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SummaryBackground: It remains unclear when to recommend operation for an asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This study examined a prospective series of patients for whom standard criteria were applied. Methods: Some 584 consecutive patients with an AAA of diameter 3 cm or greater detected by ultrasonographic screening have been observed for up to 14 years. Repeat ultrasonographic examinations have been performed at intervals. Surgery was not considered unless the aneurysm measured 6 cm in diameter, expanded at a rate equivalent to at least 1 cm per year, caused the patient symptoms, or an iliac aneurysm was present that required treatment. Results: Operation was performed on 127 patients; the majority (80; 63 per cent) had an aneurysm that reached 6 cm in diameter. Use of the above criteria prevented rupture in all but 24 (4 per cent) of the 584 patients over the 14-year interval. Of these 24 patients, 11 were unfit for planned surgery and eight declined operation or follow-up. Rupture in the five remaining patients (1 per cent) who were available for treatment compared favourably with the reported 30-day mortality rate for elective surgical treatment of 1·4–12 per cent. Conclusion: Repeated observation is preferable to surgical intervention until an aortic aneurysm measures 6 cm in diameter, expands by 1 cm per annum or causes symptoms. Presented as a poster to the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Society for Vascular Surgery, San Diego, California, USA, June 1998. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents an abstract for the article "Colonic Computed Tomography Enemas in Elderly Patients: An Alternative Tool For Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer," by A. Parvaiz, A. Karim, N. Smith, M. Lamparelli, and P. Jeffrey.

Presents an abstract for the article "Fast-Track Perioperative Management Is Possible in Patients Undergoing Major Open Colorectal Resection in a UK District General Hospital," by J. E. Rusby, C. M. Welch, and M. J. Lamparelli.

Examines the recurrent sigmoid volvulus treated by percutaneous endoscopic colostomy. Effectiveness of percutaneous lendoscoic colostomy in treating recurrent sigmoid volvulus; Failure of the colon to adhere to the nateroir abdominal wall; No recurrence occurred in patients in whom tubes have been left in situ.