Publications by authors named "Erik H de Laat"
Background: Although deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is the most widely used technique for autologous breast reconstruction, this technique leads to large scars in visible areas on breast and abdomen. So far, limited studies have thoroughly addressed the impact of breast and abdominal scars on satisfaction and Health-related Quality of Life (HR-QoL).
Objectives: This research aimed to determine whether women with no/minor scar symptoms after undergoing DIEP-flap breast reconstruction differ in satisfaction and perceived HR-QoL from women with symptomatic scars.
Background: Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction leads to large scars in the breast and abdominal region. Common symptoms related to abdominal scarring include changes in color, stiffness, thickness, and irregularity of the skin. The aim of this study was to examine whether microneedling improves the abdominal scar quality after DIEP-flap breast reconstruction.
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- The research investigated factors affecting the quality of breast and abdominal scars reported by women following deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction.
- A survey was conducted with 248 women in the Netherlands, revealing that abdominal scars were rated significantly worse than breast scars, particularly in areas like color and thickness.
- The study emphasizes the need for better patient education on scarring, especially regarding abdominal scars, to help women set realistic expectations and make informed decisions about the procedure.*
Purpose: The purpose of this research was to explore women's experiences after breast surgery with scar characteristics and symptoms, and its impact on their health-related quality of life (HRQOL).
Material And Methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured face-to-face interviews was conducted among women following prophylactic, oncologic, or reconstructive breast surgery in the Netherlands. A directed content analysis was performed using guiding themes.
Objective: A randomized clinical trial was conducted to determine the effectiveness and safety of topical negative pressure therapy in patients with difficult-to-heal wounds.
Methods: A total of 24 patients were randomly assigned to either treatment with topical negative pressure therapy or treatment with conventional dressing therapy with sodium hypochlorite. The study end point was 50% reduction in wound volume.
Objective: To describe the short-term and long-term effects of a hospital-wide pressure ulcer prevention and treatment guideline on both the incidence and the time to the onset of pressure ulcers in critically ill patients.
Design: Prospective cohort study.
Setting: Adult intensive care department of a university medical center.
Objective: To determine the effects of a new policy on the efficiency of pressure ulcer care.
Design: Series of 1-day pressure ulcer surveys before and after the implementation.
Setting: A 900-bed University Medical Centre in The Netherlands.
Aims And Objectives: To describe the current scientific evidence in the field of diagnostics and treatment of pain, malodour and exudate from pressure ulcers and to give recommendations for practice, based on these findings.
Background: Patients with pressure ulcers are confronted with symptoms of chronic wounds and impaired wound healing. Assessment and treatment of these symptoms have received very little attention.