role of unenhanced helical computed tomography scan in the diagnosis of acute renal colic

Patients presenting in the emergency room [ER] with flank pain suggestive of renal or ureteric stones may have alternative underlying conditions mimicking urolithiasis. An early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for urolithiasis and other causes of flank pain is important. The majority of centers around the world are increasingly using un-enhanced helical CT [UHCT] for evaluation of renal colic. This study was conducted to define the importance of UHCT as an alternative to US and IVP in cases of acute renal colic with suspected renal or ureteric stones as a cause of pain and to define the incidence and spectrum of significant incidental diagnosis other than renal or ureteric stones. 43patients presented at ER with acute loin pain were reviewed with UHCT for suspected renal or/ureteral stones. Radiological diagnosis of clinical entities not suspected otherwise was analyzed. All other relevant radiological, biochemical and serological investigations and per-operative findings were also noted. Renal stones were identified in 11 patients [25.6%], ureteral calculi were identified in 16 patients [37.2%], findings of recent passage of calculi in 2 patients [4.7%] and no calculi in 14 patients [32.5%]. Overall the incidental findings [additional or alternative diagnosis] were found in 3 [6.9%] CT scans of all patients; and [21%] of nonurinary calcular patients. Diagnosis was confirmed by peri-operative findings, and other radiological and biochemical investigations or on clinical follow up. UHCT is more beneficial than US and IVP in ER for accurate and rapid management of cases of acute renal colic as a wide spectrum of significant incidental diagnosis - other than stones - can be identified on UHCT performed for suspected renallureteral stones. In the present series of 43 CT examinations, Urolithiasis was appeared in 67.5% of cases. The incidence of incidental diagnosis of pathologies other than urolithiasis was 6.9% of all patients 21% of patients with no calculi

Effect of some temporary cements on the shear bond strength of dual-cured composite resin to enamel and dentin surfaces

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of dual-cured composite cement after pretreatment of the enamel and dentin surfaces with eugenol-containing and eugenol-free temporary materials and comparing the results obtained with the control group [not pretreated with any temporary materials]. Cylindrical posts of dual-cured composite were bonded to the teeth surface by using syntac adhesive bond and positioned vertically to the flat dentinal area. The shear bond strengths were measured at composite-tooth surface interface by using a universal testing machine. The results of this study have shown that the shear bond strengths of dual-cured composite in the pretreated groups were highly significant in comparison with the control group at a significant level. It was concluded that the shear bond strength of dual-cured composite is effective on using temporary materials, particularly the eugenol-containing one. Also, syntac adhesive bond improved the bond strength of dual-cured composite/tooth interface

Effect of alcoholic and non-alcoholic mouthwashes on the surface roughness of compomer restorative material

This study was directed to evaluate the effect of some alcoholic and non-alcoholic mouthwash on the surface roughness of compomer restorative material. Fifty samples of compomer disks were soaked in various commercial mouthwash and stored at different periods for 6, 12, 24 and 72 hours. Measuring the surface roughness was performed by means of a profile tester. The results indicated that samples soaked in mouthwash containing alcohol [Mintoline and Phenokramine] gained significantly more surface roughness than samples soaked in non- alcoholic mouthwash [Orofar and Tantum Verde] at a significant level

Transurethral resection for chronic bilharzial bladder ulcers: further experience

Endoscopic resection of chronic bilharzial vesical ulcers is a new concept in the field of endoscopic surgery. The procedure is easy to perform, economic, practical and completely safe. All merits of open surgery are achieved but with a closed technique. Some other associated pathology in the bladder and sometimes the lower ureters can be dealt with simultaneously. Eighty [80] bilharzial patients aged [22-36] years and having chronic bilharzial vesical ulcers were managed by transurethral resection of the ulcers [T.U.R.U.]. All patients were followed-up for 2 years. The results were satisfactory in 71, and non satisfactory in 9 of the cases. The technique, post operative regimen and follow-up were described and discussed. Because the procedure is simple, safe, effective, economic and can be applied in recurrent cases we recommend its use primarily in selected cases with chronic bilharzial vesical ulcers

Retrograde ejaculation: a way of management

Retrograde ejaculation can be a significant problem when it interferes with fertility. Sympathomimetic drugs and sperm retrieval from the urine with insemination of the wife are the common methods of treatment. Surgical trials for therapy include plication of the bladder neck region or the Young-Dees procedure. Here, we report a new surgical concept for management of the problem. Five [5] men aged 23-32 years and having intractable retrograde ejaculation underwent temporary surgical occlusion of the bladder neck combined with supra-pubic Urinary diversion. Endoscopic release of bladder neck occlusion was done when pregnancy was achieved. The results were satisfactory, and four [4] of the five [5] men treated have fathered children. This operation may be considered only after failure of all other standard procedures whether conservative or surgical to correct retrograde ejaculation