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Introduction Minimally invasive operative techniques are being used increasingly in gynaecological surgery. The expansion of the laparoscopic operation spectrum is in part the result of improved imaging. This study investigates the practical advantages of using 3D cameras in routine surgical practice. Materials and Methods Two different 3-dimensional camera systems were compared with a 2-dimensional HD system; the operating surgeon's experiences were documented immediately postoperatively using a questionnaire. Results Significant advantages were reported for suturing and cutting of anatomical structures when using the 3D compared to 2D camera systems. There was only a slight advantage for coagulating. The use of 3D cameras significantly improved the general operative visibility and in particular the representation of spacial depth compared to 2-dimensional images. There was not a significant advantage for image width. Depiction of adhesions and retroperitoneal neural structures was significantly improved by the stereoscopic cameras, though this did not apply to blood vessels, ureter, uterus or ovaries. Conclusion 3-dimensional cameras were particularly advantageous for the depiction of fine anatomical structures due to improved spacial depth representation compared to 2D systems. 3D cameras provide the operating surgeon with a monitor image that more closely resembles actual anatomy, thus simplifying laparoscopic procedures.

Different metabolic bone parameters such as RANK (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB), RANK ligand (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand) and OPG (osteoprotegerin) control physiological bone remodelling. The pathophysiology of these factors in bone diseases and osseous metastases is becoming clearer. In metastatic breast cancer, osteolytic bone metastases are the result of increased osteoclastic activity caused either by increased RANK ligand or decreased OPG expression of metastatic osseous tumour cells. These findings may lead to new therapeutic options for the treatment of breast cancer patients. The aim of this work is to provide an overview of physiological bone remodelling and of the interaction between tumour cells and bone environment. Current therapy approaches and the mechanisms of action of drugs are described.

In women, malignant breast tumours are among the most common malignant diseases in Europe. In advanced breast cancer, the risk of bone metastasis increases to 65-75 %. The discovery of the physiological bone metabolism parameters RANK (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB), RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand) and OPG (osteoprotegerin) as well as their pathophysiological involvement in bone-related diseases is the subject of new therapeutic strategies. The formation of osteolytic bone metastasis requires increased osteoclast activity. Activation of osteoclasts by excessive direct RANKL or reduced OPG expression of osseous metastatic tumour cells remains to be elucidated. More than 50 % of primary breast cancer cells express OPG and RANK, while RANKL could be detected only in 14-60 %. Increased OPG concentrations in the serum of patients with bone metastases have been shown in several studies, whereas the RANKL results are described in an opposite manner. The use of OPG as a biomarker for the detection of osteolytic bone metastases is not consistent and needs to be proved in further studies. Increased RANKL activity was found in diseases characterised by excessive bone loss and formed the basis of new therapeutic options. In several studies, a human monoclonal antibody to RANKL (denosumab) was investigated for the treatment of bone diseases. Denosumab is a promising therapeutic option due to its bone-protective effects.