Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “FORCEPS”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Compact forceps manipulator using friction wheel mechanism and gimbals mechanism for laparoscopic surgery.

This paper reports evaluation of compact forceps manipulator designed for assisting laparoscopic surgery. The manipulator consists of two miniaturized parts; friction wheel mechanism which rotates and translates forceps (62 x 52 x 150[mm3], 0.6 [kg]), and gimbals mechanism which provides pivoting motion of forceps around incision hole on the abdomen (135 x 165 x 300 [mm3], 1.1 [kg]). The four-DOF motion of forceps around the incision hole on the abdomen in laparoscopic surgery is realized. By integration with robotized forceps or a needle insertion robot, it will work as a compact robotic arm in a master-slave system. It can also work under numerical control based on the computerized surgical planning. This table-mounted miniaturized manipulator contributes to the coexistence of clinical staffs and manipulators in the today's crowded operating room. As the results of mechanical performance evaluation with load of 4 [N], positioning accuracy was less than 1.2 [deg] in pivoting motion, less than 4 [deg] in rotation of forceps, less than 1.2 [mm] in longitudinal translation of forceps. As future works, we will modify mechanism for sterilization and safety improvement, and also integrate this manipulator with robotized forceps to build a surgery assisting robotic system.

Equipment Design↗
PubMed2006

Yield of tissue sampling for subepithelial lesions evaluated by EUS: a comparison between forceps biopsies and endoscopic submucosal resection.

BACKGROUND: In most circumstances, subepithelial tumors lack distinct endoscopic and ultrasonographic features. Consequently, definitive diagnosis usually requires tissue acquisition and pathologic confirmation. Establishing a tissue diagnosis is difficult because the yield of forceps biopsies is low. However, prospective data evaluating tissue sampling techniques for subepithelial lesions are currently lacking. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to prospectively determine the diagnostic yield of endoscopic submucosal-mucosal resection (ESMR) compared with forceps biopsy for lesions limited to the submucosa (third endosonographic layer) of the GI tract. DESIGN: A prospective head-to-head comparison was performed. SETTING: The study was performed in a tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: Study patients were 23 adults with subepithelial lesions limited to the submucosa. INTERVENTION: All submucosal lesions underwent forceps biopsy followed by endoscopic submucosal resection. Biopsy specimens were obtained with large-capacity "jumbo" forceps. A total of 4 double passes (8 biopsy specimens) were collected from each lesion with use of the bite-on-bite technique. Endoscopic resection was then performed with an electrosurgical snare or cap-fitted endoscopic mucosal resection device. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: The main outcome measurement was the diagnostic yield of biopsy forceps compared with endoscopic submucosal resection. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients with lesions limited to the submucosa were identified by endoscopic ultrasonography. All lesions underwent forceps biopsy followed by ESMR. The diagnostic yield of the jumbo forceps biopsy was 4 of 23 (17%), whereas the diagnostic yield of ESMR was 20 of 23 (87%) (P = .0001, McNemar test). CONCLUSION: In the evaluation of subepithelial lesions limited to the submucosa, ESMR has a significantly higher diagnostic yield than jumbo forceps biopsy with use of the bite-on-bite technique.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

The role of forceps rotation in maternal and neonatal injury.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess the impact of forceps rotation on maternal and neonatal injury. STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective case-controlled study performed at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston all forceps deliveries with a rotation of >/=90 degrees performed between July 1992 and September 1995 were identified (n = 113). For controls 167 forceps deliveries with rotations of </=45 degrees were randomly selected. Control deliveries occurred during the same time period and were matched to within 2 weeks of gestational age as well as to nulliparous versus parous status. The majority of deliveries were low; however, some midforceps deliveries were also included. RESULTS: Forceps rotations of >/=90 degrees accounted for 0.8% of all deliveries. A major fetal injury, defined as a skull fracture, subdural hematoma, brachial plexus or a sixth or seventh cranial nerve injury, occurred in 10.2% of deliveries with rotations of </=45 degrees and in 9.7% with rotations of >/=90 degrees. The only permanent injury was a brachial plexus palsy that occurred with a forceps rotation of 45 degrees. Rotations of >/=90 degrees were not associated with umbilical arterial acidemia below 7.0 or 7.1 compared with rotations of </=45 degrees. Rotations of >/=90 degrees were associated with longer maternal hospital stays (P =.009). Neither lacerations of the birth canal, third- or fourth-degree episiotomies, or fall in the maternal hematocrit correlated with the degree of forceps rotation. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced degrees of forceps rotations do not result in any clinically significant increase in infant or maternal morbidity relative to that encountered with lesser degrees of forceps rotation.

Birth Injuries↗
PubMed2006

Flat gastric polyps: results of forceps biopsy, endoscopic mucosal resection, and long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: Histological examination of specimens obtained by forceps biopsy sampling of gastric polyps is of limited accuracy, and their management on this basis is therefore controversial. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the value of forceps biopsy sampling in establishing the correct diagnosis revealed by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). The complication rate of EMR was also determined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Subjects with gastric polyps of epithelial origin, of at least 0.5 cm in diameter, and not associated with polyposis syndromes, were included in the study. Between 1994 and 2004, 56 gastric polyps in 44 patients (30 F, 14 M, mean age 67 years) met the inclusion criteria. Indigo carmine dye staining and electronic magnification were used in all cases. Following forceps biopsy sampling, 56 EMRs were performed. The histological results of the forceps biopsy and the resected specimens were analyzed. RESULTS: The initial forceps biopsies identified in situ carcinoma in 3 cases, adenoma with no dysplasia in 19, adenoma with low-grade dysplasia in 2, adenoma with moderate-grade dysplasia in 6, adenoma with high-grade dysplasia in 7, and hyperplastic lesions in 19 cases. The histological examination of the resected polyps revealed in situ carcinoma in 5 cases, carcinoid in 1, gastrointestinal stromal tumor in 1, adenoma with no dysplasia in 14, adenoma with low-grade dysplasia in 3, adenoma with moderate-grade dysplasia in 9, adenoma with high-grade dysplasia in 1, hyperplastic lesions in 21, and no diagnosis in 1 case. Complete agreement between the histological results on the forceps biopsy sample and on the ectomized polyp was seen in only 31 (55.3%) polyps. There were important disagreements in 12 cases. In 14 neoplastic and 1 hyperplastic polyps, the degree of dysplasia seen on histological examination of the forceps biopsy specimens differed from that observed for the resected specimens. Post-mucosectomy bleeding was observed in 3 patients, all of whom were successfully treated endoscopically. CONCLUSIONS: Forceps biopsy is not sufficiently reliable for the identification of gastric polyps. These lesions should be fully resected by EMR for a final diagnosis and (depending on the lesion size and type) possibly definitive treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Do forceps biopsies truthfully reflect the nature of endoscopically uncovered polypoid lesions of the colon?

BACKGROUND: Total excision of colonic polyps is not always attainable and in some patients it is clinically contraindicated. Also, a resected polyp may be lost at any step between its endoscopic removal and its embedding in paraffin. The aim of this study was to compare the histological features of colonic polyps as analysed by the study of biopsy-forceps obtained samples with those assessed on scrutinizing the totally resected growths. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study included a cohort of 59 patients in whom, in the course of an elective colonoscopy, a total excision of a 6 mm-sized or larger polyp was called for. Sizeable biopsies were obtained by means of an Olympus Multibyte forceps prior to the total polypectomy. Subsequent to the study of the polypectomy specimens, the forceps biopsy samples were submitted for histological examination. The pathologists were blinded as to the source of the tissue they were studying. The diagnoses rendered by evaluating the biopsy samples and polypectomy specimens of each patient were contrasted with each other. RESULTS: Major discrepancies between the histological features of the fragments captured by the biopsy-forceps and the factual nature of the totally removed polyps were uncovered in 11 (18.6%) of 59 cases. Intriguingly, the grade of the tumours was underrated in all the 11 cases, as judged by contrasting the tentative diagnoses of the forceps-biopsies with the decisive diagnoses of the polypectomies. Importantly, 2 adenocarcinomas would have been missed by just looking at the forceps-retrieved sample. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, a discordance of 18.6% is to be expected between the diagnoses rendered after examining forceps-biopsies of and totally excised colonic polyps. Nevertheless, it is advisable to procure biopsies prior to the excision of the growths, because on those occasions in which patients' growths cannot be removed or have not been retrieved for one reason or another, a small forceps-captured tissue sample correctly reflects the characteristics of the polyp in 81.4% of the cases. Finally, the biopsies may be discarded in the event that total removal was successful.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Comparison of forceps used for transbronchial lung biopsy. Bigger may not be better.

Transbronchial lung biopsy is a useful procedure to obtain an alveolar specimen in the evaluation of diffuse lung infiltrates. Large forceps (cup and alligator) are expected to result in larger specimens and improve diagnostic yield. We performed transbronchial lung biopsy in 20 patients using two different sized forceps in each patient. We compared the histology and histopathologic diagnoses obtained by small cup forceps, large cup forceps, and large alligator forceps. Small and large cup forceps provided equally good results; however, the large open end of the alligator forceps often prevented distal passage through narrowing airways, engaging proximal bifurcating bronchial wall and cartilage rather than lung parenchyma. Small and large cup forceps are more likely to obtain the desired alveolar specimen.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2000

[The use of forceps delivery in own analysis].

OBJECTIVES: The clinical analysis of deliveries ended by forceps over the period of ten years. DESIGN: Review of perinatal outcome and indications to use outlet and low forceps or midforceps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Author analysed 137 forceps deliveries in comparison to control group of 250 normal, vaginal labours. Obstetrical history, indications to use vaginal operation, duration of labour, hospitalisation time, newborns state in Apgar score or arterial cord pH, PaO2, and fetal or maternal injures were statistically analysed. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) 1988 forceps classification be adopted for deliveries. Using outlet, low forceps and midforceps concerned with vaginal operation. RESULTS: The common indications to use outlet or low forceps were prolonged second stage of labour. The most frequent indication for the midforceps was a risk of fetal asphyxia and neonatal hypoxia. A major fetal injury occurred in midforceps, particularly with fetal head rotations. Furthermore, midforceps delivery increased incidence of maternal perineal trauma. The outlet or low forceps was safe for fetal outcome and trauma of the birth canal in comparison to normal vaginal delivery. CONCLUSIONS: The prophylactic use of outlet or low forceps has beneficial impact on the neonate because it shortens second stage of labour and decreased the incidence of neonatal hypoxia. The midforceps delivery increased a perinatal disorders and using cesarean section are better for child and mother.

Asphyxia Neonatorum↗
PubMed1992

Contralateral occipital depression related to obstetric forceps injury to the eye.

Obstetric forceps pressure strong enough to leave a periorbital depression and corneal injury would probably be severe enough to leave an occipital depression from the opposite forceps blade. The presence of a depression at the correct occipital position would support the diagnosis of forceps injury when the birth history is unknown and the cornea has decompensated enough to make observation of the Descemet's membrane scrolls difficult. We studied six patients with known or suspected obstetric forceps injury to the cornea. Complete ocular examinations included examination for periorbital forceps depressions and posterior skull depressions 180 degrees from the affected cornea (which correlates with the opposite blade of the forceps). All of the patients with Descemet's scrolls had posterior skull depressions. This method of palpation for a contralateral skull depression may assist in the diagnosis of forceps-induced corneal decompensation.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Rotational forceps: should these procedures be abandoned?

Forceps delivery remains an important part of the obstetric armamentarium. When applied by practitioners skilled in their use, forceps delivery can quickly and safely deliver a fetus at risk. Unfortunately, forceps can also be an instrument of harm for the women or her infant. This is particularly true of rotational forceps. The goal of this monograph is to review in detail the indications, contraindications, technique, as well as risks and complications of forceps delivery, with particular attention to rotational forceps. We conclude by asking the question: Should rotational forceps be abandoned altogether?

Delivery, Obstetric↗
PubMed1986

Forceps or vacuum extraction? A comparison of effects on the newborn infant.

Sixteen women delivered by forceps and 20 women delivered by vacuum extraction (VE) owing to secondary uterine inertia were compared with a control group of 11 women who gave birth spontaneously. The cord arterial pH was lower in the VE group than in the forceps and control groups. Base deficit in both arterial and venous cord blood was greater in the VE group than in the forceps group, probably owing to the longer application and extraction times in VE than in forceps delivery. The incidence of retinal hemorrhage did not differ between the forceps and VE groups. The incidence of cephalhematomata was greater among VE infants than in the forceps and control groups. All infants were examined on the 1st and 5th day by standardized neurological and behavioural examination. There were no significant differences in neurological status between the forceps and VE groups. Thus, in low extraction with no signs of fetal asphyxia, either method can be used with safety if the obstetrician is familiar with both methods of operative vaginal delivery.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Vacuum extraction versus forceps delivery: indications and complications, 1979 to 1984.

Two hundred fifty-six vacuum extractions and 300 randomly chosen forceps deliveries were analyzed retrospectively. Vacuum extraction use increased from 0.3 to 3.1%, while forceps use declined from 10.1 to 4.9% over a five-year period. No differences were found in indications for vacuum extraction and forceps, but the preapplication position differed (occiput posterior or transverse in 81.2% in the vacuum group and 27% in forceps patients). Preapplication station also differed, with 59.8% of vacuum extraction at +1 or higher stations, compared with 9% of forceps. Under these conditions we found less maternal trauma, similar failure rates (3.9 versus 2%), and no difference in maternal morbidity. There was a higher incidence of shoulder dystocia and neonatal jaundice in the vacuum group, but cephalohematoma frequency did not differ significantly (3.9% vacuum extraction, 4.3% forceps). Cosmetic injuries (ecchymoses, abrasions) were more likely with vacuum extraction than with forceps (44.1 versus 29.5%). One death occurred in each group. Vacuum extraction replaced midforceps in our institution in the study period. We consider vacuum extraction a useful technique to teach house staff in view of today's decreasing instrumental delivery rate.

Birth Injuries↗
PubMed2000

Disposable versus reusable biopsy forceps: a prospective cost evaluation.

BACKGROUND: There is growing advocacy for the use of disposable medical accessories to reduce the risks of infection transmission. Their purchase costs can, however, be considered as prohibitive in an endoscopy unit operating under a cost-containment program. We therefore compared the costs of reusable and disposable biopsy forceps. METHODS: From October 1995 to September 1997, biopsies were obtained in 7740 sessions. The evaluation of costs included purchase prices, repairs, cleaning (chemicals, equipment, technician time) and autoclaving costs in a centralized sterilization unit. For comparison, the lowest purchase price for disposable biopsy forceps was $26.90 in 1997. RESULTS: A mean of 12 new reusable forceps were purchased every year for a total purchase price of $5460. A total of 315 biopsy sessions were performed per forceps (mean time life of 3 years per forceps, including 3 repairs). Yearly repair cost was $3308, equipment $1002, chemicals $3250, central sterilization $8333, and technician salary $4373. Total cost was $25,726 and cost per biopsy session was $6.65. CONCLUSIONS: Total purchase and reprocessing costs for reusable biopsy forceps were 25% of those of disposable devices. The use of disposable biopsy forceps would have led to a yearly extra cost of $78,377 in the operation of our endoscopy unit.

Belgium↗
PubMed1996

Disposable versus reusable biopsy forceps: a prospective evaluation of costs.

BACKGROUND: Disposable biopsy forceps have been heavily marketed as cost-effective, convenient, and safer to use than conventional forceps. METHODS: In an attempt to define whether disposable or reusable biopsy forceps were cheaper to use, we prospectively evaluated the purchase price, number of uses, repair record, and cleaning costs of all reusable biopsy forceps used in the outpatient endoscopy unit of a large multispecialty clinic. RESULTS: Over a 12-month period, 1581 biopsy sessions were undertaken. Seventeen of 119 forceps required $1890 in repairs over the study period (an average of $1.20 per biopsy session). Cleaning costs, including technician processing and steam autoclave, approximated $3.46 per use, increasing to $5.61 per use if glutaraldehyde soak was substituted for steam autoclave. CONCLUSIONS: Assuming a sixfold difference in purchase price between reusable and disposable forceps, and a per-use repair and cleaning cost of $1.20 and $3.46, respectively, reusable biopsy forceps became cost-effective after seven uses in our institution.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2003

Evaluation of stress patterns generated by reduction forceps within a photoelastic mandibular model.

INTRODUCTION: Little attention has been paid to the mechanical effects of fracture reduction forceps. AIM: This study aims to evaluate the stress patterns within the fractured mandible generated by reduction forceps. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six mandibular models were fabricated using a photoelastic resin. Each of the three sets of mandibular models was osteotomized according to one of three different fracture types. After reducing the cut segments, reduction forceps were placed into different engagement holes to compress the segments. Photoelastic stress analysis was used to visualize the stress patterns within the fractured mandibular models as generated by the reduction forceps. RESULTS: In the case of symphyseal or parasymphyseal fractures, an optimum distribution of stresses over the fracture site was achieved when placing the reduction forceps more than 12mm away from either side of the fracture line, between the midway level of the mandibular height (bisecting the mandible) and 5mm below this level. In the case of body fractures, optimum stress distribution was achieved when the reduction forceps were placed more than 16mm from the fracture line at the midway level. CONCLUSION: Correct use of the reduction forceps helps to provide a precise three-dimensional reduction for mandibular fractures.

Birefringence↗
PubMed2005

Prospective randomized clinical trial on suction elastic band ligator versus forceps ligator in the treatment of haemorrhoids.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective randomized clinical trial was undertaken to compare the use of a single-operator vacuum suction ligator and the traditional forceps ligator in terms of pain perception following the procedure, intra-procedure bleeding and other complications. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients with second- and third-degree haemorrhoids presenting between July 2002 and September 2003 were randomized into suction and forceps groups for rubber band ligations. They were equally distributed in both groups, with a mean age of 48.7 years (range, 15-83 years). The immediate, 24-hour, 7-day and 14-day pain scores after the procedure were evaluated using a visual analogue scale. Intra-procedure bleeding and other complications at follow-up were evaluated. RESULTS: Pain perception was worse in the forceps group immediately after ligation, with a mean score of 6.08 compared with 3.08 in the suction group (p < 0.001). Pain score remained high among the forceps patients at 24 hours post-banding, with a mean score of 4.00 compared with 1.92 in the suction group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in terms of immediate and 24-hour pain perceptions whether two or three haemorrhoids were banded per session (p = 0.904 and p = 0.058). The amount of analgesia consumed after banding correlated well with the severity of pain reported, being higher among the forceps group with a mean of 4.48 tablets (p = 0.003). Intra-procedure bleeding occurred in 25 patients in the forceps group compared with five in the suction group (p < 0.001). There were no severe complications such as perianal sepsis, urinary retention, sphincter dysfunction or bleeding during the trial. CONCLUSION: Suction band ligation is superior to forceps ligation for the treatment of second- and third-degree haemorrhoids in terms of pain tolerance, amount of analgesia consumed and intra-procedure bleeding.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Effect of immersion of biopsy forceps in formalin on tissue urease activity.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It is routine practice to wash biopsy forceps that have been immersed in formalin solution before taking gastric biopsies to test for urease activity as formalin is thought to inactivate the urease enzyme. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of pre-immersion of biopsy forceps in formalin solution on the ability to detect Helicobacter pylori urease activity in biopsies obtained with the same forceps. METHODS: Two hundred consecutive patients undergoing gastroscopy who had macroscopic evidence of possible H. pylori infection had an initial antral biopsy taken using sterile forceps for determining biopsy urease activity. The same forceps were then used to obtain an antral biopsy for histological examination. The forceps were then used, without washing off any adherent formalin solution, to obtain a further antral biopsy for urease testing. RESULTS: The concordance rate for urease tests, with or without formalin exposure, was 100% (95% confidence interval (CI) 98.2-100%). Fifty-six of 200 patients (28%) were found to have urease-positive biopsies. Of these, 52/56 (92.9%) had identifiable H. pylori on histopathology. One hundred and forty-four of 200 patients (72%) were found to have urease-negative biopsies. Of these, seven (4.9%) had identifiable H. pylori on histopathology. Six of seven (85.7%) had only a small number of organisms identified. The sensitivity and specificity for the urease test compared with the histopathology as a reference standard was 88.1% (95% CI 79.9-96.4%) and 97.2% (95% CI 94.4-99.9%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Immersion of biopsy forceps in formalin did not reduce the ability to detect urease activity in gastric biopsies taken subsequently.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2002

Percutaneous tracheostomy: prospective comparison of the translaryngeal technique versus the forceps-dilational technique in 100 critically ill adults.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two different techniques of percutaneous tracheostomy: Griggs' forceps-dilational technique and Fantoni's translaryngeal technique, both performed with the manufacturer's basic kit and with bronchoscopic guidance. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized trial was designed to compare the two tracheostomy techniques. Critically ill patients requiring elective tracheostomy for long-term ventilation were randomized for translaryngeal tracheostomy or forceps-dilational tracheostomy. SETTING: Intensive care unit of a military teaching hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 100 adult patients in the intensive care unit who were mechanically ventilated. PROCEDURES: All tracheostomy procedures were performed at the bedside by using a commercially available set. The procedures were performed by two surgeons, one for bronchoscopic guidance and management of the airway and one for the tracheostomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The measurements were divided into procedure-related variables (duration, technical difficulties, oxygenation): major and minor complications. The procedure was longer in the translaryngeal technique group (12.9 vs. 6.9 mins, p =.0018). Technical difficulties occurred in 11 patients in the translaryngeal technique group. Uneventful forceps dilational tracheostomy was performed instead. There has been no mortality associated with either technique. Serious complications occurred in one patient in the forceps-dilational technique group (one posterior tracheal wall injury) and in four patients in the translaryngeal technique group (one with a posterior tracheal wall injury and three with severe hypoxia). Significant hypercarbia and acidosis occurred in both the translaryngeal technique group and the forceps-dilational technique group. A significant decrease in Pao2 was observed in the translaryngeal technique group (311 to 261, p =.0069). No bleeding requiring intervention occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Serious complications related to percutaneous tracheostomy occurred in 8.5% and 1.8% of the cases in the translaryngeal technique and the forceps-dilational technique group, respectively (p <.001). Technical difficulties were not rare when using the translaryngeal technique (23%). On the basis of our results, we concluded that the forceps-dilation technique is superior to the translaryngeal technique, with fewer technical difficulties and fewer complications for critically ill patients.

Bronchoscopy↗
PubMed1998

Polymerase chain reaction amplification of bacterial 16S rRNA genes from cold-cup biopsy forceps.

PURPOSE: In looking for a possible infectious cause for interstitial cystitis (IC), we previously determined that bladder tissue specimens from both IC patients and controls were uniformly positive by polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR) for bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA genes from various genera including Escherichia, Propionobacterium, Acinetobacter, and Salmonella. We therefore determined whether the biopsy forceps might be contaminated with bacterial DNA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 23 samples were obtained following disinfection of 6 cold-cup bladder biopsy forceps (2 to 5 specimens from each forceps over a period of 19 months). DNA was extracted from each sample, and PCR performed using nested primers from a highly conserved region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Amplified DNA was purified and sequenced, and the sequences obtained were compared with bacterial rRNA gene sequences recorded in GenBank. RESULTS: Thirteen of 23 forceps specimens were positive by PCR for bacterial DNA, including at least one rinse from each of the 6 forceps. In comparison, none of 9 negative control specimens (sterile distilled water put into tubes and processed in the same manner as forceps rinses) had detectable bacterial DNA. Sequence data indicated the presence of a predominant organism in 12 of the 13 positive specimens, with >95% homology to DNA from several different genera of bacteria including Escherichia, Propionobacterium, Stenotrophomonas and Pseudomonas. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that reusable bladder biopsy forceps are frequently contaminated with bacterial DNA. Tissue specimens procured with such instruments therefore are inappropriate sources to look for the presence of bacterial pathogens by PCR.

Biopsy↗