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Norbert Kang

Publications and source records attributed to Norbert Kang.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

Intra-lesional injections of collagenase are ineffective in the treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars.

The treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars remains difficult. Enzymatic digestion of keloid scars has been previously proposed as an effective treatment strategy for reducing the volume of keloid scars. To test this, we administered intra-lesional injections of pure collagenase (between 600 and 4500 units for each scar) into the keloid and hypertrophic scars of seven human volunteers (five keloid and two hypertrophic scars). Five patients (three keloid and two hypertrophic) received more than one injection of collagenase. The treatment resulted in a temporary reduction in scar volume for three of the patients with keloid scars. However, scar volumes for these three patients returned to the same (or greater) levels after 6 months of follow-up. Treatment with collagenase produced no change in scar volume for the two patients with hypertrophic scar. Side effects were numerous and severe including; pain, swelling, blistering, ulceration and ecchymosis at the site of injection. One patient required admission to hospital for 48 h after the first injection. Maximum length of follow-up was 6 months. None of the seven patients completed the study and returned for final follow-up at 2 years. This pilot study suggests that treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars with intra-lesional injections of collagenase is ineffective.

Adult↗

Reconstruction in the axilla with a pedicled pectoralis minor muscle flap.

Covering large defects in the axillary fossa can be challenging because of its complex shape. A variety of local skin, fasciocutaneous and musculocutaneous flaps have been described, with a number of inherent advantages and disadvantages. The use of the pectoralis minor muscle as a pedicled transposition flap has been described for immediate reconstruction of the breast, anterior shoulder reconstruction and the treatment of bronchopleural fistula. We now describe the use of a pedicled pectoralis minor muscle flap for soft tissue coverage of the axillary contents after wide excision of the axilla. This has not been previously described.

Axilla↗