Annals of plastic surgery
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Annals of plastic surgery · Jul 2009
ReviewDangers of cornstarch powder on medical gloves: seeking a solution.
This article reviews information on the hazards of cornstarch powder on medical gloves. Dusting powders were first applied to latex gloves to facilitate donning. After 1980, manufacturers devised innovative techniques without dusting powder. ⋯ Third, cornstarch induces peritoneal adhesion formation and granulomatous peritonitis. Finally, these powders serve as carriers as latex allergen and they precipitate a life-threatening allergic reaction in sensitized patients. These well-documented hazards of glove powder have caused the United Kingdom and Germany to ban cornstarch powder on medical gloves over 10 years ago.
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Annals of plastic surgery · Jul 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialBilateral extraoral, infraorbital nerve block for postoperative pain relief after cleft lip repair in pediatric patients: a randomized, double-blind controlled study.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of bilateral extraoral infraorbital nerve block with 0.25% bupivacaine administered at the end of surgery in postoperative pain relief after cleft lip repair. Forty ASA I-II children were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group I received 1.5 mL 0.25% bupivacaine and group II received 1.5 mL saline. ⋯ In group I, parent satisfaction scores were higher (P = 0.001). Vomiting incidence was higher in group II (P = 0.028). Bilateral extraoral, infraorbital nerve block administered at the end of surgery provides satisfactory analgesia with high parental satisfaction and lower complication rates and reduces rescue analgesic consumption in patients undergoing repair of cleft lip.
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Annals of plastic surgery · Jul 2009
Influence of nasal bone fracture and its reduction on the airway.
Studies regarding nasal bone fractures have mainly focused on esthetic aspects, but the nose also plays an important role as an airway. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of nasal bone fractures and the treatment of nasal bone fractures on nasal obstruction. Nasal bone fractures were classified by fracture site and septal displacement. ⋯ The severity of airway obstruction following fracture differed according to the fracture site and the presence of septal displacement. Bilateral fractures caused more profound airway obstruction than unilateral or tip fractures and septal displacement was the most important parameter in nasal obstruction. Airway obstruction improved immediately after reduction by 21% and deteriorated by 4% 1-year postreduction.
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Despite the development of multiple cranial bone substitutes, calvarial reconstruction remains a significant challenge. Although autologous bone is preferred in many cases, its usefulness may be limited by difficulty with contouring, resorption, and donor site availability and morbidity. ⋯ Computer-designed implants have the advantages of minimizing operative time for preparation, shaping, and insetting. We report our initial clinical experience in 6 patients with computer-designed, prefabricated polyetheretherketone implants, which may have significant advantages over other alloplastic materials in terms of strength, stiffness, durability, thermal conductivity, and radiographic translucency.
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Annals of plastic surgery · Jun 2009
The effect of enalapril on skin flap viability is independent of angiotensin II AT1 receptors.
Random pattern skin flaps are still widely used in plastic surgery. However, necrosis in the distal portion resulting from ischemia is a serious problem, increasing the cost of treatment and hospitalization. To enhance skin flap viability, a variety of pharmacologic agents have been intensively investigated. ⋯ Different doses of enalapril (5, 20, and 50 mg/kg) and losartan (5 mg/kg) were administrated 30 minutes prior to elevate the flap. Flap survival area was evaluated on the seventh postoperative day. Enalapril improved survival area in a dose-dependent manner, but losartan failed to improve survival area, which suggested that the effect of enalapril was not mediated through AT1 receptors.