Use of glucagon in conjunction with the end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) stapling device for low anterior anastomoses

Summary We have found intravenous glucagon useful in overcoming the spasm of the rectal stump that one sometimes encounters while performing transanal end-to-end anastomosis using the EEA stapling device.     

Massive abdominal wall desmoid tumor

The management of a massive abdominal wall desmoid tumor in a young woman with Gardner's syndrome is discussed. Treatment options included primary radiation, subtotal excision with radiation, primary chemotherapy or radical resection with abdominal wall reconstruction. The advantages and disadvantages of the various treatment options are discussed, and the technique of resection and reconstruction is explained. The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense. No reprints are available.     

The effect of acetylphenylhydrazine upon epithelial turnover in the small intestine

Summary Administration of acetylphenylhydrazine to rats produced an accelerated turnover of jejunal and duodenal mucosal cells without altering the appearance of the cells or the structure of the villi.     

A New Technic for the Production of an in Vivo Labeled Fibrinogen

The fact that in vitro labeled proteins, as a rule, exhibit faster turnover ratesthan in vivo labeled materials led us to explore means of obtaining in vivolabeled fibrinogen of high specific activity. It was found that defibrination ofthe rat provides a stimulus for the liver to regenerate fibrinogen at an accelerated rate. Administration of seleno⁷⁵ methionine shortly after thrombin-induced defibrination of the animal resulted in the incorporation of largequantities of the label. The rate of incorporation was further increased if theamino acid was administered as a slow infusion during the entire period offibrinogen regeneration. In addition, prior nephrectomy of the animal wouldappear to result in a slight increase in specific activity of the fibrinogen preparation obtained.

The results of these studies indicate that defibrination, nephrectomy, andthe prolonged infusion of the labeled amino acid selenomethionine providedus with a technic for obtaining a biosynthetically labeled, -emitting, fibrinogen preparation of high specific activity.

Submitted on July 15, 1966 Accepted on October 8, 1966     

Pelvic endometriosis: MR imaging

The value of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging at 0.35 T in detecting, characterizing, and staging pelvic endometriosis was prospectively investigated in 30 consecutive women in whom this disease was clinically suspected. MR findings were correlated with the results of laparoscopy (13 women) and laparotomy (17 women). Surgical examination revealed a normal pelvis in five patients and endometriosis in 25. Three of the five normal cases and 16 of the 25 cases of endometriosis were correctly identified with MR imaging (sensitivity, 64%; specificity, 60%; accuracy, 63%). MR imaging demonstrated seven of eight endometriomas but only 14 of 29 adhesions and only six of 45 endometrial implants. While MR imaging demonstrated endometriomas, ovarian adhesions, and extraperitoneal endometrial implants, it could not accurately depict extraovarian endometrial adhesions and intraperitoneal endometrial implants. In addition, MR imaging findings did not correlate with the surgically determined severity of the disease. These limitations indicate that MR imaging cannot be used as the primary modality in the detection, characterization, and staging of endometriosis; laparoscopy remains the procedure of choice.