Abnormalities of chromosome 17 in oesophageal cancer.

Background: Oesophageal cancer is the most common malignancy encountered in South African males, especially in the Eastern Cape and surrounding region of South Africa. There are a number of risk factors and predisposing conditions that have been implicated in the aetiology of the disease. The tylosis oesophageal cancer (TOC) gene, localised to a small region on chromosome 17q25, has been shown to be associated with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Traumatic innominate artery aneurysm 26 years after stab injury.

We report the case history of a 46-year-old African man with a false aneurysm of the innominate artery subsequent to a stab wound in the right supraclavicular area 26 years previously, presenting with stridor.

Chronic retained foreign bodies in the esophagus.

Two cases of esophageal perforations consequent upon chronic retained foreign bodies are presented. In both patients a mediastinal mass associated with the foreign body was noted on chest radiography. Retrieval of the foreign bodies, although feasible by esophagoscopy in 1 patient, was unsuccessful in the second patient, thus necessitating thoracotomy.

Conservative management of thoracobiliary fistula.

Background: Thoracobiliary fistulas are rare manifestations of biliary disruption. Given their rarity it is not surprising that there is little consensus on the optimal management of thoracobiliary fistulas.

Methods: Patients presenting with thoracobiliary fistulas over a 5-year period (1996 to 2001) were evaluated.