The Detroit Keloid Scale: A Validated Tool for Rating Keloids.

Comparing keloid treatment modalities and assessing response to treatments may be predicted by a better classification system. To develop and validate the Detroit Keloid Scale (DKS), a standardized method of keloid assessment. Forty-seven physicians were polled to develop the DKS.

Disease Severity and Quality of Life Outcome Measurements in Patients With Keloids: A Systematic Review.

Background: Keloids have been assessed by numerous methods and severity indices resulting in a lack of standardization across published research.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate published keloid randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and identify the need for a gold standard of assessment.

Methods And Materials: PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase were searched for human RCTs on keloid treatment during a 10-year period.

Intralesional Bleomycin for Warts: Patient Satisfaction and Treatment Outcomes.

Background: The treatment of warts is challenging with regards to both tolerability and efficacy.

Objective: Ascertain the efficacy, tolerability, and patient satisfaction of intralesional bleomycin in the treatment of warts.

Methods: Retrospective chart review followed by telephone interviews with patients from university-based dermatology referral centers.

National utilization patterns of Mohs micrographic surgery for invasive melanoma and melanoma in situ.

Background: Although wide local excision continues to be commonly used for melanoma treatment, Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for the treatment of melanomas remains controversial.

Objective: We sought to determine national utilization patterns for MMS in the treatment of invasive melanoma and melanoma in situ.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients receiving surgical excision (MMS or wide local excision) for the treatment of invasive melanoma and melanoma in situ was performed using data from the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program.

Utilization of a novel valveless trocar system during robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of a novel valveless trocar system (VTS) on perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP).

Methods: A single-institution retrospective review was performed of 792 patients undergoing RALP. Preoperative patient variables, tumor characteristics, and perioperative variables were collected and analyzed.

Skin cancer screening and primary prevention: facts and controversies.

Skin cancer is both common and responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Opportunities for both primary and secondary prevention are available to both dermatologists and non-dermatologists. Counseling selected patients about ultraviolet avoidance and proper use of sunscreens is recommended.

Ustekinumab associated with flares of psoriatic arthritis.

Importance: Ustekinumab is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to the shared p40 subunit of interleukin (IL) 12 and IL-23. It is approved in the United States for adults (>18 years) with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. In 1 phase 2 trial of ustekinumab for treatment of psoriatic arthritis, joint disease improved.

Linear segmental neurofibromatosis in an L5 distribution.

Background And Objective: Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a neurocutaneous disorder with seven subtypes;segmental NF-1 is characterized by neurofibromas and or café-au-lait macules in one or more dermatomes, primarily the thorax and abdomen. We present the rare case of a 36-year-old African-American female with isolated, multiple soft nodules in a linear configuration on the plantar and dorsal surfaces of the left foot.

Conclusion: This is the first report of isolated segmental NF-1 in a unique linear pattern confined to the L5 dermatome.

High-dose isotretinoin in acne vulgaris: improved treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Background: Isotretinoin, for acne treatment, is associated with high rates of permanent remission. However, at recommended doses of 0.5-1.

Mohs micrographic surgery and surgical excision for nonmelanoma skin cancer treatment in the Medicare population.

Objectives: To identify Medicare use rates of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and surgical excision for the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and to identify patient, lesion, and geographic characteristics associated with treatment type.

Design: A retrospective analysis of Medicare beneficiaries.

Setting: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database.

Nondermatologists' use of predictive terms for a potentially malignant lesion.

Background: Skin cancer is frequently suspected by nondermatologists. Many dermatology practices currently do not triage referrals from nondermatologists. Little is known how nondermatologists describe lesions of concern when making referrals.

Outcomes of referral to dermatology for suspicious lesions: implications for teledermatology.

Objectives: To determine the proportion of suspicious lesions referred by nondermatologists that are found to be malignant and the number of incidental skin cancers identified at the time of dermatology referral.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System.

A national study of attrition in general surgery training: which residents leave and where do they go?

Objective(s): Implementation of the 80-hour mandate was expected to reduce attrition from general surgery (GS) residency. This is the first quantitative report from a national prospective study of resident/program characteristics associated with attrition.

Methods: Analysis included all categorical GS residents entered on American Board of Surgery residency rosters in 2007 to 2008.

Impact of family and gender on career goals: results of a national survey of 4586 surgery residents.

Objective: To determine how marriage, children, and gender influence US categorical general surgery residents' perceptions of their profession and motivations for specialty training.

Design: Cross-sectional national survey administered after the January 2008 American Board of Surgery In-service Training Examination.

Setting: Two hundred forty-eight US general surgery residency programs.

Attitudes, training experiences, and professional expectations of US general surgery residents: a national survey.

Context: General surgery residency programs are facing multiple pressures, including attracting and retaining residents. Despite the importance of resident perspectives in designing effective responses to these pressures, understanding of residents' views is limited.

Objective: To profile US general surgery residents; characterize resident attitudes, experiences, and expectations regarding training; and examine differences by sex and training year.

Current advances in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic endocrine tumors.

Purpose Of Review: A comprehensive literature review of more than 200 original manuscripts published in the last 18 months was conducted to summarize landmark studies performed on the molecular biology, diagnosis, imaging, and treatment of endocrine tumors of the pancreas.

Recent Findings: Recent achievements occurred on many fronts. Identification of a novel insulin splice variant with increased translation efficiency moved forward the understanding of the molecular biology of insulinomas.