Biomedical subjects

K C Hughes

Publications and source records attributed to K C Hughes.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1997

Ultrasound-guided retrieval of small foreign objects in subcutaneous tissue.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To identify the physical properties of the materials most easily located in subcutaneous tissue through the use of conventional ultrasound. METHODS: High-resolution real-time sonography was performed by a credentialed sonographer on a chicken breast impregnated with five objects-a metal paper clip, a wooden toothpick, a plastic coffee stirrer, a shard of glass, and an 18-gauge needle. Transducer frequencies ranging from 3.5 to 7.5 MHz with linear, curvilinear, and sector-scanning formats were used. All images were interpreted by a staff attending radiologist with other study authors present. The chicken breast was then subjected to radiography for comparison. RESULTS: Wood yielded the strongest acoustic shadow; plastic had the next-best acoustic shadowing. The 7.5-MHz probe yielded its best resolution at shallow depths, whereas the 5-MHz probe was best at greater depths. CONCLUSION: We conclude that ultrasonography is an excellent technique for the localization and retrieval of nonradiopaque foreign objects in the superficial subcutaneous tissue. It should be given consideration for use in the removal of nonradiopaque superficial foreign objects when conventional radiographic techniques are not effective.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Unusual masses found within ruptured silicone gel breast prostheses.

Imaging of breast implants has assumed more importance in medicine than ever before. Radiologists and surgeons alike have struggled to accurately identify folds in prostheses, rupture of prostheses, and migration of gel. Here we present two patients with an unusual presentation of masses within the gel of ruptured silicone gel-containing prostheses. In one instance, the mass was an organized hematoma. In the other, two round, calcified masses were found that we presume are hematomas that have become calcified over time. Radiologists and surgeons identifying spherical or ovoid masses seemingly within gel breast prostheses should entertain the possibility that the mass represents an organized hematoma and that the implant is ruptured.

Breast Implants↗

PubMed1997

Design of the cyclops flap for chest-wall reconstruction.

The cyclops flap is a little-known but not forgotten alternative in chest-wall reconstruction for women. Female patients having a large, pendulous breast with a contralateral adjacent defect may be reconstructed by this technique. The flap derives its name from the repositioning of the remaining nipple to the center of the chest. The design of the flap is described. By knowing the width and length of the defect, the surgeon can design incisions on the remaining breast tissue that will allow the flap to advance easily, reliably filling the defect. The flap is an axial-pattern flap nourished by the lateral thoracic artery and the variable external mammary artery. This arterial inflow will serve the medial portion of the flap. The operation is straightforward and predictable. In using this design scheme three times in the last two years, there have been no complications. There is little discomfort after surgery. Occasionally, patients will benefit from this reconstructive option.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

Ventral hernia repair with simultaneous panniculectomy.

The repair of a ventral hernia in an obese patient presents an interesting clinical challenge. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 55 patients who, over a 12-year period from 1983 to 1995, concomitantly underwent both ventral herniorrhaphy and panniculectomy or abdominoplasty. In six of 55 patients, the hernia was recurrent. Forty-six patients had primary abdominal wall hernias or diastasis recti. Nineteen of 55 patients had weight greater than 200 lbs. This last subset of patients had a significantly higher incidence of complications, such as seroma, cellulitis, and persistent wound drainage. In our 55 patients, we experienced only two hernia recurrences (3.6%) during an average patient follow-up of 53 weeks. From this experience, we believe that simultaneous ventral hernia repair and panniculectomy is a safe and efficacious approach to these two problems so commonly found in the obese patient. Patients with a preoperative weight greater than 200 lbs can be expected to have a greater risk of wound complications. In all cases, the wounds eventually healed with no long-term sequelae.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed1996

Obesity.

Obesity is a heterogeneous family of disorders with several overlapping contributory causes. It markedly increases morbidity and mortality from many different diseases, and affected patients are the targets of severe, negative social pressures. Physicians traditionally have been unsuccessful in treating obesity. The usual physician's office approach to obese persons is to conduct a good history and physical examination and then prescribe a 4200-J diet sheet and monthly or biomonthly office visits. This approach usually produces mild and ephemeral weight loss. Some patients quickly become disillusioned and manifest as appointment "no-shows." The doctor often bemoans the lack of will power of his or her ex-patient. Such patients and their physicians would be better served by referral to a professional weight management program, in which a coordinated team approach has proven effective and persistent in body weight control. "He that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat."

Behavior Therapy↗