The late results after axillo-femoral bypass grafts in patients with leg ischaemia

The late results--up to six years--after axillo-femoral bypass reconstruction are reported for 85 patients with leg ischaemia who were regarded as poor-risk patients for aortic bypass surgery, or who had aortic graft infection. Velour-Dacron grafts and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Gore-Tex)--grafts have been used. The cumulative patency rate (life table) six years after graft implantation was 64% (PTFE-grafts) and 58% (Velour-Dacron grafts). The corresponding cumulative limb salvage rate six years after graft implantation was 88% when PTFE grafts were used and 77% when Velour-Dacron grafts were used. Our results demonstrate that axillo-femoral reconstruction is a useful procedure with a good patency rate 6 years after implantation. This procedure should be considered when dealing with poor risk patients with severe leg ischaemia.     

Diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma of the thoracic spine--differential diagnostic difficulties

Spinal Ewing's sarcomas are rare and cause problems in differential diagnosis. The radiologic, nuclear medicine and CT findings in two children with histologically proven Ewing's sarcoma are presented and problems in differential diagnosis discussed. Biopsy should be done early.     

Pancreatic carcinoma. An unusual presentation--inferior vena cava thrombosis

The case reported here demonstrates the importance of considering the possibility of occult malignancy in young patients presenting with extensive or migratory thromboses in atypical locations that appear resistant to standard therapy. Suspicion for malignancy-related thrombosis is heightened by the absence of known precipitating causes and by a negative family history of thrombosis. The search for the responsible underlying neoplasm can be frustrating, but diagnosis and successful treatment of the tumor remain the keys to controlling the abnormal thrombotic state.     

Histology of port wine stains after copper vapour laser treatment

We report histological changes in four patients with port wine stains treated with 578 nm yellow light from a high power copper vapour laser. Histology showed that selective damage occurred to the ectatic blood-vessels in the dermis, without haemorrhage and damage to non-vascular structures, and without scarring. The initial damage to the overlying epidermis was not permanent, and the damaged ectatic vessels returned to normal size or were completely necrosed and replaced by collagen.     

The place of colectomy with ileo-rectal anastomosis in inflammatory bowel disease

The present status of total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis in the surgical treatment of inflammatory bowel disease is examined. Special reference is made to the different indications for the use of the operation in Crohn's disease and in ulcerative colitis. The late results are illustrated by the outcome in the 59 patients in a personal series, and other published results.     

Synovectomy of the knee in hemophilia

Synovectomy of the knee in patients with hemophilia presenting in countries with demographic characteristics that make central referral difficult is the subject of this article. Ten patients, six surgeons, and two countries contributed to this study, which demonstrated that approximately 40% of these patients had no further hemarthroses into the affected joint and the remainder had reduced frequency and severity of bleeding. Continuous passive motion has an important place in postoperative management, and manipulation with the patient under anesthesia is of doubtful value. The possible relationship between diminished range of movement and a successful outcome in terms of abolition of hemorrhage is explored. One patient underwent synovectomy of the knee without complication; the other nine suffered significant complications.