[Causes of late diagnosis of appendicitis in children]

The author evaluates the case-history of 51 children with perforated appendicitis treated during 1984-1995 at the First Surgical Clinic of the Faculty Hospital Olomouc. The purpose was to find an answer to the problem why in these children the diagnosis was delayed and whose was the fault of the substantial deterioration of the health status. In the evaluation four groups of causal responsibility are differentiated: a very rapid development of appendicitis-parents, arriving late in the surgery-paediatricians-surgeons. The authors discuss circumstances associated with the diagnostic error and delay.

[Artificial retention of the testes]

The author describes artificial retention of the testicle caused by a technical mistake of the surgeon during surgery of an inguinal hernia or hydrocele. The author emphasizes the experience of the surgeon needed during "minor" operations in children.

[Diaphragmatic relaxation in the neonate]

The author demonstrates 5 children with relaxation of the diaphragm and varying intensity of clinical manifestations, in particular hypoxia. Aetiological and pathogenetic relations in relaxation of the diaphragm are discussed as well as the therapeutic procedure. The problem of early indication of surgical treatment is emphasized.