The effect of the delay phenomenon on the vascularity of rabbit rectus abdominis muscles.

The transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap has become the "gold standard" for autogenous breast tissue reconstruction. Complications are reported in 10 to 40 percent of patients undergoing this procedure, and many are related to soft-tissue necrosis secondary to ischemia. Various methods have been proposed to improve TRAM flap survival, including surgical delay of the flap.

The effect of the delay phenomenon on the vascularity of rabbit abdominal cutaneous island flaps.

The beneficial effects of the delay phenomenon have been evaluated extensively and are widely known. However, no study has quantified the vascular changes seen in an abdominal cutaneous island flap following a surgical delay by vascular pedicle ligation. We evaluated the effect of unilateral superficial inferior epigastric and deep inferior epigastric pedicle ligation on the vascularity of a rabbit abdominal cutaneous island flap.

The use of the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap following recurrence of cancer in irradiated breasts.

The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap was used to provide chest wall coverage in 40 patients following mastectomy to treat recurrent cancer in irradiated breasts. Although the axillary region had received 50 to 55 grays, the neurovascular pedicle was never jeopardized, thus assuring vascularisation of the flap. In two cases, a small area of skin necrosis in the upper inner border of the flap was observed.

Indications and results of brachial plexus surgery in obstetrical palsy.

This article presents the first series with long-term results of a large number of patients. As a result, it is difficult to compare these results with anything but spontaneous recovery. In most cases, the end result after surgical treatment will be better than spontaneous recovery.

Ruptured jejunum following Heimlich maneuver.

The Heimlich maneuver, over time, has proved to be a useful resuscitative procedure in the management of cases with airway occlusion secondary to foreign body. Medical treatments, however, can have side effects, and this maneuver is no exception. A previously unreported complication is presented, that of jejunal rupture.