Bilateral Fascia Lata Flap: An Alternative for Massive Abdominal Wall Defect Repair.

The abdominal wall represents a unique structure of dermo-myotendinous conformation that is considered a surgical challenge. The musculocutaneous pedicled flap, using tensor fasciae latae muscle (TFL), is a technique of abdominal wall repair, and it is becoming a more frequent reconstructive procedure. It is a well-suited procedure because it provides both a semirigid fascia layer and adequate skin coverage.

Hospitalization costs of open vs. laparoscopic appendectomy: 5-year experience.

Background: There is an ongoing debate over certain aspects of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) over open appendectomy (OA) in regard to hospitalization costs and associated complications.

Methods: A database was used to obtain the charts for either LA or OA performed during a 5-year period. Variables analyzed were age, gender, hospitalization cost, length of stay and complications.