Iliac artery-ureteral fistula developing after dilatation and stent placement

A fistula formed between the common iliac artery and the ureter following balloon dilatation of the distal ureter and stent placement in the presence of an ileal conduit. Possible causes are discussed.     

Progressive and regressive changes in the nucleus pulposus. Part I. The neonate

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, correlated with anatomic sections, was used to characterize the progressive and regressive changes in the nucleus pulposus in neonates. The spines of five fetuses and five full-term infants between 16 and 40 weeks old were studied. In anatomic sections, the nucleus pulposus was sharply demarcated from the anulus fibrosus, Sharpey fibers were conspicuous, and a plate of primitive notochord was evident in the equator of the disk. On long repetition time (TR)/long echo time (TE) or long TR/short TE MR images, Sharpey fibers (low signal intensity) and notochord (low signal intensity) could be differentiated from the high-signal-intensity nucleus pulposus and anulus fibrosus. The major differences between the fetal and infant spines were the amount of notochord in the disk and ossification in the vertebral body.     

Comparative Analysis of Laser Assisted Endoscopie and Conventional Endoscopie Dacryocystorhinostomy

Background

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the standard surgical treatment for epiphora caused by obstructions distal to the common canaliculus. Endoscopic DCR (EDCR) and laser assisted DCR (LAEDCR) are becoming increasingly popular alternatives.

Method

69 cases of EDCR were compared with 18 cases of LAEDCR. The success rates were noted at 01 week, 01, 03 and 06 months. The operating time required, incidence of adjuvant procedures, complications and post operative morbidity were recorded.

Results

At the end of 06 months, 100% and 95% success was achieved with LAEDCR and EDCR respectively. Operating time, complication rates and the incidence of adjuvant procedures required were lesser in the LAEDCR group.

Conclusion

In our study both the procedures have comparable success rates, though LAEDCR has an edge over EDCR in terms of decreased duration of surgery, decreased post operative morbidity and lesser complications.Key Words: Epiphora, endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, laser assisted endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy