Prosthetic breast reconstruction: indications and update.

Background: Despite 82% of patients reporting psychosocial improvement following breast reconstruction, only 33% patients choose to undergo surgery. Implant reconstruction outnumbers autologous reconstruction in many centres.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken.

Alloplastic adjuncts in breast reconstruction.

Background: There has been an increasing role of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) and synthetic meshes in both single- and two-stage implant/expander breast reconstruction. Numerous alloplastic adjuncts exist, and these vary in material type, processing, storage, surgical preparation, level of sterility, available sizes and cost. However, there is little published data on most, posing a significant challenge to the reconstructive surgeon trying to compare and select the most suitable product.

Decision making and algorithm for the management of pleural effusions.

Pleural effusions can be catagorised in to transudative effusions or exudative effusions. Causes include cardiovascular disease, infection and neoplasm. Diagnosis is the key to determining what management is required.