The role of free flap reconstruction in paediatric caustic burns.

Ingestion of caustic soda can cause severe scarring of the oral cavity and the surrounding soft tissues. Free flap reconstruction for burns in the oral cavity has been described as a viable option in adults, but to the best of our knowledge has not been reported in children. We describe cases of successful microvascular reconstruction for burns caused by caustic soda in the oral cavity in children.

Use of dental loupes among dental trainers and trainees in the UK.

INTRODUCTION: Magnification loupes are used in dentistry where increased visual performance is needed. The interest and use of loupes among dental practitioners and students appears to be growing. Despite this little quantitative data regarding the use of loupes in clinical practice and factors governing their purchase among dental trainers and trainees is available. OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent of use of loupes among dental trainers and trainees in the UK and identify what factors influence their choice of selection. METHOD: A proforma questionnaire was designed to collect the information required and was handed out dental trainers and trainees. RESULTS: Use of loupes is more common among the dental trainers (44%) than trainees (28%). Of the nonusers, increased interest among the trainees (83.6%) and trainers (50%) in purchasing loupes was noted. Price was found to be the most important factor during purchase. The majority of users opted for 2.5×; and a light source was a popular choice. Both users and nonusers in the study group had an affinity towards "through-the-lens" type. No significant variation in back/neck discomfort between the users and nonusers was found. CONCLUSION: Use of loupes among dental trainers and trainees remains low. Reduction in price and provision of information could increase the number of loupe users.

Lost tribe? Awareness of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) among the general public.

OMFS has important links with other disciplines in medicine and dentistry. Therefore it is important that people are aware of this speciality. A study was devised to determine the awareness of OMFS among the general public and to improve their understanding. A questionnaire was distributed among the participants attending a dental practice. 100 participated and the mean age was 42.5 years. Only 17% were aware of OMFS. 96% recognised the duty of OMFS practitioner while 74% did agree dual qualification was necessary. 68% identified hospital as the main place of work and 61% thought that the training was 5-6 years long. This study confirms that awareness of OMFS among general public remains low and much needs to be done to improve it.

Massive benign pericardial cyst presenting with simultaneous superior vena cava and middle lobe syndromes.

A 66 year old woman presented in extremis with symptoms and clinical and radiological signs of simultaneous obstruction of superior vena cava and middle lobe of right lung secondary to compression by a massive benign anterior mediastinal cyst. Excision of the cyst at median sternotomy resulted in complete resolution of all symptoms. This report is unusual on account of a) the concomitant presence of superior vena cava and middle lobe syndromes caused by a benign cyst because of its sheer size producing obstruction of these structures and b) the complete resolution of all symptoms and signs after removal of the cyst. Benign anterior mediastinal cysts are unknown to cause either of the two syndromes. To our knowledge, it is the first report of a benign anterior mediastinal cyst causing either superior vena cava syndrome or middle lobe syndrome or both simultaneously. Etiologies of both superior vena cava and middle lobe syndromes are discussed in detail.