Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with CME: standardization using the "critical view" concept.

Background: Complete mesocolic excision is gradually becoming an established oncologic surgical principle for right hemicolectomy. However, the procedure is technically demanding and carries the risk of serious complications, especially when performed laparoscopically. A standardized procedure that minimizes technical hazards and facilitates teaching is, therefore, highly desirable.

Enhanced postoperative lymphatic staging of malignant melanoma by endoscopically assisted iliacoinguinal dissection.

Radical lymphadenectomy for malignant melanoma continues to be controversial. In order to reduce morbidity but preserve prognostic informations, a minimally invasive technique for the iliac part of dissection was developed. We evaluated the practicability of this intervention under routine conditions as well as its prognostic impact.

[Hiatoplasty reinforcement by means of a lightweight titanized polypropylene mesh fixed with fibrin glue].

Introduction: Suture-based hiatoplasty is associated with a high recurrence rate. Using meshes of different shapes and materials to reinforce these sutures reduces the risk of recurrences. On the other hand morbidity attributable to the suture and tack fixation of these meshes has been observed during the development phase of these techniques.

Rare cause of acute pain in the left upper abdominal quadrant.

We report a case of a 45-year-old man with acute pain in the left upper abdominal quadrant. Extensive diagnostic workup remained inconclusive. An exploratory laparotomy revealed herniation of the entire ascending colon, together with a part of the terminal ileum through the foramen of Winslow into the bursa omentalis.

Development of a time-domain optical mammograph and first in vivo applications.

We have developed a laser-pulse mammograph capable of recording optical mammograms within approximately 3 min by measuring time-resolved transmittance at each of typically 1500 scan positions, 2.5 mm apart. As a first application two patients who have tumors were investigated successfully.