Removal of a foreign body from the distal colon using a combined laparoscopic and endoanal approach: report of a case

PURPOSE: We describe the case of a of 53-year-old homosexual male, from whom a cigar container (22 cm in length and 3.5 cm in diameter), which was introduced into the rectum and migrated upwards to the distal colon, was successfully extracted by combining laparoscopic and anal approaches. METHODS: The foreign body was mobilized laparoscopically, pushed down the rectum, and then extracted transanally with the aid of a dilator anoscope. CONCLUSIONS: Combining the laparoscopic and anal approaches in selected cases of colorectal foreign bodies is useful

The microbiome of the urinary tract - A role beyond infection

Urologists rarely need to consider bacteria beyond their role in infectious disease. However, emerging evidence shows that the microorganisms inhabiting many sites of the body, including the urinary tract - which has long been assumed sterile in healthy individuals - might have a role in maintaining urinary health. Studies of the urinary microbiota have identified remarkable differences between healthy populations and those with urologic diseases. Microorganisms at sites distal to the kidney, bladder and urethra are likely to have a profound effect on urologic health, both positive and negative, owing to their metabolic output and other contributions. Connections between the gut microbiota and renal stone formation have already been discovered. In addition, bacteria are also used in the prevention of bladder cancer recurrence. In the future, urologists will need to consider possible influences of the microbiome in diagnosis and treatment of certain urological conditions. New insights might provide an opportunity to predict the risk of developing certain urological diseases and could enable the development of innovative therapeutic strategies

Nickel and human health

This review focuses on the impact of nickel on human health. In particular, the dual nature of nickel as an essential as well as toxic element in nature is described, and the main forms of nickel that can come in contact with living systems from natural sources and anthropogenic activities is discussed. Concomitantly, the main routes of nickel uptake and transport in humans are covered, and the potential dangers that nickel exposure can represent for health are described. In particular, the insurgence of nickel-derived allergies, nickel-induced carcinogenesis as well as infectious diseases caused by human pathogens that rely on nickel-based enzymes to colonize the host are reviewed at different levels, from their macroscopic aspects on human health to the molecular mechanisms underlying these points. Finally, the importance of nickel as a beneficial element for human health, especially being essential for microorganisms that colonize the human guts, is examined