[Difficulties in surgical treatment of fixed cardiofundal axial esophageal hiatal hernia].

One of the most common gastrointestinal diseases is esophageal hiatal hernia. It is the third most common disease after peptic ulcer and cholecystitis. We present surgical treatment of a patient with fixed axial cardiofundal hiatal hernia and previous laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernia.

[Learning curve in laparoscopic rectum surgery].

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery has become increasingly more common since first being described in a publication in 1990. Despite a multitude of studies about the learning curve in laparoscopic colon surgery, there are almost no such studies with regard to laparoscopic rectum surgery. This paper aims to describe a surgeon's learning curve with regard to laparoscopic rectum surgery.

[Laminoplasty].

Objective: The aims of laminoplasty are to expand the spinal canal, to secure spinal stability, and to preserve the protective function of the spine. Preservation of mobility is also a goal of this procedure for multiple-level involvement.

Indications: Multisegmental spondylotic myelopathy with a relatively narrow spinal canal (anteroposterior spinal canal diameter<13 mm).

The current status of therapy for symptomatic late-onset hypogonadism with transdermal testosterone gel.

For over 50 years, testosterone therapy has been used for the treatment of hypogonadism. In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of testosterone therapy for men with late-onset hypogonadism, as more convenient and effective modes of application are developed. Testosterone therapy in these men can significantly improve their sense of well-being, and lead to increases in muscle and bone mass, upper body strength, virility and libido [Gruenewald, Matsumoto.

Computer-aided 3-D simulation and prediction of craniofacial surgery: a new approach.

Background: In plastic and reconstructive craniofacial surgery, careful preoperative planning is essential. In complex cases of craniofacial synostosis, rapid prototyping models are used to simulate the surgery and reduce operating time. Recently, 3-D CT model surgery has been introduced for presurgical planning and prediction of the postoperative result.

p53 immunohistochemistry as a prognostic marker in bladder cancer. Playground for urology scientists?

Objectives: Anomalies of the p53 tumor suppressor gene have been reported for a variety of different tumor types. Also in urothelial cancer accumulation of the P53 protein has been linked with an unfavorable prognosis of the patients. Despite the growing number of publications confusion remains because key questions regarding p53 accumulation in bladder cancer are still unanswered.