Upper pole urologist-obtained percutaneous renal access for PCNL is safe and efficacious.

Introduction: Interventional radiologist may be hesitant to obtain upper pole access for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) due to a higher complication rate. Renal access gained by urologists may achieve higher stone-free rates with similar complication rates. We evaluate our institution's contemporary results of percutaneous renal access in the upper pole for nephrolithotomy by urologists, which we believe both safe and efficacious.

Effect of Sacral Neuromodulation on Outcome Measures and Urine Chemokines in Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome Patients.

Objectives: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) may improve interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/BPS) symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency and perhaps even pain, but objective measures of improvement are lacking. We evaluated the potential for urinary chemokines to serve as measures of treatment response over time to SNM.

Methods: Women with IC/BPS undergoing SNM consented for this study.

Heat stability and acid gelation properties of calcium-enriched reconstituted skim milk affected by ultrasonication.

The aggregation of proteins after heating of calcium-fortified milks has been an ongoing problem in the dairy industry. This undesirable effect restricts the manufacture of calcium rich dairy products. To overcome this problem, a completely new approach in controlling the heat stability of dairy protein solutions, developed in our lab, has been employed.

Neuromodulation and the neurogenic bladder.

Neurogenic bladder resulting from spinal cord injury and spina bifida has a profound impact on voiding function. This article reviews the current literature with regards to electrical stimulation for neurogenic bladder and the clinical outcomes associated with sacral neuromodulation, pudendal neuromodulation, posterior tibial nerve stimulation, and the Finetech-Brindley posterior/anterior stimulator. In addition, the world literature reviewing hemilaminectomy and ventral root micro anastomosis is discussed.

Role of positional instillation of contrast cystography in the algorithm for evaluating children with confirmed pyelonephritis.

Objectives: To assess the utility of positional instillation of contrast (PIC) cystography in detecting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in patients with renal scarring from recurrent febrile urinary tract infections that standard voiding cystourethrography and nuclear cystogram imaging failed to reveal.

Methods: Between June 2004 and November 2004, a total of 5 pediatric patients with recurrent febrile urinary tract infections and radiologic evidence of upper tract involvement were examined with PIC cystography. All patients had at least one previous negative standard reflux study (voiding cystourethrography or nuclear cystography).