11.   While you are reading this appeal, a patient will be receiving a transfusion to save his or her life.

12.   Patients undergoing haemorrhoidectomy received only phosphate enemas on the day before surgery.

13.   These patients received no medication during the month before gastroendoscopy.

14.   All patients received a traditional two day bowel preparation and were given clear liquids during this time.

15.   If necessary, patients also received enemas the morning of the procedure.

16.   In circumstances where the topography was not clear, patients received only sigmoid colon infusions.

17.   These patients were receiving no treatment at the time of mucosal biopsy.

18.   Patients received either a general anaesthetic or intravenous sediation, analgesic, and local anaesthetic injected subcutaneously and long the percutaneous tract.

19.   Most patients were receiving standard treatment with bronchodilators, antibiotic prophylaxis against pseudomonas or staphylococcal infections, or both, and pancreatic enzyme supplements.