Rare cause of dysphagy: giant polypoid esophageal well-differentiated liposarcoma.

Liposarcoma represents one of the most frequent (10-20%) malignant mesenchymal tumors in the adult, affecting mostly the soft tissue of extremities, the trunk or the retroperitoneum. This tumor type occurs exceptionally rarely in the gastrointestinal tract with only few cases described in the literature. In this case we present a 73-year-old male patient who was admitted due to loss of weight, anorexia and postprandial emesis with dysphagy.

[Intestinal perforation after preoperative colonic tattooing with India ink].

Since the ability to palpate the bowel is lost in laparoscopic colon surgery preoperative marking of lesions is required to avoid "blind" resection. Endoscopic tattooing with India ink is the agent of choice because of its simplicity and the long-lasting stain. Only few complications have been reported using this technique.

Open and laparoscopic treatment of nonparasitic splenic cysts.

Background: Nonparasitic splenic cysts are rare. Therefore, there is no 'evidence-based' information regarding their optimal surgical management. In the last years the laparoscopic approach has gained increasing acceptance in splenic surgery.

[Trusses in the current management of hernia].

To assess the frequency and reasons for truss prescription, we surveyed 437 general practitioners collaborating with the surgical department of the Kantonsspital Winterthur and all members of the Swiss Association of Orthotists. 59% of the general practitioners answered. For 85% of them trusses are obsolete.