Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates after en bloc VR are comparable with "standard" pancreatectomy procedures. Median survival of 15 months in patients with vascular invasion is superior to that of patients who undergo palliative therapy and nearly equals that of patients who are not in need for VR.

Tumour SUV obtained by FDG PET was a significant parameter for prediction of survival in NF1 patients with MPNSTs while histopathological tumour grading did not predict outcome.

The posterior mediastinal route of reconstruction is recommended but curative resection (R0) is mandatory to avoid possible complications due to local tumor relapse. After incomplete resection (R1 or R2) we recommend retrosternal reconstruction for better palliation.

A common procedure for hyperfunctioning arteriovenous fistulas is banding, baring the potential for complications such as pre- and poststenotic dilatations and recurrence of high flow caused by slipping of the band itself. We describe a new technique that ensures proper fixation of the graft to prevent anastomotic aneurysms and enlarge the length of stenosis of the shunt vein in order to amplify the effect of flow reduction. This technique was used in 22 patients, with a mean flow reduction of about 50%. The procedure was effective and safe at 1 to 3 months follow-up.