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Despite the indisputable progress of technology (laboratory analyses, scintigraphy, ultrasonography, computed tomography), the diagnosis of acute appendicitis often remains uncertain, with a rate of useless appendectomies amounting to almost 20% of cases. The ideal diagnostic test has yet to be discovered and, in any case, clinical observation remains the cornerstone of any decision-making algorithm. Thus, acute appendicitis continues to offer food for thought in relation to the aetiology of the condition, which is still unknown, the primacy of the clinical diagnosis, and the learning of the surgical skills required. In the present study, the authors compare their personal experience with the relevant data in the international literature, emphasising a number of issues such as the problem of diagnosis, acute appendicitis in pregnancy, laparoscopic therapy, and the so-called "useless appendectomies" and presenting their own point of view.

Background: At present one of the most common pathologies of the female genital apparatus is infection from HPV. It may be present in the latent form or symptomatic with flat or condylomatous lesions. The condylomatous lesions are particularly interesting in pregnant women on account of the symptoms, complications and methods for treating such lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of laser-vaporization in genital condylomata during pregnancy., Methods: From March 1998 through October 2000 we used laser therapy to treat 115 pregnant women with florid genital condylomata. Treatment was given without regard to the gestation period. All the women were treated at least once. Persistent cases (failure of therapy) and recurrence (new infection) were classed according to the gestation week and site of lesion., Results: Unsuccessful therapy, evaluated on the basis of repeated treatment, was 7.83%. There was no evidence of recurrence in those who received therapy in the third trimester. There were no abortions, particular complications or intrauterine deaths., Conclusions: We believe, that at present, the most effective treatment for condylomatoses in pregnant women is laser-vaporization.