The surgical treatment of aneurysms of the abdominal aorta with resection and grafting: review of 12 cases

1. An aneurysm of the abdominal aorta is a lesion which is a constant threat to a patients life because of the danger of rupture and exsanguination. The policy of "watchful waiting" is not to be commended in these cases. Resection of the aneurysm with insertion of a graft is the curative procedure for this condition2. The diagnosis, the selection of patients, and the surgical procedure are discussed3. Twelve cases are reviewed. Although the interval of this study has not been long enough to make definite conclusions, the results, as judged by the period of survival and relief of symptoms, appear to justify the use of this surgical procedure. (Summary)

The management of acute and massive bleeding from ruptured esophageal varices

1. The problem of acute and massively bleeding esophageal varices secondary to portal hypertension is presented2. The medical and surgical management of patients with ruptured esophageal varices is discussed3. Experiences in the control of hemorrhage by direct ligation of varices and by emergency portacaval shunts are presented. (Summary)

Bleeding esophageal varices due to liver cirrhosis: surgical aspects and experiences

1. Bleeding esophageal varices due to liver cirrhosis are serious and difficult but not hopeless problems. Although the mortality from the disease is high, patients who survive bleeding should undergo porto-caval surgery because their life expectancy can be reasonably good2. The diagnosis is not difficult, except in a few cases. The emergency diagnostic procedures and non-operative measures undertaken in these patients are discussed3. Emergency surgical intervention is indicated in patients with massive and continuous hemorrhage, either by direct ligation of the bleeding varices, or, in selected cases by direct porto-caval shunts4. Elective porto-caval surgery is discussed, including preoperative evaluation, the operative procedures utilized, and postoperative management5. Of 19 patients who have undergone porto-caval surgery, the author reviews his results in 12 cases in which the main indication for operation was bleeding from esophageal varices due to liver cirrhosis. (Summary)

Ligation of the hepatic artery in portal cirrhosis: report of seven cases

Seven cases of hepatic artery ligation are presented. Two patients are clinically improved; one patient is definitely unimproved, another is under observation, and three patients are dead. (Summary)