The use of disposable skin staples for intestinal resection and anastomosis in 63 dogs: 2000 to 2014.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of disposable skin staples for intestinal resection and anastomosis in dogs and report associated dehiscence and mortality rates. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of medical records of dogs that underwent intestinal resection and anastomosis using disposable skin staples between 2000 and 2014. Data regarding patient signalment, indication for surgery, location of the resection and anastomosis, number of procedures performed, evidence of peritonitis at the time of surgery, surgeon qualifications, dehiscence, and mortality were obtained from the medical records. Mortality was defined as failure to survive beyond 10 days following resection and anastomosis. RESULTS: The overall mortality rate of patients undergoing intestinal resection and anastomosis was 12·7% (8/63). The most common indication for resection and anastomosis was neoplasia (20/63 [31·7%]), followed by foreign body removal (19/63 [30·2%]). The overall dehiscence rate was 4·8% (3/63). No difference in mortality associated with indication for surgery, whether multiple procedures were performed, surgeon qualifications, or evidence of peritonitis at the time of surgery was identified. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In this retrospective study, the overall mortality and dehiscence rates using disposable skin staples were similar to previously reported outcomes following resection and anastomosis.

Ovarian carcinoma metastatic to breast: a case report and review of the literature.

Breast metastasis from ovarian carcinoma is a rare event, with only 26 cases being previously reported in the English literature. The twenty-seventh such case is presented herein, and the literature on this topic is reviewed. Metastases to the breast from the ovary signal widespread metastases and generally herald a rapid deterioration and death. Although rare, it is important that metastatic cancer to the breast be differentiated from primary breast carcinoma as both the treatment and prognosis differ significantly.

Office photography for facial cosmetic surgery.

A photographic record of the appearance of the patient's face and neck preoperatively, and of the changes resulting from surgery is a most important aspect of facial cosmetic surgery. This report describes a practical, efficient system of photography performed in the surgeon's own office. The photographic equipment can be placed in a relatively small area at a total cost of well under $1000. The procedure described, when smoothly running can provide almost 99% efficacy in obtaining consistently good photographs with a minimum of effort and time spent by the surgeon and his office staff. The photographs are a precise, valuable record (medically and legally) of the patient's preoperative and postoperative appearances, and are important for the patient to see and for the surgeon to study. The patient is provided with a striking reminder of preoperative reality; the surgeon with insight into the progress of his surgical expertness.