The organization of a microsurgical unit.

The organization of a microsurgery unit at experimental and clinical levels is of major importance. Microsurgery can be applied in every surgical specialty, and with and advent of microvascular surgery its role is steadily expanding, especially as regards all types of reconstructive surgery. The main aim is to provide a community service, but some experimental background is advantageous. It is not easy to introduce microsurgical practice into an institution where none of this work has been performed previously. The reorganization of surgical units is involved, and some operations are impossible without an operating microscope. A tenacity of purpose among surgeons and dedication by both teaching and technical staff is essential. Not every surgeon will wish to engage in this work but eventually it can be expected that grounding in microsurgery will become a routine part of the training of most surgeons. Although experimental research is important, the emphasis should be on clinical development.

Effect of prophylactic outpatient administration of fenoterol on the time of onset of spontaneous labor and fetal growth rate in twin pregnancy.

A double-blind trial was conducted on outpatients with twin gestations to assess the effect of prophylactic administration of fenoterol on the fetal growth rate and the timing of the spontaneous onset of labor. No significant differences could be shown between the fenoterol-treated group of patients and the control group given a placebo. It is concluded that prophylactic administration of fenoterol does not have a significant effect upon the incidence of preterm labor or growth retardation in twin pregnancy.