[Surgical strategy in gastric cancer in aged patients]. / Strategia chirurgica del cancro gastrico nel paziente anziano.

The trend of the National mortality rate for gastric cancer in the general population and in the old people between 1955 and 1990 was studied. A decreased incidence of mortality in the general population whereas an increased mortality rate in elderly was found. Between 1990 and 1994, 17 patients over 70 years of age were operated on for gastric cancer. The influence of the ASA classification on postoperative complications was then evaluated registering a significant statistical difference between patients included in ASA III group and or > and major complications and mortality (P = 0.044). The surgical strategy in the management of elderly patients with gastric cancer is also discussed.

[Anatomo-surgical study on a new technique of nephropexy]. / Studio anatomo-chirurgico su di una nuova tecnica di nefropessi.

The Authors carried an autoptic study on ten cadavers in order to clarify and if necessary modify some aspects of the nephropexy technique which was modified and improved by them. Two main conclusions are reported. First, the approach is better obtained by a prolonged incision to the twelfth rib. Second, possible damage to the diaphragm and to the lung are avoided with this technique. Furthermore, the study provides information about the preparation and suture of the capsule.

[Colostomy control using an original occluding device. A clinico-experimental study]. / Il controllo delle colostomie mediante occlosure originale. Studio clinico-sperimentale.

After having examined different methods as to continence colostomy, the authors introduce their own control system for the stoma. The study was carried out on 6 colostomized patients. Preliminary, the intraluminal pressure in closed colostomy was recorded. Pressure waves, largely varying from patient to patient, were obtained as to frequency of waves and pressure values. The same variations were observed during meals waking and sleeping. Sometimes the patients suffered from serious disorder, but in most cases they did not feel pain. A catheter, provided with an inflatable balloon for closing the stoma, formed the system tested. It was also provided with a second intraluminal low-pressure inflated balloon, connected with an external compensating chamber. As a result of the system the pressure dropped down to about 1/6 compared with the reference values observed under the same conditions. In addition, the continence was complete and the patient did not suffer from any disorder in non-stop recordings up to 24 hours. We believe that the system may be useful for colostomized patients if carefully carried out.