Cu-MOF loaded chitosan based freeze-dried highly porous dressings with anti-biofilm and pro-angiogenic activities accelerated Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected wounds healing in rats.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based therapy opens a new area for antibiotic-drug free infections treatment. In the present study, chitosan membranes (CS) loaded with two concentrations of copper-MOF 10 mg/20 ml (Cu-MOF10/CS) & 20 mg/20 ml (Cu-MOF20/CS) were prepared by a simple lyophilization procedure. FTIR spectra of Cu-MOF10/CS and Cu-MOF20/CS dressings confirmed absence of any undesirable chemical changes after loading Cu-MOF. The SEM images of the synthesized materials (CS, Cu-MOF10/CS & Cu-MOF20/CS) showed interconnected porous structures. Cytocompatibility of the materials was confirmed by fibroblasts cells culturing and the materials were hemocompatible, with blood clotting index <5 %. Cu-MOF20/CS showed comparatively higher effective antibacterial activity against the tested strains; E. coli (149.2 %), P. aeruginosa (165 %) S. aureus (117.8 %) and MRSA (142 %) as compared to Amikacin, CS and Cu-MOF10/CS membranes. Similarly, Cu-MOF20/CS dressing significantly eradicated the biofilms; P. aeruginosa (37 %) and MRSA (52 %) respectively. In full thickness infected wound rat model, on day 23, Cu-MOF10/CS and Cu-MOF20/CS promoted wound healing up to 87.7 % and 82 % respectively. H&E staining of wounded tissues treated with Cu-MOF10/CS & Cu-MOF20/CS demonstrated enhanced neovascularization and re-epithelization along-with reduced inflammation, while trichrome staining exhibited increased collagen deposition. Overall, this study declares Cu-MOFs loaded chitosan dressings a multifunctional platform for the healing of infected wounds.

How long to wait after local infiltration anaesthesia: systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting evidence exists regarding the optimal waiting time for stable analgesic and vasoconstrictive effects after local infiltration of lidocaine with epinephrine. An objective review is needed to dispel surgical dogma. METHODS: This systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022362414) included RCTs and prospective cohort studies. Primary outcomes were (1) onset of analgesia and (2) onset of stable hypoperfusion, assessed directly, or measured indirectly using perfusion imaging. Other data extracted include waiting strategies, means of outcome assessment, anaesthetic concentrations, volume/endpoint of infiltration, and injection sites. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Articles describing waiting strategies were critically appraised by the Joanna Briggs Institute tools. RESULTS: Twenty-four articles were analysed, comprising 1013 participants. Ten investigated analgesia onset. Their pooled mean was 2.1 min (range 0.4-9.0 min). This varied with anatomic site and targeted nerve diameter. Fourteen articles investigated onset of stable hypoperfusion. Four observed bleeding intraoperatively, finding the minimum time to hypoperfusion at 7.0 min in the eyelid skin and 25.0 min in the upper limb. The ten remaining studies used perfusion imaging, reporting a wide range of results (0.0-30.0 min) due to differences in anatomic sites and depth, resolution and artefacts. Studies using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging correlated with clinical observations. Thirteen articles discussed waiting strategies, seven relating to large-volume tumescent local infiltration anaesthesia. Different waiting strategies exist for emergency, arthroscopic and cosmetic surgeries, according to the degree of hypoperfusion required. In tumescent liposuction, waiting 10.0-60.0 min is the norm. CONCLUSION: Current literature suggests that around 2 min are required for most patients to achieve complete analgesia in all sites and with all anaesthesia concentrations. Waiting around 7 min in eyelids and at least 25 min in other regions results in optimal hypoperfusion. The strategies discussed inform decisions of when and how long to wait.

Pain Relief Durations of Different Concentrations of Lidocaine in Wide Awake Hand Surgery: A Prospective Randomised Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the minimal concentration of lidocaine to provide adequate analgesia in wide awake local anaesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) hand surgeries comparing 3 dilutions of tumescent lidocaine with epinephrine solution. STUDY DESIGN: A randomised control trial. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was held at the Plastic Surgery Department of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from September 2020 to March 2021. METHODOLOGY: Inclusion criteria were post-traumatic hand contractures and tendon and nerve injuries. The patients were randomised to 3 groups of 30 each: Group A (0.1% lidocaine), Group B (0.2% lidocaine), and Group C (0.3% lidocaine). The dilution of adrenaline also remained constant at 1:200,000. Pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale. The three groups were compared for demographics and the total duration of analgesia in minutes. RESULTS: All groups showed adequate pain relief during surgery with no cases requiring conversion to general anaesthesia. The highest total duration of analgesia was seen in the 0.3% group (805.3±195.2 minutes), followed by the 0.2% group (500.4±87.2 minutes) and 0.1% group (381.3±31.6 minutes) (p<0.05). No patient developed any signs of lidocaine toxicity. A low Lidocaine concentration of 0.1% was effective in providing analgesia during surgery though increasing the lidocaine concentration to 0.3% would result in greater post-operative analgesic time without increasing toxicity. CONCLUSION: Adequate analgesia was recorded with all 3 lidocaine concentrations. The greatest pain-free duration was however observed in the  0.3% lidocaine group. KEY WORDS: Wide awake local anaesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT), Lidocaine concentrations, Hand surgery, Analgesia, Adverse effects.

Comparing definitive unilateral cleft rhinoplasty with and without diced-cartilage alar-base augmentation: A retrospective cohort study.

This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the long-term aesthetic outcomes and satisfaction of patients who underwent two techniques of definitive unilateral cleft rhinoplasty. The two cohorts, comprising patients with mature unilateral cleft deformity, were managed with definitive rhinoplasty, either with or without diced-cartilage alar-base and peri-alar augmentation (ABPA). Thirty patients were included in each cohort. Anthropometric measurements, complications, patient satisfaction scores, and third-party surgeon assessment scores were reviewed. In both cohorts, anthropometric parameters improved. Rhinoplasty with ABPA was the superior cohort in terms of columellar length (10.3 ± 1.0 in the cohort with ABPA, compared with 7.9 ± 0.6 in the cohort without ABPA; p < 0.001), alar-base angle (0.2 ± 0.2, compared with 4.3 ± 0.3; p < 0.001), and columellar deviation (2.5 ± 1.4, compared with 10.3 ± 2.1; p < 0.001). This cohort also had more symmetry in nostril height and nostril width (p < 0.001), a lower recurrence rate (one case compared with 22 cases; p < 0.001), a higher patient satisfaction score (p = 0.002), and a higher surgeon assessment score (p < 0.001, Cronbach's alpha = 0.706, Kendall's coefficient of concordance = 0.787). Within the limitations of this study, it appears that the described technique for augmenting the alar-base and peri-alar maxillary area is manageable, and yields consistent long-term results.

Predicting Thermal Injury Patient Outcomes in a Tertiary-Care Burn Center, Pakistan.

INTRODUCTION: To explore candidate parameters for their ability to predict survival and length of hospital stay (LOS) in thermal burns patients, to prepare multivariate predictive models for these two outcomes, and to compare performance of native models to other models. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken based on record review. Data was extracted from files of patients admitted to a tertiary-care burn center in Lahore, Pakistan from January 1, 2020 to October 31, 2020. After univariate preselection, we prepared multivariate logistic regression models for each outcome of interest (survival and LOS). Multivariate models were tested and compared to other models. RESULTS: Increasing total body surface area (TBSA) of burn was associated with reduced survival and prolonged length of hospital stay. Advancing age and full-thickness burns independently predicted decreased survival. Burn etiology showed prognostic value: petrol-flame burns predicted decreased survival and prolonged LOS; scald was associated with improved survival-odds and shorter LOS. The Survival-model consisted of (1) Baux score, (2) TBSA>40% and (3) serum albumin <3.5 g/dL (AUC = 0.968, Nagelkerke R2 = 0.797). The LOS-model consisted of (1) TBSA2 and (2) serum albumin concentration (AUC = 0.832, Nagelkerke R2 = 0.408). In tests of discrimination and calibration, native models prepared for survival and LOS outperformed other models applicable to our dataset. CONCLUSIONS: Data from a South Asian burn center has been used to explore factors influencing prognosis for their utility in predictive models for survival and the duration of hospital stay. The significant prognostic roles of TBSA, age, inhalational injury, burn-depth, etiology of burn, anatomic site of burn, hypoalbuminemia, and other biochemical parameters were observed. These tools hold significance in guiding healthcare policy and in communications with patients and their families.

Exploiting the power of Gamification in Journal club.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of individual versus team competition gamification on trainees' engagement in journal club. METHODS: The quasi-experimental study was conducted at two tertiary care hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan, from December, 2019 to May, 2020, and comprised all plastic surgery residents in training years 3-5 who had attended non-gamified journal club sessions. They were divided into two groups. Initially, two journal club sessions were run in a gamified manner. Group 1had an individual competition whereas group 2 had a team competition. In the second phase, the group orientation was reversed. Engagement scores were measured using the student engagement survey tool at baseline, at the completion of the first part, and at end of the intervention. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the 44 participants, 23(52.3%) were in group 1 and 21(47.7%) in group 2. Overall, there were 27(61%) females and 17(39%) males. The mean age of the sample was 31±2 years. Gamification resulted in significant increase in the level of residents' engagement in journal club activities compared to the baseline scores(p<0.05). There was no significant inter-group difference in the post-intervention engagement scores (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Gamification designs used in the journal club activity increased student engagement level compared to the pre-intervention score, but gamification design was not a significant factor in this regard.

Primary Pharyngeal Flap With Palate Repair Improves Speech Outcome in Older Children and Adults: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Repair of cleft palate after 6 years of age is controversial in regard to the surgical procedure and the speech outcome. Primary repair alone may not be considered sufficient to achieve intelligible speech. The authors consider addition of pharyngeal flap at the time of primary repair to be a significant factor in improving speech. METHODS: Prospectively maintained data of all cleft palate patients operated from 2013 to 2017 (5 years) was analyzed to identify patients older than 6 years. Complete cleft palate, incomplete cleft palate, and cleft of the soft palate were further stratified according to different Randall types. They were divided into 2 main types: primary palate repair only and primary palate repair with pharyngeal flap. Speech was assessed preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively by Pittsburgh weighted speech scale. RESULTS: A total of 139 patients were analyzed. There were 78 males and 61 females. Their ages ranged from 6 to 60 years (mean age, 12.5 years). The overall preoperative speech score in palate repair-only group was 12.15, whereas the postoperative score was 7.32. In patients who underwent primary pharyngeal flap along with palate repair, the preoperative speech score was 11.3, and the postoperative score was 3.76. CONCLUSIONS: In select group of patients who report late for palate repair, addition of pharyngeal flap along with the primary palate repair improves the speech outcome in all Randall groups.

Adipose Tissue Grafting Improves Contour Deformities Related Hyperpigmentation of Face.

Contour deformities of face are commonly associated with overlying skin hyperpigmentation. Such hyperpigmentation causes aesthetic problems as well as makes contour deformities more prominent. Conventional surgical and cosmetic approaches to treat hyperpigmentation have limitations and therefore it is imperative to use other innovative techniques to simultaneously heal the contour deformity and also to remove hyperpigmentation. The current study aims to evaluate the effect of autologous adipose tissue in improving contour deformities related hyperpigmentation of face. One hundred patients with contour deformities related hyper-pigmentation of overlying skin were enrolled from February 2017 to January 2018. Adipose tissue was harvested from each patient and processed under sterilized conditions. Purified fat collected in a 10cc Luer-Lok syringe was transferred to 1cc syringes and injected into affected areas of face. The patients were followed for 12 months after adipose tissue injections. Both subjective and objective assessment was performed before treatment and 12 months after adipose tissue injections. Results indicated that after adipose tissue grafting, there was a statistically significant improvement in hyperpigmentation of skin. Most of the patients were highly satisfied after use of adipose tissue injections. Image J scanning also showed significant changes in hyperpigmentation of face after adipose tissue use. In all parameters, the patient exhibited statistically significant improvement. In conclusion, autologous fat grafting is a promising and effective therapeutic approach for hyperpigmentation associated with contour deformities of face.

Developing affordable and accessible pro-angiogenic wound dressings; incorporation of 2 deoxy D-ribose (2dDR) into cotton fibres and wax-coated cotton fibres.

The absorption capacity of cotton dressings is a critical factor in their widespread use where they help absorb wound exudate. Cotton wax dressings, in contrast, are used for wounds where care is taken to avoid adhesion of dressings to sensitive wounds such as burn injuries. Accordingly, we explored the loading of 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR), a small sugar, which stimulates angiogenesis and wound healing in normal and diabetic rats, into both types of dressings and measured the release of it over several days. The results showed that approximately 90% of 2dDR was released between 3 and 5 days when loaded into cotton dressings. For wax-coated cotton dressings, several methods of loading of 2dDR were explored. A strategy similar to the commercial wax coating methodology was found the best protocol which provided a sustained release over 5 days. Cytotoxicity analysis of 2dDR loaded cotton dressing showed that the dressing stimulated metabolic activity of fibroblasts over 7 days confirming the non-toxic nature of this sugar-loaded dressings. The results of the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay demonstrated a strong angiogenic response to both 2dDR loaded cotton dressing and to 2dDR loaded cotton wax dressings. Both dressings were found to increase the number of newly formed blood vessels significantly when observed macroscopically and histologically. We conclude this study offers a simple approach to developing affordable wound dressings as both have the potential to be evaluated as pro-active dressings to stimulate wound healing in wounds where management of exudate or prevention of adherence to the wounds are clinical requirements.

Motor cycle spoke wheel injuries in children: A preventable accident.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of motorcycle-induced spoke wheel injury is on the rise in our set up. These injuries range from minor soft tissue laceration to extensive crush injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the mechanism, characteristics, incidence and management of wheel spoke injuries. METHODS: Data of all children admitted to Pediatric Surgery Emergency from January 2014 to December 2017, presenting with wheel spoke injuries were analyzed. Incidence, mechanism and characteristics of injury, along with management plan, were noted. The outcomes were assessed by evaluating patients in follow up. RESULTS: Total study patients were 120, with an incidence of 21.7%. Mean age was 8.03±2.28 years. There were 101male patients and nine female patients. All patients were passengers and were sitting astride. Most of the patients were wearing shoes, and hindfoot area of the right foot was mainly involved. Grade 2 injury was seen in 55 (45.8%) and Grade 3 in 55 (45.8%) patients. Flap was needed in 27(22.5%) patients. All patients were mobile at the time of the follow-up. CONCLUSION: We noted the rising incidence of entrapment injuries; however, we had a satisfactory outcome in our patients using different management techniques. We recommend the implementation of safety protocols to avoid such catastrophic injuries.

Unfiltered Nanofat Injections Rejuvenate Postburn Scars of Face.

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of postburn facial scars before and after injection of unfiltered nanofat. The study was performed in the Plastic Surgery Department of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from January 2015 to December 2016. Forty-eight patients with postburn facial scars were included; age range was 4 to 32 years with Fitzpatrick skin types between 3 and 4. Patients with hypertrophic scars, contractures, or keloids were excluded. Scars were assessed by a senior plastic surgeon and the patient on the POSAS (Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale). Fat was harvested from the abdomen and/or thighs with a 3-mm multiport liposuction cannula (containing several sharp side holes of 1 mm) using Coleman technique. The harvested fat was emulsified and transferred into 1-mL Luer-Lock syringes for injection into the subdermal or intradermal plane. Final follow-up was scheduled at 6 months, and scar was rated by the patient and the same surgeon on the POSAS. Preoperative and postoperative scar scores were compared, and P values were calculated. Results indicated that after nanofat grafting, there was a statistically significant improvement in scar quality. The most significant improvements on the observer scale were seen in pigmentation and pliability (P < 0.0001). Thickness and relief were the least improved variables (P = of 0.785 and 0.99, respectively). ImageJ scanning also showed pigmentation change (P = 0.076). A statistically significant improvement was seen in all parameters of the patient section of the POSAS (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, unfiltered nanofat grafting seems to be a promising and effective therapeutic approach in postburn facial scars, showing significant improvement in scar quality. The trial was registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov with following ID NCT03352297.

Comparative study of conventional and topical heparin treatment in second degree burn patients for burn analgesia and wound healing.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical outcome of topical conventional with topical heparin treatment in 2nd degree or partial thickness (PTB) burn patients. METHODS: Patients, between the ages of 14 and 60 years with 2nd degree burns involving <20%. Total body surface area (TBSA) on front of chest, abdomen and upper limbs excluding hands and lower limbs were enrolled from September 2015 to August 2016. Patients were randomized to conventional or heparin treatment groups. Clinical outcome measured were healed wound size, pain scores and total consumption of analgesic medication required to relieve pain. Safety of the treatment and adverse events were also measured RESULTS: Out of 66 patient included in study mean (SD) age of participants was 27 (10) years, of which 59% were males. Mean (SD) TBSA burn was 14% (3) [23 (35%) had SPTB, and 43 (65%) had DPTB]. The burn injury was caused by flames in 68% and by hot liquids in 32% patients. There was no statistically significant difference in distribution of patients according to age, gender, TBSA burn, etiology or depth of burns in the two treatment groups. As compared to conventional treatment group, heparin treatment group had significantly better outcomes. Number of days needed for wound healing was significantly lower in the heparin group than the conventional group (SPTB 14±1 vs. 20±4 days; P-value <0.000 and for DPTB, 15±3 vs. 19±2 days; P-value <0.003). Mean pain score was also lower in the heparin group (for both SPTB and DPTB 3±1 vs. 7±1; P-value <0.000). Similarly, total consumption of analgesic medication was significantly less in the heparin group (53±27 vs. 119±15mg; P-value <0.000 for SPTB and 46±6 vs. 126±12mg; P-value <0.000 for DPTB). In both groups, no patient had wound infection, skin necrosis, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, worsening renal function, or abnormal liver enzymes CONCLUSION: Treatment of second degree or partial thickness burns (PTB) with topical heparin is superior to conventional treatment in terms of wound healing as well as for pain control. The treatment with topical heparin is well-tolerated and is without higher adverse effects.

Outcomes of post burn flexion contracture release under tourniquet versus tumescent technique in children.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical outcomes of release of flexion contractures after burn of the hand in children using tourniquet or tumescent technique in terms of operative time, postoperative pain score, and percentage of graft take. METHODS: Patients aged 3 to 12 years who required release of post-burn flexion contractures involving volar aspect of palm and fingers were enrolled from outpatient clinic. Patients were randomized in 1:1 ratio to the use of either tumescent technique or tourniquet during contracture release. Duration of procedure, postoperative pain score, percentage of graft take, and any complications were assessed and analyzed in both groups by a blinded observer. RESULTS: Of the 160 patients randomized in the study (80 in each group), 84 (52.5%) were males. The mean±SD age of participants was 7.84±3.49 years, with no statistically significant difference in gender and age distribution between the groups. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference in duration of surgery in both groups. However, there was a statistically significant difference in percentage of graft take at the 14th postoperative day; significantly more graft take was noted in the tumescent group (8.97±3.7cm vs. 7.26±2.6cm; P=0.001). Mean analgesia consumed in the tumescent group was significantly less than that of the tourniquet group (6.26±1.9mg vs. 9.41±2.2mg; P≤0.001). Similarly, statistically significant difference in the mean FLACC pain score was noted, with remarkably low pain score in the tumescent group. CONCLUSION: We found that the use of the tumescent technique for the release of flexion contracture resulted in better graft take, lower pain scores, and lesser consumption of analgesic than the use of tourniquet.

Outcome of Conventional Adipose Tissue Grafting for Contour Deformities of Face and Role of Ex Vivo Expanded Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells in Treatment of Such Deformities.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcomes of conventional fat grafting for facial contour deformities and to describe clinical outcome of a patient with contour deformity of face treated with ex vivo expanded adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) enriched fat graft. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Department of Plastic Surgery and Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, from September 2015 to September 2017. METHODS: Patients with contour deformities of face requiring soft tissue augmentation were included. Fat was harvested, processed, and injected following a standard protocol. Both subjective and objective assessments were performed and complications were also noted. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients underwent 51 fat-grafting sessions over a period of 24 months. Eighteen (72%) patients underwent multiple fat-grafting sessions. Mean (standard deviation) soft tissue thickness after 72 hours and 6 months of first fat graft session was 18.62 (7.2) and 12.88 (6.21) mm, respectively, which corresponds to 30.77 (13)% reduction of transplanted fat. Physician and patient assessment scores were 3.42 (0.92) and 4 (1.04), respectively. Few minor complications were observed. In the patient undergoing ex vivo expanded ASCs enriched fat graft, there was minimal decrease in soft tissue thickness of treated area (44 mm vs 42 mm) 6 months postoperatively and patient was highly satisfied with the outcome after the single session. CONCLUSION: Conventional fat grafting is safe for correction of facial contour deformities. However, procedure needs to be repeated multiple times to produce satisfactory results. Beneficial effects of ex vivo expanded ASCs enriched fat grafting have a potential to alter the current treatment paradigm of fat grafting for soft tissue reconstruction.

Traumatic Wounds of the Upper Extremity: Coverage Strategies.

Soft tissue coverage of traumatic wounds of the upper extremity is often required to restore adequate function and form. An optimal coverage should be stable, durable, and able to withstand heavy demands of work, should allow free joint mobility, and should have an aesthetically acceptable appearance. Reconstructive options for coverage include autologous tissue and dermal skin substitutes. Multiple factors, including wound characteristics and complexity, general condition of the patient, and surgeon comfort and expertise, help in selection of the reconstructive technique. This article summarizes commonly used soft tissue reconstructive options for traumatic wounds of the upper extremity.

Comparison of Laser Doppler Imaging (LDI) and clinical assessment in differentiating between superficial and deep partial thickness burn wounds.

PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION/STUDY: To compare the accuracy of Laser Doppler Imaging (LDI) and clinical assessment in differentiating between superficial and deep partial thickness burns to decide whether early tangential excision and grafting or conservative management should be employed to optimize burn and patient management. STUDY PERIOD: March 2015 to November 2016. METHODS/PROCEDURE DETAILS: Ninety two wounds in 34 patients reporting within 5days of less than 40% burn surface area were included. Unstable patients, pregnant females and those who expired were excluded. The wounds were clinically assessed and LDI done concomitantly Plastic Surgeons blinded to each other's findings. Wound appearance, color, blanching, pain, hair follicle dislodgement were the clinical parameters that distinguished between superficial and deep partial thickness burns. On day 21, the wounds were again assessed for the presence of healing by the same plastic surgeons. The findings were correlated with the initial findings on LDI and clinical assessment and the results statistically analyzed. RESULTS/OUTCOME: The data of 92 burn wounds was analyzed using SPSS (ver. 17). Clinical assessment correctly identified the depth of 75 and LDI 83 wounds, giving diagnostic accuracies of 81.52% and 90.21% respectively. The sensitivity of clinical assessment was 81% and of LDI 92.75%, whereas the specificity was 82% for both. The positive predictive value was 93% for clinical assessment and 94% for LDI while the negative predictive value was 59% and 79% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Predictive accuracy of LDI was found to be better than clinical assessment in the prediction of wound healing, the gold standard for wound healing being 21 days. As such it can prove to be a reliable and viable cost effective alternative per se to clinical assessment.

A Modified Suction-Assisted Technique of Transfer of Diced Cartilage Graft to Carrier Material and Outcome of Direct Injection of Unwrapped Diced Cartilage in Rhinoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a modified suction-assisted technique (MSAT) of transfer of diced cartilage (DC) graft to a carrier material and to determine the clinical outcome of direct injection of unwrapped diced cartilage (UDC) in rhinoplasty. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Plastic Surgery, KEMU, Mayo Hospital, Lahore from February 2011 to January 2015 METHODS:: Forty-seven patients of both genders with types 0 to 3 saddle nose deformity were included. Patients with types 4 and 5 saddle nose deformity, diabetes, hypertension, hepatic or renal disorders were excluded. Open tip rhinoplasty was performed in all patients. Eighth and/or ninth costal cartilage was harvested. Cartilage graft was diced into 1 to 2 mm pieces. The DC graft was transferred to carrier material (1-mL syringe) with MSAT. The UDC was then injected into nose and clinical outcome was determined. RESULTS: Out of 47 patients included in the study 62% were females with mean (standard deviation [SD]) age 22 (4) years. Thirty-four (72%) procedures were primary rhinoplasties while 13 (28%) were secondary rhinoplasties. Mean (SD) carrier material filling time was 12±3 seconds. All operating surgeons involved in study were satisfied with modified suction technique and declared it better than the traditional manual technique of filling the carrier material. Most of the patients were satisfied with their postoperative nasal appearance and complications were minimal. One patient required revision of surgery due to dorsal contour irregularities and another due to partial cartilage absorption at 13 ±â€Š2 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our MSAT of transfer of DC and injection of UDC is simple, easy to perform, reduces operative time and produces acceptable cosmetic outcome as regard patient's satisfaction.