Optimal lymph node harvest in rectal cancer (UICC stages II and III) after preoperative 5-FU-based radiochemotherapy. Acetone compression is a new and highly efficient method.

Introduction: Preoperative 5-fluorouracil-based radiochemotherapy (RCT), followed by total mesorectal excision, is accepted as standard therapy in rectal cancers (UICC stages II and III). The accurate evaluation of ypN status after RCT with valuable lymph node (LN) harvest is essential for postoperative risk-adapted treatment decisions. Actual numbers of assessed LNs and validity of ypN status vary extensively depending on the methods used.

[75-year old female with progressive idiopathic lung fibrosis].

A 75-year old female was admitted to the intensive care unit because of a respiratory insufficiency during a bronchoscopy. Extubation was done rapidly. Two months before, the patient suffering from breast cancer without metastases underwent a radical mastectomy.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors of the head and neck: management of 10 cases and literature review.

Background: This study analyzes the management and outcomes of a series of 10 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) of the head and neck.

Methods: From 1984 to 2004, 10 patients underwent surgical treatment of a MPNST. We retrospectively reviewed presenting symptoms, radiological findings, surgical management, and follow-up status and performed a literature review.