Journal Reviews
Reconstruction after maxillectomy
Maxillectomy for tumours of the paranasal sinuses creates large, complex defects. Whilst free flaps appear to be the preferred method of reconstruction, the best type is unclear. This article discusses a single unit’s experience using different free flaps for reconstruction....
A useful regional flap for head and neck reconstruction
This article explains the experience of the head and neck department of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary with a seldom used regional flap, the supraclavicular artery (SCA) fasciocutaneous flap. This versatile flap is based on the supraclavicular artery, a...
Propranolol as diagnostic tool for infantile haemangiomas
Infantile haemangiomas are common, benign vascular tumours. Other vascular lesions, which can mimic infantile haemangiomas, include myofibroma, vascular malformations, rhabdomyosarcoma or dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. The diagnosis of a haemangioma can usually be made based on clinical presentation and medical examination. This...
Condylar fractures – current thinking
The author presents a review of 133 papers, most of which are recent and some of which are historic. The topic examined is that of condylar fractures including condylar neck and coronoid process. This topic has always been controversial and...
Scar revision synopsis
The authors present a comprehensive synopsis of late scar revision and other soft tissue deformities. They make the reasonable point that maxillo-facial surgery and its management of soft tissue injuries to the face is closely linked to cosmetic surgery. After...
Evidence based review of management for common head and neck cancers
As part of the PRS evidence based review series, this well written review summarises the up-to-date knowledge regarding the surgical and non-surgical management of the common facial skin cancers. The review is limited to BCC, SCC, MM and Merkel Cell...
Autologous fat graft in scar treatment
A retrospective study was performed of 694 patients with contracted and painful scars over a six year period. A total of 376 patients had burn scars, 54 patients had scars due to road trauma, 92 patients had scars from domestic...
Sentinel node biopsy in oral cancer
Sentinel node biopsy (SLNB) is not new and is well established in the management of early breast cancer and melanoma. New trials such as the European Sentinel Node (SENT) trial and others sought to address the question of the clinical...
Allogenic submandibular gland transplantation
The authors discuss and report success with an elegant but difficult solution to a difficult problem. Dry eyes are a difficult problem and incidence increases with age. It can lead to severe reduction in the quality of life of patients....
Delayed intraoral wound healing in patients on bisphosphonates
Since Marx first described bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), the literature is now replete with cases of BRONJ. There are no internationally accepted protocols. A three month cessation of drug treatment, a ‘drug holiday’ has been advocated. The...
Choosing anaesthesia for oral surgery
This article offers guidance in choosing the most appropriate modality of anaesthesia for oral surgery and the setting in which it is delivered. It attempts to classify the different types of anaesthesia into local anaesthesia, sedation, which it further sub...
Medical illnesses and their affects on anaesthesia for oral surgery
This is a comprehensive article, which provides a good summary of the common co-morbidities affecting patients presenting for oral surgery. It focuses on their management issues as well as precautions required when administering anaesthesia. For each illness listed the authors...
