Laparoscopic bowel injury in an animal model: monocyte migration and apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Unrecognized laparoscopic bowel injury has a delayed and covert presentation. Differences in monocyte migration and apoptosis between laparoscopic and open bowel injury were determined. METHODS: For this study, 24 rabbits were divided into laparoscopic (n = 9) and open surgical (n = 9) bowel injury groups and a control group (n = 6) without bowel injury. Bowel injury was created using monopolar electrocautery. The animals were killed 1 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks after surgery. Monocyte migration assay was performed across a modified Boyden chamber. Apoptosis was assessed by DNA fluorescent stain H-33342. RESULTS: In laparoscopy, monocyte apoptosis was decreased (p < 0.001), and migration was increased (p < 0.05), as compared with the open group. Apoptosis increased over time in both study groups, and was higher than in the control group (p < 0.001). Migration was decreased in both study groups as compared with the control group (p < 0.05) CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest decreased immune system priming with laparoscopic bowel injury, which may contribute to the masking of relevant signs and symptoms of peritonitis.

Efficacy and morbidity of therapeutic renal embolization in the spectrum of urologic disease.

PURPOSE: We report the largest series of renal embolizations performed for a variety of indications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on embolizations performed in our institution from 1997 to 2002 encompassing 36 patients who underwent 44 procedures. RESULTS: Embolization was successful on the first attempt in 87% of the patients. A second embolization was performed in four of the five unsuccessful cases, three successfully, increasing the success rate to 95%. The mean postoperative narcotic use was 27.2 mg of morphine equivalent, and 10 mg or less was required by 45% of the patients. In the 14 patients who had not also undergone a surgical procedure, the mean narcotic use was 21 mg, and 64% required 10 mg or less. Only 15% of the patients developed fever, which resolved within 2 days in all cases. Leukocytosis was seen in 47%. Follow-up creatinine and hypertension information was available in 16 and 18 patients, respectively. After a mean follow-up of 269 days, only one patient had a clinically significant rise in the creatinine concentration. After a mean follow-up of 496 days, two patients had new-onset hypertension. There was no statistically significant difference in the success rate, narcotic use, complications, creatinine concentrations, or the likelihood of fever, leukocytosis, or hypertension according to the indication for embolization or the agent used. Use of a microcatheter was associated with less parenchymal loss, and decreased parenchymal loss was associated with a significant reduction of narcotic use. CONCLUSIONS: Renal embolization is a highly effective and well-tolerated procedure in a variety of urologic conditions. The indications and material used did not have a significant effect on the outcome. Reducing parenchymal loss can significantly reduce morbidity.

Computer model generated density correction factors for gamma spectroscopy counting.

Using the calibration curve of a single reference source to infer activity levels in samples of different bulk density and/or elemental composition may yield inaccurate results by a gamma spectroscopy system. These inaccuracies are magnified when counting low energy photons, which interact primarily through the photoelectric effect. There have been numerous methods described to empirically derive density correction factors for various samples. An alternate solution is to theoretically derive density correction factors using a computer model. The computer model generated density correction factors for material such as sand, ilmenite, and polyester are in close agreement with published empirically derived density correction factors for these same materials.