Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS
-
J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Feb 2011
Travelling abroad for aesthetic surgery: Informing healthcare practitioners and providers while improving patient safety.
Travelling abroad for surgery is a phenomenon reported internationally. It is particularly likely for aesthetic procedures not undertaken routinely by national health services. We assessed the impact of these patients presenting to the UK National Health Service (NHS) with concerns or complications on their return. ⋯ However, aesthetic procedures have high minor complication rates, and peri-operative travel is associated with increased risks. Fully informed consent is unlikely when patients do not meet their surgeon prior to paying and travelling for surgery, and national health services are used to provide a free safety net on their return. To help minimise the potential risks, BAPRAS has clarified the responsibilities of the NHS and is acting to better inform UK patients considering travelling abroad.
-
J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Feb 2011
Combined AlloDerm® and thin skin grafting for the treatment of postburn dyspigmented scar contracture of the upper extremity.
Postburn dyspigmented scar contractures of the upper extremity often require aesthetic improvement. The ideal reconstruction of this deformity remains a challenge because the various available skin grafts and flaps result in skin colour mismatches, prominent marginal scars and donor morbidity. Postburn scar contractures and dyspigmented areas of the upper extremity can be improved by a combination of dermabrasion and Alloderm(®) graft over scar-releasing defect. ⋯ Graft margin and donor scars were inconspicuous. Our described combined technique was found to treat these deformities effectively. We suggest that the use of Alloderm(®) and thin skin grafting be considered in patients concerned about this type of cosmetic disfigurement.
-
J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Feb 2011
Diagnosis and localisation of flexor tendon injuries by surgeon-performed ultrasound: A cadaveric study.
Flexor tendon injuries are common problems faced by hand surgeons. To minimise the surgical trauma associated with localisation and retrieval of the proximal tendon end, we investigated the use of surgeon-performed ultrasound in the evaluation of injured flexor tendons in a cadaver model. Our goal was to use surgeon-performed ultrasound: (1) to correctly diagnose flexor tendon injuries and (2) to correctly localise the proximal tendon ends within 1cm. ⋯ Surgeon-performed ultrasound evaluation of the hand is a reliable means to diagnose flexor tendon injuries and to accurately localise the proximal tendon ends. This imaging modality may limit the need for extensive surgical exploration during flexor tendon repair. We do not recommend using this technique to image flexor tendon injuries of the small finger at this time.