Twenty years of experience with particulate silicone in plastic surgery

The use of particulate silicone in plastic surgery involves the introduction of solid silicone into the body. The silicone is in small pieces in order for it to adapt to the shape of the defect. This way large quantities can be introduced through small incisions. It is also possible to distribute the silicone particles from outside the skin to make the corrections more regular. This method has been very useful for correcting post-traumatic depressions in the face and all areas where the depression has a rigid back support. We consider it the treatment of choice for correcting the funnel chest deformity.     

Genital and perineal burns in children: 10 years of experience at a major burn center

Purpose: The aim of this report is to review a decade of experience in the management of perineal and genital burns at a major burn center. Methods: Seventy-eight children who sustained perineal or genital burns admitted to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Galveston are discussed. Results: Genital and perineal burns occurred in the context of major burns and were rarely isolated. A total of 64.1% were caused by hot liquids (scalds), 29.5% were flame burns, 3.8% contact burns, and 2.6% electrical burns. A total of 61% of the burns could be treated conservatively with loose debridement, topical, and parenteral antibiotics with satisfactory outcomes. Foley catheterization did not increase the morbidity in these patients except in children less than 1 year of age. Testicular involvement was associated with the most severe burns. Child abuse was found in 46% and 48% of boys and girls, respectively, younger than 2 years that had sustained scald burns to the perineum and, or genitals. Conclusions: Most perineal and genital burns in children can be treated successfully with a conservative approach. Child abuse should be vigorously investigated.     

Nine years of experience with laparoscopic appendectomy in children

We review the clinical report of 110 patients that were operated on by a laparoscopic appendectomy in our hospital since January 1992 until december 2000. In 66 patients the reason was an acute appendicitis, and recurrent abdominal pain in 44. The age of them was between 4 and 19 year old with a mean of 10.8; there were 44 males (39%) and 66 females (61%). The maximum weight was 70 kg and the minimum 15, with a mean of 41. In 23% of them vomiting was present in the postoperative period. The hospital stay was 2 or 3 days in 73% of the patients. In acute appendicitis patients 66.1% were with acute inflammation, in 29% complicated and 4.8% negative appendicitis. Of recurrent abdominal pain patients in 50% we found pathological alterations. Finally we had complications in 13% of cases. As conclusion we achieve a reduction in hospital stay, the patients and parents appreciate it, this approach allow a better exploration of abdominal cavity and in those patients with recurrent abdominal pain we obtained a clinical improve.     

Twenty years ago

Comments on the article ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION by E. A. Pask
Anaesthesia (1948) 3 , 58     

Twenty years experience with an ileal orthotopic low pressure bladder substitute--lessons to be learned

PURPOSE: We present the long-term results of a large consecutive series of patients undergoing ileal orthotopic bladder substitution following radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 1985 and 2005 orthotopic bladder substitution with an ileal low pressure reservoir was performed in 482 patients (including 40 women) after radical and, if possible, nerve sparing cystectomy. In 447 cases the procedure was combined with an afferent ileal isoperistaltic tubular segment. The patients were followed prospectively. RESULTS: In the 482 patients 61 early (less than 30 days) diversion related complications requiring prolonged hospital stay or readmission were noted and 115 late complications required treatment. At 1 year continence was good in 92% of patients during the day and in 79% at night. At last followup 93% of patients could void spontaneously. Of 442 evaluable men 99 (22.4%) reported having erections without and 68 (15.4%) with medical assistance. Ureteroileal stenosis was observed in 12 of 447 (2.7%) patients. Urethral recurrence was detected in 25 of 482 (5%) patients. A total of 15 (5%) patients received vitamin B12 substitution. Renal parenchyma decreased only in patients with preoperative or postoperative ureteral obstruction. After 10 years patients with normal renal function had no long-term acidosis and in 20 patients the incidence of osteoporosis resembled that of the normal population. CONCLUSIONS: Ileal orthotopic bladder substitution combined with an afferent ileal tubular segment allows for good long-term functional results provided patients are restrictively selected, postoperative instructions are followed carefully, and typical complications such as outlet obstruction and hernias are treated early.     

Twenty years of pharmacology

During the past 20 years in pharmacology, a number of innovations have appeared that have resulted in significant changes in the drugs available for people with traumatic brain injury. Among the anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics, new drugs have appeared with fewer cognitive side effects. In these classes of drugs, as well as among central nervous system stimulants, once-daily or other sustained-release preparations have been introduced that make it considerably more likely that the patient will take his or her medication, with smaller fluctuations in drug levels as well. New drugs have also resulted in a greater number of medications for the clinician to choose from. The overall effect has been a dramatic change in pharmacology that has benefited people with traumatic brain injury.