Spotlight on esophageal perforation: A multinational study using the Pittsburgh esophageal perforation severity scoring system.

Objective: The Pittsburgh group has suggested a perforation severity score (PSS) for better decision making in the management of esophageal perforation. Our study aim was to determine whether the PSS can be used to stratify patients with esophageal perforation into distinct subgroups with differential outcomes in an independent study population.

Methods: In a retrospective study cases of esophageal perforation were collected (study-period, 1990-2014).

Adenocarcinoma of the Distal Esophagus in a Patient With a Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation Device: First of Many to Come?

Recently an alternative treatment option utilizing a laparoscopically placed magnetic sphincter device has been introduced for gastroesophageal reflux disease patients who are hesitant to undergo Nissen-fundoplication. Based on previous experience with similar devices, concerns have been raised about migration, and in case of a subsequently developing esophageal cancer, technical challenges during the endoscopic or surgical treatment caused by the foreign body reaction around the abdominal esophagus. In this article, we report of the first case of esophagectomy for cancer in a patient with a previously implanted magnetic sphincter augmentation device.

Emergency oesophagectomy for oesophageal perforation after chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal cancer.

Introduction: Oesophageal perforation following chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal cancer is a devastating condition but there have been no studies investigating the role of emergency oesophagectomy for this life threatening situation.

Methods: This retrospective study comprised all cases of emergency oesophagectomy for oesophageal perforation after chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal carcinoma at a major centre for oesophageal surgery in Germany between 2004 and 2013.

Results: A total of 13 patients (mean age: 58.

Surgery for parapneumonic pleural empyema--What influence does the rising prevalence of multimorbidity and advanced age has on the current outcome?

Objective: Pleural empyema is a critical condition. In the western world the share of sufferers with multiple comorbidities and advanced age is rapidly increasing.

Methods: This retrospective study comprises all patients who underwent surgery for parapneumonic pleural empyema at a major center for thoracic surgery in Germany between January 2006 and April 2013.

Transoral mucosal excision sutured gastroplasty: a pilot study for GERD and obesity with two-year follow-up.

Introduction: An outpatient transoral endoscopic procedure for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obesity would be appealing if safe, effective, and durable. We present the first in human experience with a new system.

Methods: Eight patients with GERD (3) and obesity (5) were selected according to a preapproved study protocol.