Validity and Reliability of Two Digital Wound Measurement Tools after Surgery in Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: After excision surgery in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), wounds are usually left open for secondary intention healing. To evaluate wound healing, reliable wound measurement is important. However, digital wound measurement tools for measuring the surface area are validated for small wounds located on flat or mildly convex body surfaces in studies, often powered inadequately. Up until now, a validated digital measurement tool to accurately measure wounds on all body surfaces, including the intertriginous areas, was not available. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to validate two digital wound measurement tools for the measurement of the surface area of larger and concave wounds, using surgical wounds in patients with HS. METHODS: This prospective observational validation study included consecutive patients with HS undergoing excision surgery in the Department of Dermatology of the Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam. Wound measurements using a ruler, the tracing method, the inSight® 3-dimensional (3D) device, and the ImitoWound app were performed by three investigators. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for concurrent validity and the intra- and inter-rater reliability were analyzed. The standard error of measurement (SEm) and minimal detectable change were calculated, and Bland-Altman plots were constructed to determine the limits of agreement. RESULTS: Twenty patients with a total of 52 wounds were included. The wounds had a mean surface of 18.7 cm2. The inSight® 3D device showed an ICC of 0.987 for concurrent validity, 0.998 for intra-rater reliability, and 0.997 for inter-rater reliability. The ICCs from the ImitoWound application were 0.974, 0.978, and 0.964 for concurrent validity, intra-rater reliability, and inter-rater reliability, respectively. The SEms for intra- and inter-rater reliability were 0.95 cm2 and 1.11 cm2 for the inSight® 3D device and 3.33 cm2 and 3.51 cm2 for the ImitoWound app, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both the inSight® 3D device and the ImitoWound app demonstrated excellent concurrent validity and reliability for the surface measurements of concave wound, enabling these tools to be used reliably in clinical research and daily practice. Furthermore, it paves the way for broader application, such as telemonitoring of wound care at home.

Benefits of negative pressure wound therapy with instillation in the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds: a case series.

OBJECTIVE: Impaired wound healing can lead to hard-to-heal wounds, which impact on patients, clinicians and healthcare systems. Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) was developed to manage wounds through early-stage cleansing. This study describes the use of NPWTi-d to help manage hard-to-heal wounds in patients with risk factors for impaired wound healing. METHOD: In this case series, patients were treated between October 2015 and March 2018 at a community hospital in western France. Normal saline solution was instilled into wounds with a dwell time of 10 minutes, followed by the application of negative pressure at -75 mmHg to -125 mmHg for 2-3 hours. If needed, patients were given appropriate oral or intravenous antibiotic treatment in conjunction with NPWTi-d and subsequent wound therapies. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients participated in the study. Mean age was 81±13 years, and 12 (80%) patients were malnourished with blood albumin levels of 30.1±5.7g/l, and 12 (80%) patients were given antibiotic therapy. The mean duration of NPWTi-d was 19.4±20.8 days, with a mean number of dressing changes of 6.6±6.8; the duration of NPWTi-d and the number of dressing changes for pressure ulcers was three times that of the other wound types. The mean cost of NPWTi-d in this study was €1643.40±€1709.13. Overall, NPWTi-d provided early-stage wound cleansing and helped achieve adequate granulation tissue formation and progression to the next phase of wound healing. CONCLUSION: In these cases, NPWTi-d was a beneficial and effective method of treating hard-to-heal wounds that were resistant to traditional treatments, yielding favourable clinical outcomes.

Intraoperative Difficulties and Postoperative Complications Associated With Cochlear Implantations: A Study From Erbil City.

Background and objective Cochlear implants are highly effective for the treatment of severe to profound hearing loss. Cochlear implant surgery is a safe surgical procedure; however, due to many modifications over the years, it has been associated with certain minor and major complications. This study aimed to examine the intraoperative difficulties and postoperative complications in patients who received cochlear implants in Erbil City. Methods We conducted a retrospective descriptive study regarding complications of cochlear implants involving patients who received unilateral or bilateral cochlear Implants at the Rizgary Teaching Hospital and a private hospital in Erbil City from January 2013 to July 2022. Their medical records were analyzed, and data on demographics, intraoperative difficulties, and postoperative complications were gathered. Results A total of 160 patients with cochlear implants (87 male, 54.4%; 73 female, 45.6%) were included in the study. The mean age of the patients at the time of operation was 6.76 ± 8.02 years (range: 1-53 years); 150 of these patients were children and 10 were adults (18 years and above). Intraoperative difficulties occurred in five patients (3.1%). The overall rate of complication was 10%, 7.5% of which was minor (the most common being wound infection) and 2.5% major (the most frequent being device extrusion). Conclusions Cochlear implant surgery is a safe procedure performed to treat profoundly deaf patients. It is associated with a low rate of complications, most of which can be successfully managed with conservative measures or minimal intervention.

Double-nylon purse-string suture in closing postoperative wounds following endoscopic resection of large (≥ 3 cm) gastric submucosal tumors.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) of gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) is safe and effective; however, postoperative wound management is equally important. Literature on suturing following EFTR for large (≥ 3 cm) SMTs is scarce and limited. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and clinical value of double-nylon purse-string suture in closing postoperative wounds following EFTR of large (≥ 3 cm) SMTs. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 85 patients with gastric SMTs in the fundus of the stomach or in the lesser curvature of the gastric body whose wounds were treated with double-nylon purse-string sutures after successful tumor resection at the Endoscopy Center of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. The operative, postoperative, and follow-up conditions of the patients were evaluated. RESULTS: All tumors were completely resected using EFTR. 36 (42.35%) patients had tumors located in the fundus of the stomach, and 49 (57.65%) had tumors located in the body of the stomach. All patients underwent suturing with double-nylon sutures after EFTR without laparoscopic assistance or further surgical treatment. Postoperative fever and stomach pain were reported in 13 (15.29%) and 14 (16.47%) patients, respectively. No serious adverse events occurred during the intraoperative or postoperative periods. A postoperative review of all patients revealed no residual or recurrent lesions. CONCLUSION: Double-nylon purse-string sutures can be used to successfully close wounds that cannot be completely closed with a single nylon suture, especially for large (≥ 3 cm) EFTR wounds in SMTs.

Medical Honey in Head and Neck Cancer.

Medical honey has been recognized for its medicinal properties for thousands of years, and several medical honey products have entered the market over the last two decades. In vitro studies have shown that honey has antimicrobial properties, protects against bacterial growth, and improves wound healing. However, these products are not widely used for wound treatment in head and neck surgery. Additionally, honey has been utilized in those undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) to treat radiation-induced mucositis. This literature review aims to describe and assess the utility of medical honey for patients undergoing treatment for HNC and thus review publications on medical honey for treating postoperative wounds and preventing radiation-induced mucositis. Ovid (Medicine), PubMed (Medline), and Google Scholar were searched using keywords related to medical honey and HNC. All abstracts retrieved in the search were screened for content relevance. Three randomized controlled trials on wound healing were reviewed and assigned a score using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for methodological quality. Three meta-analyses assessing radiation-induced mucositis were reviewed and evaluated. Using medical honey on postoperative wounds was associated with shorter hospital stays, faster healing of palatal graft defects, and reduced pigmentation of thyroidectomy scars. Medical honey had no impact on bacterial culture rates or other aesthetic measures. For patients undergoing radiation for HNC, orally ingested honey was associated with less weight loss and delayed the onset of severe radiation-induced mucositis. However, results across different meta-analyses were mixed. Minimal evidence supporting the use of honey in postoperative wounds for patients with HNC exists. However, the studies reviewed here, combined with in-vitro studies and studies in other anatomical regions, show honey may offer some wound healing benefits. More robust studies are needed to confirm the potential benefits of medical honey in the postoperative wounds of HNC patients. While radiation-induced mucositis continues to be a debilitating adverse effect of HNC treatment, the literature reviewed supports honey as a safe complementary therapy in preventing radiation-induced mucositis.

Role of Negative Suction Therapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Management of Delayed Post-operative Wound Healing: A Case Report.

Tibial Pilon fractures are rare yet devastating injuries. To classify these fractures, the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification system is the most commonly used method. Out of all the different types, type C fractures are the most difficult to manage because the enormous energy involved in creating this type of injury typically severely destroys the soft tissue surrounding the fracture zone. As a result, long-term outcomes are frequently poor, and proper initial primary care is critical. Pilon fractures are injuries that are difficult to manage, considering the poor soft tissue envelope. These injuries often are associated with delayed wound healing and require staged management. Additional methods of treating the soft tissue envelope are currently being investigated and have shown promising results for the future. We share our experience in the management of AO type 43C3 grade I compound distal tibia fibular fracture with post-operative wound dehiscence, successfully managed with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.

Medical-Grade Honey Enhances the Healing of Caesarean Section Wounds and Is Similarly Effective to Antibiotics Combined with Povidone-Iodine in the Prevention of Infections-A Prospective Cohort Study.

Caesarean sections (CS) are becoming increasingly popular. The antibiotic resistance crisis and relentless risk of infections, especially in developing countries, demand alternative treatment options. Medical-grade honey (MGH) exerts antimicrobial and healing properties. This study aims to evaluate the effect of MGH treatment on CS wound healing and postoperative complications when compared to conventional treatment (antibiotics in combination with povidone-iodine). In this prospective cohort study, 766 CS patients were included and evenly divided into two groups. The treatment group (n = 383) received an MGH-based formulation (L-Mesitran Soft) and the control group (n = 383) received antibiotics (Amoxicillin) combined with povidone-iodine. The wound healing time and complication rate were determined for both groups, and subsequently, predisposing factors for complications among the baseline characteristics and non-patient-related parameters were determined. The baseline characteristics were similar for both study groups, supporting a homogenous distribution. Postoperative complications were experienced by 19.3% of the patients in the control group and 18.8% in the treatment (MGH) group. The treatment group experienced significantly more superficial pus discharge than the control group, while the latter experienced significantly more deeper pus discharge. BMI, age, duration of hospitalization, anesthesia, and duration of CS could affect the complication risk. MGH significantly enhanced wound healing until day 42. On average, the healing time with MGH was 19.12 ± 7.760 days versus 24.54 ± 8.168 days in the control group. MGH is a potent alternative treatment to antibiotics and povidone-iodine because while the complication risk is similar, MGH has additional benefits. MGH promotes wound healing and does not bear the risk of resistance.

[The proximally pedicled anterolateral thigh flap for reconstruction of complex soft tissue wounds of the hip and caudal trunk region]. / Die proximal gestielte Anterior-lateral-thigh-Lappenplastik zur Rekonstruktion komplexer Weichteilwunden der Hüft- und kaudalen Rumpfregion.

INTRODUCTION: Groin and lower trunk defects are common problems, especially for elderly patients. While groin defects are often due to prior vascular interventions, trochanteric defects are mainly caused by pressure sores. Plastic reconstructive methods are manifold; however, the pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is supposed to be reliable with sustainable results. OBJECTIVE: We present our experiences using the pedicled ALT flap for soft tissue reconstruction in patients with large wounds of the medial and lateral proximal thigh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 16 patients with groin and lower trunk defects due to prior vascular surgery or pressure sores received locoregional soft tissue reconstruction using a proximal pedicled ALT flap. Patient characteristics, defect size, surgery time, clinical outcome and complication rate were assessed. RESULTS: With the exception of two cases, sufficient soft tissue reconstruction was achieved. In all, 81,3% of patients were categorized as ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) 3. The average duration of surgery was 149 min. Length of stay was 18,3 days. A total of 31% needed revision surgery due to limited wound healing problems. Two patients died. All patients showed healed wound conditions when they were discharged. CONCLUSION: The proximal pedicled ALT-flap is a reliable method for soft tissue reconstruction in groin and lower trunk defects. This reconstructive procedure enables reliable wound closure, especially in elderly patients with substantially reduced general health condition.

The Effect of Tranexamic Acid on the Outcome of Total Ankle Replacement.

BACKGROUND: Infection rates after total ankle replacement (TAR) are known to be greater than those after hip or knee arthroplasty. Swelling after TAR can make wound healing more difficult, which can lead to infection. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to minimize blood loss after surgery, improving healing outcomes. We aim to assess the effect of TXA on blood loss and wound complications in TAR. METHODS: The research looked retrospectively at patients who had TAR procedures between September 2014 and December 2019. The procedures were done using the anterior approach at a single hospital by two, foot and ankle surgeons. Tranexamic acid was given intraoperatively before the tourniquet was inflated. The surgeons did not use surgical drains. Pre and postoperative hemoglobin levels, outcome scores as well as post-operative complications were all documented. RESULTS: A total of 69 patients were included in the study with 33 of them receiving TXA. With a mean age of 67.2, we had 31 females and 38 males. Tranexamic acid was given in doses ranging from 1 gm to 2 gm. None of the patients required blood transfusions after surgery, and there was no statistically significant difference in pre and postoperative hemoglobin levels between the two groups. In the TXA group, there were fewer wound complications. The TXA group achieved better results compared to the non-TXA group (p=0.0130). CONCLUSION: Tranexamic acid is safe and effective in lowering postoperative bleeding and preserving hemostasis after deflating the tourniquet, reducing edema and postoperative wound problems such as breakdown and dehiscence.

Clinical Applications and Benefits of Using Closed-incision Negative Pressure Therapy with Novel Dressing: A Review Article.

Surgical site occurrences (SSOs) are common in patients undergoing operative procedures, especially in the form of surgical site infections (SSIs). Multiple studies show that obesity, tobacco use, prolonged surgical time, and diabetes mellitus are the major risk factors for SSIs. SSIs increase healthcare costs and often result in morbidity. Many surgeons are currently using closed-incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) to counter SSIs. This method makes it easier for them to manage closed and surgical incisions. This technique has already been applied in the plastic surgery field. This study discusses how the use of ciNPT is helping surgeons to reduce complications related to SSOs. The technique has been reported to minimize the rate of reoperations, readmissions, and other wound-related complications. Using ciNPT with novel dressing has proved to be a significantly effective clinical intervention method in managing clean and closed wounds. The novel dressing protects the incision from external contamination and minimizes lateral tension.

Four Curious Cases of Closed-Incision Negative Pressure Therapy (ciNPT).

Post-operative wound complications after infrainguinal vascular surgery can lead to a significant decrease in a patient's quality of life. The main complications are surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, seroma, hematoma, delayed healing and/or poor scarring. Closed-incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) in particular has recently been suggested as a method of prophylaxis against these surgical site complications when applied over a closed wound. In our unit, it has generally been used for long groin and abdominal surgical wounds. We describe here four relatively unusual cases of our experience using ciNPT. In our series, ciNPT has been used to good effect on small eccentrically shaped wounds and non-resolving groin hematomas. We have also used it in tandem with intra-cavity Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) (KCI, Acelity, San Antonio, TX) dressings for the management of partially closed wounds to reduce risk of infection and dehiscence. Additionally, it has shown good analgesic effects in our patient post-operatively. Hence, we suggest that the paradigm of ciNPT can be expanded to include these circumstances to improve wound healing and decrease risk of post-operative complications. Further research into the overall clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness will also be helpful.

Intractable Postoperative Wounds Caused by Self-Inflicted Trauma in a Patient with Cutaneous Munchausen Syndrome Presenting as a Pyoderma Gangrenosum-Like Lesion.

A 50-year-old Japanese woman consulted the emergency department of our hospital for bleeding due to an intractable postoperative wound on the lower abdomen; the postoperative wound was owing to a laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed 1 year previously for acute cholecystitis. She presented with a painful ulcer on her right lower abdomen. She also presented with multiple scars, skin grafts on the extremities, and a missing left lower leg, the causes for all of which were unexplained. The results of her blood test were normal, except for the hemoglobin level. Histology of the skin biopsy specimen from the ulcer did not show any specific findings. The previous surgeon who had performed the laparoscopic cholecystectomy revealed that surgical wound dehiscence had occurred during her admission. After a body restraint had been applied, the ulcer improved. Medical records indicated that she had been admitted to the department of plastic surgery at our hospital for skin grafting of a leg ulcer. During that admission, she refused to consult with the department of psychiatry, al-though the staff suspected mental disorders. Therefore, we diagnosed her with cutaneous Munchausen syndrome. After vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy had been performed to prevent her from traumatizing the ulcer again, it rapidly became granulated and reepithelialized. Munchausen syndrome is characterized by feigning physical symptoms to seek attention. Patients self-inflict numerous lesions, keep getting admitted to different hospitals, and feign acute illness, usually spectacular diseases. VAC therapy may be effective for preventing patients with cutaneous Munchausen syndrome from traumatizing their wounds.