[384 papillosphincterostomy operations. Indications, technic, results and long-term control]. / 384 interventi di papillosfinterostomia. Indicazioni, tecnica, risultati e controlli a distanza.

The immediate and long-term results of 384 papillosphincterostomy operations carried out between 1969 and 1979 are presented and discussed. After defining the operation exactly, indications for it are illustrated, i.e.: VP lithiasis, fibrosclerotic odditis, Oddian functional pathology and other pathologies. Special attention is paid to diagnostic techniques. After commenting on surgical techniques, the results obtained in the immediate postoperative course are examined and it is pointed out that complications specific to the type of operation occurred in 1.5% of cases, with a mortality of 1.3% and an incidence of acute pancreatitis of 0.3% (3 cases of which 1 fatal). 162 patients (42%) were followed up between 10 years and 3 months after operation. Follow-up showed the absence of late after-effects and as well as the advantages of effecting an extensive incisura at the Oddian sphincter.

[Comparative observations on the course of different types of necrosis]. / Osservazioni comparative sulla evoluzione di differenti tipi di necrosi.

Histological comparison between cryonecrosis and thermonecrosis has shown that cryonecrosis in generally better delimited and surrounded by a layer of finer and more regular granulation tissue than thermonecrosis. Moreover, the course of the cold lesion is faster and is less open to phenomena of suppurative septic and oedematous phenomena.

[Cryotherapy of hemorrhoids. Analysis of 40 cases]. / Crioterapia emorroidaria. Analisi di 40 casi.

An appraisal is made of the results of cryotherapy in 40 carefully selected cases of haemorrhoids. It is shown that the method is effective if practised in accordance with the correct technique and where specifically indicated. The incidence of possible complications and recurrences is also discussed. Points in favour of the method include its greater tolerability, the possibility of using it in out-patient management, and the fact that it permits an earlier return to work. Attention must be paid to the narrowness of its indications and the anorectal diseases that may often be present.

[Cryosurgery. Current status. Problems and future prospects]. / Criochirurgia. Stato attuale. Problemi e prospettive future.

As matters new stand, cryosurgery has certain definite indications in various fields, either alone or in association with other forms of treatment. It is probably the therapy of choice for 1st-stage haemorrhoids and a series of skin lesions. It is of palliative value in the treatment of tumours and/or an addition to conventional management. The same is true of neoplasm in various sites and stages. As far as the immunological response is concerned, the data available are inconclusive. Further investigation is therefore justified, both experimentally and in man, bearing in mind all the parameters that can be used to assess a possible immune response.