The comparative role of free omental, peritoneal, Dacron velour, and Marlex mesh grafts in reinforcement of an extremely vulnerable experimental model of large-bowel anastomosis was studied in dogs. While both the omentum and peritoneum proved not to be effective in preventing anastomotic leakage, Dacron velour did considerably lower this incidence to within reasonable limits but led to formation of low-grade lymphoma at the reinforcement site in two animals. Only Marlex mesh was found to be highly effective in sealing the suture line, and it is anticipated that, with the usual technique of anastomosis, this sealing effect will be foolproof, thereby nullifying any risk of suture-line breakdown.

The patient with goiter and his or her physician frequently overlook symptoms of upper respiratory obstruction. Conventional radiology is the accepted method for detecting upper airway obstruction in these patients. Flow volume loops provide additional information on airflow dynamics. Twenty-five patients of goiter undergoing surgery were evaluated for upper airway obstruction by symptomatology, conventional radiology, and flow volume loops. Flow volume loops were repeated 1 month after surgery. Ten (40%) patients had mild symptoms on direct questioning. Tracheal deviation, compression, or both were noted in eight (32%) patients on radiology. Flow volume loops detected upper airway obstruction in 15 (60%) patients. Surgery resulted in normalization of all preoperative abnormal curves. The flow volume loop is a simple noninvasive method for detecting upper airway obstruction in patients with goiter. Abnormal upper airway dynamics are present in more patients with goiter than previously recognized, and relief of this obstruction should be an important aspect of thyroid surgery.

Autoantibodies, organ and non-organ specific, were studied in 10 patients of thromboangiitis obliterans by immunofluorescence technique and compared with age matched controls without peripheral vascular disease and patients of other peripheral vascular diseases. Organ specific autoantibodies (various classes of immunoglobulins IgM, IgG, IgA) and C3 component were observed in the diseased vessels of thromboangiitis obliterans. Antibodies, antiarterial, were present in the sera of these patients. Among the non-organ specific antibodies (ANA and AMA), only ANA were found in the sera of patients. Presence of autoantibodies in patients of thromboangiitis obliterans strongly point out of that probably this disease entity is an autoimmune disorder.

These findings demonstrate the ability of autotransplanted thyroid tissue to survive, function, and grow in muscle.