A Breast Reduction Technique for the Free DIEP Flap Post Breast Reconstruction.

Breast flap remodeling is a common procedure after breast reconstruction. We present a unique approach to breast reduction using a superomedial pedicle inverted "T" technique in patients with previous free deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction, not previously reported. Breast reduction can be a valid option for reshaping breasts after free DIEP flap reconstruction. Breast reduction using the superomedial pedicle inverted T technique is performed in patients who have undergone free DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The superomedial pedicle inverted T breast reduction technique in breast reconstruction with free DIEP flaps seems promising, as the reduced DIEP flaps survived. The superomedial pedicle inverted T breast reduction technique in breast reconstruction with free DIEP flaps offers a good option for secondary breast reshaping. Preservation of the pedicle and blood supply are potential advantages. However, the limited evidence and surgical expertise needed are important considerations. This technique shows promise for breast reductions after free DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

Assessing COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practices among hospital employees: identifying sociodemographic determinants for improved public health strategies.

Background: The working environment of healthcare institution during pandemic puts all hospital employees at high-risk of being exposed to contagious infections. An individual's behavior and response are largely determined by their level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) toward a disease. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate and assess the KAP toward COVID-19 among hospital employees working in various positions and to identify the sociodemographic determinants associated with the level of KAP. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from July 1 to July 15, 2020 in Almoosa Specialist Hospital, Alhasa, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia in which 221 hospital employees with varied job titles participated. The data for demographics and history of COVID-19 exposure, KAP related to COVID-19 spread and prevention were collected online using a web-based platform (Survey Monkey). Student's t-test/One-way ANOVA were used to compare total mean and standard deviation of KAP scores with demographic profiles and history of exposure. Results: 89.1% employees knew that COVID-19 virus is mostly transmitted from human-to-human, and 76.0% employees acknowledged droplet transmission. 64.7% employees preferred to take a sick person with unconfirmed COVID-19 to a health facility. Physicians had higher knowledge scores for COVID-19 infection and non-medical employees had the lowest scores (7.47 ± 1.23 and 6.47 ± 1.44, respectively). Nurses had the highest practice scores and non-medical employees lowest practice score (6.16 ± 0.74 and 5.37 ± 1.14, respectively). Attitude scores were similar among all the employees. All employees reported an increase in hand-washing frequency and physical contact avoidance. Conclusion: The study results revealed socio-demographic factors; level of education, nationality, and field of service are associated with COVID-19 KAP. The study highlights that there is a gap in the level of knowledge about COVID-19, especially among nonmedical employees. Targeted interventional programs need to be planned and implemented to improve COVID-19 awareness among non-medical employees.

A Randomized, Crossover-Controlled Evaluator-Blinded Trial Evaluating Cannula- vs Needle-Assisted Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Infraorbital Deformities.

BACKGROUND: Periorbital deformities can be corrected utilizing hyaluronic acid injections. However, previous studies have not evaluated the effect of utilizing different injection techniques (eg, a needle vs cannula) on efficacy and safety. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to investigate the efficacy and safety of HA for the correction of periorbital deformities when utilizing either needle or cannula-assisted injections. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized-controlled (with crossover), evaluator-blinded study. Forty-two patients with a mean age of 44.82 ± 11.62 years were recruited. Patients underwent 2 treatment sessions, spaced 2 weeks apart, and attended 1 follow-up visit at Week 4, following the last treatment. Patients were randomized in a 3:3:1 ratio, whereby 18 patients received injections by needle, 18 received injections by cannula, and 6 were randomized to act as their own control at baseline. Those in the control group were randomized (n = 3) to needle or cannula injections at Week 4 and proceeded with the same visit schedule as those treated at baseline. At Weeks 2 and 4 posttreatment, patient satisfaction was evaluated and information on adverse effects was collected. A blinded reviewer assessed patient imagery utilizing standardized efficacy scales. RESULTS: Chi-square tests did not reveal any associations between treatment group and efficacy, safety, or patient satisfaction scores (P ≥ 0.05). Adverse effects reported in patient diaries were mild to moderate in nature and expected. CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of infraorbital deformities, hyaluronic acid injections performed utilizing either a cannula or needle result in similarly high efficacy and safety ratios.