Prediction of postoperative seroma after latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction.

Background: The latissimus dorsi flap has become a first-line option in reconstruction of the breast cancer patient. Donor-site seroma is a commonly described postoperative complication of the latissimus dorsi flap.

Methods: A retrospective chart review from 1998 to 2003 of all patients undergoing latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction was performed (n = 50).

Resuscitation in the pediatric trauma population: admission base deficit remains an important prognostic indicator.

Background: Base deficit (BD), as an endpoint for trauma resuscitation, has been extensively studied in the adult trauma patient but not in the pediatric population. We proposed that admission BD would correlate with outcomes after trauma in a pediatric population.

Methods: This study was a retrospective review of all patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit in an adult trauma center with pediatric commitment in whom an admission BD was available, over the 5-year period ending June 2001.