65-Year Old Gunshot Victim Received Complex Procedure To Avoid Life-Threatening Ulcers

Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Also Included In: Dermatology;  Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery;  Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Article Date: 14 Nov 2008 - 6:00 PST

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In what is believed to be the first time in the United States, a nerve transfer was performed on a paraplegic to relieve life-threatening pressure ulcers - a common side effect associated with wheelchair-bound patients. The surgery took place on November 11, 2008, at Monmouth County Medical Center, and was performed by a team of medical professionals led by Dr. Andrew Elkwood, M.D. of the Plastic Surgery Center in Shrewsbury, NJ.

Yesterday's surgery was performed on a 65-year old Monmouth County man, who was left paraplegic after being caught in a gunshot crossfire several years ago. As part of the procedure, Dr. Elkwood and his team surgically removed nerves from the patient's paralyzed legs to his chest and successfully relieved the acute pain caused by the pressure ulcers. Ultimately, the surgery is intended to stimulate sensation in the patient's posterior.

Dr. Elkwood commented, "Our goal was to first fix the immediate problem, the pressure sores, and then attempt to fix the cause. We are extremely pleased with the initial results of the procedure and are therefore encouraged by the long-term potential for the surgery. Specifically, if this proves successful, it can be life-altering for tens of thousands of wheelchair-bound patients whose lives are subjugated by acute pressure ulcers and sores."

Images available upon request.

About Dr. Elkwood

Dr. Andrew Elkwood, M.D., is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who practices at The Plastic Surgery Center in Shrewsbury, NJ. He performs unique operations involving nerve transplantation and complex reconstruction. Dr. Elkwood is a pioneer in sural nerve grafting procedures, where he transfers nerves from one part of a patient's body to another to treat life-altering injuries. He also uses this procedure to eliminate common side effects caused by prostate cancer removal, such as impotence and incontinence. Dr. Elkwood serves as the Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ, and is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgery (FACS) and a Fellow of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Plastic Surgery Center