[Comparison of the effects of Rocgel and anti-H2 on the symptomatology of gastroesophageal reflux without esophagitis]. / Comparaison du Rocgel et d'un anti-h2 sur la symptomatologie du reflux gastro-oesophagien sans oesophagite.

The efficacy of boehmite (Rocgel) and of ranitidine was compared in a randomized, double-blind 4-week trial in patients with symptomatic, endoscopically free macroscopic reflux oesophagitis. Of the 64 patients who completed the study 33 received boehmite and 31 ranitidine. Significant symptomatic improvement occurred in both treatment groups (global clinical score and self evaluation by patients) (p < 0.001). Disappearance of heartburn was 52 per cent (15/29) with boehmite and 53 per cent (16/30) with ranitidine. Disappearance of regurgitation was 48 per cent (10/21) with both treatments. 33% of the patients became totally symptom-free. Our results indicate that boehmite seems to be at least as effective as ranitidine in relieving symptoms. Cost of treatment with boehmite, on the other hand is cheaper than ranitidine. As a safe, locally active mucosal protecting agent and antacid, boehmite is an effective drug for the treatment of reflux oesophagitis without macroscopic lesions.

[Technical restatement about double contrast enema (author's transl)]. / Mise au point technique sur le lavement baryté en double contraste.

The prevention of the rectum and colon carcinoma consists principally in the radioendoscopic detection of colonic polyps. The double contrast enema is the best method for this detection. The usual practice of double contrast imposes the restatement of a comfortable method for the patient, simple and reliable for the doctor. The authors mean in this study to compare two groups of patients (group I and II) which differ by the double contrast technique used. If the colonic preparation, the injection implements and the investigation preliminaries are the same in both groups, there is no evacuation time of the barium enema which is added to trimebutine and stopped to the left iliac crest are specific with this method. The results allows an accuracy diagnosis of polyps.

The value of endoscopic retrograde opacification of biliary-pancreatic ducts in icterus.

Important progress in the last few years in fiberscopic instrumentation for digestive endoscopy has made possible duodenoscopy with catheterization of the papilla to obtain retrograde biliopancreatic contrast x-rays. Up to now the only possible way to explore biliary ducts, in icterus, was surgically. This new method makes their study possible without any surgical intervention and with a simple neuroleptanalgesia. It is most advantageous in icterus where clinical tests, laboratory tests and other complementary examinations such as laparoscopy do not help to determine the cause. This examination is not devoid of dangers, particularly of the risk of cholangitis and pancreatitis and therefore certain technical precautions are necessary, e.g., immediate surgical intervention in case of organ obstruction and well defined indications.