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A variety of materials has been used for perirectal implantation in the treatment of complete rectal prolapse. A new material (Zenoderm) prepared from porcine corium has been used successfully in 4 patients. The material proved to be inert, biologically non-irritant, pliable, workable and strong.

In an attempt to develop a method to predict local recurrence that may occur following radical resection for cure in patients with carcinoma of the colon and rectum, we have studied retrospectively the histochemical characteristics of mucins in 48 surgically resected specimens. This differential pattern of mucus production at the resection margin distinguished between the patients who had local recurrence develop and those who remained tumor free.

The results of surgical treatment of 301 patients with malignant tumors of the colon and rectum presenting to two small district general hospitals in the years 1972 to 1977 were analyzed. Two hundred seventy-four patients (91 per cent) underwent surgery with an operative mortality of 8.7 per cent. Curative resections were performed in 58 per cent of the patients. The overall crude five-year survival rate was 32 per cent. The crude five-year survival rates for curative resection, palliative procedures, and inoperable patients were 47 per cent, 11 per cent, and 0 per cent, respectively. Survival rates were considerably improved in patients in the 40-to-50-year age group with 9 to 12 months' duration of symptoms, and in those with early unfixed, resected tumors. It was diminished in patients with bowel perforation presenting as an emergency, and in patients with two weeks or less duration of symptoms. Survival was not related to the site or grade of the tumor.

In a retrospective review of 301 newly diagnosed tumours of the colon and rectum, 61 patients (20%) presented with liver metastases. The mean survival for this group was 7.4 months. Five patients with solitary metastases were found who may have been helped by further surgery. There was a 20% operative mortality. No significant association between the grade, differentiation, lymph node status or venous invasion of the primary lesion was demonstrated. Operative palliative resection of the primary lesion did not improve survival. These results confirm the poor prognosis for patients with liver metastases, justifying all efforts into the earlier detection and prevention of colorectal carcinoma.

In a retrospective series of 301 colorectal tumours, tumour fixity was assessed, and was found to be of prognostic significance in relation to 5-year survival. Fixity of the tumour was associated with low curative resection rate and advanced tumour state. Fixation did not correlate significantly with the site or differentiation of the tumour nor with operative mortality.

This retrospective study reviews the results of 200 consecutive transurethral resections of prostate (TURP) for benign disease performed in two small district general hospitals. There was 1 postoperative death (0.5 per cent). Ninety-five per cent of the patients were discharged from follow-up with satisfactory results. Nine patients (4.5 per cent) are still under review either for postoperative complications or persistent symptoms.