Warning... The following post may not be appropriate for the faint of heart! (Oh yeah, and it's pretty photo heavy for you dial-up users)
Name: Shawl Collared Pullover
ID: Knit One Crochet Too pattern #0962
Pre-op diagnosis: collar-megaly
Procedure done: partial collar-ectomy with repair by grafting
Specimens taken: approximately 4" length of seed stitch collar
Anesthesia: one glass red wine (for the surgeon...)
Indications: Directions were followed carefully for the assembly of said patient, and all measurements were checked and double checked. On completion, the patient appeared fine from the front...
However, the examination of the back uncovered an unacceptable amount of bunching at the seam and collar droopage. Clearly the cause of this condition was too much length on the collar piece. Options for repair were discussed, and the leading prcedure seemed to be a complete removal of said collar, shortening, and re-attachment. SCP asked if there weren't any other more conservative means for dealing with the problem.
"Hmmm..." replied the surgeon. "I do seem to recall reading somewhere about a lengthening procedure, involving an incision at the site of the offending section."
Review of the literature indeed revealed that it had been done. (Fluffa. "Grafting, grafting, bay-bee! http://www.skinnyrabbit.com/projects/004286.php, June 2, 2004.) The surgeon took particular note of the author's statement " I would only do this sort of cutting and grafting on pieces knit in stockinette stitch. Maybe garter. But anything else? No, gracias!" and counselled the patient that the results may be uncertain, and risks included possible need for total collar reconstruction. The decision was made to proceed.
Procedure Note: The patient was prepped and the area for excision was identified and isolated...
An incision was made at the distal end of the excess and carried out across it's width...
Once the incision was completed, the excess was removed slowly and carefully until the desired endpoint was reached...
The wounds were cleaned...
And the suture was prepared...
Progress was made slowly on the seed-stitch grafting repair, however the promising results were encouraging.
Was the desired cosmetic result achieved?
(and click for an up close of the collar)
Cograts on a successful operation. The collar looks great!
Posted by: Brooke | July 20, 2005 at 08:59 AM
wow- very impressive and instructive! fabulous sweater!
Posted by: beth | July 20, 2005 at 09:20 AM
Fabulous!
Posted by: Kate | July 20, 2005 at 09:21 AM
Nice job! I'm amazed that you learned all that in med school. ;)
Posted by: Liz | July 20, 2005 at 10:02 AM
Great fix! It looks terrific.
Posted by: Lauren | July 20, 2005 at 10:26 AM
Great job! The shawl-collared pullover truly looks great.
Posted by: Wanda | July 20, 2005 at 12:05 PM
Wow! I'm impressed. I can barely graft regular old stockinette. It looks great :)
Posted by: Vicki | July 20, 2005 at 04:29 PM
That was very impressive. You could teach the orthopods a thing or two.
Posted by: Laurie | July 20, 2005 at 05:01 PM
Fantastic job ! It looks fabulous on you.
Posted by: Emma. | July 20, 2005 at 05:06 PM
Wow! That looks great! You are a brave woman! :)
Posted by: Karen | July 21, 2005 at 07:46 AM
What a beautiful sweater, and it looks great on you!
Posted by: Terhi | July 21, 2005 at 08:17 AM
Great Sweater...fabulous fix!
Posted by: Kelle | July 21, 2005 at 06:25 PM
Love the op note! and there are no scars! Wish I could tell my patients the same.
Posted by: Kristin | July 21, 2005 at 08:47 PM
That is a great fix-up! It looks like a perfect plastic surgical repair!
Posted by: Lorette | July 23, 2005 at 02:20 AM
I am so impressed - SO impressed - with your surgical skills. GREAT JOB!!
Posted by: Jenny | July 30, 2005 at 08:31 PM