Rectal neovagina: Simonsen's technique for large rectovaginal fistula repair.

Rectovaginal fistulas are difficult to manage and cause significant morbidity. A new technique for large rectovaginal fistula repair is presented; it is based on the creation of a neovagina associated with an established abdominal pull-through operation. This technique has been used since 1970 in selected cases, with very little morbidity and no operative mortality.

Retrorectal tumors complicating pregnancy. Report of two cases.

PURPOSE: Retrorectal tumors are rare entities often found in females during reproductive age. Reports of retrorectal tumors complicating pregnancy are scant. This study presents two cases of retrorectal tumors complicating pregnancy and a literature review. METHODS: Two patients bearing retrorectal tumors diagnosed during pregnancy were referred to our care at the postpartum period. Both then underwent exploratory laparotomy. RESULTS: One patient had premature delivery by cesarean section because of hemorrhage from abruptio placentae followed by fetal mortality. Attempts to resect the tumor immediately after delivery had been unfruitful. The tumor was also unresectable on exploratory laparotomy. Biopsy studies of the tumor were consistent with low-grade myosarcoma. Another patient had a benign cystic mass that had been conservatively monitored throughout pregnancy. A healthy baby was delivered at term by cesarean section. The cyst was later resected via Kraske's incision and was diagnosed as cystic teratoma. CONCLUSIONS: Retrorectal tumors may cause significant local effects such as complicated pregnancy. Early detection in the population at risk is needed, as correct diagnosis and treatment may be done only on surgical exploration. During pregnancy, careful monitoring of advanced tumors is mandatory and may be sufficient to prevent maternal and fetal complications.

[Intra-abdominal pulmonary sequestration in an adult: report of an operated case and review of the literature]. / Seqüestro pulmonar intra-abdominal em adulto: relato de um caso operado e revisão da literatura.

A 39-year-old man presenting fever and abdominal pain for three days was operated. He had similar but less severe complaint three weeks before. On admission, his temperature was around 38 degrees C and the abdomen was slightly tender in the left upper quadrant. His blood count showed 24,600 white cells/ml. Urinalysis, serum amylase and blood electrolytes were normal. Abdominal and chest roentgenograms were normal. An ultrasound examination showed an 8.7 x 6.2 cm cystic mass behind the spleen. At surgical intervention, a tumoral mass attached to the left hemidiaphragm, spleen and left adrenal gland was resected. The patient recovered uneventfully. The pathological examination showed pulmonary tissue and the diagnosis was that of an extrathoracic bronchopulmonary sequestration.

Volvulus of the sigmoid colon in Brazil: a report of 230 cases.

Etiologic and physiopathologic aspects of volvulus of the sigmoid colon in Brazil are presented. It is believed that sigmoidal volvulus in Brazil is a frequent complication of megacolon caused by Chagas' disease, differing in some characteristics from volvulus found in other countries. A review of 230 cases treated between 1938 and 1974 in the Surgical Department of Hospital das Clinicas, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, is presented. The successive variations used to treat this disease occurred parallel to those introduced in the surgical treatment of uncomplicated megacolon. From the results, the following treatment is recommended: endoscopic emptying in cases without clinical, roentgenographic or endoscopic signs of intestinal ischemia. Laparotomy should be performed when a complicated volvulus is suspected or when it is not possible to empty the loop. When a simple volvulus is found, the loop should be untwisted and the gaseous contents siphoned off by menas of a rectal catheter. When there is necrosis of the colon, the Hartmann operation is recommended. It is important to submit patients to a definitive treatment of the megacolon soon after endoscopic emptying or surgical detorsion of the volvulus, since recurrences following these measures are frequent.