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Pyosalpinges are a difficult therapeutic problem in a complicated pelvic inflammatory disease. To avoid a diffuse peritonitis, often a laparotomy with salpingectomy is performed. 20 women of reproductive age with a uni- or bilateral pyosalpinx were incorporated in a prospective study to investigate the possibilities of a combined endosurgical/antibiotical treatment. After endoscopic confirmation, the patients were taken into study. During diagnostic laparoscopy, a salpingotomy with rinsing of the tubes and a drainage of the Douglas pouch took place. After one week of antibiotic treatment, a second-look laparoscopy was performed in all patients; no recurrence was documented. The combination of endosurgery and chemotherapy showed to be a safe and efficient therapy of tubal abscesses in women of reproductive age.

Thirty patients with clinical pelvic inflammatory disease were studied. Diagnosis was confirmed by laparoscopy. To determine the microbiological etiology, swab specimen for detection of aerobic, anaerobic and chlamydial infections were obtained from the endocervix, fimbriae and cul-de-sac. In 22 of 30 patients, microorganisms were detected. The patients received ciprofloxacin 2 X 750 mg p.o. daily at 12 hours interval for 10 days. During and after therapy, bacteriological examinations of the endocervix were performed. Based on the microbiological evaluation and clinical aspects, the bacteriological response and clinical efficacy were 86%. Laboratory analysis showed no alterations of blood values. As side effects we noticed gastrointestinal complaints (6/30), candidiasis vulvovaginalis (6/30), allergic exanthema (5/30) and non-bacterial cystitis (2/30). Oral ciprofloxacin-monotherapy proved to be safe and effective in pelvic inflammatory disease.

During a pregnancy of a 35 year old woman, we could not detect HPL in the peripheral serum, whereas other hormones showed normal values. Fetal growth ceased in the 36th week and a live neonate was delivered by caesarean section. The histological findings of the placenta and the perinatal record were not so unusual that they could account for the absence of HPL. This case illustrates that fetal growth is possible without HPL-production.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a rare, cutaneous-subcutaneous low grade malignancy. Despite the locally aggressive behaviour, metastases seldom occur. Evidence exists that trauma may be a predisposing factor. Treatment by wide tridimensional excision is recommended. One case of trauma-induced dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in a 71-year old woman is reported.

The authors administered a questionnaire to 56 women with breast cancer who had bilateral subcutaneous mastectomies after Stroembeck/Beller since 1985. In this study, psychological aspects were investigated. There was no change in social behavior; isolation was not noticed. The negative effects on the body image were well accepted and discussed with relatives and friends. Psychological or emotional suffering was rare compared to patients with simple mastectomy. No change in sexual behavior was reported. The sexual function of the mamillae was significantly reduced. Although some cosmetic deformities were obvious, most patients would again choose the subcutaneous reduction mastectomy as operation of choice.