On table orthograde colonic lavage has been used in a nearly consecutive series of 122 cases of restorative rectal resection (16 for acutely obstructing rectosigmoid lesions), and in a further 4 cases of acutely obstructing left colonic carcinoma, with the aim of both achieving safer anastomoses in these adverse circumstances and avoiding a covering colostomy. The technique was found to be safe and to be effective, only five temporary colostomies being required for management of anastomotic leakage. The incidence of clinical anastomotic leakage was 4.8 per cent.

A technique of incisional hernia repair originally devised by da Silva is described. The operation was performed on 30 patients and no recurrence was found in the 27 cases examined 1 to 4.5 (mean 2.5) years later.