[Setting up an interdisciplinary cancer center between the poles of internal and external interests].

Excellence in oncology requires specialized centers covering a broad spectrum of oncological competence and technology. Such Comprehensive Cancer Centers, which in most cases are affiliated with a university, are well established in many countries, particularly North America. But despite their advantages, only few of these interdisciplinary cancer centers have so far been set up in Germany.

Laparoscopic or open conventional cholecystectomy: clinical and economic considerations.

Objective: To compare clinical aspects and financial costs of open conventional and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Design: Retrospective analysis of hospital records of patients who were operated on electively for symptomatic gallstone disease.

Setting: University clinic, Germany.