Treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor.

The performance of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor operated at ambient temperature (20.9-25.2°C) was analysed for the treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater previously pre-treated for solid separation. The experimental work was carried out in a reactor with 15 L effective volume. Four organic loads were applied and the process performance was evaluated. The COD removal rate increased with the load rise from 4 to 15 kg COD.m(-3).d(-1). Removal efficiencies of 90% were obtained with a load of 15 kg COD.m(-3).d(-1). The entrapment of suspended solids in the sludge blanket was greater in proportion during the first two stages due to the low upflow velocities used when loads of 4 and 7 kg COD.m(-3).d(-1) were evaluated. This phenomenon did not affect the structure of the biological grains or their methanogenic activity. More than 50% of the organic nitrogen was degraded, causing a 3% increase of ammonia concentration. The concentrations of the volatile fatty acids were not high and the wastewater alkalinity was enough to prevent acidification. The yield coefficient of methane production increased with the load rise, reaching 0.266 m(3)/kg COD(removed) at 15 kg COD.m(-3).d(-1) organic load. The UASB reactor is a good option for the biological treatment of pre-treated slaughterhouse wastewater. However, additional treatment is required in order to accomplish the water quality requirements in discharges to water bodies.

Urodynamically based modification of Mitrofanoff procedure.

This paper reviews our experience with the Mitrofanoff principle as applied in eight patients. Of four patients with post-traumatic urethral stricture, three required the appendix as continent catheterizable conduit, with a modified appendicovesical anastomosis technique-that is, without a submucosal tunnel- and in one patient, the remnant ureter of a previous simple nephrectomy was used. Of the four remaining patients, one with a hypotonic bladder and three with urethral stricture, a complete laparoscopic approach was used to perform the same modified Mitrofanoff procedure with the appendix. With a mean follow-up of 19.5 months, all patients were completely dry. Only three patients had persistently positive urine cultures, but without evidence of renal function impairment. The modified direct appendicovesical anastomosis technique reduces the operative time, has a lower complication rate, and allows us to use a laparoscopic approach with the resulting benefits of a minimally invasive surgical procedure. As shown in urodynamic tests, urinary continence is preserved.

[Giant scrotal lymphangioma: a 57 kg tumor]. / Linfangioma gigante de escroto: un tumor de 57 kg.

OBJECTIVE: To a giant lymphangioma of the scrotum that took place at the Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, lMSS, Mexico City. CASE REPORT: A 45-year-old-man operated on for an abdominal lipoma 2 years previously develops a progressive growth of the scrotum, which reached a weight of 57 kilograms. This mass disturbed adequate erection and urination. Resection of the mass and of the abdominal wall and scrotum was made. Three years later, the patient died without recurrence of the tumor. DISCUSSION: Scrotal lymphangioma is rare. It is a benign tumor that needs a complete resection to avoid re-currence.