Homocysteine: an aetiological contributor to peripheral vascular arterial disease.

Surgeons are increasingly being exposed to the term 'hyperhomocysteinaemia' but few understand this condition that affects up to 10% of the population, or its pathological sequelae. Hyperhomocysteinaemia has been identified as an important and independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. There is increasing evidence that, in addition to coronary disease, hyperhomocysteinaemia is also associated with an increased risk of developing peripheral arterial disease.

Endoluminal stent-graft repair of a renal artery aneurysm.

Purpose: To present a renal artery aneurysm that was treated successfully by endoluminal grafting.

Case Report: A 48-year-old woman presented with a 2.5-cm saccular left renal artery aneurysm.

Effectiveness of intra-operative wound infiltration with long-acting local anaesthetic.

Background: Postoperative pain relief is of importance to both patients and surgeons. One of the simpler techniques is infiltration of the surgical incision with long acting local anaesthetic. The literature is confusing, with numerous reports attesting to the value of this approach and a similar number disputing the demonstrable benefits.