ABSTRACT
Glucagon may act as a relaxant of smooth muscle and it has been suggested that this action may assist in the passage of ureteric calculi and diminish ureteric colic. These effects may be of clinical use to avoid inpatient admission to hospital for the symptomatic relief of ureteric colic. Ten successive patients with acute ureteric colic were given 1 mg of glucagon and two litres of fluid administered by the intravenous route and analgesia as required over three hours. Progress was monitored radiologically and clinically. In no case did significant progression or passage of stones occur and seven patients required parenteral analgesia. We conclude that glucagon is not effective for the management of ureteric colic in a casualty department.
Subject(s)
Glucagon/therapeutic use , Ureteral Calculi/therapy , Adult , Analgesia , Colic/therapy , Female , Fluid Therapy , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pilot Projects , Ureteral Diseases/therapyABSTRACT
The results of percutaneous renal stone removal in the first 50 patients to undergo this procedure are presented. The procedure was successful in 40 patients; in 16 of these, ultrasonic disintegration was necessary. The technique failed in 10 patients. The difficulties encountered and the resulting modifications of technique are described.
Subject(s)
Kidney Calculi/therapy , Ultrasonic Therapy , Dilatation , Endoscopy , Hemorrhage/etiology , Humans , Kidney Pelvis/surgery , Length of Stay , Postoperative Complications , Ultrasonic Therapy/adverse effects , Ureter , Ureteral Obstruction/etiology , Urinary Catheterization , Urinary Tract Infections/etiologyABSTRACT
We report the first use in Australia of the technique of percutaneous ultrasonic disintegration and removal of renal calculi. The first three patients who underwent the procedure had a successful outcome. These three patients are described, the method is detailed and the problems which were encountered are discussed.
Subject(s)
Kidney Calculi/therapy , Ultrasonic Therapy/methods , Aged , Calcium Oxalate , Catheters, Indwelling , Endoscopy , Humans , Kidney/surgery , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Failure to pass a urethral stricture by retrograde instrumentation is generally accepted as excluding the possibility of closed internal urethrotomy. In 2 patients with impassable strictures percutaneous transvesical antegrade passage of a guide wire through the stricture was successful, paving the way for balloon dilatation of the stricture and visual internal urethrotomy. In view of the success rate of internal urethrotomy in treating strictures, it is recommended that this radiological method of dealing with an impassable stricture from above be used to avoid open operation and to allow internal urethrotomy to proceed. A protocol for the procedure is suggested.
Subject(s)
Urethral Stricture/therapy , Adult , Dilatation/instrumentation , Dilatation/methods , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Radiography , Urethral Stricture/diagnostic imaging , Urinary CatheterizationABSTRACT
Thirteen adults trekking in Nepal in 1974 to altitudes between 4,300 m and 5,500 m remained free from acute mountain sickness while taking spironolactone as a prophylactic measure. Two years previously five of these adults trekking at similar altitudes, but without treatment, had suffered from acute mountain sickness. The regime used was spironolactone in a dosage of 25 mg three times a day for two days preceding and during the periods spent at altitudes above 3,000 m.
