[Azygography in pre-operative investigation of cancer of the esophagus : a report on 24 cases (author's transl)]

The value of azygography for detecting extension of cancer of the middle third of the esophagus was assessed in 24 patients. The examination was conducted using the retrograde approach, and results were compared with those obtained by the esophagogram and on tracheobronchial fibroscopy. Compression of the azygos vein is a good indicator of the size of the tumor, which can also be evaluated from esophageal transit examinations. The vein can be invaded or even thrombosed due to severe regional spread but this does not mean that excision of the tumor is impossible. The results of azygography alone, therefore, are not a valid reason for contra-indicating esophagectomy. In case of doubt, tracheobronchial fibroscopy appears to be more suitable for deciding whether the tumor is operable, but azygography can assist in making this decision.

[Tuberculous ganglio-oesophageal fistula. A case revealed by hematemese (author's transl)]

The authors report the observation of a tuberculous ganglio-oesophageal fistula which revealed itself through several severe digestive hemorrhages. On this occasion, they recall that these fistulae are unusual and exceptionally hemorrhagic. Diagnosis can only be made by a thorough endoscopic examination. If medical treatment can be envisaged when the tuberculous nature of the lesion has been ascertained, surgery is to be prefered in case of uncertain etiology; the intervetion enables the opening of the tuberculous abscess and, at the same time, the treatment of the oesophageal perforation and the suppression of hemorrhages.

[Bony tumors of the thoracic wall. Report of 35 cases (author's transl)]

The authors report 35 cases of bony tumours of the thoracic wall and emphasize:--the necessity of wide removal even in the case of benign tumours to avoid possible relapses;--the use of rigid material which in the case of anterior parietal breaches, is alone able to give satisfactory solidity to the thoracic wall which is essential to ensure satisfactory respiratory mechanics;--the interest of surgery whether or not associated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.