placebo. Anaerobic infection did not develop in any of the metronidazole-treated patients, but infections did develop in nine (19%) of the 46 controls. Metronidazole is conveniently administered by suppository to patients who cannot take oral drugs.