Large Recurrent Mediastinal Abscess Presenting With Cardiopulmonary Collapse.

Mediastinal abscesses are rarely encountered but pose a potential threat for cardiopulmonary collapse given the close proximity of vital structures. Our focus is to illustrate a case of a mediastinal abscess that was promptly diagnosed and treated, leading to complete resolution of the airway and circulatory compromise. The proposed pathogeneses behind mediastinal abscesses are discussed at length.

Single-center, prospective comparison of calcium hydroxylapatite and Vycross-20L in midface rejuvenation: Efficacy and patient-perceived value.

BACKGROUND: Numerous fillers can be used for midface revolumization. While rheological data, physiochemical properties, and durability measured in clinical studies can inform selection, direct comparisons between equal volumes of different fillers are lacking. AIMS: To compare aesthetic improvement achieved with 3 cc of either calcium hydroxyapatite with integral lidocaine CaHA(+) or VYC-20L in the midface. PATIENTS/METHODS: In this prospective, single-center study, 17 patients with midface volume loss received 3 cc of either CaHA(+) or VYC-20L. Outcomes at post-treatment days 1, 7, 30, 90, 180, and 365 were measured by Subject and blinded Physician using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (SGAIS and PGAIS). Cost per point improvement on SGAIS over time was determined. RESULTS: Outcomes were globally positive, with a large majority of subjects at least improved at all time points. A higher proportion of subjects were at least "very improved" in the CaHA(+) treatment group at each time point, a difference that reached significance at day 90 (100% vs 50%, P = .02), day 180 (89% vs 37.5%, P = .03), and day 360 (89% vs 37.5%, P = .03). For both SGAIS and PGAIS, only subjects within the VYC-20L cohort had "unaltered" appearance within 1 year. At 1 year, the average cost per point of SGAIS improvement for VYC-20 was approximately twice that of CaHA-20L. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that CaHA(+) supports better, more durable outcomes than an equal volume of VYC-20L in the midface, providing a higher value to the patient.

The Modified Lithotomy: A Surgical Position for Lower Extremity Wound Care Procedures in Super Morbidly Obese Patients. A Case Study.

Operative positioning of morbidly obese patients presents unique challenges and can cause complications, especially when the operative field involves the proximal lower extremity or genitoperineal region. PURPOSE: The purpose of this case study was to describe a modified lithotomy operative positioning technique that has helped the authors improve care of these patients. METHODS: Double-layer, foam padding at least 4 inches thick is secured to the top and sides of 2 small rolling preparation tables using 3-inch silk tape to create "lithotomy" leg holders, the operating table is raised appropriately, the abducted legs are placed onto the padded prep tables, and the footboard is carefully lowered to provide access to the groin and medial thighs. CASE STUDY: A super morbidly obese (body mass index 74), 47-year-old African American man with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes controlled on oral medications presented to the authors' wound care clinic with 2 large, medial left thigh lymphedema masses requiring resection. Both procedures were successfully completed using the modified lithotomy position. No adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: The modified lithotomy is easy to implement, does not require unique equipment, improves access to the surgical site, and may reduce the risk of complications. Larger and longer-term follow-up studies are needed to monitor the outcomes of this positioning technique.