Abstract: Necrotizing fasciitis is a life-threatening infection, mostly caused by a mixture of gram-negative, gram-positive and anaerobic organisms, frequently including haemolytic streptococci. This polyculture of bacteria demands early diagnosis and aggressive treatment to diminish the high morbidity and mortality rates. We report a young, healthy patient with acute necrotizing fasciitis with jaundice as a first clinical sign, caused by a monomicrobial Staphylococcus aureus. This type of necrotizing fasciitis is rare but can be fulminant, early diagnosis and prompt initiation of therapy are essential.
Abstract: Hydrofluoric acid injuries have a potential for both systemic as well as severe local tissue destruction. In this article the different treatment modalities will be presented. Hydrofluoric acid is frequently found in the semiconductor industry, in rust removers and façade cleansers. The negligence or carelessness of workers and ignorance of the risks of hydrofluoric acid promote the incidence of these severe burns. To prevent these burns, adequate information for the workers is necessary. Splash goggles and neoprene gloves as well as laboratory coats should be worn at all times to prevent eye and skin contact. In cases of exposure, therapy should be accurate and immediate.
Abstract: The various methods of treatment of the contracted eyesocket are discussed according to the severity of the disease and are illustrated by examples of treated patients. A method to keep the newly grafted cavity expanded by means of a conformer, stabilised by external fixation to the frontal bone, is described.
Abstract: In this article, the authors relate their experience in the management of zygomatic fractures, based on 168 cases treated in the Plastic Surgery Unit of Bruges between January 1971 and August 1980. The symptomatology and treatment of those fractures are discussed according to the type of fracture. The importance of the early treatment and the necessity of osteosynthesis when the fronto-zygomatic suture is distracted are stressed. Multifragmented fractures are treated in the same way by means of osteosynthesis. The use of a silastic sheet for blow-out floor fractures is advocated.
Abstract: In reconstructive surgery after mastectomy or major resections of the chest wall, the greater omentum and the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap are very reliable procedures. The greater omentum, covered with skin grafts, allows reconstruction of large defects and is a very protective buffer. The latissimus dorsi flap as a compound muscle skin flap is the treatment of choice for cosmetic reconstruction after mastectomy.
Abstract: Finger reimplantation is actually feasible. Two cases of complete amputation and three of partial amputation are presented. There were four successes out of five. A partial reimplantation failed on the 12th postoperative day. The technique and the postoperative care are presented. Success does not depend solely on technique. Physiopathology of the microcirculation at the level of the anastomoses, not well known at present, conditions vascular patency and survival of the reimplanted finger.
