Laparoscopic augmentation cystoplasty: a comparison between native ileum and small intestinal submucosa in the porcine model.

Objectives: To determine the feasibility of laparoscopic augmentation cystoplasty (LAC) in the porcine model and to compare LAC using standard bowel vs a small intestinal submucosa (SIS) allograft.

Materials And Methods: Fourteen female pigs underwent LAC; six had standard ileal AC and eight AC with SIS. All the pigs had limited cystometrogram studies before surgery to determine bladder capacity.

Long-term outcome analysis of Starr plication for primary obstructive megaureters.

Purpose: The Starr technique of tapering megaureters was first reported in 1979. Although this method of ureteral plication is well known, to our knowledge there are no clinical studies regarding outcomes. We report the first long-term outcome results with the Starr technique for primary obstructive megaureters.

Patient use of the internet for information in a lung cancer clinic.

Study Objectives: To determine how frequently patients attending a lung cancer clinic use the Internet for their own health information, to determine whether there are demographic differences between Internet users and nonusers, and to determine how patients compare the quality of Internet information with other sources of lung cancer information.

Design: Sequentially administered patient questionnaire. One hundred eighty-four patients were surveyed, and 139 patients (75.

Varicocele: current concepts in pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

Although significant advances have been made in the understanding of varicoceles, a clear pathophysiologic mechanism remains elusive. Most likely, a varicocele is the result of a multifactorial process. Appreciation of the complex venous drainage of the testis remains a key to maximizing the chances for treatment success.