In 6 patients with chronic pancreatitis the exocrine function was inhibited by occlusion of the pancreatic exocrine ducts leading to atrophy of the glands. The function of the pancreatic islets remained intact. This procedure can be combined to advantage with partial resections. Preliminary clinical results are promising and in all cases pancreatic pains disappeared immediately after the operation.

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage in a patient with a biliodigestive anastomosis necessitates exclusion of a bleeding source in the region of the choledocho- or hepaticojejunal anastomosis. This cannot be achieved by endoscopic methods. The source of bleeding can sometimes, though rarely, be localised by performance of selective angiography during hemorrhage. Laparotomy with exploration of the anastomosis during such an episode is at the same time a diagnostic and a therapeutic intervention. The surgical procedure of choice is de-anastomosis, resection of the bypassed jejunal loop and formation of a hepatico-duodenostomy.

601 low anterior anastomoses of the rectum are analysed concerning suture techniques, leakage rate and operative mortality. None of the patients who developed a dehiscence (9.3%) died due to the extraperitoneal position of the anastomosis and the continuous sump-suction drainage of the retroperitoneum. The operative mortality was 1.5%.