Hourglass thoracic lipoma of infancy: case report and review of the literature.

The authors present a case of lipoma in infancy. A 12-year-old boy was referred for an asymptomatic fast-growing thoracic tumor of 1-month evolution. A simple chest x-ray showed an intra- and extrathoracic mass of extrapleural localization. Ultrasound scan and computed tomography studies were performed, and the diagnosis of an hourglass lipoma was confirmed by a fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Surgical excision of the tumor was performed and the pathological study reassessed the initial diagnosis of lipoma. The thoracic lipoma is a benign disease and has a good evolution after surgery.

Multiple colon tumors. Diagnosis and follow-up of 450 patients with colorectal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Failure to diagnose synchronous tumors leads to errors in patient treatment and prognosis. The existence of metachronous tumors requires strict patient follow-up to ensure early identification of the second tumor. The present study evaluates the results obtained in the application of a structured procedure for the diagnosis and follow-up of multiple colorectal carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A structured procedure was used to follow for 5 years a group of 12 patients with multiple colorectal tumors (7 synchronous and 5 metachronous) of a series of 450 colorectal neoplasms. RESULTS: Six synchronous tumors were diagnosed preoperatively and one intraoperative. Of the 5 metachronous neoplasms, 4 strictly adhered to the follow-up protocol, as a result of which the second tumor was detected at an early stage. The remaining case involved no follow-up, and the second tumor was diagnosed in an advanced stage as a result of bowel occlusion. The left colon was predominantly involved; polyps were detected in 9 cases, while two patients had 3 malignancies detected by histopathological study. COMMENTS: We emphasize the need for a full evaluation of the colon in all patients with colorectal carcinoma. In the case of incomplete preoperative evaluation, intraoperative colonoscopy is to be considered; if this is not feasible it should be performed one month after surgery. A structured follow-up procedure permits the early detection of these tumors, there by improving patient prognosis.

[Surgical treatment of Zenker's diverticulum. Apropos of 14 cases]. / Tratamiento quirúrgico del divertículo de Zenker. A propósito de 14 casos.

We present our experience in the surgical treatment of 14 cases of Zenker's diverticulum, diagnosed from January, 1969 to December, 1988. In 11 cases we performed one stage diverticulectomy; in 4 cases, manometric findings required cricopharyngeal myotomy. In 3 cases surgical treatment was not indicated; 2 patients had liver cirrhosis and high surgical risk and the third patient declined the treatment. Current treatment is discussed.

[Fetus in fetu: a case report of an extremely rare cause of abdominal tumors in the infant]. / Fetus in Fetu: Ein Fallbericht einer extrem seltenen Ursache von Bauchtumoren beim Säugling.

Fetus in fetu is an extremely uncommon cause of an abdominal mass in the neonate. A 6-week-old female was brought to our hospital because of an upper abdominal mass. A plain x-ray demonstrated a mass of structured bones that suggested a teratoma or fetus in fetu. At operation a 20 cm mass was found in the mesocolon covered by a membrane. The mass corresponded to a fetus in fetu connected by an umbilical-like cord to the host in the depth of the radix mesocoli. The fetus in fetu weighed 150 g and had severe malformations, such as internal hydrocephalus, a left side anotia, a descended right ear, anophthalmia, a right-sided amelia, a micromelia on the left side with 4 fingers, a sympus with 5 and 7 toes on the left and right side, respectively. There was also an almost complete aplasia of the internal organs with some remnants of intestine near the umbilical cord.

[Presentation of 6 cases of cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas]. / Aportación de seis casos de cistoadenocarcinomas de páncreas.

Cystadenocarcinomas represent approximately 1% of the pancreatic tumors and are difficult to diagnose clinically and by pathology. Due to their rarity, published series are small. We present 6 cases of pancreatic cystadenocarcinoma collected over a period of 15 years at the Visceral Surgery Service of the Valencia University Hospital. The better evolution and prognosis of these tumors in comparison with pancreatic adenocarcinomas is noteworthy.

[Peptic stenoses of the esophagus]. / Estenosis pépticas del esófago.

The authors present a series of 32 cases of reflux peptic strictures of the esophagus. The mean age of the patients is 54 years, with a 3/1 predominance of males. The etiologic antecedent was hiatal hernia in every case, with a clinical time of evolution of 29 months, dysphagia being the most frequent symptom (100%). Complementary diagnosis was based fundamentally on endoscopy and barium transit, explorations that also allow exclusion of other pathologies. All the patients underwent medical treatment, this being the only treatment in 4 cases. The other 28 cases were treated surgically. The technique used was, in the cases in which the esophagus could be dilated, dilatation associated with an antireflux technique, and when not dilatable, resection with reconstruction using stomach (Sweet) or colonoplasty. The global mortality was two patients (5.2%). Patients were followed-up for a minimum of 2 years and the global results have been good, with recurrence in 3 cases (7.7%). Postoperative dysphagia appeared in 17 cases (44.7%), in all of the transitory.