Annals of plastic surgery
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Annals of plastic surgery · Jul 2010
Case ReportsIn vivo tissue engineering over wounds with exposed bone and tendon: Autologous dermal grafting and vacuum-assisted closure.
Flap coverage is ideal for wounds exposing bone and tendon, but technically less demanding and speedier options might be considered for small shallow wounds and for wounds with adjacent tissue loss precluding local flaps. We revisited the use of autologous dermal grafting-in combination with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC)-for such wounds. Five small- to medium-sized wounds exposing bone, joint, and/or tendon were each covered using an autologous meshed dermal graft followed by VAC application to induce granulation. ⋯ All healed wounds had a nearly flush profile with no bulkiness in the foot and toe region. Autologous dermal grafting with VAC is an integrated in vivo tissue engineering system in which the meshed dermis acts as an attractive scaffold for granulation within the conducive VAC-medium. As an alternative to flap surgery or dermal substitutes, the technique is simple, swift, and cost-effective for immediate closure of small shallow wounds and even multiple small wounds, exposing bone and tendon particularly in the lower legs, feet, and toes.
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Annals of plastic surgery · Jun 2010
Comparative StudyThe male cosmetic surgery patient: a matched sample gender analysis of elective cosmetic surgery and cosmetic dentistry patients.
Plastic surgeons have traditionally perceived male patients as more psychologically disturbed than female patients. This study employed a matched sample design to explore the psychosocial experiences of 50 male and 50 female elective cosmetic surgery and cosmetic dentistry patients. ⋯ Although male patients did not report higher levels of preoperative psychosocial dysfunction than their female counterparts, they were more likely to report postoperative dissatisfaction. Preoperative screening is recommended to identify the minority of male patients who will report an unsatisfactory outcome despite a technically good result.
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Annals of plastic surgery · Jun 2010
Fournier gangrene: a review of 41 patients and strategies for reconstruction.
Fournier gangrene is an acute and potentially fatal infection of the scrotum, perineum, and abdominal wall. It is characterized by necrotizing fasciitis with loss of subcutaneous tissue and skin. The aim of this study was to analyze the prognosis and treatment effectiveness of this fulminant infectious disease. ⋯ Early and aggressive debridement is a significant prognostic factor in the management of Fournier gangrene. Several reconstructive modalities are useful to correct the tissue defect. Early debridement and reconstructive surgery for wound coverage improve the quality of life.
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Annals of plastic surgery · May 2010
Sternal wound reconstruction: management in different cardiac populations.
Poststernotomy mediastinitis is a feared complication for patients undergoing cardiac surgery associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Approximately 15% of patients will ultimately be readmitted for a recurrent sternal wound infection. The objective of this study is to review a large single surgeon experience with sternal wound patients managed with a variety of soft tissue flaps to assess mitigating factors, involved organisms, and treatment protocols as related to specific cardiac populations. ⋯ CABG and CABG + valve patients most frequently received right pectoralis muscle turnover flaps or left pectoralis muscle advancement flaps. Ten heart transplant patients (37.0%) underwent omental flaps. The 30-day perioperative mortality rate was 13 patients (9.6%).