Modified Scharli technique for the very long gap esophageal atresia.

This modification of the Scharli technique which creates an isoperistaltic tube to overcome very long gap esophageal atresia involves retention of the short distal esophageal segment and creation of a neo-esophagus of tubularized gastric fundus of even calibre, similar to that of the upper esophageal segment. It has proved simple and effective in establishing esophageal continuity.

Trends in the use of minimally invasive surgery in children.

Aim: To determine trends in the scope of use of minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques in children as a predictor of future operative workload and operating theatre requirements.

Method: A retrospective review was conducted of all paediatric patients less than 16 years of age who underwent minimally invasive surgical procedures at Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand between 1996 and 2007.

Results: There were 1693 children who received 1826 MIS procedures during a period in which 11,893 operative procedures were performed.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy: the effect of the learning curve, and concentrating expertise, on operating times.

Introduction: Laparoscopic nephrectomy is an accepted alternative to open nephrectomy. We analyzed our first 80 procedures of laparoscopic nephrectomy to evaluate the effect of experience and configuration of service on operative times.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective review of 80 consecutive children who underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy or heminephrectomy during an 11-year period from 1997 at Christchurch Hospital (Christchurch, New Zealand) was conducted.

Burn injury care for Special Forces and far-forward deployed troops.

Special Forces are at risk of serious burn injury. We have suggested standard operating procedures for burn injury management in a constrained environment, with novel uses of operational kit components for trauma care. In addition, we propose instruction in basic skills of escharotomy for forward troops.

Congenital trismus secondary to masseteric fibrous bands: a 7-year follow-up report as an approach to management.

A 7-year prospective follow-up report, which was previously presented in this journal as an initial pediatric case report, is presented as an approach to management of congenital trismus secondary to masseteric fibrous bands. Adams and Rees discussed management, including endoscopic exploration at 18 months of age with early recurrence of trismus. Under the care of the same plastic surgeon and his team, the progress of this patient over 7 years has given us an insight into management.

Reduced hospitalisation of burns patients following a multi-media campaign that increased adequacy of first aid treatment.

Context: Concern engendered by a previous study that showed inadequate first aid for burn injuries was prevalent in the community led to a novel multi-media public health campaign ensued to address the issue.

Objective: To determine whether this public health campaign influenced behaviour by altering first aid treatment for burn injuries (BFAT). DESIGN, SETTING AND POPULATION: Prospective intervention study.

Burns treatment for children and adults: a study of initial burns first aid and hospital care.

Aim: To assess the adequacy of initial burns first aid treatment in the community and its subsequent impact on treatment outcome.

Methods: Four-month prospective study of consecutive burn patients presenting to Middlemore Hospital. Patients were interviewed to determine initial burns first aid treatment (BFAT) and assessed as "adequate" or "inadequate", then compared with subsequent treatment.