Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery aims to publish the best results in the field of clinical surgery and basic surgical research. The main focus is on the highest level of clinical research and clinically relevant basic research. The journal published exclusively in English will provide an international discussion forum for the controlled results of clinical surgery. The majority of published contributions will be original articles reporting the clinical data from visceral vascular and thoracic surgery from traumatology and from transplantation surgery. Endocrine surgery and proctology are also covered. Evidence-based medicine is an important criterion for the acceptance of papers. The papers published are allocated to one of the following sections of the journal: Current concepts in clinical surgery. A state-of-the-problem section including basic research clinical surgery and outcome after surgery as well as quality of life. Original papers. Results of clinical research in general/visceral surgery prospective clinical trials clinical research in the fields of surgical oncology transplantation surgery endocrine surgery and minimally invasive surgery as well as trauma vascular and thoracic surgery basic research related to clinical topics animal research related to clinical applications New surgical techniques. The use of new surgical techniques including laparoscopic/minimally invasive procedures the fitting of prostheses and the implantation of industrial products. Each paper will be accompanied by an invited commentary. Short communications. How to do it. Quality management in surgery. Papers for this section will be submitted at the invitation of the Editor-in-Chief. Overview related to metaanalysis. The intention is to maintain a high standard of international surgical discussion on topics such as outcome research surgical quality control and cost effectiveness analysis of medical practice with limited resources. Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery invites articles not only from Europe but also from the United States Japan and other countries. The journal will be peer-reviewed according to international standards and each paper submitted will be scrutinized by two or three referees. A number of supplements are published each year including Chirurgisches Forum and a volume containing selected papers presented at the annual congress of the German Society of Surgery.