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Trauma, 6th Edition
Chapter 53. Reconstructive Surgery After Trauma
Sections: Principles of Plastic Surgery, Injuries to Skin and Soft Tissue, Maxillofacial Trauma, Trauma to the Hand and Upper Extremity, Compartment Syndrome, Trauma to the Lower Extremity, Reconstruction of the Abdominal Wall, Reconstruction of the Chest Wall, Conclusion, References, Commentary.
Topics Discussed: plastic surgery; reconstructive surgical procedures.
Excerpt:
"Plastic surgical emergencies (including hand-related trauma) account for a significant number of emergency room visits. The acute management of the injured patient should always begin with a succinct, goal-directed history, and accurate physical exam. As the injuries treated by plastic surgeons are often not life threatening, the patient first needs to be evaluated and stabilized by the trauma team. The plastic surgeon can then appropriately evaluate the patient's condition based on an understanding of the regional anatomy of the injured part and the pathophysiology of the injury.The history should identify the time and mechanism of injury, patient comorbidities, patient symptoms, and status of tetanus immunization. Appropriate imaging studies and wound exploration augment the physical exam. One of the most important initial decisions is whether the particular injury needs to be managed in the operating room (either acutely or in a few days) or in the emergency room. This decision will often depend on the patient's age, ability to cooperate, and availability of facilities...."
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