Monofilament polypropylene mesh can be successfully used not only in elective operations, but also in emergency operations for incarcerated inguinal hernias.

Thickened and infiltrated gallbladder walls in patients without preoperative symptoms of cholecystitis should raise a suspicion of cancer. The surgeon should be prepared to perform a conversion, an intraoperative histological examination, and an appropriate radical operation, if necessary.

Aim: The aim was to determine the outcome from percutaneous sclerosing treatment of solitary non-parasitic hepatic cysts. Methods: The results of treatment of patients with symptomatic solitary non-parasitic hepatic cysts treated between 1995 and 2000 were reviewed. Results: There were 23 women and one man with a median (range) age of 59 (34–79) years. The median (range) diameter of the cysts was 10 (5–24) cm. Five patients were treated by laparoscopic fenestration ab initio as they also required a cholecystectomy because of gallstones. The remaining 19 patients underwent percutaneous sclerotherapy. In one just aspiration was successful without further treatment. In six contrast leaked from the cyst and five of these had laparoscopic fenestration. Twelve patients had sclerosant treatment with good results at a median (range) follow-up of 35 (6–60) months in 10 patients. Good results were also obtained in 10 of the 12 patients who had fenestration.

We used monofilament polypropylene prostheses in 20 emergency operations for strangulated hernias. Sixteen of the operated patients had groin hernias (five of them recurrent), two had incisional and one had a Spigel's type hernia. Intestinal resection was performed because of bowel wall necrosis in one of the patients. During the postoperative period, we observed only one minor complication (a seroma formation). During the follow-up, no recurrence was observed. In our opinion, the use of monofilament polypropylene mesh in emergency hernia operations is safe, simple and effective.

The iatrogenic subclavian artery injury is a rare but potentially serious complication of subclavian vein cannulation. The use of endovascular techniques is an alternative to surgical repair especially in patients with concomitant diseases in whom immediate, potentially large surgery would be associated with a high risk of perioperative complications. This article discusses technical aspects of endovascular repair of iatrogenic injury of subclavian artery with implantation of covered stents based on two cases. Author's experience and data from literature suggests that endovascular management including covered stent implantation is safe and effective treatment and should be considered as a method of choice especially among patients in poor general condition and/or major comorbidities.