Presentation and management of keloid scarring following median sternotomy: a case study.

INTRODUCTION: Keloid scars following median sternotomy are rare and occur more frequently in pigmented skin. Different management strategies have been described with variable success. We present a case of keloid scar formation following cardiac surgery including our management and the final aesthetic result. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 64 year old female of fair complexion underwent mitral valve replacement. The procedure and postoperative recovery were uncomplicated, however, during the following year, thick keloid scars formed over the incision sites. Initial non surgical measures failed to relieve pain and did not offer any tangible aesthetic benefit. Eventually surgical excision was attempted. She presented to our clinic for nine months follow up with significant improvement in pain and aesthetic result. DISCUSSION AND EVALUATION: Several theories have attempted to explore the pathophysiology of keloid scar formation. A number of predisposing factors have been documented however none existed in this case. A variety of invasive and non invasive approaches have been described but significant differences in success rates and methodology of investigations still precludes a standardized management protocol. CONCLUSIONS: In this case study a rare presentation of keloid scar has been presented. The variety of methods used to improve pain and aesthetic result demonstrates the propensity of keloid scars to recur and the therapeutic challenges that surgeons have to face in their quest for a satisfactory patient outcome.

Briefing and debriefing in the cardiac operating room. Analysis of impact on theatre team attitude and patient safety.

Error in health services delivery has long been recognised as a significant cause of inpatient morbidity and mortality. Root-cause analyses have cited communication failure as one of the contributing factors in adverse events. The formalised fighter pilot mission brief and debrief formed the basis of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) crew resource management (CRM) concept produced in 1979. This is a qualitative analysis of our experience with the briefing-debriefing process applied to cardiac theatres. We instituted a policy of formal operating room (OR) briefing and debriefing in all cardiac theatre sessions. The first 118 cases were reviewed. A trouble-free operation was noted in only 28 (23.7%) cases. We experienced multiple problems in 38 (32.2%) cases. A gap was identified in the second order problem solving in relation to instrument repair and maintenance. Theatre team members were interviewed and their comments were subjected to qualitative analysis. The collaborative feeling is that communication has improved. The health industry may benefit from embracing the briefing-debriefing technique as an adjunct to continuous improvement through reflective learning, deliberate practice and immediate feedback. This may be the initial step toward a substantive and sustainable organizational transformation.

Surgical training in the 48-h week: a novel simulation and educational tool. From amateur golfer to professional pilot.

INTRODUCTION: Compliance with the European Working Time Directive has made obvious the need for a surgical skills training system that will produce surgeons fast and reliably. We have previously proposed a model for objective assessment of surgical dexterity. In this paper we aim to place an updated version of that model into the context of a holistic approach on assessment of a trainee's progress towards becoming an independently operating surgeon. METHODS: The PAR matrix breaks down an operation into clearly defined skills that need to be successively acquired. It consists of a 3 x 6 table depicting 18 skill-goals. The y-axis is divided into six levels and the x-axis into three columns. The initials of the three skills on each level form the acronym PAR. Each skill is further graded from 1 to 3 (unsatisfactory, competent, good). The levels are: Level 1--posture, address, relaxation; Level 2--pick-up, airtime, rotation; Level 3--placing, angles, rhythm; Level 4--precision, adaptability, reproducibility; Level 5--pace, awareness, relations; Level 6--planning, announce, review/reflexion. RESULTS: The format of the PAR model is such that it allows trainer and trainee to objectively assess progress, identify deficiencies and strengths and formulate an appropriate plan of action. CONCLUSION: Ergonomics and crew resource management skills are essential for a safe operating environment. The PAR matrix may prove helpful in selection of trainees and revalidation of trainee surgeons as a competence and performance testing method, placed in the appropriate training curriculum.

Emergency surgery for left atrial metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma manifesting as a right atrial mass.

We report the case of a 43-year-old woman with a history of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma of the forearm, scalp, and paraspinal region who developed acute shortness of breath owing to a tumor arising from the left atrium and extending through the coronary sinus. This was causing partial obstruction across the tricuspid valve as a result of the ball-valve effect. Emergency resection of the atrial mass was performed, and histologic analysis confirmed the presence of metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of emergency surgical resection of intracardiac metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.

Combined severe pectus excavatum correction and aortic root replacement in Marfan's syndrome.

A 23-year-old man with Marfan's syndrome was admitted for repair of annulo-aortic ectasia and severe pectus excavatum. A submammary skin incision approach followed by bilateral subperichondrial resection of abnormal costal cartilages was performed. The left intercostal muscles and perichondrial sheaths were divided 2 inches lateral to the sternum in a parasternal fashion to place the retractor. The aortic root was replaced with a 23-mm St. Jude's composite graft (St. Jude Medical, Inc, St. Paul, MN). Chest wall reconstruction was completed with a high sternal osteotomy and support of the sternum was made with Gortex strips (W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc, Flagstaff, AZ). The patient made an uneventful recovery.