Annals of plastic surgery
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Annals of plastic surgery · Apr 2009
Comparative StudyComparison of fasciotomy wound closures using traditional dressing changes and the vacuum-assisted closure device.
Fasciotomy wounds can be a major contributor to length of stay for patients as well as a difficult reconstructive challenge. Once the compartment pressure has been relieved and stabilized, the wound should be closed as quickly and early as possible to avoid later complications. Skin grafting can lead to morbidity and scarring at both the donor and fasciotomy site. ⋯ This study has shown that the use of the VAC for fasciotomy wound closure results in a higher rate of primary closure versus traditional wet-to-dry dressings. In addition, the time to primary closure of wounds or time to skin grafting is shorter when the VAC was employed. The VAC used in the described settings decreases hospitalization time, allows for earlier rehabilitation, and ultimately leads to increased patient satisfaction.
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Annals of plastic surgery · Apr 2009
Comparative StudyComparison of the ionic silver-containing hydrofiber and paraffin gauze dressing on split-thickness skin graft donor sites.
The split-thickness skin graft (STSG) donor site dressing has been an inconclusive topic. Each of the Hydrofiber (Aquacel, ConvaTec A Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Deeside, UK) and silver dressings have applied in many types of wound care with favorable outcomes. Our study compared the ionic silver-containing Hydrofiber dressing and paraffin gauze dressing. ⋯ The average pain score on dressing removal were 3.12 and 4.70, respectively (P = 0.027). There was no infection or seroma in both groups. In conclusion, ionic silver-containing Hydrofiber dressing can reduce STSG donor site pain and promote re-epithelization compared to paraffin gauze dressing.
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Annals of plastic surgery · Apr 2009
Percutaneous expansion technique for preperitoneal mesh repair in hernias of the lateral aspect of the anterior abdominal wall by using 2 tip hole needles.
Preperitoneal mesh repair is associated with good results in hernia repairs of the lateral aspect of the anterior abdominal wall, but this is difficult, and needs much subcutaneous dissection. The percutaneous expansion technique was used to produce well-expanded and fixed mesh at the preperitoneal plane without much dissection. This study included 40 patients who have hernias at the lateral aspect of the anterior abdominal wall. ⋯ There was no recurrence during the period of follow up. One patient developed subcutaneous seroma collection after 1 month of operation. This percutaneous expansion technique is novel, simple, and easy, and it is associated with good results in the repair of hernias of the lateral aspect of the anterior abdominal wall.