[Ano-rectal traumatic lesions. Etiology and treatment]

From January 1976 to December 2000, in the Surgical and Specialistic Sciences Department, Ist Chair of Surgical Physiopathology, University of Bari, we observed 13 cases of ano-rectal trauma. Except in wartime, these traumas are unusual. The aetiology is variable. In our experience we found 3 lesions due to firearms (24%), 2 patients with polytrauma after car accidents (15%), 3 iatrogenic lesions (24%), 1 lesion due to compressed air (7%), and 4 lesions due to objects used for autoeroticism (30%). Timely diagnosis and treatment were essential for a good outcome. The surgical choice was based on the patient's condition, the aetiology of the lesion and its anatomical site. We constructed 7 temporary colostomies and performed 2 Hartmann's operations. In 4 patients we extracted objects from the rectum. Four patients died.

[Comparison of hernioplasty using the technic of Bassini and Trabucco. Comparative analysis and results]

We evaluated comparatively trough a randomized perspective study the hernioplasty by Bassini technique and the Trabucco repair, respectively using general and local anaesthesia, in a group of 80 patients. We studied incidence of complications and recurrences, surgery, in-patient hospitalization time, postoperative pain, costs and work resuming. Trabucco repair had better results in each considered parameter: hospitalization time, pain and costs respectively 80%, 50% and 66% lower vs Bassini technique; moreover we found no recurrence and work resuming two weeks shorter.