SUMMARY CAM 5.2 is a murine monoclonal antibody, raised against the colon carcinoma cell line HT29, which recognises lower molecular weight intracellular cytokeratin proteins within secretory epithelia. Extensive indirect immunohistochemical studies have confirmed that this antibody stains formalin fixed (and freshly frozen) normal and malignant human tissue in a consistent manner. Reliable staining of conventionally processed pathological tissues provides more accurate identification and staging of human malignant epithelial diseases.

Arrhythmias are common following elective large bowel resection. They occur in older patients and are associated with the development of other complications.

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We concluded that in selected patients, who were not medically fit (ASA 111 or above) or those who were unable to accept a permanent colostomy, local treatment could be offered with curative intent using a multimodality approach. In our experience, relapses can be salvaged effectively and we recommend a long-term close follow up policy.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of long term octreotide as adjuvant treatment to programmed endoscopic sclerotherapy after acute variceal haemorrhage in cirrhotic portal hypertension. Design: Randomised clinical trial. Setting: University hospital. Subjects: 32 patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension. Interventions: Programmed injection sclerotherapy with subcutaneous octreotide 50 g twice daily for 6 months, or programmed injection sclerotherapy alone. Main outcome measures: Episodes of recurrent variceal bleeding and survival. Results: Significantly fewer patients receiving combined octreotide and sclerotherapy had episodes of recurrent variceal bleeding compared with patients given sclerotherapy alone (1/16 v 7/16; P = 0.037, Fisher's exact test), and their survival was significantly improved (P < 0.02, log rank test); this improvement was maintained for 12 months after the end of the study. Combined treatment also resulted in a sustained decrease in portal pressure (median decrease − 6.0 mm Hg, interquartile range −10 to − 4.75 mm Hg, P = 0.0002) compared with sclerotherapy alone (median increase 1.5 mm Hg, interquartile range 0.25 to 3.25 mm Hg), as well as a significant improvement in liver function as assessed by plasma concentrations of bilirubin, albumin, and alanine aminotransferase and by hepatocyte metabolism of aminopyrine labelled with carbon-14. Conclusion: Long term octreotide may be a valuable adjuvant to endoscopic sclerotherapy for acute variceal haemorrhage in cirrhotic portal hypertension.