Faculty Bibliography

Chondrosarcoma arising in the nasal septum has been previously described only 11 times. In this report, another case occurring in an 89-year-old man is discussed. The rarity of such a tumor arising in previously normal cartilage is emphasized. Prognostic factors and surgical treatment are discussed

Pneumatic dilatation under fluoroscopic control has proven highly successful in the treatment of achalasia. This procedure involves minimal morbidity, local anesthesia is employed, and hospitalization is brief, usually only two days. Surgical myotomy of the lower esophageal sphincter, the Heller procedure, requires a thoracotomy under general anesthesia with its attendant morbidity and at least ten days of hospitalization. In addition, there is a significant incidence of postoperative gastric reflux. We have employed pneumatic dilatation as the sole primary treatment for 30 patients over the last 10 years. The results have been highly successful with marked relief of symptoms and weight gain. Pneumatic dilatation is an effective treatment for achalasia and is recommended as the initial procedure of choice

Radiotherapy is frequently employed in the management of head and neck neoplasia, either as an adjunct to surgery or as the sole treatment modality. Consequently, radiation alopecia--a well-known complication of high-dosage radiotherapy--is seen often. Longer patient survival, especially with earlier discovery of the malignancy and more refined treatment regimens, will provide the surgeon with the opportunity to treat radiation alopecia by means of the punch graft technique of hair transplantation. The technique is substantially similar to that employed in treating male pattern baldness, although the approach to the recipient and donor areas must be modified. A successful case report is documented and a modified approach is highlighted