Microdecompressive percutaneous endoscopy: spinal discectomy with new laser thermodiskoplasty for non-extruded herniated nucleosus pulposus.

Open spinal discectomy, at times with spinal fusion, is associated with significant local morbidity and long-term convalescence, requires general anesthesia, and involves dissection of muscle, removal of bone, ligament and disc, which are all at greater financial cost. Therefore, the search for a less traumatic spinal discectomy began, including micro-discectomy, and percutaneous techniques and endoscopic discectomy. Lyman Smith reported intradiscal injection of chymopapain in 1964.

Cancer early-detection services in community health centers for the underserved. A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Achieving cancer early-detection goals remains a challenge, especially among low-income and minority populations.

Design/setting: A randomized trial based in 62 community health centers for the underserved in New York, New Jersey, and western Connecticut. Family physicians were on staff at most of the centers.

Rapidly expanding exophthalmos: an unusual presentation of small cell lung cancer.

A 61-year-old male presented with a rapidly progressive exophthalmos from small cell lung cancer metastatic to the right orbit. His vision in that eye was 20/200, and his intraocular pressure was 36 mmHg. The orbital metastasis responded dramatically to chemotherapy.