Percutaneous fluoroscopically guided removal of a deep retroperitoneal foreign body with a laparoscopic trocar and grasping device.

Traditionally, soft tissue foreign body removal is performed surgically. Superficial foreign body removal under ultrasonographic and fluoroscopic guidance has been reported. Herein, the authors report a case of percutaneous removal of a retroperitoneal foreign body under fluoroscopic guidance by using a modified laparoscopic trocar device and a laparoscopic grasping device. Iodinated contrast medium administered via the trocar device allowed visualization of the foreign body and distended the retroperitoneal space to allow for manipulation of the foreign body. The procedure was completed in a relatively short time and the patient made an excellent rapid postoperative recovery.

Tips and tricks for the trauma patient.

Interventions on the trauma patient are an essential component of the complete scope of care that is provided to the multiply injured patient today. The active participation by the interventional radiologist along the entire spectrum of clinical care is very important to optimize patient outcomes. Suggestions on how to establish a clinical presence are presented. A few of the newer concepts and terminology applicable to trauma care are reviewed. Tips useful in the trauma room, in the interventional radiology suite, and during the postprocedural period are discussed.

CT, MRI, PET, PET/CT, and ultrasound in the evaluation of obstetric and gynecologic patients.

The role of imaging in obstetrics and gynecology has undergone a revolution over the past few decades. Well-established methods such as endovaginal ultrasound have had a central role in the evaluation of nongravid patients with pelvic pain, as well as in the workup for ectopic pregnancy and evaluation of adnexal masses. Additional tools include MRI in the evaluation of appendicitis and other potentially surgical conditions in pregnant patients and MRI and CT in the evaluation of surgical complications. Newer tools in the radiology armamentarium include PET scanning which, alongside MRI and CT, are often helpful in staging gynecologic malignancy. The role of imaging in the obstetric and gynecology patient will continue to change as new modalities and techniques are introduced.

The Chait Trapdoor cecostomy catheter: an alternative access device to pigtail catheters for chronic cholecystostomy drains.

Acute cholecystitis is a well known complication in the critically ill patient population. These patients are often at high risk for morbidity and mortality associated with cholecystectomy. Percutaneous cholecystostomy has been shown to be an effective procedure in the treatment of acute cholecystitis in this patient population. Some patients require prolonged catheter drainage before definitive therapy. In four patients with patent cystic ducts, standard drainage catheters were exchanged for 10.2-F Chait pediatric cecostomy catheters. The low profile of the catheter and the "Trapdoor" feature allow maintenance and increased patient satisfaction while maintaining drainage and access.