Der Chirurg; Zeitschrift für alle Gebiete der operativen Medizen
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Review Comparative Study
[Literature and own strategies concerning soft-tissue reconstruction and exposed osteosynthetic hardware].
In the event of exposed hardware from reconstructive surgery, it must be decided whether to retain or remove it prior to plastic surgical soft-tissue reconstruction to ensure long-term freedom from infection and stable wound closure. ⋯ Hardware used in spine surgery is commonly left in situ until bony consolidation has been achieved. The indications for hardware removal depend on length of exposure or infection, implant failure, and location. Osteosynthetic devices in the extremities may be removed and replaced by external fixators or immobilisation. Removal of prostheses requires complex second-stage reimplantation or arthrodesis. A treatment algorithm is suggested that might ease the decision whether exposed hardware can remain or requires removal before reconstruction of soft-tissue defects.
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Perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis (PAP) leads to a reduction in surgical site infections. The aim of PAP is adequate serum and tissue concentrations of the antimicrobial drug in the field of operation. The antibiotic must be effective against the expected pathogens during the operation, safe, and have the fewest possible side effects. ⋯ Depending on pharmacokinetics, the antibiotic should be administered within 60 min before incision. After closure of the wound, further applications of the antibiotic drug have no influence on the infection rate of the wound but do increase the side effects (resistance, CDT colitis, allergy). Operation-specific recommendations according to guidelines of the Paul Ehrlich Society are given.
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Lung herniation is uncommon and has been defined as the protrusion of pulmonary tissue and pleural membranes through defects of the thoracic wall. In combination with rib fractures caused by single massive coughing fit, spontaneous lung herniation has previously been reported only three times. To our knowledge, in combination with multiple rib fractures and flail chest, as in the case presented, it has never been reported. ⋯ After resection of the herniated pleural membrane, a 30 x 30-cm polypropylene mesh was fixed to the diaphragm and with nonresorbable pericostal sutures to the thoracic wall. With this procedure, the loss in stability caused by the ruptured anterior intercostal muscular system could be restored. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was dismissed on day 12.
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Delirium and intensive care unit (ICU) syndrome are frequently seen postoperatively, especially in intensive care. Hospital mortality and complication rates are higher in patients with these disorders. ⋯ Knowledge of differential diagnosis and causality is essential for curative therapy. Drug therapy is recommended for the treatment of psychotic symptoms and vegetative disorders.