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Intrauterine sonography (hysterosonography) is useful for visualising malignant processes in the myometrium. Since normally no sound-wave source is available for beaming the sound waves in strictly anterograde direction, the authors examined which sections of the fundus of the uterus cannot be assessed, and discussed the possibilities of reducing the area and also the importance of the inaccessible region. It was found that normally a satisfactory assessment would be possible in clinical routine even in the region of the fundus by the combined shifting of the geometrical axis of the sound waves and the use of transducers from which the sound waves emanate in anterograde direction at an angle of 135 degrees.

The combination of laser with endoluminal 192-iridium radiation for the palliation of malignancies of the oesophagus and the cardia has been introduced to overcome the short-lived effect of laser treatment alone. Concluding from early experience, this method seems to prolong the effect of laser treatment alone, with a low risk of complications. However the initial optimistic results, claiming a permanent relief of dysphagia in 80% of the patients, cannot be reproduced under prospective conditions. The combination of laser and 192-iridium radiation with other palliative methods, such as external radiation and/or chemotherapy is feasible and remains to be studied in a comparative way.

The combination of laser and endoluminal 192-iridium irradiation for the palliation of malignancies of the esophagus and the cardia was introduced to overcome the short-term effect of laser treatment alone. On the basis of early experience, this method would seem to prolong the effect of laser treatment alone, and is associated with a low risk of complications. However, the initial optimistic results, claiming permanent relief of dysphagia in 80% of the patients, cannot be reproduced under prospective conditions. The combination of laser and 192-iridium irradiation with other palliative methods, such as external radiation treatment and/or chemotherapy is feasible, and remains to be studied in a comparative way.