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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.

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.

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).

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.

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.