Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]
-
Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the criterion standard treatment for high-risk skin cancers. Few data on current MMS Utilization are available. ⋯ The 5% LDSSAF is highly predictive of total claim volumes and is useful for modeling practice trends. There is wide variation in MMS provider annual case volume. These data reflect only Medicare Part B enrollees in 2009; 5% LDDSAF extrapolations are predictions based on sampling.
-
Periprocedural analgesic therapy is an often overlooked, but critical component of ensuring adequate surgical patient care and overall satisfaction with surgical outcomes. Adequate pain management requires thorough assessment of pain and complete knowledge and understanding of the various therapeutic agents available. ⋯ Appropriate pain assessment leads to the selection of optimal pharmacologic options for pain control in the acute postoperative setting.
-
Split-thickness skin grafting is often associated with poor skin quality. In this context, a new collagen cell carrier (CCC), as an underlayment in split skin graft (SSG) transplantation for covering tissue defects in rats, has been evaluated as an improving agent. ⋯ Split skin grafting is associated with poor dermal quality, but CCC may offer unique opportunities in complex wound management in terms of skin graft quality improvement.
-
Fractional technology overcomes the problems of ablative lasers, such as inaccurate depth control and damage to the epidermis. Minimally invasive fractional radiofrequency microneedle devices allow for more-selective heating of the dermis. ⋯ Clinical improvement from FRM treatment appeared to be related to dermal matrix regeneration. FRM treatment may be effective in improving acne scars and facial pores.