Journal Reviews
Superficial lymphatics of the abdominal wall in lymphatic microsurgery
This elegant and beautifully illustrated article requires to be carefully studied in its entirety by any surgeon planning to carry out lymphovenous anastomoses or vascularised lymph node transfer in the groin area. As the authors point out, the most difficult...
How long should you wait for your adrenaline to work?
The authors present a prospective, randomised, triple-blind study to see how long it really takes to obtain the lowest cutaneous haemoglobin concentration after lignocaine with adrenaline injection. Twelve healthy volunteers were injected simultaneously in each arm with either plain 1%...
Descending branch peroneal artery perforator flap
Reconstruction of distal third defects in the lower limb is a challenge that often requires microsurgical free tissue transfer. The authors introduce a peroneal artery perforator flap based on the deep descending branch for reconstruction of lateral malleolar defects. They...
How affective is lignocaine in the infiltration for tumescent liposuction?
The authors present a prospective, randomised, double-blind study to assess whether the inclusion of lignocaine in the standard infiltration for tumescent liposuction, reduces postoperative pain. A cohort of women, aged 18-40, BMI 20-27, and receiving abdominal or back liposuction were...
A plea for reconstructive plastic surgery in the routine care of sarcoma patients
The authors from the Mayo Clinic demonstrate the advantage of early intervention by plastic surgeons in the care of patients with sarcoma. A retrospective case study review looks at the wound complication rate of surgery for those patients who have...
Lymphatic microsurgery to treat lymphoedema
The authors discuss the role of surgery to manage primary and secondary lymphoedema in patients whose lymphoedema has not been controlled by standard conservative measures and whose symptoms are worsening. There is a brief discussion of the relevant investigations and...
Classification of contour deformities after massive weight loss, using the Pittsburgh Rating Scale
While the treatment of patients by skin reduction following massive weight loss is increasing, the conclusions of this study from the Netherlands finds that the Pittsburgh Rating Scale is not entirely suitable for this classification purpose and another system must...
A review of treatment options for acute flexor tendon injuries in zone one
This review reports the techniques that have been and are still used to repair acute injuries in this difficult area. The review does not end with a ‘best buy’ in the tradition of a consumer magazine, concluding that there is...
The Accordion Severity Grading System in the assessment of negative outcomes following carpal tunnel release
Classification systems come and go, some more memorable than others. Without such systems it is not possible to compare like with like and so it must be conceded that they are necessary, although I personally find them difficult to commit...
Male pattern baldness is not all in the genes
Gentlemen, be advised (if it’s not already too late) that you may be able to influence your chances of going bald. The authors of this study compared the patterns of baldness in 92 pairs of identical twins and correlated these...
