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Background:To study results of supraclavicular artery flap in head and neck reconstruction in terms of its reliability, clinical applications, and functional and aesthetic outcome Methods: In this descriptive study 71 patients who got supraclavicular flap reconstruction were included. When both supra-clavicular areas were found to be suitable for flap donation, the nondominant side was selected as the donor site. In case of patients having only one supraclavicular area suitable for flap donation, that available donor-site was used. Pre-operatively, a 10 MHZ hand held Doppler probe was used to exactly locate and mark the origin and course of the supraclavicular vessels, and flap design was outlined on the selected donorsite according to the analyzed dimensions of the defect. Per-operatively, the defect was prepared and its dimensions were mapped out with the help of a template. The planning in reverse was used to confirm or correct the flap design already marked. The flap was elevated and inset into the defect with a suction drain underneath. The donor site was widely undermined and closed directly in most of the cases with another suction drain in place. Where primary closure was not achievable or considered unsafe even after wide undermining, the defect was reduced in size with advancement of the surrounding skin margins and the residual defect was split-skin grafted. Postoperatively, patients were observed for survival of the flap, and any early flap or donor-site complication. The patients who underwent release of neck contractures were advised to wear a Philadelphia neck collar two weeks postoperatively. At each follow-up, the flap and donor site were examined for any late complications. Results: All flaps survived with only 5 flaps having marginal tip necrosis with acceptable postoperative course Conclusion: Supra- clavicular artery flap is technique of choice for medium to large defects of the cervico-facial region of middle face with reach up to zygomatic arch [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the efficacy of Aloe Vera gel compared with 1% silver sulfadiazine cream as a burn dressing for the treatment of superficial and partial thickness burns., Methods: This Interventional Comparative study was carried out at the Burn unit and Plastic surgery department, Nishtar Hospital Multan, Pakistan from July 2008 to December 2010. A total of 50 patients with superficial and partial thickness burns were divided into two equal groups randomly by consecutive sampling method, one group was dressed with Aloe Vera gel while the other was treated with 1% silversulphadiazine cream, and the results regarding duration of wound epithelialization, pain relief and cost of treatment were compared., Results: In patients treated with Aloe Vera gel, healing of burn wounds were remarkably early than those patients treated with 1% silver sulfadiazine. All the patients of Aloe Vera group were relieved of pain earlier than those patients who were treated with SSD., Conclusion: Thermal burns patients dressed with Aloe Vera gel showed advantage compared to those dressed with SSD regarding early wound epithelialization, earlier pain relief and cost-effectiveness.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of reverse flow posterior interosseous artery flap for the coverage of large variety of hand/wrist defects., Methods: The prospective study was conducted a the Department of Plastic Surgery and the Burns Unit of Nishtar Hospital, Multan, Pakistan, from June 2008 to June 2010. The study comprised 53 reverse flow posterior interosseous artery flaps in 50 patients for the coverage of hand/wrist defects both in emergency and elective settings. Data was analysed using SPSS 10., Results: The hand/wrist defects in the study population were caused by different etiologies. All the flaps survived in all the patients. Marginal loss over the distal edge of the flap was noted in one patient. Mild oedema developed in all patients, but it subsided except in one case. None of our cases showed any evidence of venous congestion. Regarding the donor site morbidity, only one case had partial STSG loss. Mean hospital stay post-flap coverage in the patients ranged from 7 to 21 days., Conclusion: Reverse flow posterior interosseous artery flap in experienced hands is safe, versatile and reliable for the coverage of hand/wrist defects.