Endoscopic release of retained Penrose drains: a simple solution for an old problem.

The Penrose drain internally tethered by a fascial suture is a surgical complication with medical and legal implications. Correction of this problem usually has required open reexploration. A technique of endoscopic release of such a drain through the drain tract is described.

The effect of isolated high-energy shock wave treatments on subsequent bacterial growth.

To determine whether high-energy shock waves possess bactericidal potential, ATCC strains of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were suspended in solution at concentrations approximating 10(6) bacteria per milliliter, placed in polypropylene cryovials, and immersed in the water bath of a Dornier HM3 lithotriptor. Each cryovial was then fluoroscopically guided to the epicenter of the f2 focal point and 2000 shocks at 20 kV applied. Suspensions were then serially diluted and colony counts obtained.

Is evaluation of the right colon necessary prior to cecocystoplasty?

Use of the ileocecal bowel segment in urological surgery has become more widespread. Thorough preoperative evaluation of the bowel is seldom performed. A case is presented in which the intraoperative finding of numerous cecal polyps led to abortion of a planned cecocystoplasty.