Time-resolved XANES speciation studies of chromium on soils during simulated contamination.

Time-resolved synchrotron X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy was used to study changes of chromium speciation in soils upon soil-water interaction. The time resolution was 30-45 min. In a flow-column apparatus operated near the synchrotron beamline, two different types of soil were treated with potassium-dichromate solution, and soil samples were taken and directly analysed by XANES. The results provide insight into different equilibrium times of a few hours, depending on the type of soil. The XANES speciation analyses, based on a model comprising insoluble Cr(III) and Cr(VI) compounds, show how the fate of Cr species on soils can be followed close to real-time. Since the method allowed the soils to be investigated close to real-time, sampling in the field and preservation before analysis were made redundant. This study benefits the development of corresponding in situ remediation techniques.

Anterior bladder tube flap reconstruction of the urethrovesical neck after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Difficulty with urethrovesical neck anastomosis after radical retropubic prostatectomy led us to form an anterior bladder tube flap for anastomosis to the transected urethra in 5 selected cases. We found that combining the anterior bladder tube flap technique with radical retropubic prostatectomy facilitates the urethrovesical neck anastomosis and improves the transient postoperative incontinence sometimes encountered. Results of the 5 patients in whom this technique was used form the basis for a brief discussion of the technique.

Complications of retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for nonseminomatous tumors of testis.

We present 4 patients with serious complications after retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. Chylothorax developed in the first patient; hypertension, blindness, and paralysis of the lower extremities in the second; volvulus and necrosis around an adhesion in the right upper quadrant in the third; and small-bowel obstruction and radiation myelitis in the fourth patient. These complications and modes of treatment and prevention are discussed.

Vasoseminal vesiculography in staging adenocarcinoma of prostate.

We found vasoseminal vesiculography useful in staging adenocarcinoma of the prostate and in measurement of radiotherapy ports. In 12 patients who had radical prostatectomies, the histologic findings correlated well with the vasoseminal vesiculograms. Criteria for reading benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic carcinoma have been well established in the literature and are reviewed.

Plasma testosterone in patients receiving diethylstilbestrol.

With accurate, inexpensive plasma testosterone assays now available it is possible to monitor the efficacy of hormonal manipulation in the patient with adenocarcinoma of the prostate. We monitored plasma testosterone in our patients receiving diethylstilbestrol (DES) 1 mg. per day. We found no statistical difference in mean plasma testosterone between patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate and castrated patients with prostatic carcinoma, all receiving DES, 1 mg. per day. We recommend that plasma testosterone be closely monitored in patients receiving hormonal therapy for adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

Closure of colostomy.

We analyzed the records of 77 cases of loop colostomy closure in Vietnam War Casualties. All records were complete from the date of injury to discharge following colostomy closure. Simple of the loop colostomy was performed in 44 patients and resection of the stoma and reanastomosis of bowel segments was performed in 33 patients. Average operating time for simple closure of the loop was 70 minutes compared to 115 minutes for resection and anastomosis. Nasogastric suction was used less frequently and for a shorter time with simple loop closure. The total postoperative complication rate was 9% with simple loop closure as compared to 24% for resection and anastomosis. Simple closure of the loop described in this report is technically easier and as safe as resection of the stoma and reanastomosis.