A prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of continuous local anesthetic infusion in cosmetic breast augmentation.

Background: Narcotic pain medications are a significant component of most postoperative pain control regimens. Although they are usually effective, they produce several untoward side effects and sometimes provide inadequate analgesia. The continuous infusion of local anesthetic agents (via pain pump) has been used to supplement narcotic analgesics after various surgical procedures.

Safety and aesthetic improvement using the omega pattern reduction mammaplasty after breast conservation surgery and radiation therapy.

Background: With the continued popularity of lumpectomy and radiation therapy for many early-stage breast cancer patients, a considerable number of large-breasted patients are being identified who are unhappy with subsequent asymmetry and cosmetic distortion and symptoms related to their macromastia. Bilateral reduction mammaplasty is the most direct means of achieving size balance, improving cosmesis, and relieving symptoms related to macromastia. However, most plastic surgeons are fearful of reduction of the irradiated breast using traditional pedicle techniques for nipple transfer.

Expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha and correlation with preoperative embolization of meningiomas.

Object: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been implicated in meningioma tumorigenesis and growth. The production of VEGF is regulated by hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), especially under conditions of hypoxia. In this study, the authors examine the expression of HIF-1alpha and VEGF in meningiomas, with a special emphasis on conditions of hypoxia, such as preoperative embolization, and on in vitro studies in cultured cells.