The Journal of surgical research
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Microtia is a congenital deformity of the external ear that occurs in 1 of every 5000 births. Microtia reconstruction using traditional two-dimensional templates does not provide highly detailed ear shapes. Here, we describe the feasibility of using a three-dimensional (3D) ear model as a reference. ⋯ Our results show that simple microtia reconstruction can be performed using 3D ear models. The 3D-printed ear models of each patient were consistent and accurately represented the thickness, depth, and height of the normal ear. The availability of the 3D-printed ear model in the operating room reduced the amount of unnecessary work during surgery.
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Comparative Study
Pneumonia prevention in intubated patients given sucralfate versus proton-pump inhibitors and/or histamine II receptor blockers.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common cause of infectious morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU). The type of stress-ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) given to ventilated patients may, in part, be responsible. We observed an increase in VAP as ventilator bundle compliance increased and a decrease in VAP when bundle compliance decreased. We reasoned that SUP which raises gastric pH such as proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine II (H2) receptor antagonists as opposed to SUP which does not raise pH such as sucralfate (S) may be responsible and also may alter the causative bacteria. ⋯ There was a substantial difference in VAP occurrence and in the culprit bacteria between S and PPI/H2 treated patients due perhaps to gastric alkalization.
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Self-regulated learning, including student-generated learning goals and flexibility in the learning structure are increasingly being used to enhance medical education. The role of these practices in surgical education of medical students has not been studied. ⋯ We therefore propose that a mechanism for students to share their learning goals with faculty and an infrastructure in which student learning experiences can be tailored to fit with these individualized goals would enhance student surgical learning.