The value of contrast radiology for postoperative adhesive small bowel obstruction.

Background/aims: Contrast radiology predicts the outcome of treatment for patients with small bowel obstruction. The optimal method of contrast radiology to determine the indications for and timing of surgery is controversial.

Methodology: Contrast radiology was performed for patients with postoperative adhesive small bowel obstruction between April 1, 2000 and March 31, 2001.

Carcinoma of the head of the pancreas.

Background/aims: Extended radical surgery might provide a survival advantage for patients with carcinoma of the head of the pancreas.

Methodology: Between January 1980 and December 1999, 144 patients with carcinoma of the head of the pancreas were treated in a community hospital setting, of whom 69 patients who underwent radical surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical procedures included standard pancreaticoduodenectomy (27 patients), pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (27 patients), and total pancreatectomy (15 patients).