Biomedical subjects

Erica L Schalow

Publications and source records attributed to Erica L Schalow.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

Role of surgery in children with rhabdomyosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a common soft tissue sarcoma of childhood. Historically, surgery has played a central role in the management of children with this tumor, though with surgery alone survival rates were poor. With current multimodal (surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy) treatment of these patients, survival has dramatically improved and, with this improvement, there has been an evolution of the role of surgery in the management of this condition. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The contemporary published literature (English) regarding surgical aspects of pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma was reviewed and evaluated. RESULTS: Multimodal therapy has improved the survival of children with RMS from 25% in 1970 to greater than 70% today. Surgical procedures for childhood RMS today are less apt to be exenterative or mutilating than those employed thirty years ago. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery plays a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of children with RMS. This role has evolved in the context of multimodal therapy and improved survival to an emphasis on less radical procedures with decreased morbidity.

Child↗

PubMed2003

Laser tissue soldering: applications in the genitourinary system.

Within the past 25 years, lasers have transitioned from merely destructive or ablative tools to those with reconstructive uses. It has been shown that the application of laser thermal energy to tissue will result in welding of the approximated areas. Furthermore, the addition of protein solder and chromophores (tissue soldering) has increased wound tensile strength while decreasing peripheral tissue damage. Laboratory studies have demonstrated application of laser tissue soldering to virtually all components of the genitourinary system. Increasing human experience in recent years has reinforced the success of this technique.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Advances in bladder augmentation.

Over the past 20 years, rapid advances have been made in bladder augmentation due to the introduction of clean intermittent catheterization, the use of intestinal segments interposed into the urinary tract, and the development of tissue expansion. The particular augmentation method selected from the multiple methods currently available is an individualized process that takes into account both patient factors and potential complications. Exciting new techniques, such as tissue engineering, may change the face of lower urinary tract reconstruction.

Humans↗