Supraumbilical pyloromyotomy: a unique indication for antimicrobial prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: The umbilical fold incision for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis provides a convenient exposure and cosmetically appealing scar. This study investigates the possible difference in infection rates between traditional and supraumbilical approaches for pyloromyotomy. METHODS: All patients who underwent pyloromyotomy for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis at a tertiary pediatric hospital were reviewed. Baseline wound infection rate was determined through review of patients with right upper quadrant incisions (group 1). A nonrandomized comparison was performed between patients with a supraumbilical approach (group 2) and those undergoing supraumbilical incisions after prophylactic antibiotic administration (group 3). RESULTS: Complete records were reviewed on 384 patients over a 6-year period. Demographics and preoperative factors were similar among groups. The rate of infection in group 1 (n = 258) was 2.3%. With introduction of the supraumbilical approach, there was a statistically significant increase in wound infection rate to 7.0% (chi 2 ; group 1 vs group 2, P < .05). The use of prophylactic antibiotics with a supraumbilical approach reduced this rate of infection back to 2.3% (chi 2 ; group 1 vs group 3, P < 1.0 and group 2 [n = 85] vs group 3 [n = 42], P < .3). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of wound infection by classic pyloromyotomy of 2.3% is significantly increased with an open supraumbilical approach. The use of prophylactic antibiotics reduces this risk of wound infection.

Awareness of the risks of tanning lamps does not influence behavior among college students.

HYPOTHESIS: Awareness of the risks of artificial tanning influences tanning behavior among college students. OBJECTIVE: To correlate the prevalence of tanning lamp use, the perceived benefits and risks associated with UV exposure, and knowledge about skin cancer among university students. DESIGN: A survey was designed and administered to college students seeking "walk-in" care at a university student health center from September 7, 1999, through September 30, 1999. SETTING: A large midwestern public university student health center. PARTICIPANTS: Undergraduate and graduate students attending the student health center for any medical condition. INTERVENTION: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Completion of the survey. RESULTS: Of the surveyed students, 47% had used a tanning lamp during the preceding 12 months. Female students were more common users than male students. Of the students surveyed, 39% reported never having used tanning lamps. More than 90% of users of tanning lamps were aware that premature aging and skin cancer were possible complications of tanning lamp use. CONCLUSIONS: Despite adequate knowledge of the adverse effects of UV exposure, university students freely and frequently use tanning lamps, primarily for desired cosmetic appearance. To alter this risky behavior will require a fundamental change in the societal belief that tans are attractive and healthy.