Annals of plastic surgery
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Marjolin's ulcers are rare cutaneous malignancies that most commonly present as squamous cell carcinomas in previously injured, chronically inflamed, or scarred skin. Acute and chronic types have been distinguished by the length of latency; by definition, the acute type occurs within 12 months of injury whereas the chronic type appears over 12 months after injury. In this report, 3 cases of acute Marjolin's ulcers are described and questions are raised about the diagnosis of acute Marjolin's ulcer. ⋯ Moreover, the rarity of the diagnosis and the relatively rapid rate of malignant degeneration from the inciting injury lead one to question whether the injury may have simply revealed or accelerated a previously existing occult cutaneous malignancy. With no definitive clinical, histological, or prognostic distinction between acute and chronic Marjolin's ulcers, the use of such terminology may not benefit a clinician's understanding or practice. In fact, it merely supports the clinical guideline that any nonhealing wound, acute or chronic, should be biopsied and sent for pathologic examination to ensure that it does not represent a Marjolin's ulcer.
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Annals of plastic surgery · May 2014
Randomized Controlled TrialThe Stanford Microsurgery and Resident Training (SMaRT) Scale: validation of an on-line global rating scale for technical assessment.
We previously reported results of our on-line microsurgery training program, showing that residents who had access to our website significantly improved their cognitive and technical skills. In this study, we report an objective means for expert evaluators to reliably rate trainees' technical skills under the microscope, with the use of our novel global rating scale. ⋯ Our SMaRT scale is valid and reliable in assessing the microsurgical skills of residents and other trainees. Current trainees are more likely to use self-directed on-line education because of its easy accessibility and interactive format. Our global rating scale can help ensure residents are achieving appropriate technical milestones.
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Annals of plastic surgery · May 2014
Case ReportsExtended reverse dorsal metacarpal artery flap for coverage of finger defects distal to the proximal interphalangeal joint.
Finger reconstruction distal to the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint is a challenging task for hand surgeons. Although extended reverse dorsal metacarpal artery (RDMA) flaps were described for coverage of finger defects, reports on repairs beyond the PIP joint are limited. The occurrence of venous congestion of the flaps and their treatments require further clarification. ⋯ Extended RDMA flaps can be effectively applied in the reconstruction of finger defects beyond PIP joint. Its advantages include a simple dissection, single-stage reconstruction, and preservation of digital artery and nerve. The donor site can be primarily closed if the flap width is less than 3 cm. Multiple subcutaneous heparin injection is a preferred solution in cases where venous congestion occurs in the flap.
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Annals of plastic surgery · May 2014
Transfusions in autologous breast reconstructions: an analysis of risk factors, complications, and cost.
Free tissue transfer requires lengthy operative times and can be associated with significant blood loss. The goal of our study was to determine independent risk factors for blood transfusions and transfusion-related complications and costs. ⋯ Prognostic/risk category, level III.