Practice News

For Immediate Release

NEW JERSEY SURGEON RESTORES DIAPHRAGM FUNCTION TO 43-YEAR OLD PATIENT AFTER TEN-YEARS OF BREATHING PROBLEMS

First Known Case in which Nerve Decompression Stimulates Movement in Phrenic Nerve

SHREWSBURY, NJ – June 24, 2009 –The Plastic Surgery Center today announced that Dr. Matthew Kaufman restored breathing function to a 43-year old man who suffered from paralysis in the diaphragm for over ten years.

In the first known case of its kind, Dr. Kaufman utilized a rare procedure known as phrenic nerve decompression, in which he removed scar tissue from the site of a prior injury.  By releasing pressure caused by the scar tissue, the phrenic nerve, which controls movement in the diaphragm, had the space to resume function.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of this rare procedure, particularly considering that reversing paralysis from an old injury is extraordinarily unusual and this patient endured breathing paralysis for over a decade,

For Immediate Release

NEW JERSEY SURGEON RESTORES SENSATION AND FUNCTION IN ARMS AND LEGS OF 23-YEAR OLD WOMAN

Victim of Bacterial Meningitis Left Paralyzed in Extremities; Overcame 80% Chance of Death

Doctor Applied Rare Surgical Procedure to Spare Nerve Function and Artificial Skin to Heal Wounds

SHREWSBURY, NJ – June 24, 2009 –The Plastic Surgery Center today announced that Dr. Matthew Kaufman enabled a 23-year old woman to restore sensation in her feet and function in her hands, by utilizing several rare medical procedures.

Several months ago, the Freehold, New Jersey native contracted a case of bacterial meningitis for which she was admitted emergently to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital. The illness caused such acute edema (swelling) that the patient was paralyzed in her arms and legs. Additionally, she suffered from severe skin wounds and lost sensation in her feet.

To restore function in the arms and feet, Dr. Kaufman performed a procedure known as nerve decompression, which alleviates pressure surrounding the nerves.  He also applied artificial skin to heal the wounds.

“We are very pleased with the patient’s progress, as she has already begun to use her hands and reports feeling in her feet,