Breast Reduction: Decreasing Complications and Improving Long-Term Aesthetic Results with Parenchymal Sutures.

BACKGROUND: The inverted T/keyhole pattern is commonly used for large breast reductions. This technique relies on the breast skin to retain the shape. With the passage of time "fallout" (pseudoptosis) occurs impairing the cosmetic result. A technique is described that uses parenchymal sutures and inframammary fold (IMF) reinforcement sutures to maintain the intraoperative shape. METHODS: A retrospective study of 25 consecutive patients (50 breasts) where the IMF was reinforced and parenchymal sutures were inserted. The patients were followed up and the nipple to notch and nipple to IMF distance was measured and compared with that marked preoperatively and set intraoperatively. Complications, especially T junction breakdown, were also recorded. RESULTS: The mean age was 38 years (range, 16-62 years) with a mean follow-up of 12 months. The mean body mass index was 31 (range, 22-41). The mean mass of tissue excised was 925 g (range, 340-1,800 g) per side. The distance from the suprasternal notch to the nipple remained unchanged. The distance from the nipple to the IMF remained the same as that marked preoperatively except in 3 patients who developed pseudoptosis. Only 3 patients had wound dehiscence. CONCLUSION: Parenchymal and superficial fascial system sutures combined with IMF reinforcement contributes to maintaining the aesthetic result and decreasing complications, in weight stable patients.

Acellular Dermal Matrix: Treating Periocular Melanoma in a Patient with Xeroderma Pigmentosa.

We report a 7-year-old girl with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), who presented in our clinic with a large melanoma (35 × 50 × 20 mm, Breslow depth 18 mm) in the zygomatic-malar area. Palliative surgery was performed to maintain her residual vision and to reduce the pain caused by the compression of local structures. Because of the limited access of autologous skin grafts in pediatric patients with XP who are severely affected, we opted to use an acellular dermal matrix. There was 100% graft uptake, and the pain due to compression by the tumor was alleviated. This case demonstrates that acellular dermal matrices can be safely and effectively used in oncological facial reconstruction, especially in patients with progressive conditions such as XP.

Ventilator associated pneumonia in major paediatric burns.

More than three-quarters of deaths related to major burns are a consequence of infection, which is frequently ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). A retrospective study was performed, over a five-year period, of ventilated children with major burns. 92 patients were included in the study; their mean age was 3.5 years and their mean total body surface area burn was 30%. 62% of the patients sustained flame burns, and 31% scalds. The mean ICU stay was 10.6 days (range 2-61 days) and the mean ventilation time was 8.4 days (range 2-45 days). There were 59 documented episodes of pneumonia in 52 patients with a rate of 30 infections per 1000 ventilator days. Length of ventilation and the presence of inhalational injury correlate with the incidence of VAP. 17.4% of the patients died (n=16); half of these deaths may be attributed directly to pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanii and Staphylococcus aureus were the most prominent aetiological organisms. Broncho-alveolar lavage was found to be more specific and sensitive at identifying the organism than other methods. This study highlights the importance of implementing strictly enforced strategies for the prevention, detection and management of pneumonia in the presence of major burns.