The evolution of a biodegradable membrane for use in urological surgery. A summary of 109 in vivo experiments

The evolution of a collagen/vicryl composite membrane designed as a prosthetic material for use in urinary tract surgery is described. The early experiments in which collagen film alone was used to repair experimental ureterotomies are reviewed together with our first experiments with the collagen/vicryl prosthesis in the repair of partial nephrectomies and of full thickness defects created in the urinary bladder of experimental rabbits. These early results led to the preparation of a composite using a more highly purified collagen and employing a method of sterilisation (gamma irradiation) which would be acceptable for regular use in medical products. The results of a further series of partial nephrectomy and full thickness bladder repairs show that irradiation does not compromise the efficacy of the collagen/vicryl composite in vivo.     

Recurrence of duodenal ulcer and Campylobacter pylori infection after eradication

The role of Campylobacter pylori gastritis in dyspepsia could be clarified more readily if reliable eradication therapy were available. Antibiotic monotherapy and combined therapy with an antibiotic agent plus a bismuth compound have yielded poor long-term results. In this study, bismuth-tetracycline-metronidazole triple therapy has been used to eradicate C. pylori infection in 100 consecutive patients who were suffering from either a duodenal ulcer or non-ulcer dyspepsia. Examination of a follow-up endoscopic biopsy at eight weeks after treatment showed an eradication rate of C. pylori of 94%. Of 64 patients whose biopsy samples were free of C. pylori infection at eight weeks and who were available for reassessment, 60 (94%) patients had samples that remained free of C. pylori infection on examination of a repeat endoscopic biopsy at 12-37 months (mean, 19.3 months). It is concluded that "triple chemotherapy" can achieve long-term eradication of C. pylori infection effectively in the majority of treated patients and that the recurrence of duodenal ulcers thus may be diminished.