Surgical Treatment of Sacral Chordoma: The Role of Laparoscopy.

Sacral chordoma is a rare tumour that represents the most common malignancy of the sacral region. Its diagnosis can be delayed because of unclear clinical manifestation. This tumour can involve surrounding anatomical structure such as the rectum, and its surgical treatment is still challenging. We report on 3 patients with sacral chordoma. Two of them were successfully treated using a laparoscopic approach and one by open surgery. We present all details of the surgical technique and patients' outcome. Minimally invasive methods in the surgical treatment of chordoma allow to perform a radical dissection of the tumour, minimizing the operative trauma. A laparoscopic approach can be considered safe and radical for sacral chordoma treatment.

Endobronchial lipoma: a rare cause of subsegmental bronchial obstruction.

Endobronchial lipoma is a rare cause of bronchial obstruction. Early identification and diagnosis of endobronchial lipoma can prevent damage of the lung parenchyma. Clinicians should be aware of this rare tumour. Bronchoscopic resection is the first choice of treatment, but surgical operation should be indicated in certain circumstances.