OBJECTIVE Inserting peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) has been identified as a core competency for medical students. Because the performance - even of hygienic standards - of both students and novice physicians is frequently inadequate, medical faculties must focus on competence-based learning objectives and deliberate practice, features that are combined in mastery learning. Our aim was to de...

the distally based sural fasciocutaneous flap has become a main part of the reconstruction of the lower leg, heel and foot. however, perfusion problems and venous congestion have been reported. over the past decade, several flap modifications have been reported to improve flap viability and to solve a myriad of reconstructive needs. the purpose of this paper is to describe our experience in har...

closure of fascia after transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (tram) flap has usually been performed with direct closure or synthetic material. the dermal autograft was removed from zone iv of flap was an alternative to reinforce fascial closure. the dermal autograft was used in 34 patients after tram harvest for breast, head and neck reconstruction and prolene mesh was used in 42 other ...