Thoracoscopic resection of oesophageal diverticulum: a case report

The introduction of video-assisted surgery has revolutionized thoracic surgery. The main attraction is the avoidance of a large thoracotomy incision and its associated morbidity. We present the case of a 55-year-old woman with an oesophageal diverticulum presenting with troublesome dysphagia. A thoracoscopic assisted oesophageal diverticulectomy was performed. Post-operative recovery was uneventful, and only two doses of intramuscular opiate analgesic were required. The patient remained asymptomatic at a follow-up of 3 months.

Short communication: oesophageal tumour volume measurement using spiral CT

A CT technique for measuring oesophageal cancer tumour volume in the monitoring of local disease response following radiotherapy or chemotherapy is described. Patients with newly diagnosed oesophageal carcinoma were referred for pre- and post-chemotherapy CT scans. IV Buscopan was given to abolish peristalsis. Patients were scanned in prone position. Effervescent gas granules and Calogen (a negative contrast of fat density) were given. Spiral scanning was performed. The area of tumour on each 1 cm slice was measured. The sum of these areas gave tumour volume in cubic centimetres. The accuracy of the method was tested on patients who had had surgery. The volume of the segment of oesophagus containing tumour was measured by its weight and water displacement. Lumenal distention proximal and distal to the tumour was achieved in all patients. 10 gross surgical specimens were available for comparison with pre-operative CT. The correlation coefficient was 0.95. In conclusion, accurate tumour volume assessment was achieved with our technique.

Dual therapy versus triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori-associated duodenal ulcers

We compared the ulcer healing effect and eradication of H. pylori by one-week triple therapy of bismuth, metronidazole, and tetracycline with two-week dual therapy of amoxicillin and omeprazole. One hundred twelve patients with confirmed H. pylori infection and duodenal ulcers were recruited in a prospective, randomized, single-blinded trial. Ulcer healing, eradication of H. pylori in the stomach six weeks after randomization and side effect reported by patients during the therapy. Duodenal ulcers were healed in 44 of 49 (89.8%, 95% CI, 81.3-98.3 %) patients receiving triple therapy and in 44 of 53 (83.0%, 95% CI, 72.9-93.1%) patients receiving dual therapy (P=0.32). H. pylori was successfully eradicated in 41 of 49 (83.6%, 95% CI 73.4-94%) patients and in 40 of 53 (75.5%, 95% CI 63.9-87.1%) patients in the triple therapy group and the dual therapy group respectively (P=0.31). Side effects experienced by patients who received triple therapy were significantly more frequent than those who received dual therapy (P=0.0076). In conclusion, a two-week course of omeprazole and amoxicillin achieves a comparable rate of H. pylori and ulcer healing with fewer side effect.

Selective use of preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

The management of possible common bile duct (CBD) stones in patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains controversial.

METHODS

Prospective evaluation of 609 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy was carried out in relation to the use of selective preoperative ERCP for detection of common duct stones. Preoperative ERCP was performed if there is or has been (1) cholangitis, biliary pancreatitis, or jaundice; (2) abnormal serum liver tests or (3) ultrasonogram showing a dilated CBD or ductal stones.

RESULTS

A total of 139 patients underwent preoperative ERCP, and cannulation of CBD was successful in 133 patients (96%). CBD stones were found in 60 patients (45%) and extracted after sphincterotomy. High prevalence of CBD stones was noted in patients with acute cholangitis and CBD stones on ultrasonogram. There were six endoscopic sphincterotomy-related complications (complication rate, 4.5%): bleeding (2), pancreatitis (3), retroduodenal perforation (1). No patient required surgery as the result of a complication. The prediction of the occurrence of ductal stones was further analyzed using stepwise logistic regression. Acute cholangitis and CBD stones on ultrasonogram were shown to be independent significant risk factors with odds ratios of 8.9 and 13.5, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

With selective preoperative ERCP, suspected CBD stones can be identified and removed prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Through-the-scope balloon dilation for pyloric stenosis: long-term results

BACKGROUND

Through-the-scope balloon dilation has been used for treatment of benign pyloric stenosis; however, long-term results are lacking in the literature.

METHOD

A retrospective analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Between November 1986 and December 1993, 54 patients underwent through-the-scope balloon dilations for pyloric stenosis. The mean age was 57.5 years. There were 5 (9.3%) initial treatment failures due to tight stenoses and perforations from dilation occurred in 4(7.4%) patients. Forty-five (83.3%) patients underwent successful dilation. Four patients developed rapid restenoses and were found to have malignant obstructions. Forty-one patients entered our study. Time at risk commenced on the date of initial dilation. The end point was defined at the time at which patients presented with recurrent obstruction or other ulcer complications. The median follow-up period was 39 months. The ulcer complication-free probability at 3 months, and at 1, 2, and 3 years was 79.1%, 73.4%, 69.3%, and 54.7%, respectively. In all, 21 (51.2%) patients required subsequent surgery: 18 for recurrent obstructions, 2 for interval perforations, and 1 for bleeding.

CONCLUSION

While through-the-scope balloon dilation may palliate symptoms of obstruction, recurrent obstruction and other ulcer complications are common. It should be reserved only for patients at high risk for operative surgery.

Absorbable clips for cystic duct ligation in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and applicability of an absorbable polydioxanone (PDS) clip for cystic duct ligation were evaluated in 297 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

METHODS

The indications for cholecystectomy were symptomatic gallstones (179 patients), acute cholecystitis (67), biliary pancreatitis (23), acute cholangitis (24), and gallbladder polyp (4).

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients required conversion to open surgery (8.4%). The conversion rate was 2.7% for uncomplicated and 17.5% for complicated gallbladder diseases. Of the 272 patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the cystic ducts were successfully ligated with PDS clips in 227 patients (83.5%). The success rate was higher in uncomplicated (163/178) than in complicated (64/94) gallbladder diseases (chi square = 24.6, P < 0.001). There was no clip-related complication on follow-up (range 0.4-39.2, median 17.5 months). In 45 patients, PDS clip failed. They were treated with endoloop (14 patients), Roeder slip knot (13), metallic clips and endoloop (8), metallic clips alone (6), and intracorporeal tie (4).

CONCLUSIONS

The PDS clip is effective and applicable to the majority of patients. It should be attempted first because of the ease of application.

NMR functional imaging using a tailored RF gradient echo sequence: a true susceptibility measurement technique

The tailored radio frequency gradient echo (TRFGE) technique that has been used in venography (Cho et al., Magn. Reson. Med. 28, 25-38, 1992; Ro, Cho, Magn. Reson. Med. 28, 237, 1992) is applied to functional imaging. The TRFGE technique has the advantage that it is sensitive to the field gradient created by the susceptibility effect, thereby enhancing only the signals from the regions with local field gradient. In addition, the method is insensitive to the in-flow effect, especially from the arterial blood. The latter further simplifies the functional MRI data analysis. The TRFGE sequence is, therefore, suitable for functional MR imaging for which true susceptibility effect measurements are of prime importance. To examine the TRFGE functional imaging systematically, experiments with various imaging parameters such as flip angle alpha, repetition time, and echo time were performed and the results were compared with the data obtained from the conventional gradient echo functional MR imaging. The experimental results shown were all obtained from human volunteers with a 2.0T whole body MRI system.

Prospective randomised study of effect of octreotide on rebleeding from oesophageal varices after endoscopic ligation

Up to a third of patients have early rebleeding from oesophageal varices after endoscopic variceal ligation. Octreotide infusion is effective for control of variceal bleeding. We investigated the efficacy of octreotide infusion as an adjunct to endoscopic variceal ligation to prevent early rebleeding from varices. 100 consecutive patients admitted with endoscopically confirmed oesophageal varices and active bleeding or signs of recent haemorrhage were randomly assigned endoscopic variceal ligation alone or octreotide (50 micrograms intravenous bolus injection followed by intravenous infusion at 50 micrograms per h for 5 days) plus endoscopic variceal ligation. Three patients in each group were excluded. Bleeding was controlled in 44 of 47 patients who received variceal ligation alone and in 45 of 47 who received combined treatment (p = 1.0). Recurrent bleeding was documented in 18 (38% [24-52]) patients who received variceal ligation alone and in four (9% [3-21] who received combined treatment (p = 0.0007). The relative risk of rebleeding was lower (0.22 [0.08-0.60]) in the combined therapy group. Ten patients in the variceal ligation group and one in the combined therapy group required balloon tamponade for massive haematesis and haemodynamic instability (p = 0.0039). The in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were higher in the variceal ligation group than in the combined therapy group (19 vs 9% and 23 vs 11%), but the differences did not reach significance. The relative risks of in-hospital (0.5 [0.04=5.3]) and 30-day (0.45 [0.17-1.2]) mortality were lower in the combined therapy group. Octreotide significantly reduces recurrent bleeding and the need for balloon tamponade in patients with variceal haemorrhage treated by endoscopic variceal ligation.

A prospective study of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Our purpose was to determine, in a prospective study, the causes of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, and the relationship of portal vein invasion with variceal hemorrhage in these patients. During an 11-month period, 55 patients presented with hepatocellular carcinoma presented with signs and/or symptoms of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Forty-seven percent had bleeding from varices, whereas the majority, 53%, had a nonvariceal bleeding source. Among those with nonvariceal bleeding, duodenal ulceration was the commonest cause. Direct tumor invasion into the gastrointestinal tract was found in three patients. Tumor invasion of the portal venous system was detected by ultrasound examination in 76% of the variceal bleeders, compared to only 45% of the nonvariceal bleeders. Despite the very high frequency of cirrhosis among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, the source of bleeding was variceal in less than half of the patients. Portal vein invasion is a risk factor for subsequent variceal bleed.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy

Traditional adrenalectomy usually required long incisions that causes considerable pain and morbidity. Adrenal tumours are ideal for laparoscopic removal because they are usually small, benign and no reconstruction is needed. Various laparoscopic approaches have been described. Early reports of laparoscopic adrenalectomy described the lateral transabdominal approach. The extraperitoneal approach needed an artificial space to work. Our unit used the anterior transabdominal approach because it provided clear anatomical landmarks and early control of adrenal veins is possible. Initial results from various authors showed encouraging results. Although the operative time is longer the time to resume diet and mobilization is shorter when compared to open surgery. As experience gained, the operative time can be shortened. We believed that with proper preoperative assessment and preparation, laparoscopic adrenalectomy is safe and feasible.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis. A reminder that this condition may appear in a primary care practice

Acute acalculous cholecystitis carries high morbidity and mortality rates, but if it is detected early, the prognosis for recovery is good. Detection requires diligence, because signs and symptoms may be nonspecific or atypical. Because their sensitivity and specificity are limited, the various imaging techniques available serve only as adjuncts to history taking and physical examination. Prompt initiation of treatment is essential to reduce complications. Options range from conservative medical therapy to aggressive surgical intervention. Recently, ultrasound-guided percutaneous cholecystostomy has become a favored approach. Best treatment varies, depending on underlying disease and the patient's condition.

Triple therapy with sucralfate, tetracycline, and metronidazole for Helicobacter pylori-associated duodenal ulcers

Triple therapy with bismuth, metronidazole, and tetracycline or amoxicillin is effective for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori, but side effects are common. Sucralfate inhibits H. pylori hemagglutinin, protease, and lipase and thus might affect colonization of the bacterium in the stomach.

OBJECTIVE

We compared the efficacy and side effects of triple therapy with sucralfate versus triple therapy with bismuth plus omeprazole in the treatment of H. pylori-associated duodenal ulcer (DU).

METHODS

One hundred and fifty DU patients were recruited in this study; 71 cases were randomized to receive bismuth 120 mg q.i.d., metronidazole 400 mg q.i.d., and tetracycline 500 mg q.i.d. (BMT) for 1 wk, and 79 cases were randomized to receive sucralfate 1 g q.i.d., metronidazole 400 mg q.i.d., and tetracycline 500 mg q.i.d. (SMT) for 1 wk. For the ulcer treatment, BMT patients were also given omeprazole 20 mg daily for 4 wk, and SMT patients received sucralfate for 4 wk from day of randomization.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients in the BMT group and 60 in the SMT group finished the treatment and follow-up at 8 wk. H. pylori was eradicated in 49 out of 53 (92%) patients in the BMT group and in 45 out of 60 (75%) patients in the SMT group (p = 0.0057). Forty-nine (92%) patients who received omeprazole and BMT and 53 (88%) patients who received SMT had healed DU at 8 wk (p = 0.34). Side effects related to medication were reported in 38 (71.7%) patients in the BMT group and in 42 (70%) patients in the SMT group. On an intention-to-treat basis, there was no difference in ulcer healing between the BMT group (93.1%) and the SMT group (89.7%). H. pylori eradication was achieved in 84.4 and 66.2% in the BMT and SMT groups, respectively (p = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

Therapy of sucralfate, tetracycline, and metronidazole for 1 wk has a satisfactory but lower success rate in eradication of H. pylori when compared with the conventional triple therapy plus omeprazole. Side effects of this therapy are no fewer than the conventional triple therapy.

Laparoscopic left adrenalectomy: a new approach

Left adrenalectomy has been performed previously via anterior, posterior, loin or thoracoabdominal approaches. In the classical transabdominal approach the left adrenal gland is resected following either mobilization of the spleen with the tail of the pancreas or after entering the lesser sac, mobilizing the inferior border of the pancreas off the adrenal gland. This report describes laparoscopic left adrenalectomy, in a patient with Conn's syndrome, performed by a new approach via the root of the left transverse mesocolon.

Intravenous ciprofloxacin as treatment for patients with acute suppurative cholangitis: a randomized, controlled clinical trial

One hundred consecutive patients with acute suppurative cholangitis were randomized in a prospective, controlled clinical trial to receive either ciprofloxacin (200 mg bd iv) or triple therapy comprising ceftazidime (1 g bd iv), ampicillin (500 mg qds iv) and metronidazole (500 mg tds iv); 46 and 44 patients in the ciprofloxacin and triple therapy groups respectively were suitable for inclusion in the analysis of efficacy. In two-thirds of the patients biliary obstruction was caused by ductal calculi and in one-third by malignant or benign strictures of the biliary tract. Bacteraemia was documented in 38% of patients in the ciprofloxacin group and in 34% of patients in the triple therapy group, while bile cultures were positive in 87% and 92% of patients in the ciprofloxacin and triple therapy groups respectively. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. and Enterococcus spp. were the most common biliary isolates. Eighty-five per cent of evaluable patients in the ciprofloxacin group and 77% of those in the triple therapy group responded to therapy. The mean durations of fever, septicaemic shock and hospitalization were also similar in the two treatment groups. Six (13%) patients in the ciprofloxacin group and seven (16%) in the triple therapy group required urgent endoscopy or surgery for uncontrolled infection. Recurrence of fever after an initial response was documented in one (2%) patient receiving ciprofloxacin and in three (7%) patients receiving triple therapy. The incidences of mortality were 4% in the ciprofloxacin group and 2% in the triple therapy group. The results of this study suggest that ciprofloxacin alone is adequate empirical therapy for patients with cholangitis.

Endoscopic stenting for palliation of malignant biliary obstruction. A review of progress in the last 15 years

Since the late 1970s, endoscopic biliary stenting has become a standard palliative treatment for obstructive jaundice due to malignancies of the pancreas and the hepatobiliary system. Despite the high initial success rate in achieving biliary drainage, endoscopic stenting therapy has been limited by the clogging of biliary stents, usually after four to five months, due to formation of adherent bacterial biofilm and accumulation of biliary sludge. Various methods for the prevention of bacterial adhesion and prolongation of stent patency have been investigated, including prophylactic antimicrobial agents and bile salts, new stent materials, and new stent designs. Recently, the introduction of self-expandable metal stents has significantly improved the duration of stent patency but the cost is considerably higher. Each method has its own merits as well as specific problems. This article reviews the pathogenesis of biofilm formation on the biliary stents and the latest status of research in avoiding stent occlusion.

Effect of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on bacteraemia and endotoxaemia in an animal model of peritonitis

Laparoscopy is increasingly used in conditions complicated by peritonitis. A theoretical concern is that carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum may increase bacteraemia. This study examines the effect of carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on bacteraemia, endotoxaemia and physiological correlates of sepsis in an animal model of peritonitis. New Zealand white rabbits were assigned to three groups of six animals. Group 1 received an intraperitoneal inoculation of 10(9) colony-forming units of Escherichia coli followed by a 10-cm midline laparotomy. Group 2 received an identical bacterial inoculum followed by a 12-mmHg carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum for 1 h. Group 3 received no bacteria but had a 12-mmHg carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum for 1 h. Groups 1 and 2 had significantly higher levels of bacteraemia (P < 0.01) and endotoxaemia (P < 0.01) accompanied by significantly lower mean arterial pressures (P < 0.05) and higher heart rates (P < 0.05) compared with group 3. After 6 h groups 1 and 2 were significantly hypocarbic (P < 0.01), leucopenic (P < 0.01) and thrombocytopenic (P < 0.01). There was no difference between group 1 and group 2. A carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum of 12 mmHg does not increase bacteraemia or endotoxaemia, nor does it adversely affect physiological or laboratory correlates of sepsis compared with laparotomy in this animal model of peritonitis.

Laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer

A total of 100 consecutive patients with perforated duodenal or juxtapyloric ulcers were treated by: laparotomy and omental patch repair (group 1, n = 44); laparoscopic suture patch repair (group 2, n = 35); and laparoscopic fibrin glue repair (group 3, n = 21). The three groups were comparable in Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II score and in other known operative risk factors such as shock on admission, delayed presentation and associated underlying medical illness. Operative mortality and morbidity data were identical in all groups. The mean operating time was 52.1, 101.3 and 61.1 min respectively in the three groups (group 1 versus group 2, group 2 versus group 3, and group 1 versus groups 2 and 3 combined, P < 0.001). The median number of doses of analgesia required after operation was 4, 3 and 1 respectively (group 1 versus groups 2 and 3, P < 0.05). Conversion to laparotomy was necessary in six patients in group 2 and in one in group 3 (P not significant). The median hospital stay was 5 days in all three groups. Patients who underwent laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer required fewer postoperative doses of analgesia than those who had open repair. Laparoscopic glue repair has the additional advantage over laparoscopic suture of being technically simpler; it also takes less time to perform.

Controlled duodenostomy for difficult duodenal stump

Three patients with bleeding duodenal ulcer underwent emergency Pólya's gastrectomy for haemostasis after failed endoscopic treatment. Intra-operatively, it was impossible to close the duodenal stump safely because of surrounding fibrosis and scarring. Controlled lateral wall duodenostomy was performed as an attempt to lower the intraluminal pressure of the afferent loop and good results had been observed in all three patients.

Antibacterial treatment of gastric ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND

There is a strong association between infection with Helicobacter pylori and gastric ulcers that are unrelated to the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications. We studied the efficacy of antibacterial therapy without medication to suppress gastric acid for the treatment of patients with H. pylori infection and gastric ulcers unrelated to the use of nonsteroidal agents.

METHODS

Patients with gastric ulcers seen on endoscopy and with H. pylori infection confirmed by smear or culture were randomly assigned to receive either a one-week course of antibacterial agents (120 mg of bismuth subcitrate, 500 mg of tetracycline, and 400 mg of metronidazole, each given orally four times a day) or a four-week course of omeprazole (20 mg orally per day). Follow-up endoscopies were performed after five and nine weeks. The patients and their physicians were aware of the treatment assignments, but the endoscopists were not.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients were randomly assigned to treatment, and 85 completed the trial. At five weeks, H. pylori had been eradicated in 41 of the 45 patients in the antibacterial-treatment group (91.1 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 82.9 to 99.3) and in 5 of the 40 in the omeprazole group (12.5 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 2.3 to 22.7; P < 0.001). The gastric ulcers were healed in 38 of the patients treated with antibacterial drugs (84.4 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 73.9 to 95.0) and in 29 of those treated with omeprazole (72.5 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 58.6 to 86.4; P = 0.28). At nine weeks, ulcer healing was confirmed in 43 of the patients receiving antibacterial therapy and in 37 of those receiving omeprazole (P = 1.0). The mean (+/- SD) duration of pain during the first week of treatment was 1.9 +/- 2.6 days in the omeprazole group, as compared with 3.6 +/- 3.0 days in the antibacterial-treatment group (P = 0.004). One year after treatment, recurrent gastric ulcers were detected in 1 of 22 patients (4.5 percent) in the antibacterial-treatment group and in 12 of 23 (52.2 percent) in the omeprazole group (P = 0.001). H. pylori was detected in the 1 patient with a recurrent ulcer who had received antibacterial treatment and in 10 of the 12 patients with recurrent ulcers who had received omeprazole.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with H. pylori infection and gastric ulcers unrelated to the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, one week of antibacterial therapy without acid suppression heals the ulcers as well as omeprazole and reduces the rate of their recurrence.

Pre-operative induction chemotherapy for small cell carcinoma of the oesophagus: a case report

Induction chemotherapy was prescribed to a patient who had locally advanced small cell carcinoma of the oesophagus which was considered to be irresectable on presentation. Significant tumour downstaging was observed and the patient remains recurrence free 16 months after a successful Ivor-Lewis oesophagectomy.

Mucosal pharmacokinetics and pilot study of short course of parenteral imipenem in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection is known to reduce the incidence of duodenal ulcer recurrence. The most commonly used regimen for H. pylori infection is triple antimicrobial therapy for 1-2 weeks. This treatment is associated with frequent side effects and hence unsatisfactory compliance. As in vitro data showed that H. pylori is sensitive to imipenem, the pharmacokinetics of this drug in the gastric milieu, and the clinical efficacy of imipenem with omeprazole in eradicating H. pylori infection were studied. Imipenem/cilastatin levels in serum, gastric secretion and gastric mucosa were assayed in four patients after intravenous injection of a bolus dose of 500 mg. The serum and gastric secretion levels of imipenem achieved were more than 10 times the minimum inhibitory concentration of the drug for H. pylori. Gastric mucosal levels of imipenem vary considerably with time, which probably indicates rapid elimination of the drug into the gastric lumen. In the second part of this study, imipenem/cilastatin was given intravenously for the first 2 days after diagnosis of H. pylori infection in patients with endoscopically confirmed duodenal ulcers. The patients were also treated with 4 weeks of omeprazole. Clearance of H. pylori was initially achieved at the end of 2 days in 20 out of 22 (91%) patients. However, when the biopsies were repeated at 8 weeks, recurrence of H. pylori infection was evident in 19 cases (86.3%) indicating a failure of eradication. It was concluded that imipenem/cilastatin in combination with omeprazole failed to eradicate H. pylori infection.

Early results of laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair for inguinal hernia

Over a 15-month period, 39 patients (37 men) of mean age 52 years underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Seven patients had bilateral hernia. Forty-six hernias (33 indirect, five direct, eight both direct and indirect) were repaired. A piece of polypropylene mesh measuring 8 x 10 cm was used to cover the direct and indirect spaces with an endoscopic multifeed hernia stapler. The mean operating time for unilateral and bilateral repair was 49 and 63 min respectively (range 25-90 min). One-third of patients required no postoperative analgesia and only seven had more than one injection of pethidine. The median postoperative stay was 1 (range 1-3) days. The mean period to resumption of daily activities was 7 (range 4-21) days. Three patients complained of paraesthesia of the lateral aspect of the thigh and one developed a hydrocele. Two recurrences were noted on follow-up at 3 months.

Inhibition by SK&F 96365 of Ca2+ current, IL-2 production and activation in T lymphocytes

1. By use of whole cell patch-clamp and Indo-1 fluorescence studies of the Jurkat T leukaemic cell line, we show that the new organic antagonist of receptor-mediated Ca2+ entry, SK&F 96365, inhibits the T cell Ca2+ current in a dose-dependent fashion, with an IC50 of 12 microM. 2. SK&F 96365 also inhibits [3H]-thymidine incorporation and interleukin-2 (IL-2) synthesis in peripheral blood lymphocytes. 3. SK&F 96365 has no effect on Ca2+ stores release or K+ channels. 4. This is the first account of an organic inhibitor of the T cell Ca2+ current. The ability of SK&F 96365 to inhibit IL-2 synthesis and cell proliferation suggests that a new class of related Ca2+ channel blockers can be developed as immunosuppressive agents.