ANZ journal of surgery
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To determine the prevalence of long-term complications of axillary surgery for breast cancer and whether preservation of the intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) reduces this morbidity. ⋯ Axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer has a high long-term morbidity. Preservation of the ICBN during the axillary procedure significantly reduces this morbidity.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Apr 2004
Comparative StudyModified Limberg flap reconstruction compares favourably with primary repair for pilonidal sinus surgery.
The present study analyses the results of wide excision with primary closure (PC), wide excision with classical Limberg flap reconstruction (LF) and wide excision with modified Limberg flap reconstruction (MLF) in the surgical treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease. ⋯ For the surgical treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease, excision plus a classical or modified Limberg flap reconstruction proved to be superior to excision plus primary closure in terms of infection, mobilization time, discharge from hospital and time off work. Additionally, MLF reconstruction resulted in a statistically lower recurrence rate when compared with PC.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Apr 2004
Successful antimicrobial therapy and implant retention for streptococcal infection of prosthetic joints.
Streptococci cause up to 20% of prosthetic joint infections but this has received little attention in the published literature. ⋯ Our results, and those of others, show that prosthetic joint infections caused by streptococci have a relatively good outcome with primary antimicrobial therapy and, when necessary, drainage, lavage or debridement. Provided the prosthesis is stable and the patient can tolerate long-term antimicrobial therapy, this may be an effective alternative to excision arthroplasty.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Apr 2004
Historical ArticleMedical practice and medical education 1500-2001: an overview.
Up to the middle of the nineteenth century medicine was practised by a variety of people: physicians, surgeons, apothecaries, bone setters and various irregular practitioners or quacks. Physicians were well educated and learned men who had studied the classics and the works of Galen. ⋯ In reality, medical knowledge regarding disease and its management was minimal. The present paper is an overview of the education and training of those who practised in medicine before the subject began to develop into a science.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Mar 2004
Comparative StudyCytotoxicity of topical antimicrobial agents used in burn wounds in Australasia.
Burn sepsis is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with major burns. The use of topical antimicrobial agents has helped improve the survival of these patients. Silvazine (Sigma Pharmaceuticals, Melbourne, Australia) (1% silver sulphadiazine and 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate) is used exclusively in Australasia, and there is no published study on its cytotoxicity. This study compared the relative cytotoxicity of Silvazine with 1% silver sulphadiazine (Flamazine (Smith & Nephew Healthcare, Hull, UK)) and a silver-based dressing (Acticoat (Smith & Nephew Healthcare, Hull, UK)). ⋯ In this in-vitro study comparing Acticoat, Silvazine and Flamazine, Silvazine shows an increased cytotoxic effect, relative to control, Flamazine and Acticoat. An in-vivo study is required to determine whether this effect is carried into the clinical setting.