Annals of plastic surgery
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Annals of plastic surgery · Jan 2016
Topical Application of Aloe vera Accelerated Wound Healing, Modeling, and Remodeling: An Experimental Study.
Treatment of large wounds is technically demanding and several attempts have been taken to improve wound healing. Aloe vera has been shown to have some beneficial roles on wound healing but its mechanism on various stages of the healing process is not clear. This study was designed to investigate the effect of topical application of A. vera on cutaneous wound healing in rats. ⋯ Topical application of A. vera improved the biochemical, morphological, and biomechanical characteristics of the healing cutaneous wounds in rats. This treatment option may be valuable in clinical practice.
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Annals of plastic surgery · Jan 2016
ReviewA Systematic Review of Smartphone Applications for Plastic Surgery Providers: Target Audience, Uses, and Cost.
The growth and acceptance of smartphones among clinicians has been remarkable over the last decade. Over 87% of doctors use a smartphone or tablet capable of running third-party software known as applications (apps). In the field of plastic surgery, apps have been designed for personal practice development, education, clinical tools and guidelines, and entertainment. This study reviews the literature on apps related to plastic surgery and determines the number and types of apps available. ⋯ Apps related to the field of plastic surgery are increasing in prevalence. The content of these apps are variable, and the majority are intended for marketing and development of private practices. Apps linking to literature, texts, study materials, and clinical tools and guidelines are developed for both practicing plastic surgeons and surgical trainees. Finding "useful" apps takes time because searches are often complicated by a variety of apps.
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Annals of plastic surgery · Jan 2016
Comparative StudyAssessing Surgical and Medical Complications in Bilateral Abdomen-Based Free Flap Breast Reconstructions Compared With Unilateral Free Flap Breast Reconstructions.
Prophylactic mastectomy is more common, with many patients seeking reconstruction. Bilateral free flap reconstructions subject patients to 2 flaps and longer operations, potentially increasing their risk for complications. We hypothesized that bilateral abdomen-based free flap reconstruction patients are a unique patient population with a higher rate of perioperative complications. ⋯ We find that bilateral abdomen-based free flap breast reconstruction patients do not have higher rates of major postsurgical complications such as flap loss or postoperative thrombosis. However, higher rates of minor surgical and postoperative medical complications, including significantly more cases of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis, are seen. These findings are important for patient counseling and perioperative management.