The anatomic and functional outcomes of defect-specific rectocele repairs.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the anatomic, functional, and quality-of-life effects of site-specific posterior colporrhaphy in the surgical management of rectocele. STUDY DESIGN: In a retrospective observational study 125 patients were studied who had undergone site-specific posterior colporrhaphy between 1995 and 1996, either alone or in conjunction with other pelvic procedures. Physical examination was performed >/=6 months after the operation to assess the anatomic success of the repair. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess quality of life, sexual function, and bowel function. RESULTS: Surgical correction was found at follow-up examination to have been achieved in 82% of eligible patients (73/89). All daily aspects of living improved significantly (P <.05), including ability to do housework (56% improvement or cure), travel (58% improvement or cure), and social activities (60% improvement or cure). Emotional well-being also significantly improved after the operation, as measured by thoughts of embarrassment (57% improvement or cure) or frustration (71% improvement or cure). Sexual function was not affected; however, reports of dyspareunia significantly (P <.04) improved or were cured after the operation in 73% of patients (19/26), worsened in 19% of patients (5/26), and arose de novo in 3 patients. Results showed no other significant differences in vaginal dryness, orgasm ability, sexual desire, sexual frequency, or sexual satisfaction. Bowel symptoms were assessed subjectively and were noted to have significantly improved (P <.008) after the operation. The following improvement or cure rates were obtained: stooling difficulties, 55%; pelvic pain or pressure, 73%; vaginal mass, 74%; and splinting, 65%. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that defect-specific posterior colporrhaphy is equal to or superior to traditional posterior colporrhaphy. This type of repair provides durable anatomic support and is successful in restoring bowel function. It does not detrimentally affect sexual function, may aid in the resumption of sexual activity, and significantly improves quality of life and social aspects of daily living.

The biological effects of magnetic fields on man.

The biological effects of the interaction of stationary magnetic fields (SMF) with man and other animals have been reviewed. The lowest detectable limit of interaction between higher animals and a SMF is 80 to 100 G. The recommended limit on an extended-period basis for whole-body or head exposure is 200 G. Higher limits of magnetic-field exposure for limited periods of time are contained within this report.

A system for labeling and control of toxic materials in a large research facility.

For large industrial and research operations, maintaining reasonable control of all toxic materials used in their operations can be a formidable task. A system utilizing cards has been developed which serves a dual purpose - informing the user regarding hazards of a particular material and also facilitating appropriate workplace surveillance during its use. Selected data is printed on the card. The card contains a label which the user detaches and affixes to the container. This label classifies the material according to flammability, toxicity, reactivity and special properties on a 0 through 4 hazard rating system.

A method for biological testing of containment systems for viral agents.

A technique utilizing coliphage as the test material has been developed and employed to evaluate the effectiveness of a containment system for zonal centrifugation of hepatits viruses. An Andersen Viable Particle Sampler which had been loaded with plates containing a base layer of agar nutrient with an overlay of E. coli- agar suspension was used to sample the test air. The containment system, which includes a HEPA filter, was challenged with an aerosolized suspension of coliphage.