We conclude that conversion to a continent ileostomy is a rewarding method of safely eliminating dysfunction of the ileoanal pouch that cannot be corrected by operation. Presumption is, however, that the surgeon is familiar with both methods and that the primary disease is suitable for pouch surgery.

These data support the assumption that the absorptive capacity of the intestinal mucosa for water may be improved by topically acting steroids and suggest that this occurs independently of their anti-inflammatory effect.

During isolated limb perfusion, we studied the impact of limb temperature on the concentration of cytostatic drugs in the tissue to identify a possible selective absorption of cytostatic agents by the various tissues. Ten consecutive patients with malignant melanoma were randomly divided into two different groups and perfused with 1 mg cisplatin per kg body weight. In one group the cytostatic agents were injected under hyperthermic conditions (39.5 degrees C) and in the other group under normothermic conditions (37 degrees C). The platinum concentration in the melanoma was twice as high in the hyperthermic group as in the group under normothermic conditions. In the tumor-free tissue the platinum concentration decreased with temperature while it remained constant in the musculature. This selective concentration of cisplatin in the tumor under hyperthermic conditions is accompanied by fewer side effects. Follow-up will show whether the oncological results will be improved in the hyperthermic conditions as one might expect.