Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]
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Isosulfan blue dye peripheral injection is used in preoperative sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification alone or, to increase sensitivity, in conjunction with radiocolloid mapping. However, isosulfan blue dye has certain drawbacks and limitations. ⋯ Sentinel lymph node biopsy can be successfully performed in patients with melanoma using only radiocolloid tracer without blue dye staining. In circumstances where blue dye cannot be used such as head and neck tumors, allergic reactions and pregnancy, radiocolloid tracer mapping alone is not a loss of chance for patients with melanoma.
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Keloid and hypertrophic scars represent an aberrant response to the wound healing process. These scars are characterized by dysregulated growth with excessive collagen formation, and can be cosmetically and functionally disruptive to patients. ⋯ Keloid and hypertrophic scars remain a challenging condition, with potential cosmetic and functional consequences to patients. Several therapies exist which function through different mechanisms. Better understanding into the pathogenesis will allow for development of newer and more targeted therapies in the future.
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Effective antiseptic to reduce surgical site infections is a cornerstone of modern surgery. Chlorhexidine gluconate-based antiseptics are among the most effective of these products. Unfortunately, chlorhexidine solutions are toxic to the cornea and middle ear, and they pose a splash risk to both the patient and health care personnel. ⋯ Chlorhexidine antiseptic solutions are highly effective. However, they pose a risk to the middle ear and have the potential to irreversibly damage the cornea with a minimal splash exposure. Povidone-iodine is a safe and effective alternative.