Clearance after vasectomy: has the time come to modify the current practice?

Objective: Vasectomy is a simple, reliable and effective form of permanent contraception. Clearance after vasectomy has been the subject of much debate among urologists. Poor compliance with postvasectomy semen analysis is well recognized, with rates as low as 36%.

Kidney salvage using the fibrinogen- and thrombin-coated sponge TachoSil during nephron-sparing surgery for the resection of large renal tumours.

Nephron-sparing surgery can permit functional preservation of the kidney in carefully selected patients. We report nephron-sparing surgery in two patients with renal tumours > or = 5 cm. Both patients were successfully treated, with kidney salvage facilitated through the use of the fibrinogen- and thrombin-coated collagen sponge, TachoSil (Nycomed UK Ltd, UK).

Rare species of actinomyces as causative pathogens in breast abscess.

Actinomyces species are commensal flora usually found in the oropharynx, gastrointestinal tract, and female genital tract. Primary actinomycosis of the breast is an unusual condition, where the most commonly isolated pathogen has been Actinomyces israelii. In recent years, other Actinomyces strains have been found associated with breast disease.

Capsular flap for correction of contour deformities of the breast.

We describe a technique in which the breast implant capsule is used to fill localized depressions in the breast, including those under the nipple-areola complex. Capsules have been reported to persist long-term and their high vascularity renders them suitable for use as flaps.