[E-mail in plastic surgery--a useful addition to current communication possibilities?]

The internet is a global network of computers with a broad variety of services and options. It offers completely new ways of communication and investigation. At present, this new medium seems to be the final technical revolution in communication. It presents new dimensions which were utopia so far. Electronic mail (e-mail) is the most frequently used service within the internet. For a plastic surgeon it seems to be the fastest and the most cost-effective way of transferring data of any kind. The aim of this paper is to critically assess the transfer of confidential data via e-mail as well as to present general conditions for the use of e-mails. Therefore, our own experiences made with this technology are described to point to the possibilities, but also to indicate problems and weaknesses of this medium. Some rules should be obeyed for the transfer of confidential patient data via e-mail in order to satisfy the demand for data-security standards. Also medicolegal aspects must be considered. These recommendations or rules and aspects will be discussed to offer a guideline to plastic surgeons for their e-mail applications.