Factors Associated with the Successful Separation of Corneal Epithelium in Epi-LASIK

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence and perioperative factors of flap-related complications from Epi-LASIK. METHODS: In this study, 122 eyes of 66 patients who had Epi-LASIK using Centurion SES(TM) epikeratome (Norwood Eye Care, Australia) were enrolled. Associations of pre-operative corneal curvature, white-to-white distance, central corneal thickness, refractive error, dry eye, punctate corneal erosion, pannus, and history of wearing contact lenses with flap-related complications were investigated. To decrease flap-related complications, surgeons pressed patients' eyelids with a speculum during epithelial separation, and the effect of this method was verified. RESULTS: Complete epithelial separation was achieved in 74 eyes (60.6%), incomplete separation in 29 eyes (23.8%), and free epithelial sheet in 19 eyes (15.6%). Thin corneas (P=.041), a history of wearing contact lenses (P=.008), and the duration of contact lens use (P=.003) significantly decreased the incidence of successful epithelial separation. Pressing down the eyelids with a speculum while separating the epithelial sheet increased the incidence of complete separation from 50.6% to 83.8% (P=.003). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of flap-related complications from Epi-LASIK may be higher in people who use contact lenses and in people who have thin corneas. The risk can be reduced by pressing the eyelids with a speculum during epithelial separation.

Bacteria-Filtering Effect of a Filtering System Used in Eye Drops

PURPOSE: A filtering system (ABAK system, Thea(R), France) was developed and has been used to prevent the abuse of preservatives and to decrease the complications that may result from them. However, the bacteria filtering effect of the system has not been reported yet. In this study, we attempt to verify its efficacy. METHODS: Staphylococcus epidermidis was diluted to two different concentrations, 10(7) and 10(5) CFU (Colony-Forming-Unit)/ml. To determine the inward-filtering effect of the system (reverse direction), 0.5 ml of each bacterial concentration was aspirated through the ABAK system, and the solutions that filtered through were cultivated. The results were compared with the controls in which the same amounts of bacterial solutions were dropped from a dropper by squeezing the bottle. For the outward-effect (forward direction), 1ml of bacterial solution from each concentration was put into the bottle with a syringe. Solutions were re-collected by filtering them out through the ABAK system by squeezing the bottle and also by aspirating them from the bottle with a syringe. Both solutions were cultivated, and the results were compared. Each test was repeated 5 times. RESULTS: In control solutions that did not pass through the filter, bacteria were cultivated consistently in repeated tests. However, bacteria were not cultivated in solutions that had passed the filter in both concentrations and in both directions. CONCLUSIONS: Filtering systems prevent solutions from contamination, and even if the bottles are polluted with Staphylococcus epidermidis initially, the bacteria would be filtered out. The effectiveness of the filtering systems was also demonstrated in high bacterial concentrations.

A Case of Sparganosis Infesting in the Epididymis / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Sparganosis is a parasitic infestation caused by sparganum of several species of tapeworm related to Diphyllobothrium latum. We experienced a 28 year old man who was suffered from adult thumb-tip sized mass on the tail of right epididymis. From the mass during epididymectomy, whitish yellow colored sparganum measuring about 7cm in length, 0.3cm in width, 0.2cm in thickness could be extracted. So we reported this case with a brief review of the literatures.

Clinical Observation on Cystoscopic Removal of Lower Third Ureteral Stone Using Woven Loop Stone Dislodger / 대한비뇨기과학회지

The cystoscopic manipulation was applied in 38 cases of lower one third ureteral stone who visited the Department of Urology National Police Hospital during the period from January 1979 to August 1981. 1. The age distribution was between 17 and 57 years, showing the highest incidence in 21 to 30 years (36.8%). 2. In 38 cases of stones in the lower one third of ureter in which the woven loop stone dislodger was used, the stone was removed successfully in 29 cases, a success rate of 76.3%. 3. Among 29 cases, 20 ureteral stones were extracted immediately and 9 ureteral stones were delivered spontaneously after cystoscopic manipulation. 4. In 7 cases (18.4%) ureterolithotomy was necessary. 5. The commonest size of stone extracted by woven loop stone dislodger was from 5 mm to 7 mm in size. 6. No specific complication were found during or after cystoscopic manipulations.

Clinical Studies on 36 Cases of Varicocele / 대한비뇨기과학회지

A Clinical study was made on 36 cases of varicocele during the period from January 1979 to June 1981. The results obtained were as follows: 1. During this period, the total number of in-patients was 449 among which 36 cases had varicocele, giving a rate of 8% of total in-patients. 2. The age distribution was between 18 and 45 year, showing the highest incidence in 21 to 23 year (44.4%). 3. Site of lesion showed 86.1% in left, 11.1% in both, 2.8% in right. 4. The clinical symptoms of varicocele showed inguinal dragging pain in 83.3%, testicular pain in 22.2% walking disturbance in 5.6% and symptomless in 5.6%. 5. In all the cases, semen analysis was performed pre-operatively, among which 36.1% showed poor semen quality. 6. Effort was made to detect the relationship with duration of symptom and semen quality. Of the 7 cases who had symptom over 2 years, 5 cases (71.4%) showed poor semen quality. Of the 20 cases who had symptom less than 1 year, 4 cases (20%) showed poor semen quality. 7. In all the cases, operation was undertaken by Palomo`s method. Recurrence of the varicocele occurred in 2 cases (5.6%). 8. Bilateral testicular biopsies were undertaken in 4 cases, revealed similar findings in both testicles.

A Case Report of Priapism Associated with Leukemia / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Priapism is the condition of persistent penile erection, most often accompanied by pain and unaccompanied by sexual desire. Recently we experienced one case of priapism associated with chronic myelocytic leukemia. So we report this case of secondary priapism with some review of literatures.

A Case of Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is an uncommon entity of chronic renal infection and often misdiagnosed with renal tumor clinically. The characteristic examination are foamy histiocyte containing lipid material and foreign body giant cell forming granulomas, Macroscopically yellow nodules are present at the area of necrotic tissue. We have experienced a case of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in 38 years old woman and reported with review of some literatures.