title: Special issues in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
abstract: Intensivists frequently collaborate with plastic and reconstructive surgeons in treating patients with major wounds, following significant reconstructive procedures, and following free-tissue transfers. Pressure ulcers are a significant source of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit; prevention, early recognition, and multidisciplinary treatment are critical components for successful management. Necrotizing fasciitis is an aggressive, soft-tissue infection that requires rapid diagnosis, early surgical intervention frequent operative debridements, and soft-tissue reconstruction Catastrophic abdominal injuries and infections can be treated with an open abdominal approach and require the expertise of a plastic surgeon to reconstruct the abdominal wall. The success of free-tissue transfers and complex reconstructive procedures requires a thorough understanding of the factors that improve flap survival.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Christiana Care Health Services, 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19718, USA. gfulda@christianacare.org
authors.forename: Gerard J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Fulda
authors.forename: Sami U
authors.initials: SU
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: David D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Zabel
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000209:etiology; D003422:Critical Care; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D003911:Dextrans / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000209:etiology; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery; D011182:Postoperative Care; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000209:etiology; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D003911:Dextrans; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents