Laparoscopic appendicectomy.

The clinical diagnosis of appendicular pathology has an unacceptably high false-positive rate, particularly in premenopausal women. Diagnostic laparoscopy is a significant aid towards accurate diagnosis. Laparoscopic appendicectomy can be safely and economically performed as a logical sequel to diagnostic laparoscopy.

Laparoscopic surgery in the developing world. An overview of the Indian scene.

We present experience of laparoscopic surgery commencing in 1972 with diagnostic laparoscopy in a Surgical Unit in Bombay. By 1990 we had completed 2800 diagnostic laparoscopies with no mortality, 0.08% complication rate, 85% positive diagnosis and an instrument cost of about Rs.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in India.

The first 100 cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy carried out in a "developing country" are studied. There were 77 females and 23 males. The mean age was 48 years (24-82 years).

Frontoethmoidal meningoencephalocystocele.

A rare variety of frontoethmoidal meningoencephalocystocele is reported. Transillumination of the mass and cross-fluctuation to the anterior frontanelle are diagnostic. Herniation of the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle is probably being reported for the first time.

Secretory antibody response to respiratory syncytial virus infection.

The secretory antibody response to primary and secondary infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Igg, IgM and 11S IgA immunoglobulin classes was determined using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody technique. Nasopharyngeal secretions were collected after naturally acquired primary or secondary infection with RSV. Immunoglobulin A responses to RSV were significantly greater in infants older than 6 months of age at the time of infection than in younger infants.