A 46-year-old Caucasian male has been transferred to our urology department with a history of septic fever, uncompensated diabetes, pain, and scrotal swelling. On clinical examination, the left inguinal and scrotal area was swollen, tender, and painful; scrotal MR had been performed, showing the catheter tip in scrotal cavity and presence of gas. The case was diagnosed as scrotal abscess with u...

BACKGROUND Postoperative pancreatic fistula is a major contributor to complications and death associated with pancreatic resection. Pasireotide, a somatostatin analogue that has a longer half-life than octreotide and a broader binding profile, decreases pancreatic exocrine secretions and may prevent postoperative pancreatic fistula. METHODS We conducted a single-center, randomized, double-bli...

Studies by other laboratories have shown that angiotensin II (AII) can affect the function of cells which comprise the immune system. In the present study, the effect of AII on the function of peritoneal macrophages and peripheral blood monocytes was assessed. In vitro exposure (4 h prior to assay) of peritoneal macrophages from mice and rats to AII increased the percentage of cells that phagoc...

A 57-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WHO RECEIVED A RENAL TRANSPLANT 10 YEARS AGO is admitted for evaluation of edematous erythema, subcutaneous plaques, and severe lower extremity pain for 1 month. She has had a fever (39.2 C) for 10 days but denies headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Her lesions and fever have not responded to 3 separate courses of intravenous antibiotics (penicillin, ceftriaxone, imipenem). She...

Acute infection is accompanied by a characteristic reduction in circulating eosinophils. This study examined the generally held assumption that the eosinopenia of infection is a manifestation of adrenal stimulation. Trichinosis, Escherichia coli pyelonephritis, and early subcutaneous pneumococcal abscess were used as experimental infections of limited severity. Trichinosis is associated with eo...

BACKGROUND Use of alloplastic materials such as Gore-Tex and locoregional flaps for reconstruction of large abdominal wall defects has been well described. The purpose of this article is to present a novel technique of using the omentum as an interpositional flap to protect the Gore-Tex repair of the abdominal wall. METHODS Four patients with large abdominal wall defects underwent reconstruct...