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A combination of sclerotherapy, rubber band ligation and infrared coagulation was performed in 7850 patients seen an outpatient clinic over a period of 9 years. The most common symptom was bleeding followed by prolapse, pain and itching. Results were considered satisfactory in 7100 patients (90.5%); 750 (9.5%) required a formal hemorrhoidectomy. Complications were mild to moderate pain in 1777 cases (22.6%), severe pain in 157 cases (2.2%), mild hemorrhage in 199 (2.5%) and hemorrhage requiring transfusion in 10 cases (0.1%). In conclusion, non-surgical outpatient treatment has a great impact on patient's perception of the disease and results in considerable savings for the healthcare system.

Objective: To determine if the extent of lymphadenectomy (number of recovered lymph nodes) was associated with long-term outcome in patients operated on for stage B and C colon cancer., Summary Background Data: Lymphatic spreading is the main prognostic indicator in colon cancer patients, although the optimal extent of lymphadenectomy and its prognostic impact are still unknown., Methods: In 3,648 patients (median follow-up 3.6 years) enrolled in two consecutive INTACC multicentric trials on adjuvant therapy for colon cancer, we studied the association of the number of recovered nodes with overall survival and relapse free survival by means of univariate and Cox regression analysis., Results: The worst overall survival was related to ages > 65 (risk ratio [RR] = 1.30), higher grading (RR = 1.96). Better overall survival was related to female gender (RR = 0.80) and to higher number of recovered nodes (8-12 nodes, RR = 0.46, 13-17 nodes, RR = 0.76, nodes > or = 18, RR = 0.79). The same pattern was observed for relapse free survival. Longer overall and relapse free survival were related to a higher number of recovered nodes with P =.034 and P =.003 respectively (stratified analysis for absence or presence of positive nodes). Stage B patients with fewer than 7 nodes in the specimen had both shorter overall survival (P =.0000) and relapse free survival (P =.0016) than the other B patients. Outcome of stage C patients was not related to the number of recovered nodes (P =.28 and 0.12 respectively). The interaction test between stage of disease and number of recovered nodes was statistically significant (P =.017)., Conclusions: Stage B patients with a small number of examined nodes may be understaged. Thus, these patients might be considered for adjuvant therapy because of their poorer life expectancy than other stage B patients. For stage C patients, the number of recovered nodes does not seem to affect long-term outcome.

After investigation of the international literature on this subject, the authors describe a case report of adhesive-stenotic and retractile peritonitis, very likely caused bt a foreign body reaction (surgical stitches, gloves, rice powder, etc.?). This case-report is interesting both to remember the existence of this pathology and to limit its iatrogenic development. In conclusion, it is advisable to wash surgical gloves with sterile solutions and to limit enlarged bowel resections mostly in young people.

Pre-operative skin test response has been evaluated in 50 cases of colorectal carcinoma. Cellular defense's depression was correlated with tumoral staging (p = < 0.001). In B2 and C groups, a higher incidence of metastatic and local recurrences was registered in subjects with low response. These last are suitable for a randomized trial including immunotherapy.

This study analyzes the usefulness of two diagnostic methods: endorectal echotomography and adenolymphoscintigraphy. Echotomography is an important means for determining the extent of a tumor beyond the rectal wall, whereas lymphoscintigraphy is useful in demonstrating the metastatic locations in lymph nodes. These two modes of evaluation may permit an evaluation of the extent of the tumor and the possible involvement of regional lymph nodes before a surgical operation. Although the case material is limited, the statistical data can lead one to believe that, in the near future, a reasoned choice will be possible between local excision and abdominoperineal resection. The study includes 60 endorectal echotomographies and 26 lymphoscintigraphies (20 with 99mTc colloid and six with 201-Tl colloid).

A rare case of a pilonidal cyst with the fistulous tract situated inside the anal canal is described. This is the sixth such case in the medical literature.

The paper discusses the usefulness of endorectal echotomography and adenolymphoscintigraphy--two new diagnostic methods which allow surgeons to know preoperatively tumor extension beyond the rectal wall and lymph nodes involvement. Though the statistical data presented are not numerous, it is hoped that, using these two diagnostic methods in cases of rectal tumors, surgeons will be able to choose better between local excision and abdominoperineal resection thus avoiding unnecessary and mutilating operations.

In 60% of patients with post-phlebitic syndrome lymphography of the lower extremity shows involvement of the deep system. In 77% of the patients there was increase in the number and caliber of the deep lymphatic vessels. They frequently appear elongated, tortuous, and ectatic but usually do not show signs of insufficiency. It appears as if these vessels act as collaterals and compensate for difficiencies of the deep venous circulation. Multiple lympholymphatic and lymphovenous communications have been observed.

After mentioning the lymphangiographical methods for the study of the lower limb channels, the authors illustrate a new technique which allows, in at least 15% of cases, the simultaneous study of both the superficial and deep lymphatic systems.