5 nm structures produced by direct laser writing.

Here we present a new approach to overcome the optical diffraction limit by using novel materials. In the paper, we report experimental results obtained by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and optical absorption spectroscopy, for a fluorescent photosensitive glass-ceramic containing rare-earth ions such as samarium (Sm). Using a home built dynamic tester, with a low power laser, we recorded nanostructures having 5 nm line widths. In the line structure, measurements reveal the presence of silver nanocrystals with few nanometre sizes. HRTEM shows that there is a random orientation of the nanocrystals. A writing mechanism with three steps is proposed.

[Colonic tuberculosis]. / Tuberculoza colonica.

General improvement of life standard normally reduces tuberculous morbidity. However, the general surgeon is confronted with a significant rise of abdominal tuberculosis, especially the colonic form. Between 1990 and 1995, 6 patients with ileo-colonic tuberculosis were operated in the Surgical Department N. Gh. Lupu, of which 3 presented also the peritonitis form, and 2 patients had also a liver involvement. The clinical symptoms, the palpable abdominal mass in the right lower quadrant and the intraoperative aspect suggested usually a right colonic neoplasm. The diagnosis was established by histology. The management was right (ileo) hemicolectomy, followed by tuberculostatic treatment over one year. In conclusion, the diagnosis is still a matter of concern whenever a palpable abdominal mass is found, even in the absence of evolutive pulmonary tuberculosis. A frozen section from the resection piece is very important, because it enables early beginning of the tuberculostatic treatment.

[Pancreatoduodenectomy with pancreaticogastric anastomosis]. / Duodenopancreatectomia cefalica cu anastomoza pancreatico-gastrica.

There is not general agreement concerning the ideal way of preventing pancreatic leakage after duodenopancreatectomy. The aim of the present study is to present the experience of a three years period of performing a pancreatogastroanastomosis (PGA) after duodenopancreatectomy (DPC) in 12 consecutive patients. In 7 cases PGA was performed after closure of the gastric stump using a transverse incision of the posterior wall of the stomach. A total layer of nylon 9 points was doubled by an interrupted serocapsular suture. In one case only the seromuscular layers of the stomach were cut, adjusted to the size of the pancreatic section with a central hole for the duct of Wirsung. Four nylon 10 points were used to anastomose the latter to the gastric mucosa. PGA was performed in one layer interrupted suture between the pancreatic capsule and the seromuscular of the stomach. In 4 cases, after closure of the gastric stump an anterior gastrotomy was associated to the posterior incision of the gastric wall in order to perform PGA using an intragastric route. The postoperative follow-up showed a good evolution with only one anastomotic leakage that necessitated reintervention in the 10th day. PGA might be elective after DPC when appropriate dissection and mobilisation of the pancreas is possible.