[Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy of suspected malignancy in the mediastinum has a major impact on the clinical decision process].

Introduction: A study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical impact of endoscopic ultrasound-guided, fine needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNA) in patients with mediastinal masses suspected of malignancy.

Material And Methods: Eighty-four patients were referred for EUS-FNA. In all patients computer tomography (CT) had shown a lesion of the mediastinum suspected of malignancy, which was located adjacent to the oesophagus.

[Thoracoscopic lobectomy. The first experiences in Denmark].

Introduction: This article reports the introduction of VATS (video-assisted thoracic surgery) lobectomy in lung cancer patients in our department.

Methods: From 22 October 1999 to 15 December 2000, ten patients with peripheral primary lung cancer with no signs of spreading underwent VATS lobectomy. In an additional four patients, the resection started as VATS, but had to be converted to an open procedure.