Predicting the Timing and Cause of Microvascular Free Flap Failure: An Australian Study of 1569 Free Flaps.

Background: The aim of the study is to assess the possible predictors of microvascular free flap failure and determine the critical postoperative timing of flap failure, thereby minimizing this adverse outcome.

Methods: This is a retrospective single-institutional review of 1569 free flap operations. All free flaps with outcome status recorded were analyzed for possible predictors in the development of microvascular compromise.

The thoracoacromial axis in salvage head and neck reconstructive surgery, a case series.

We present the surgical technique, relevant anatomy and a consecutive case series of salvage head and neck free flap reconstructions utilising the thoracoacromial axis. We demonstrated that the thoracoacromial axis is safe and reliable in salvage head and neck reconstruction with particular use in reconstruction of tracheoespophageal and pharyngolaryngectomy fistulae.

Mobilisation versus Bed Rest after Skin Grafting Pretibial Lacerations: A Meta-Analysis.

Pretibial lacerations are problematic and best managed by surgical debridement, then skin grafting. Traditional postoperative care involves bed rest to optimise graft survival. This meta-analysis assesses early mobilisation versus bed rest for skin graft healing of these wounds.

Maffucci syndrome: a rare and important differential diagnosis for lumpy hands.

Maffucci syndrome belongs to a group of disorders known as enchondromatoses. First described in 1881, it features multiple enchondromas and vascular abnormalities, mainly haemangiomas. The syndrome is a variant of Ollier's disease, which consists solely of multiple enchondromas.

Should serum pancreatic lipase replace serum amylase as a biomarker of acute pancreatitis?

Background: Serum pancreatic lipase may improve the diagnosis of pancreatitis compared to serum amylase. Both enzymes have been measured simultaneously at our hospital allowing for a comparison of their diagnostic accuracy.

Methods: Seventeen thousand five hundred and thirty-one measurements of either serum amylase and or serum pancreatic lipase were made on 10 931 patients treated at a metropolitan teaching hospital between January 2001 and May 2003.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in hip fracture surgery: a metaanalysis.

A metaanalysis was done to identify the most effective prophylactic antibiotic regimen in hip fracture surgery. Specific comparisons addressed were antibiotics at any dose versus placebo, multiple doses (>24 hours coverage) versus one dose of antibiotics, and multiple doses versus 24 hours antibiotic coverage. Outcomes measured included overall wound infections, deep wound infection, superficial wound infection, urinary tract infection, and mortality.