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Twenty patients submitted to aortobifemoral bypass and controlled every six months with echotomography, echoflow and digitalised angiography were followed up and the results reported. The value of the technique emerges clearly. It is risk-free and possesses high sensitivity for the analysis of peripheral vascular anastomosis. The limitations of the technique would appear to be connected solely to poor evaluation of the aortic anastomosis.

A personal series (1985-1987) of 22 cases of total gastrectomy for cancer is analysed, a comparison being made between 11 cases treated with manual anastomosis and 11 reconstructed using a stapler. The advantages and disadvantages of the various techniques are examined and although no substantial difference is noted between the two reconstructive modalities, at least as regards morbidity and mortality, stress is laid on the unquestionable advantages of mechanical staplers. These are essentially speed of execution, suture perfection and excellent long-term results.

A series regarding three years of surgery is analysed with regard to the preparation of four sequential by-passes out of 23 aorto-bifemoral revascularisations. Indications and the eminently technical aspects are discussed, the latter consisting of the adoption of two types of different prostheses sutured one to the other, such as the Dacron and the PTFE prostheses, which proved to be very compatible and long-lasting. The results were excellent as is testified by the follow-up.

A personal series covering two years of vascular surgery involving 58 cases without problems of sepsis has been examined. The modalities employed for preventing wound infections and prosthesis suppuration when it occurred and consisting of showers, antibiotic prophylaxis and shaving are reported. In conclusion it is maintained that a specific, disciplined protocol must be followed in all candidates for prosthesis.