[A new method of neovagina in Rokitansky's syndrome. A review of the literature and description of a series].

Background: The absence or hypoplasia of the vagina is a frequent finding in Rokitansky-Mayer-Küster-Hauser syndrome.

Methods: A group of 13 patients with Rokitansky-Mayer-Küster-Hauser syndrome were treated between 1982 and December 2001 at the Plastic Surgery Department of C.T.

Possible role of plasminogen activator content of the palmar nodules in recurrence of Dupuytren's contracture.

Increased amounts of plasminogen activator enzymes were found in the large Dupuytren's nodules in the so-called active phase of the disease. A prospective study in 15 patients who had operations investigated possible relationships between fibrinolytic capacity of the palmar nodules (assessed by the fibrin plate method) and the recurrence of contracture. There were substantial analogies and suggestive connections with the results of previous electron microscopic studies.

Fibrin/fibrinogen and fibrinolytic activity of the palmar fascia in Dupuytren's contracture.

Considering the proved interaction of fibrin with fibroblasts and the seemingly decisive role of structural and functional changes ("modulation") of these cells in the evolution of Dupuytren's contracture, research has been carried out in order to investigate the fibrinolytic capacity and the possible presence of fibrin/fibrinogen in the palmar fascia of subjects operated upon for Dupuytren's Disease. Fibrin/fibrinogen were detected by a direct immunofluorescence technique and fibrinolytic activity was assessed by a fibrin plate method. A remarkable decrease of fibrinolytic activity and the presence of fibrin/fibrinogen were observed in small nodules in the early stage of disease, whereas large nodules showed a high amount of plasminogen activator enzymes.

A subscapular-pubic fascio-cutaneous flap for reconstruction of the chest wall following excision to the extent of near inoperability.

The use of an extensive fascio-cutaneous flap with skin from the thorax and abdomen, starting from the lateral and subscapular area behind the posterior axillary line and going down to the homolateral pubic and inguinal area, is described. This type of flap is used for repair of very extensive skin loss on the thorax when free grafts, the only alternative, are unsuitable because of the need for more effective and definite covering.

[Histopathology of the liver in patients with severe burns. Preliminary biopsy study].

Liver histobiopsy was carried out in 21 patients with burns of from 25 to 75 percent, between the 2nd and 125th day following trauma. The most frequent type of lesion encountered was albuminoid degeneration and hydropic ballooning of the cytoplasm to the point that the parenchyma assumed a "vegetable" appearance. No steatosis intervenes until the 6th-8th day after the burn and where it was not present previously, is a sign that the patient's condition is worsening.