A prospective trial was conducted on twenty-five patients referred by dermatologists during 1998 using a referral letter and an accompanying polaroid photograph for prospective plastic surgical management of skin cancers. Using the description and the photograph, suitable patients were given dates for operation without requiring a plastic surgery out-patient clinic appointment. This enabled, not only a saving in the cost of an out-patient appointment, but a significant reduction in waiting time to surgery.
SnyderG BUsing a polaroid print for initial consultation. Plastic Reconstr Surg1980; 65: 245.
2.
TaylorRLovelockLTunbridgeW M GComparison of non-mydriatic retinal photography with ophthalmoscopy in 2157 patients. A mobile retinal camera study. Br Med J1990; 309: 1243–7.
3.
DentonT ERandallF MDeinleinP A. The use of instant moire photographs to reduce exposure from scoliosis radiographs. SPINE, 1992; 17: 509–12.
ChamosaMTreatment of before and after images in aesthetic surgery. Asth Pl Surg1997; 21: 52–54.
6.
GhoshS JShawA DMorleyS IMcGregorJ C. The value of polaroid photography in a Burn Unit. Plast Reconstr Surg1996; 97, 481–82.
7.
McGregorJ C. Polaroid photography as an alternative method of recording clinical material in plastic surgery. J R Coll Surg Edin1997; 42, 38–41.
8.
Correspondence. J R Coll Surg Edin1997; 42: 425–28.
9.
Scottish Health Service costs (1997). Information and Statistics Division, National Health Service in Scotland, Trinity House, South Trinity Road, Edinburgh.
10.
McGregorJC. Plastic surgery waiting lists - the numbers game: fact or fiction?Scot Med J1998; 43: 141–43.
