Surg Endosc (2003) 17: 1505 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-002-9242-7 Springer-Verlag New York Inc. 2003 Thank you very much for your comment about the The same can be said when the term ‘‘metastases’’ terminology used by different authors to denote tumor is used to describe the development of a tumor nodule cell implantations in trocar sites after laparoscopic re- at the port site. None of the surgeons is talking about sections of malignant gastrointestinal tract tumors. Al- a systemic tumor spread when using the term ‘‘port- though I agree that we should use an appropriate site metastases.’’ When we use the term ‘‘metastases,’’ terminology in talking about a specific clinical situation we also might think that metastatic tumor spread or problem, I cannot generally agree with your supposed means the liberation of tumor cells from the primary terminology describing the tumor implant in trocars tumor into the systemic system, the penetration of the after these operations. vasculature, the adhesion to tissue, and the prolifera- You are suggesting that the terms ‘‘metastases’’ and tion of cells, resulting in the development of a tumor ‘‘recurrence’’ should not be used when we talk about metastases with induction of angiogenesis. In the field tumor deposits in trocar sites after a laparoscopic re- of laparoscopy, however, we certainly know that the section of a malignant tumor. The main reason for this tumor cells are mainly liberated by the surgical ma- seems to be the reserved use of the terms in oncology nipulation and then transported to the port...