Link between dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and liver.

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) is the rate-limiting enzyme of 5-fluorouracil (FU) catabolism, which occurs mainly in the liver. Several cases of severe FU-related toxicity have been reported in patients exhibiting a marked DPD deficiency measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In addition, it has been shown that PBMC-DPD activity correlates to systemic FU clearance. The purpose of the present study was to closely evaluate the link between DPD activity measured in PBMCs and in liver samples obtained from the same patients. This prospective study was conducted on 27 patients (18 men and 9 women) who underwent laparotomy for various pathologies. Liver biopsies were performed in normal liver and immediately stored in liquid nitrogen. Biological liver function tests were within normal values for all patients. Concomitantly to the liver biopsy, a blood sample was taken and PBMCs were immediately isolated and stored at -80 degreesC. Liver-DPD and PBMC-DPD activities were measured by a radioenzymatic assay using 14C-FU as substrate (sensitivity limit, 5 pmol/min/mg protein; interassay reproducibility, 10%). Liver-DPD (mean, 178; median, 186; range, 54-290 pmol/min/mg protein) and PBMC-DPD (mean, 196; median, 205; range, 80-275 pmol/min/mg protein) exhibited the same pattern of distribution. Neither liver-DPD nor PBMC-DPD was significantly different between men and women. A significant linear correlation was demonstrated between liver- and PBMC-DPD activity (liver-DPD = 0.6 x PBMC-DPD + 59, r = 0.56, P = 0.002). Interestingly, the patient who exhibited the lowest PBMC-DPD activity (80 pmol/min/mg protein, at risk value for developing FU-related side effects) also had very low liver-DPD activity (98 pmol/min/mg protein). In conclusion, in patients with normal liver function, DPD activity measured in PBMCs reflects DPD activity expressed in the liver. The demonstrated link between liver- and PBMC-DPD activity reinforces the interest in DPD investigation in PBMCs for selecting, before FU-containing chemotherapy, patients at risk of developing severe toxicities due to impairment of FU clearance.

Decreased folylpolyglutamate synthetase activity in tumors resistant to fluorouracil-folinic acid treatment: clinical data.

Thymidylate synthase (TS) is the main target for fluorouracil (FU). Optimal cellular concentrations of reduced folates in polyglutamated forms [via folylpolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS)] are necessary for achieving maximal TS inhibition. The aim of this multicentric prospective study was to analyze the link between clinical response to FU therapy for liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma and tumoral TS and FPGS activities. Forty-four advanced colorectal cancer patients (15 women and 29 men; median age 63, range, 27-78 years) receiving a standard FU-folinic acid protocol were included. A single hepatic tumoral biopsy was obtained systematically at the time of diagnosis. For 24 patients, a biopsy in the primary colon tumor was available. TS and FPGS activities were measured by radioenzymatic assays. Clinical response on hepatic metastases was 1 complete response, 12 partial responses, 14 stabilizations, and 17 progressions. In hepatic biopsies, TS activity (median, 185; range, <10-3111 fmol/min/mg protein) and FPGS activity (median, 1270; range, <400-3730 fmol/min/mg protein) exhibited a wide variability. TS activity in primary tumors (median, 461; range, 35-2565 fmol/min/mg protein) was significantly higher than in hepatic metastases. No difference was observed between primaries and metastases for FPGS. FPGS activity expressed in liver metastases was significantly correlated to that expressed in primaries. The distribution of TS activity in liver metastases was not significantly different between responsive and nonresponsive patients. However, FPGS activity measured in liver metastases was significantly higher in responsive patients (median, 1550 fmol/min/mg protein) than in nonresponsive patients (median, 1100 fmol/min/mg protein). A discriminant analysis revealed that 24 of the 25 patients exhibiting a liver FPGS activity 320 fmol/min/mg protein were nonresponding patients. These data establish for the first time the potential importance of tumoral FPGS activity for assessing FU-folinic acid responsiveness in the clinical setting.

Management of pleural effusion of cirrhotic origin.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the indications and limitations of surgical videothoracoscopy for management of pleural effusion, an infrequent and often recurring complication of cirrhotic ascites whose pathogenesis involves direct passage of ascitic fluid into the pleural space through minute defects in the diaphragm. DESIGN/SETTING/PATIENTS/INTERVENTIONS: Eight cirrhotic patients with ascites and recurrent pleural effusion underwent surgical videothoracoscopy to localize and close any diaphragmatic defects and to achieve pleurodesis by application of talc. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Diaphragmatic defects were localized and closed in six patients; postoperative mean volume and duration of drainage were, respectively, 0.408 +/- 0.157 mL and 7.6 +/- 1.75 days. None of these six patients developed recurrent pleural effusion (follow-up, 7 to 36 months). In the 2 patients in whom no defect was found, drainage had to be maintained for 15 days and 18 days (drainage volumes, 3 and 4 L). At hospital discharge, both patients had a stable recurrent effusion occupying the lower third of the cavity. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of videothoracoscopy appears particularly indicated for these fragile patients when medical therapy fails. The procedure's efficacy is immediate and durable once defects are identified and closed. If the technique proves unsuccessful, it does not hinder subsequent use of other methods.

Surgical management of pleuropulmonary tuberculosis.

To define the current indications for surgical management of pleuropulmonary tuberculosis and analyze the results of operative procedures, the records of 59 patients operated on between January 1987 and December 1993 were reviewed. Three patient categories were defined. Group I patients (n = 25) underwent operation for diagnostic purposes: solitary mediastinal node or mediastinal adenopathy associated with pulmonary lesions (n = 10), pulmonary infiltrates (n = 4), pulmonary nodules or masses (n = 10), or chronic pleurisy (n = 1). Postoperative mortality and morbidity rates in this group were both 4%. Group II patients (n = 18) underwent operation for active lesions: intrapulmonary cavity (n = 6), destroyed lung parenchyma (n = 6), or chronic loculated pleural effusion (n = 6). Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 16.6% and 5.5%, respectively. Group III patients (n = 16) underwent operation for a complication of therapy or for sequelae of previously "cured" tuberculosis: calcified pyothorax (n = 8), empyema (n = 2), fistulized nodes (n = 2), bronchiectasis (n = 3), or aspergilloma (n = 1). Morbidity and mortality rates in this group were 31.25% and 12.5%, respectively. Surgery continues to have both diagnostic and therapeutic indications for management of pleuropulmonary tuberculosis, despite the morbidity and mortality rates associated with operative procedures.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax: technique and results of one hundred cases.

OBJECTIVE: This article describes the technique and results for an initial series of 100 pneumothoraces treated by video-assisted thoracoscopy. METHODS: From May 1991 to November 1994, 97 patients (78 male and 19 female patients) aged 37.2 +/- 17 years (range 14 to 92 years) underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy for treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax (primary in 75 patients, secondary in 22 patients). RESULTS: The procedure was unilateral in 94 patients and bilateral in three patients (total 100 cases). Pleural bullae were resected with an endoscopic linear stapler; a lung biopsy was performed in the absence of any identifiable lesion. Pleurodesis was achieved by electrocoagulation of the pleura (n = 3), "patch" pleurectomy (n = 3), subtotal pleurectomy (n = 20), or pleural abrasion (n = 74), including conversion to standard thoracotomy in five. One of these five patients had primary pneumothorax and four had secondary pneumothorax. There were no postoperative deaths. A complication developed in 10 patients: five patients with a primary pneumothorax (6.6%) and five with a secondary pneumothorax (27.7%). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 8.25 +/- 3.2 days. Mean follow-up is 30 months (range 7 to 49 months). Pneumothorax recurred in 3% of patients, all of whom were operated on at the start of our experience. Three percent of the patients had chronic postoperative chest pain. CONCLUSIONS: Video-assisted thoracoscopy is a valid alternative to open thoracotomy for the treatment of spontaneous primary pneumothorax. Its role for the management of secondary pneumothorax remains to be defined. In the long term, the efficacy of video-assisted thoracoscopic pleurodesis and surgeon experience should yield the same results as standard operative therapy.

Jejunal versus ileal segmental allografts in the dog: comparison of immunologic and functional results.

Segmental small-bowel grafts have been advocated as a means of reducing the incidence of rejection and graft-versus-host disease in small-bowel transplant recipients. This study compared the results achieved with heterotopic segmental allografts of the jejunum and the ileum that used 120 cm Thiry-Vella loops in a dog model. Immunosuppressive therapy consisted of 25 mg cyclosporine/kg/day. Results were monitored by histologic examinations, function tests (maltose and xylose absorption), and brush-border enzyme assays. Thirty-three dogs were randomized for use as a donor (n = 11) or recipient of a jejunal allograft (n = 11) or an ileal allograft (n = 11). Eight allografts were technical failures and were excluded from analysis. Fourteen allografts were successful (eight ileal, six jejunal). No case of graft-versus-host disease was observed. Six allografts (42.5%, three jejunal [50%] and three ileal [37.5%]) were rejected during the first 3 months (not statistically significant). Eight allografts (five ileal, three jejunal) were tolerated for up to 3 months and were removed. Two ileal and two jejunal allografts appeared grossly normal at surgical removal, but two ileal and one jejunal allografts exhibited signs of chronic rejection, and one ileal allograft showed advanced rejection. The jejunal and ileal allografts had similar clinical courses, as were revealed by immunologic reactions and functional parameters. We conclude that there is no major difference between jejunal allografts and ileal allografts in the dog.

Should cavitated bronchopulmonary cancers be considered a separate entity?

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to identify any clinical, histologic, and prognostic features specific to cavitated bronchopulmonary tumors. METHODS: A total of 353 patients with lung cancer were categorized in two groups on the basis of chest radiograph and computed tomographic findings: 35 patients with cavitated cancers (group I) and 318 patients with noncavitated neoplasms (group II). Cavitation was defined as the presence of air in the tumor at the time of diagnosis and before any treatment or aspiration biopsy. The two groups were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups concerning age, smoking history, or the interval to diagnosis, but diabetes (14.3% versus 5%) and fever (28.6% versus 13.5%) were significantly more frequent in group I than in group II. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in tumor site or endoscopic appearance. Cavitated tumors were 1.5 times larger than the noncavitated lesions. Squamous cell carcinoma was significantly more frequent in group I than in group II (82.8% versus 61%). Survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was, respectively, 58.6%, 36.1%, and 22.2% in group I versus 48.2%, 35%, and 23.8% in group II. CONCLUSIONS: Despite several specific features, there appears to be no justification for considering cavitated neoplasms separately from other forms of lung cancer.

Technique for the repair of diaphragmatic eventration.

In contrast to the large thoracotomy incisions required by standard surgical techniques for repair of diaphragmatic eventration, the procedure we developed can be performed by video-assisted thoracoscopy, thus offering patients the advantages of a minimally invasive operation. Using two superposed series of transverse back-and-forth continuous sutures, the diaphragm is invaginated, then stretched. The first suture line holds the diaphragm down and maintains the excess within the abdomen; the second suture line places the desired tension on the diaphragmatic dome. Successful repair of 3 cases by this technique is described.

Surgical endoscopy in thoracic surgery.

From November 1990 to April 1992, 32 patients were operated on by video thoracoscopic surgery (VTS). Included were 22 males and 10 females, mean age 47.6 years. VTS has been used therapeutically on 25 occasions: 20 spontaneous pneumothoraxes; two recurrent pleuritis; two cysts; one mediastinal; one pulmonary; and one thoracic sympathectomy. VTS was also used diagnostically seven times: five lung biopsies and two mediastinal lymph node biopsies. It was necessary to perform a mini-thoracotomy in one patient and proceed to immediate thoracotomy in three patients. There were no deaths in this series, the morbidity was two patients with collapsed lungs, one of which required drainage. VTS must be performed under standard thoracic surgical conditions: selective intubation, and fully equipped to make an immediate thoracotomy. The advantages of VTS are aesthetic and functional, the post-operative pain is reduced in intensity and duration. At present, VTS is indicated for the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax, the assessment and biopsy of mediastinal lymph node and the excision of some lung lesions. Improvements in the apparatus should lead to a broadening of these indications in the future.

Efficacy and safety of videothoracoscopic lung biopsy in the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of videothoracoscopic lung biopsy (VTLB) in the diagnosis of infiltrative lung disease (ILD) and compare the results of VTLB with the results previously obtained in patients with open lung biopsy at the same institution. METHODS: Forty-one patients undergoing VTLB between May 1991 and December 1994 were retrospectively studied and compared with 25 patients who have undergone OLB during the period from January 1987 to April 1991. The two groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, and severity of lung disease. RESULTS: Three of 41 patients (7%) who underwent VTLB with minithoracotomy. There was no significant difference between the group of VTLB (38 patients) and the group OLB (25 patients) with regard to, the number of biopsies (VTLB 1.8 +/- 0.4 versus OLB 2 +/- 0.6), or diagnostic yield (VTLB 37/38 versus OLB 25/25). In contrast, patients who underwent VTLB demonstrated a significant reduction of the operative time (VTLB 45.3 +/- 12.2 min), length of chest tube drainage (3.55 +/- 1.2 days), hospital stay (5.5 +/- 1.3 days), and analgesia (buprenorphine 0.85 +/- 0.44 mg; paracetamol 5.9 +/- 2.5 g) compared to patients who underwent OLB (55.6 +/- 11.2 min, 5.2 +/- 1.5 days; 7.1 +/- 2.3 days; buprenorphine 1.17 +/- 0.5 mg, paracetamol 8.9 +/- 2.3 g). Morbidity and mortality were similar in the two groups (morbidity VTLB 10.5%, OLB 12%; mortality VTLB 5.2%, OLB 8%). Regardless of the biopsy technique, the most serious complications and deaths occurred with the same frequency in those patients with a severe underlying disease. CONCLUSIONS: VTLB is a valid alternative to OLB in most cases. Along with a comparable efficacy, VTLB has several advantages that should make it the method of choice for patients with only minimally impaired respiratory function. In contrast, the role and advantages of VTLB compared to OLB in patients with severe lung disease, require further investigation.

Infectious complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography managed in a surgical unit.

The immediate infectious pancreato-biliary complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) warranting transfer to a surgical unit are analyzed, in order to evaluate their frequency and severity as well as means of treatment and prevention. Thirty complications of this type were observed in a series of 3226 ERCP performed with or without endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) over a six year period (0.9%). ES had been performed in 12 of 30 cases, but the complication could not be attributed to the procedure. Post-ERCP complications included: acute cholangitis: 16 cases (53%); acute cholecystitis: 8 cases (26%); acute pancreatitis: 4 cases (13%); infected pancreatic pseudocyst: 2 cases (6%). The global mortality rate was 16.6% (five patients): Four of the deaths were due to septic complications. Twenty-seven of the 30 patients underwent surgery, and three of them died (11%). Acute cholangitis was responsible for most of the deaths (four of five) and the mortality appeared related to the long interval before surgery (three of four deaths). Strict adherence to good endoscopic procedures (aseptic conditions, injection without excessive pressure, antibiotic prophylaxis) and decompression of the biliary tract (nasobiliary drain or transhepatic catheter) should help reduce the frequency of post-ERCP complications, and especially cholangitis, which appears to benefit from early surgical treatment.

[Strategy and results in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal. A review of 51 cases (author's transl)]. / Stratégie et résultats dans le traitement des épithéliomas malpighiens du canal anal. A propos de 51 cas.

In this retrospective study of 51 patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal some aspects of the natural history are touched upon. The authors also discuss their results and define their current therapeutic approach. It is a rare lesion; only 2-3% of all colorectal cancers with a predominance for women (4 to 1) and of 2 histological varieties. The epidermoid type (74%) is made more prevalent though the basal layer type (26%). The prognosis is very poor once the stage T, is passed. The simultaneous finding of a primary lesion and associated inguinal lymphadenopathy is of serious consequences. The proposed therapeutic schema consists of: --Radiotherapy exclusively for T1 lesions. --Preoperative radiotherapy and abdominoperineal resection for all large lesions T3-T4. --For the intermediate T2 lesion: initially radiotherapy (2,500-4,000 rads) followed by careful reevaluation under general anesthesia to define whether further curie-therapy or surgical resection when an unsatisfactory response.

[Traumas of the duodenum]. / Les traumatismes du duodénum.

The aim of this study is to present current management of duodenal trauma. Duodenal lesions following penetrating injuries are rare, but more serious, than those following blunt injuries. the severity is mostly due to delay in the diagnosis and associated intraabdominal injuries. Diagnosis is based on abdominal plain film, gastroduodenography, and more recently US scan and CT-scan. Surgical procedures depend on the type of lesion. In patients operated early, a duodenal wound can be treated by suture-closure with duodenal decompression tube. If suture-closure is not available, with a wound affecting proximal or distal duodenum, resection with anastomosis can be performed. In the second portion of the duodenum, the best treatment is a jejunal plasty with a Roux-en-Y loop. When there is an associated pancreatic injury, treatment depends on whether biliary or pancreatic ducts are injured, and a pancreatico-duodenectomy could be necessary. In patients operated on later, closure with duodenal exclusion by diverticulization is associated due to the high risk of leaking.

[Pancreatic-pleural fistula and cancer of the esophagus: single stage surgical treatment of both lesions]. / Fistule pancréatico-pleurale et cancer de l'oesophage: traitement chirurgical des deux affections en un seul temps opératoire.

To our knowledge, the association of a pancreatico-pleural fistula and an esophageal carcinoma has never been previously reported. We report the case of a 48 year old man, who presented with a squamous-cell carcinoma of the esophagus associated with a right pancreatico-pleural fistula. This association raises the problem of the surgical strategy. In our case, we chose to treat the two lesions during the same operation. We performed left pancreatectomy with splenectomy and an Ivor-Lewis procedure, with an uneventful post-operative course.

[Hemorrhagic duodenal ulcer: which procedure should be performed?]. / Ulcère duodénal hémorragique: quel geste effectuer?

The authors reviewed the emergency treatment of 64 duodenal ulcers operated during the haemorrhagic period in order to evaluate the results of an approach adapted to the site of the ulcer and to the lesions observed. Twenty-four ulcers were situated in the post-bulbar region (37.5%) and need to be considered separately as their anatomical situation and the frequently callous and burrowing nature raise difficult problems in the diagnosis and surgical approach. Conservative treatment (vagotomy, pyloroplasty, direct suture) was possible in 75% of cases. Sixteen gastrectomies (25%) were necessary because of the severity of the duodenal disease with a significantly higher rate in the case of post-bulbar ulcers. The overall postoperative mortality was 25%; it was due to a surgical cause in one half of cases. The surgical morbidity was dominated by recurrent haemorrhages (11%) with 85% mortality. The authors believe that suture vagotomy, which is the basic treatment for bulbar ulcers, also constitutes treatment of choice in the post-bulbar variety when the duodenum appears to be suturable after haemostasis. In the opposite case, duodenal resection is necessary and should extend beyond the ulcer crater. In every case, identification of the common bile duct and the papilla constitutes an essential precaution.

[Inflammatory and neoplastic esophagotracheal fistula. Intubation or surgery?]. / Fistules oeso-trachéales inflammatoires et néoplasiques. Intubation ou chirurgie?

There are two principal aetiologies for oesophago-tracheal fistulae: cancer of the oesophagus opening into the airways and assisted ventilation (tracheotomy or nasotracheal intubation). Oesophago-tracheal fistulae are rare. Over a period of 6 years, the authors have treated 9 neoplastic oesophago-tracheal fistulae in a series of 150 cases of oesophageal cancer and 2 inflammatory oesophago-tracheal fistulae out of a series of more than 20 stenoses of the same nature. The two types of oesophago-tracheal fistulae have the same degree of severity but very different significance, treatment and prognosis: neoplastic oesophago-tracheal fistulae, an advanced, often terminal form of oesophageal cancer, justify palliative treatment to exclude the respiratory tract. Endoscopic intubation of the oesophagus is generally appropriate treatment. Exceptionally, a surgical bypass of the oesophagus may be proposed. Inflammatory oesophago-tracheal fistulae require treatment to restore the continuity of the trachea and oesophagus in patients with respiratory autonomy. In agreement with H. Grillo, we consider treacheal resection-suture and repair of the oesophageal defect to constitute the most satisfactory procedure.

[Stage III bronchial cancers. Results of a series in surgery]. / Le cancer bronchique au stade III. Résultats d'une série chirurgicale.

The aim of this study was to determine immediate and long term prognostic factors after resection of stage III lung cancer. From 1981 to 1987, 188 consecutive patients (136 stage III A and 52 stage III B) underwent resection of a primary lung cancer. Mortality (5.8 per cent) and morbidity were not influenced by age of the patient, the type of procedure (lobectomy or pneumonectomy) or the stage A or B of the cancer. But mortality was significantly increased by alteration of four ventilatory parameters. Actuarial survival was significantly better for stage III A (56%, 34 or 7 at 1, 2 and 5 years) than for stage III B (35, 18, 0 respectively). Survival was also influenced by: the quality of the resection: 15 months median survival if curative, 5 months if palliative; the tumour volume: 65%, 47, 18 at 1, 2 and 5 years if the diameter of the tumour was less than 5 cm, and 49, 31, 0 respectively if the diameter was greater than 5 cm. The authors conclude that identification of these factors is determinant to discuss prognosis and to plan treatment.

[What is the value of tracheobronchial fibroscopy in the assessment of esophageal cancer?]. / Que faut-il attendre de la fibroscopie trachéo-bronchique dans le bilan d'un cancer de l'oesophage?

The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of bronchoscopy in the assessment of resectability of esophageal carcinomas. From 1981 to 1986, 125 patients were referred for a carcinoma of the esophagus. Bronchoscopy was performed in 105 cases. Patients were classified into 3 groups: group I: normal bronchoscopy (58 cases: 55.2%); group II: compression, localized inflammation (35 cases: 33.3%); Group III: invasion (12 cases: 11.5%). Tracheo-bronchial abnormalities were found whatever the site of the esophageal carcinoma: 60% of cases for the upper third, 40% for the middle third and 36% for the lower third. They were significantly more frequent when the esophageal tumor was larger than 5 centimeters. Correlation with CT scan was good in 75% of cases. Sensitivity and specificity of these two exams were similar and they appeared to be complementary. In group I, resection was impossible or palliative for bronchial reasons in 10% of cases, while resection was impossible or palliative in 35% of cases in group II. Lastly, resection was curative in 73.5% of cases in group I and in only 39% of cases in group II. Bronchoscopy must be systematically performed in carcinoma of esophagus. It may predict the palliative nature of resection if abnormalities are present, and may contraindicate the resection when invasion of the bronchial tree is discovered.

[Oncological and functional results of direct colo-anal anastomosis after total resection of the rectum for cancer]. / Résultats carcinologiques et fonctionnels de l'anastomose colo-anale directe après exérèse totale du rectum pour cancer.

From january 1986 to december 1992, 71 patients underwent direct colo-anal anastomosis as described by Parks (CAA) after total rectal resection for carcinoma: 49 men and 22 women with a mean age of 64 years (range 37-82). In 67 cases, the indication was for adenocarcinoma of the mid and low rectum, and in 4 cases for carcinoma of the upper rectum associated with a low rectal benign tumour (6 Dukes A, 36 Dukes B, 21 Dukes C, 8 Dukes D). A diverting colostomy was constructed in all cases. One patient died from pulmonary embolism (mortality: 1.4%). Anastomotic leakage occurred in 6 cases (8.5%). None of these cases required reoperation and all colostomies have been closed. Local recurrence occurred in 12 cases (17%) 6 to 34 months after CAA, of whom 4 were treated by abdominoperineal resection. Eleven patients died from local recurrence (3 cases) or distant metastasis (8 cases). Actuarial survival at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years was 92%, 88%, 78%, 75% and 69% respectively. From the functional point of view, one patient underwent abdomino-perineal resection for incontinence 3 years after CAA. All the other patients were fully continent, with a mean stool frequency of 2 per day, and good gas-stool discrimination. Twenty per cent of patients presented soiling, 20% with stool frequency, and 12% with urgency. Long term functional and oncological results make CAA a good alternative to abdomino-perineal resection for mid and low rectal carcinoma.

[Video-assisted thoracic surgery: indications and limitations]. / Chirurgie thoracique vidéo-assistée: indications et limites.

From November 1990 to September 1992, 72 patients underwent a video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), 47 men and 25 women, of mean age 49 years. Video-assisted thoracic surgery was indicated for the following: 44 spontaneous pneumothorax, 6 benign tumors of the lung or the mediastinum, 4 pleural effusions, one broncho-pleural fistula and one sympathectomy; 17 diagnostic procedures (lung or mediastinal lymph-nodes biopsies). In one patient, it was necessary to associate a mini-thoracotomy and 5 patients went on to a formal thoracotomy. There was no mortality and the morbidity rate was 5.5%. Some conditions are required: one-lung ventilation, ability to convert to a formal thoracotomy at any moment. It is contra-indicated in cases of single lung or complete obliteration of the pleural space due to dense adhesions. The place of VATS is now well defined for the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax. It is discussed for resection of pulmonary diseases depending on their size, location and histologic type.