A Single Center Retrospective Evaluation of a Surgical Strategy to Combat Persistent Soft Tissue Wounds Utilizing Absorbable Antibiotic Beads.

To determine whether use of absorbable antibiotic-imbued beads in chronic soft tissue wounds presents a viable therapeutic modality. Retrospective analysis of all cases utilizing calcium sulfate antibiotic beads was conducted. Cases comprised complex wound and breast reconstruction performed by the senior author (C.

Off-label Usage of Absorbable Beads Containing Antibiotics for Prevention of Surgical Site Infections.

Surgical site infections account for about 17% of all nosocomial infections, second only to urinary tract infections. Antibiotic beads deliver high local antibiotic concentrations and maintain low systemic levels. The authors assessed the efficacy of calcium sulfate absorbable antibiotic beads (CSAAB) in the prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs) for complex wound closures.

Use of Antibiotic-Impregnated Absorbable Beads and Tissue Coverage of Complex Wounds.

The treatment of complex wounds is commonplace for plastic surgeons. Standard management is debridement of infected and devitalized tissue and systemic antibiotic therapy. In cases where vital structures are exposed within the wound, coverage is obtained with the use of vascularized tissue using both muscle and fasciocutaneous flaps.

Opportunity cost: a systematic application to surgery.

Background: Opportunity cost is the potential gain or loss when a person chooses to perform an activity over its next best alternative. With respect to surgery, opportunity cost can occur if a less efficient technology uses more operating time than its next best alternative. This additional operating time could be used in a productive way that, when economically valued, adds a "cost" to the less efficient technology.