Prevention of unfavorable scars using early pulse dye laser treatments: a preliminary report.

Hypertrophic scarring occurs frequently in the trunk and extremities, and sporadically in other areas even under favorable circumstances. Unfortunately, the existing methods of scar manipulation have not been effective in preventing these unfavorable scars. Established hypertrophic scars have been treated by Anderson and Parrish, Alster, and others using the 585-nm pulse dye laser.

Reconstruction of the perineum after tumor surgery.

Major defects of the perineum are often complicated by contracture, radiation injuries, fistulas, and infection. In addition, the perineal surface is unique, and any replacement must meet the requirements of mobility, sensitivity, durability, elasticity, and weight bearing. This combination of complex defects and special surface requirements can be met by adequate extirpative procedures and reconstruction with a number of muscle, musculocutaneous, and fasciocutaneous flap options.

The autogenous latissimus breast reconstruction.

The autogenous latissimus flap is an alternative to tissue expansion and is the standard latissimus flap in reconstruction of the modified mastectomy defect. It is a useful autogenous reconstruction for partial mastectomy defects, and it serves as an alternative to the TRAM flap. The donor site is acceptable to patients, and the overall results are above average.

An early appraisal of the methods of tissue expansion and the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap in reconstruction of the breast following mastectomy.

In a 2-year prospective study, the results of two methods of breast reconstruction were compared. The tissue expansion and implant method was found to offer an acceptable reconstruction, but it was associated with a high rate of complications and revisions. The transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap reconstruction provided a more satisfactory reconstruction, with fewer major complications as well as a higher degree of patient satisfaction and less patient dissatisfaction.