Thomas E. Bell

GENETIC MATERIAL IS PRESENT IN CADAVERIC DERMIS AND CADAVERIC FASCIA LATA

PURPOSE We determined whether genetic material is present in the commercially processed cadaveric allografts used in sling surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated 16 samples from 2 commercial sources of human allograft, including 8 each of freeze-dried gamma irradiated cadaveric fascia lata and acellular cadaveric dermis. Fresh human rectus fascia and sterile saline served as positive and negative controls, respectively. All samples underwent a standard proteinase K/sodium dodecyl sulfate/phenol extraction technique to isolate DNA. Polymerase chain reaction was done to amplify the retrieved DNA material, spectrophotometry to quantify DNA concentration and agarose gel electrophoresis to determine the size of DNA fragments. RESULTS Of the 16 samples tested from 2 commercial sources of human allograft fascia 14 (87.5%) contained DNA. Mean DNA concentration plus or minus standard error was 258.3 +/- 80.1 and 272.8 +/- 168.8 microg./gm. tissue for cadaveric fascia lata and cadaveric dermis, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction amplified DNA segments of 2,000 bp from 1 of each of the 8 samples of cadaveric fascia lata and cadaveric dermis. CONCLUSIONS Freeze-dried gamma irradiated cadaveric fascia lata and acellular cadaveric dermis contained intact DNA.

Retrograde perfusion sphincterometry with a flexible cystoscope: method of troubleshooting the AMS 800

We developed the technique of retrograde perfusion sphincterometry to troubleshoot the AMS 800 device. We implanted artificial urinary sphincters in men who were incontinent after prostatectomy and performed intraoperative retrograde perfusion sphincterometry. Retrograde perfusion sphincterometry using a flexible cystoscope is simple and allows early recognition of intraoperative urethral injury and mechanical malfunction.

Fetal vesicoureteral reflux.

Intrauterine fetal vesicoureteral reflux has been demonstrated in a 25-week fetus. A voiding cystourethrogram when the patient was 1 year old showed persistence of the bilateral reflux. No urinary tract infectious have been documented. A survey of other physicians performing fetal transfusions indicates that fetal cystograms are infrequently obtained and that vesicoureteral reflux has been observed by ourselves and one other contributing physician. The incidence of reflux in fetal cystograms reviewed appears to be higher than would be expected when compared to normal premature babies, newborns, infants and children. This procedure provides an unusual opportunity to document intrauterine fetal vesicoureteral reflux and later obtain followup cystourethrograms in these children to determine the resolution or progression of this urinary tract abormality.

Rare and unusual complication of vaginal hysterectomy

A case of salpingo-vesical fistula is presented which occurred in a forty-six-year-old female two years after a vaginal hysterectomy. The patients presenting complaints included pelvic and right lumbosacral discomfort, aggravated by urination. Cystoscopy revealed the fistula, and the patient was successfully treated with a salpingo-oophorectomy.