HighlightsElectrical injuries cause significant morbidity despite relatively small burns sizes.Rhabdomyolysis and compartment syndrome are common, potentially serious complications.High cut-off dialysis membranes filter myoglobin but clinical benefits are unproven.Free flap reconstruction is increasingly used but its ideal timing is still disputed.Pedicled flaps still have an important role to play in soft-tissue reconstruction.
Tracheobronchial amyloidosis (TBA) is an uncommon disease that can cause airway obstruction. We present a case of TBA in a 20-year-old man that was treated successfully with rigid bronchoscopy and stenting. The patient presented with progressive dyspnea despite having had a tracheostomy fashioned at another institution. Airway obstruction secondary to TBA was found distal to the tracheostomy. The amyloid protein subtype was AA, which is uncommon and is seldom of clinical significance in the respiratory tract. The patient underwent rigid bronchoscopy to remove the amyloid protein causing the airway obstruction. A Dumon silicone stent was then inserted to alleviate the obstruction. Thereafter, he recovered well and was discharged without a tracheostomy. This report shows that in patients with TBA causing airway obstruction, excellent results can be obtained with rigid bronchoscopy and stenting of the obstructing lesion.
Biobrane
TM
is a popular biosynthetic semi-permeable skin substitute conventionally applied onto non-excised partial thickness burn wounds to facilitate healing. The use of Biobrane
TM
for definitive coverage after excision of partial-thickness thermal burns has not been reported. We highlighted our experience of immediate Biobrane
TM
application for definitive coverage of tangentially-excised partial thickness thermal burn wounds in four patients. This technique is safe and efficient, minimizes painful and costly dressing changes, avoids the complications associated with autologous skin grafting, and eliminates the unpredictability of burns wound conversion. We believe this method expands the indications for Biobrane
TM
usage, accelerates wound healing, and provides better aesthetic outcomes.
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