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Once isolated synchronous or metachronous brain metastases from NSCLC have developed, there is no difference in prognosis after combined surgery between analysed groups. This questions the value of lung resection in patients with isolated synchronous brain metastases.

Endoscopy cannot exclude histopathologic columnar-lined esophagus within gastric rugae. Thus, visible 'gastric' folds should not be used for definition of the esophagogastric junction but as a reference landmark for biopsy sampling during endoscopy.

This study assessed the value of haemostatic fleece (HF) in prevention of pleural adhesions in an experimental animal model. Forty rats were randomly assigned to four equal groups and underwent bilateral thoracotomy. In Group 1 standardized defects of 5 mm were generated in the visceral and the opposite parietal pleura without further coverage. In Group 2 a 5-mm piece of HF (TachoSil) was applied onto the intact pleura. In Group 3 a standardized pleural defect was completely covered by HF. The same kind of defect was only partially covered by HF in group 4 animals. Autopsy at 6 weeks (n=5, each group) revealed the fleece widely unchanged and covered by a smooth serous membrane. After 12 weeks (n=5, each group) the fleece had been completely resorbed. Histological studies revealed the area of the defect covered by regular mesothelium. In all animals pleural adhesions were detected only in the area without fleece coverage. In this experimental model HF prevented the development of pleural adhesions. This property may have clinical impact in patients with some probability of re-thoracotomy enabling to reduce the risk of pleural adhesions significantly.