A prospective study of antibiotic efficacy in preventing infection in reduction mammaplasty.

Background: The role of prophylactic antibiotics in reduction mammaplasty remains controversial. However, most surgeons choose to use antibiotics. In addition to cost and potential allergic reactions, unnecessary administration of antibiotics can suppress host natural flora and produce resistant organisms.

Primary cleft nasal repair: the composite V-Y flap with extended mucosal tab.

A method of primary cleft lip nasal repair utilizing a medially based composite alar flap with a mucosal tab extension is presented. The procedure modifies, with a 5- to 6-mm mucosal tab extension, a previously described chondromucosal flap technique. Most cases were done concurrent with a modified Tennison lip repair.

Efficacy of reconstituted and stored botulinum toxin type A: an electrophysiologic and visual study in the auricular muscle of the rabbit.

Once botulinum toxin type A is reconstituted, the manufacturer recommends that it be used in approximately 4 hours. As a result, a significant amount of this costly drug is often discarded because it is not completely used in the recommended period. The purpose of the present study was to compare fresh versus stored reconstituted botulinum toxin type A for (1) initial potency, (2) duration of action, and (3) bacterial colonization.

Nipple-areola reconstruction: satisfaction and clinical determinants.

After performing a chart review, the authors identified 120 patients who underwent breast cancer-related reconstruction. All charts were evaluated with regard to breast mound reconstruction type, nipple-areola reconstruction type, the interval between breast mound and nipple-areola reconstruction, the number of procedures needed to achieve nipple-areola reconstruction, patient history of radiation therapy, and complications. A questionnaire was then developed and mailed to all of the patients who underwent both breast mound and nipple/areola reconstruction (n = 105) to evaluate their level of satisfaction.

End-stage cardiac failure in a morbidly obese patient treated by biliopancreatic diversion and cardiac transplantation.

A 57-year-old 132-kg female (BMI 48.6) with end-stage cardiac failure is presented. Because of a progressive cardiomyopathy, the patient required a heart transplant.