Three-dimensional Printing in Developing Countries.

The advent of 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology has facilitated the creation of customized objects. The lack of regulation in developing countries renders conventional means of addressing various healthcare issues challenging. 3D printing may provide a venue for addressing many of these concerns in an inexpensive and easily accessible fashion.

iPad integration in plastic surgical training: optimizing clinical efficiency, education, and compliance with the health insurance portability and accountability act.

The authors share their experience with the issuance of iPads to all residents, faculty, and physician extenders in their plastic surgical division. They found that these devices (1) optimized compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act by eliminating the use of paper service lists; (2) improved clinical efficiency; and (3) promoted resident education. They believe the use of these devices in residency is cost-effective when considering mitigating patient privacy risk and enriching educational value.

Management of hidradenitis suppurativa wounds with an internal vacuum-assisted closure device.

Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, debilitating disease that is difficult to treat. Once medical management fails, wide local excision offers the best chance for cure. However, the resultant wound often proves too large or contaminated for immediate closure.

A plastic surgery application in evolution: three-dimensional printing.

Background: Three-dimensional printing represents an evolving technology still in its infancy. Currently, individuals and small business entities have the ability to manufacture physical objects from digital renderings, computer-aided design, and open source files. Design modifications and improvements in extrusion methods have made this technology much more affordable.

Nanotechnology in plastic surgery.

Background: Nanotechnology has made inroads over time within surgery and medicine. Translational medical devices and therapies based on nanotechnology are being developed and put into practice. In plastic surgery, it is anticipated that this new technology may be instrumental in the future.

An algorithmic approach to the use of gauze-based negative-pressure wound therapy as a bridge to closure in pediatric extremity trauma.

Background: The efficacy of negative-pressure wound therapy as a bridge to definitive closure of traumatic extremity wounds has been demonstrated in adults. Gauze-based negative-pressure wound therapy has been used to facilitate granulation tissue formation and promote closure in a number of wound types. In this study, the authors evaluated the efficacy of gauze-based negative-pressure wound therapy using the Chariker-Jeter technique for pediatric extremity wounds requiring delayed closure.

Appendicitis in children less than 3 years of age: a 28-year review.

Appendicitis is the most common surgical abdominal emergency in the pediatric population, but is rarely considered in children less than 3 years of age. The goal of this study was to identify the presenting symptoms and signs in this age group and examine their subsequent management and outcome. A 28-year experience of a single pediatric surgeon in academic practice was reviewed; 27 children less than 3 years old (mean 23 months) comprised 2.