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Biomedical subjects

P E Banwell

Publications and source records attributed to P E Banwell.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Late recurrence of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in the female breast: a case report.

The case presented is of a 39-year-old female who, at the age of 13 years, had had a "dermatofibroma" excised from her left breast. Twenty-six years later she developed an unsightly "stretched scar". Excision biopsy demonstrated a dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). This was managed by wide local excision, preservation of the nipple-areolar complex, and immediate reconstruction with a pedicled latissimus dorsi flap. Review of the original histology confirmed the presence of DFSP, revising the original diagnosis. Most DFSPs recur within 3 years of primary excision. Such prolonged latency prior to recurrence has not been previously described. This reinforces the need to educate patients regarding the importance of long-term scar surveillance following skin tumour excision.

Adult↗

Advances in wound healing: topical negative pressure therapy.

In clinical practice many wounds are slow to heal and difficult to manage. The recently introduced technique of topical negative pressure therapy (TNP) has been developed to try to overcome some of these difficulties. TNP applies a controlled negative pressure to the surface of a wound that has potential advantages for wound treatment and management. Although the concept itself, of using suction in wound management is not new, the technique of applying a negative pressure at the surface of the wound is. This paper explores the origins and proposed mechanisms of action of TNP therapy and discusses the types of wounds that are thought to benefit most from use of this system.

Acute Disease↗

Fournier's gangrene exposed.

Necrotising fasciitis is a condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Fournier's gangrene is a variant of the condition affecting the perineum. Although presentation is usually acute, it may also present in an insidious manner. Following radical surgical debridement, meticulous attention to wound management is required.

Debridement↗

Accessing wound-care information on the Internet: the implications for patients.

The Internet and the World Wide Web have revolutionised communication and provide a unique forum for the exchange of information. It has been proposed that the Internet has given the public more access to medical information resources and improved patient education. This study assessed the impact of the Internet on the availability of information on wound care management. The search phrases 'wound care', 'wound healing' and 'wounds' were analysed using a powerful Metacrawler search engine (www.go2net.com). Web site access was classified according to the target audience (wound-care specialists, other health professionals, patients) and the author (societies, institutions or commercial companies). The largest proportion of web sites were commercially based (32%). Of the total number, 23% specifically targeted patients, mostly by advertising. Only 20% were aimed at wound specialists. Extensive surfing was required to obtain wound-care information, and objective information sites were under-represented. Regulated, easily accessible, objective information sites on wound-healing topics are needed for improved patient education and to balance the existing commercial bias.

Advertising↗

Frostbite: pathogenesis and treatment.

Frostbite, once almost exclusively a military problem, is becoming more prevalent among the general population and should now be considered to be within the scope of the civilian physician's practice. Studies into the epidemiology of civilian frostbite have identified several risk factors that may aid the clinician in the diagnosis and management of cold injuries. Research into the pathophysiology has revealed marked similarities in inflammatory processes to those seen in thermal burns and ischemia/reperfusion injury. Evidence of the role of thromboxanes and prostaglandins has resulted in more active approaches to the medical treatment of frostbite wounds. Although the surgical management of frostbite involves delayed debridement 1 to 3 months after demarcation, recent improvements in radiologic assessment of tissue viability have led to the possibility of earlier surgical intervention. In addition, several adjunctive therapies, including vasodilators, thrombolysis, hyperbaric oxygen, and sympathectomy, are discussed.

Clinical Protocols↗