[Intraperitoneal traumatic rupture of hydatid cyst of the liver: a case report and review of the literature].

We performed a subtotal cystectomy on the second and third hepatic segments, with the aid of a radiofrequency dissector device (Ligasure), together with removal of daughter cysts from the peritoneal cavity and irrigation of the peri- toneum with iodine solution. The postoperative course was uneventful and complication-free. A three-year follow-up was carried out without any recurrence.

[Carcinoid of the appendix. A case report].

A case of a young male operated on for acute appendicitis due to a carcinoid of the base is reported. Since the tumor was infiltrating the resection margin of the appendix, the patient was later treated with a right hemicolectomy. Carcinoid tumor is unusual, but can be encountered several times during the career of a surgeon (1/200-300 appendicectomy).

[Tension-free hernioplasty in the treatment of inguinal hernia in the adult: our experience with local anesthesia and a review of the literature].

Background: In the last years the real innovation in the treatment of groin hernia is represented by tension-free hernioplasty under local anaesthesia, based on the techniques of Lichtenstein and Trabucco, which use synthetic prosthesis (polypropylene) to restore the floor of inguinal tract and enable an early deambulation and return to work.

Methods: In 21 months the authors have treated, only under local anaesthesia, 100 patients, 95 men and 5 women; the age ranged from 18 to 82 years; some of them suffer from systemic pathology (7 patients with cardiovascular diseases, 1 with epilepsy, 3 with pulmonary diseases, 1 with liver cirrhosis). All patients underwent short-term antibiotic prophylaxis.

Advantages and disadvantages of mechanical vs. manual anastomosis in colorectal surgery. A prospective study.

The merits of mechanical versus manual anastomosis were evaluated in a prospective study of 48 patients undergoing resection of colonic or rectal cancer. The analyzed factors included the time required for construction of the anastomosis, the length of hospital stay, the cost/benefit ratio and complications. The anastomosis was manually performed with monolayer polyglactin 910 sutures in 24 cases and mechanically with an E.