Advances in the assessment of cosmetic outcomes, sensory alteration in surgical areas, and health-related quality of life of endoscopic thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic thyroidectomy has been preliminarily proven effective and safe for thyroid diseases. The cosmetic outcomes and life quality are critical contents of postoperative assessment. This review will primarily focus on the assessment methods and results related to cosmetic outcomes, sensory alteration of surgical area, and quality of life following endoscopic thyroidectomy. METHODS: A comprehensive search of published articles within the last decade was conducted using the terms "endoscopic/robotic thyroidectomy," "patient satisfaction scores," "questionnaire," "quality of life," and "cosmetic" in PubMed. RESULTS: Assessment methods for postoperative cosmetic satisfaction and sensory alterations encompassed verbal/visual analog scales, scar evaluations, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament tests, and more. The evaluation of postoperative quality of life in endoscopic thyroidectomy involved tools such as SF-36, SF-12, thyroid-specific questionnaires, thyroid cancer-specific quality of life questionnaires (THYCA-QOL), as well as assessments related to voice and swallow function. The cosmetic results of endoscopic thyroidectomy generally surpassed those of open thyroidectomy, while the quality of life in endoscopic procedures was either superior or equivalent to that in open thyroidectomy, especially with respect to general health, role emotion, and vitality. CONCLUSIONS: Assessments of cosmetic outcomes and sensory alterations following endoscopic thyroidectomy predominantly relied on patients' subjective feelings. The objective and subjective perspectives of scar assessments remain underutilized. In addition, postoperative laryngoscopy and voice function assessments in endoscopic thyroidectomy procedures require more attention.

Dermatological surgery: an update on suture materials and techniques. Part 2.

This is the second part of a two-part series summarizing the latest evidence related to suture materials and wound closure techniques in dermatological surgery. We critically appraised evidence focusing on the following consequences of suture choice: scar/cosmesis, pain, patient satisfaction, cost, infection and wound complications. We searched the databases MEDLINE, PubMed and Embase using the keywords 'skin surgery', 'dermatological surgery', 'sutures', 'braided sutures', 'monofilament sutures' and 'antibacterial sutures' to identify relevant English-language articles. This part of the review assesses the evidence for different types of buried sutures, including braided vs. monofilament sutures, longer-absorbing sutures and antibacterial sutures. The majority of trials were noted to be of poor quality, single-centre (thus lacking external validity) and underpowered, which presents challenges in comparing suture techniques in skin surgery. Future large-scale, multicentre, randomized trials are needed, with both surgeon and patient-assessed validated outcomes.

Dermatological surgery: an update on suture materials and techniques. Part 1.

Significant variation exists in the surgical suture materials and techniques used for dermatological surgery. Many wound-closure techniques are now practised, including use of sutures, staples and topical adhesives. The focus of our review article is to summarize the latest evidence relating to suture materials and wound-closure techniques, considering the following areas: scar/cosmesis, pain, patient satisfaction, cost, infection and wound complications. We searched the databases Medline, PubMed and Embase using the keywords 'skin surgery', 'dermatologic surgery', 'sutures', 'suture techniques', 'suturing techniques' and 'surgical techniques' to identify relevant English-language articles. Absorbable superficial sutures may be a preferred alternative to nonabsorbable sutures by both patients and surgeons. Subcuticular sutures may be preferable to simple interrupted sutures for superficial wound closure, and there may also be a role for skin staples in dermatological surgery, particularly on the scalp. However, there remains limited evidence specific to dermatological surgery supporting the use of particular suture materials and suturing techniques. Further high-quality research is required, including multicentre randomized trials with larger cohorts.

A Novel Absorbable Stapler Provides Patient-Reported Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness Noninferior to Subcuticular Skin Closure: A Prospective, Single-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Deep dermal suturing is critical for scar quality outcomes. The authors evaluated a new, fast medical device for dermal suturing, with the hypothesis of noninferiority with regard to clinical scar and cost-effectiveness. METHODS: A prospective, patient-blind, randomized, multicenter noninferiority study in 26 French hospitals was conducted. Patients were randomized 1:1 to suturing with conventional thread or a semiautomatic stapler. The Patient Scar Assessment Scale was rated at 3 months for primary endpoint effectiveness. Secondary endpoints were cost-effectiveness of the two suturing methods, prevalence of complications, suturing/operating time, Observer Scar Assessment Scale and Patient Scar Assessment Scale score, scar aesthetic quality 18 months after surgery, and occupational exposure to blood during surgery. RESULTS: Six hundred sixty-four patients were enrolled, 660 were randomized, and 649 constituted the full analysis (stapler arm, n = 324; needle arm, n = 325). Primary endpoint Patient Scar Assessment Scale score in the stapler arm was not inferior to that in the needle arm at 3 months or after 18 months. The mean operating time was 180 minutes in the stapler arm and 179 minutes in the needle arm (p = not significant). The mean suturing time was significantly lower in the stapler arm (p < 0.001). There were seven occupational exposures to blood in the needle arm and one in the stapler arm. The two arms did not differ significantly in terms of complications (p = 0.41). The additional cost of using the device was &OV0556;51.57 for the complete-case population. CONCLUSION: Wound healing outcome was no worse than with conventional suturing using a semiautomatic stapler and associated with less occupational exposure to blood. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, I.

A Prospective Randomized Control Study Comparing the Effects of Dermal Staples and Intradermal Sutures on Postoperative Scarring After Thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: We compared cosmetic outcomes, pain intensity, and costs between dermal stapling and intradermal suturing in patients who underwent thyroidectomy through cervical incision. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 40 patients were randomly assigned to undergo thyroidectomy through a low cervical incision and dermal closure using either absorbable staples (n = 20, staple group) or interrupted intradermal sutures (n = 20, suture group). Wound complications, cosmetic outcomes (modified Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale [SBSES] and Manchester Scar Scale [MSS]), and pain intensity (visual analog scale) were assessed at 1, 4, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. The difference in total "wound-closure cost" between the two groups was also analyzed. RESULTS: There were no wound-related complications and no significant differences in SBSES or MSS scores between the two groups (P = 0.609 and P = 0.141, respectively). However, the staple group had significantly higher SBSES scores, compared to the suture group, at 24 wk postoperatively (4.06 ± 0.94 versus 3.26 ± 1.24; P = 0.030, respectively); MSS scores were significantly lower in the staple group than in the suture group at 24 wk postoperatively (6.72 ± 1.27 versus 8.16 ± 2.17, respectively; P = 0.028). Visual analog scale scores were significantly lower in the suture group than in the staple group (P = 0.038). The total wound-closure cost was significantly higher in the staple group than in the suture group (137.10 ± 8.39 versus 81.79 ± 19.95 USD; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: When dermal staples were used, wound complications were absent and long-term cosmetic outcomes were superior; however, pain intensity was higher and the cost was greater, although healing was significantly more rapid, compared to intradermal sutures. Closure using absorbable dermal staples may be safe and effective for cervical incisions during thyroid surgery. Further studies with larger number of participants are needed to confirm our findings.

Baseline Characteristics from UNITE: An Observational, International, Multicentre Registry to Evaluate Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Acne Inversa) in Clinical Practice.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa, is a recurring, painful, chronic, and sometimes disfiguring inflammatory skin disease. OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to report the baseline clinical characteristics, natural history, and associated outcomes of patients with HS from the ongoing, prospective, non-interventional UNITE registry that is collecting data regarding the natural history and associated outcomes of HS. METHODS: Patients with inflammatory HS lesions were enrolled, including adolescents (aged 12 to < 18 years) and adults (aged ≥ 18 years). None had participated in previous or current originator-adalimumab studies/registries. Patients received treatment consistent with site-specific, routine clinical practice. HS disease status was assessed by HS lesions and disease flare; treatment and outcomes data were collected at enrolment and every 6 months for ≤ 4 years. RESULTS: Enrolment (N = 594; 89.1% adults; 10.9% adolescents) occurred from 29 October 2013 to 29 December 2015 at 73 sites in 12 countries. At baseline, the majority were female (69.7%) and White (81.2%), had moderate-to-severe disease (Hurley stage II or III; 93.3%), and had undergone prior procedures/surgery for HS (68.7%). In total, 61.6% of adults and 49.2% of adolescents were obese; 40.2% of patients reported current tobacco use. Scarring due to lesions occurred in 91.2% of patients. The prevalence of comorbidities of interest was as follows: depression (13.3%), other psychiatric disorders (9.6%), inflammatory bowel disease (2.7%), diabetes (9.1%), and polycystic ovary syndrome (5.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In this population from the UNITE HS registry, obesity and smoking were common, and disease burden was high, manifesting as multiple lesions, scarring, surgical history, and considerable comorbidities.

Assessment the Effect of Dexamethasone on Urinary Cytokines and Renal Scar in Children with Acute Pyelonephritis.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most serious complications of acute febrilepyelonephritis in children is the development of renal scar. Thisstudy aimed to investigate the effect of dexamethasone on urinarycytokine levels and renal scar in children with acute pyelonephritis. METHODS: In a double-blind randomized clinical trial, 60 childrenaged 3 months to 12 years with acute febrile pyelonephritis enrolled.The experimental group was treated with a combination of antibioticand dexamethasone, and the control group underwent treatmentwith antibiotic and placebo. The urinary levels of interleukin -6(UIL-6) and -8 (UIL-8) were measured before treatment as baselineand were repeated four days later. RESULTS: 52 cases (23 patients with mean age of 34.19 ± 30.82 monthsin the dexamethasone group, and 29 patients with mean age of50.55 ± 44.41 months in the control group) completed the study. Inthe control group, the UIL-6 and UIL-8 level became significantlylower after four days treatment (P < .05). In the dexamethasonegroup, there was a statistically significant difference between bothUIL-6 and UIL-8 levels before and after treatment (P < .05). Inpatients who had scar on DMSA scan, the mean UIL-8 and UIL-6levels were significantly high before and after treatment. CONCLUSION: Results of this study showed that dexamethasone plusantibiotic have no clear superiority to antibiotic therapy alone indecreasing inflammatory cytokines and scar formation. We foundout that patients with scar had sustained high levels of biomarkersbefore and after treatment.

[ASSESSMENT OF COMBINED PROPHYLAXIS OF PATHOLOGICAL POSTOPERATIVE FACE SKIN SCARS ACCORDING TO THE VANCOUVER SCALE].

The aim of the research was to study the effectiveness of combined prophylaxis of pathological postoperative face skin scars according to the Vancouver scale. The research involved 29 patients, aging 16-48 years old, who underwent maxillofacial surgery by extraoral accesses with wound primary intention healing. The patients were divided into three groups: the control group, which involved the patients, who after the surgery did not undergo any preventive measures to avoid pathological skin scars development, and two study groups. The patients of the first study group underwent the monotherapy comprising three sessions of extracorporeal shock wave therapy once every 4-5 days. The patients of the second study group underwent three sessions of extracorporeal shock wave therapy once every 4-5 days and local use of silicone gel Strataderm. The Vancouver scale was used to evaluate clinically the effectiveness of the suggested methods of pathological scars development prevention. It involved evaluation (in points) of their consistency, pigmentation, and vascularization. The scars were assessed on the 7th, 30th day after the surgery and in 6 months. Positive results were attained in the patients of both study groups; they were manifested by increased elasticity and compliance of scars, pigmentation becoming of just about surrounding skin natural color, normalization of blood supply to scars, and more rapid disappearance of suture marks. However, these positive signs were more significant in the patients of the second study group that allowed us concluding that combined use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and local applying of silicone gel Strataderm was advisable.

Systematic review of fibrin glue in burn wound reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: In the reconstruction of burns using split-skin grafts (SSGs), fibrin glue can be used to improve graft take and reduce haematoma formation, although the efficacy and cost-effectiveness are unknown. This systematic review evaluated outcomes of fibrin glue compared with conventional SSG attachment techniques. Outcomes of interest included SSG take, haematoma formation, patient satisfaction and cost-effectiveness. METHODS: This PROSPERO-registered review was performed in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and PRISMA statement. Embase, PubMed, Cochrane and ClinicalTrial.gov databases were searched systematically. Observational and experimental studies comparing fibrin glue with other methods of SSG attachment in burn wounds were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias and Risk of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies - of Intervention tools. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE tool. RESULTS: Two RCTs and four observational studies were included. Graft take at day 5 was not significantly different between groups (3 studies, 183 individuals). Fibrin glue significantly reduced the risk of postoperative haematoma in two studies and reduced patient-reported pain in two studies, with suggested cost savings in four studies. All studies were at risk of methodological bias and the quality of the evidence was universally very low. CONCLUSION: As the evidence is sparse, the quality very low and the risk of bias significant both within and across studies, it is not possible to make any recommendations regarding the use of fibrin glue in burn wounds.

ReCell® Spray-On Skin System for Treating Skin Loss, Scarring and Depigmentation after Burn Injury: A NICE Medical Technology Guidance.

The gold standard treatment for deep burns is an autologous skin graft; in larger burns this may be meshed to increase the area covered. However, long-term aesthetic and functional outcomes of graft scars may be poor. ReCell® is a medical device that processes skin samples in the operating theatre into a cell suspension to be sprayed or dripped onto a wound. It is claimed to improve healing and scar appearance. This device was evaluated by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Medical Technologies Evaluation Programme. Two groups were defined: ReCell compared to conventional dressings in shallower burns, and meshed grafts plus ReCell compared to meshed grafts alone in larger deeper burns. The manufacturer's clinical evidence submission included three papers and eight conference abstracts. The External Assessment Centre (EAC) excluded two of these and added seven abstracts. In general, the evidence did not fit the defined groups, but suggested that ReCell was clinically comparable to skin grafts for partial thickness burns; however, ReCell is not used in this way in the UK. The manufacturer submitted an economic model in which ReCell treatment of partial thickness burns reduced the requirement for later skin grafts. This indicated that ReCell alone was cost saving in comparison to conventional dressings. The EAC indicated that this model was clinically inappropriate, but data were not available to populate a new model. NICE Medical Technologies Guidance 21 recommended that additional research was needed to address the uncertainties regarding the potential benefits of ReCell.

Orbicularis-Tarsus Fixation Approach in Double-Eyelid Blepharoplasty: A Modification of Park's Technique.

BACKGROUND: Incisional double-eyelid blepharoplasty is widely applied because of its extensive indications and robust results. The orbicularis-levator fixation method is an incisional approach that provides stronger adhesion than traditional techniques. However, there remains the risk of postoperative relapse or suture spitting out. METHODS: The authors introduced a modified technique for supratarsal crease formation. When necessary soft tissue removal was completed, the orbicularis oculi muscle was anchored on the tarsus. Then the muscle edges near canthus were reattached to prevent muscle retraction. For skin closure, the skin-pretarsal fascia-skin maneuver was adopted to enhance cicatricial adhesion. RESULTS: Six hundred and fifty-nine patients underwent double eyelidplasty by the same surgeon using this modified technique. Patients were followed up from 2 to 38 months, with a mean period of 15 months. Short-term complications included mild edema, bruising or reddish change of the upper eyelid, yet all gradually relieved in 6-8 weeks. Fourteen cases of palpebral fold asymmetry and nine cases of unsatisfactory fold formation near the inner canthus were encountered, and all the defects had been well improved by revision surgeries. Ninety-five percent of the patients were satisfied with the long-term outcomes, which showed as natural and well-defined palpebral folds without scar hypertrophy, suture spitting out or crease depression. Besides, no supratarsal crease drooping or disappearing was observed 3 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The authors introduced an orbicularis-tarsus fixation method for upper eyelid blepharoplasty. It is a reliable technique that enables high feasibility and long-lasting result, and with lower risk of suture spitting out. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Pressure garment to prevent abnormal scarring after burn injury in adults and children: the PEGASUS feasibility RCT and mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Eleven million people suffer a fire-related injury worldwide every year, and 71% have significant scarring. Pressure garment therapy (PGT) is a standard part of burn scar management, but there is little evidence of its clinical effectiveness or cost-effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: To identify the barriers to, and the facilitators of, conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of burn scar management with and without PGT and test whether or not such a trial is feasible. DESIGN: Web-based surveys, semistructured individual interviews, a pilot RCT including a health economic evaluation and embedded process evaluation. SETTING: UK NHS burns services. Interviews and the pilot trial were run in seven burns services. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty NHS burns services and 245 staff provided survey responses and 15 staff participated in individual interviews. Face-to-face interviews were held with 24 adult patients and 16 parents of paediatric patients who had undergone PGT. The pilot trial recruited 88 participants (57 adults and 31 children) who were at risk of hypertrophic scarring and were considered suitable for scar management therapy. Interviews were held with 34 participants soon after recruitment, with 23 participants at 12 months and with eight staff from six sites at the end of the trial. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention was standard care with pressure garments. The control was standard care comprising scar management techniques involving demonstration and recommendations to undertake massage three or four times per day with moisturiser, silicone treatment, stretching and other exercises. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Feasibility was assessed by eligibility rates, consent rates, retention in allocated arms, adherence with treatment and follow-up and completion of outcome assessments. The outcomes from interview-based studies were core outcome domains and barriers to, and facilitators of, trial participation and delivery. RESULTS: NHS burns services treat 2845 patients per annum (1476 paediatric and 1369 adult) and use pressure garments for 6-18 months, costing £2,171,184. The majority of staff perceived a need for a RCT of PGT, but often lacked equipoise around the research question and PGT as a treatment. Strong views about the use of PGT have the potential to influence the conduct of a full-scale RCT. A range of outcome domains was identified as important via the qualitative research: perceptions of appearance, specific scar characteristics, function, pain and itch, broader psychosocial outcomes and treatment burden. The outcome tools evaluated in the pilot trial did not cover all of these domains. The planned 88 participants were recruited: the eligibility rate was 88% [95% confidence interval (CI) 83% to 92%], the consent rate was 47% (95% CI 40% to 55%). Five (6%) participants withdrew, 14 (16%) were lost to follow-up and 8 (9%) crossed over. Adherence was as in clinical practice. Completion of outcomes was high for adult patients but poorer from parents of paediatric patients, particularly for quality of life. Sections on range of movement and willingness to pay were found to be challenging and poorly completed. LIMITATIONS: The Brisbane Burn Scar Impact Profile appears more suitable in terms of conceptual coverage than the outcome scales that were used in the trial but was not available at the time of the study. CONCLUSIONS: A definitive RCT of PGT in burn scar management appears feasible. However, staff attitudes to the use of pressure garments may lead to biases, and the provision of training and support to sites and an ongoing assessment of trial processes are required. FUTURE WORK: We recommend that any future trial include an in-depth mixed-methods recruitment investigation and a process evaluation to account for this. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN34483199. FUNDING: This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 22, No. 36. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Outcomes important to burns patients during scar management and how they compare to the concepts captured in burn-specific patient reported outcome measures.

BACKGROUND: Pressure garment therapy (PGT) is an established treatment for the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scarring; however, there is limited evidence for its effectiveness. Burn survivors often experience multiple issues many of which are not adequately captured in current PGT trial measures. To assess the effectiveness of PGT it is important to understand what outcomes matter to patients and to consider whether patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can be used to ascertain the effect of treatments on patients' health-related quality of life. This study aimed to (a) understand the priorities and perspectives of adult burns patients and the parents of burns patients who have experienced PGT via in-depth qualitative data, and (b) compare these with the concepts captured within burn-specific PROMs. METHODS: We undertook 40 semi-structured interviews with adults and parents of paediatric and adolescent burns patients who had experienced PGT to explore their priorities and perspectives on scar management. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. The outcomes interpreted within the interview data were then mapped against the concepts captured within burn-specific PROMs currently in the literature. RESULTS: Eight core outcome domains were identified as important to adult patients and parents: (1) scar characteristics and appearance, (2) movement and function, (3) scar sensation, (4) psychological distress, adjustments and a sense of normality, (5) body image and confidence, (6) engagement in activities, (7) impact on relationships, and (8) treatment burden. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome domains presented reflect a complex holistic patient experience of scar management and treatments such as PGT. Some currently available PROMs do capture the concepts described here, although none assess psychological adjustments and attainment of a sense of normality following burn injury. The routine use of PROMs that represent patient experience and their relative contribution to trial outcome assessment versus clinical measures is now a matter for further research and debate.

In vitro skin expansion: Wound healing assessment.

For treatments requiring split-thickness skin grafts, it is preferable to mesh the grafts. This reduces the amount of excised skin and covers more wound area. The mesh technique, however, destroys surface continuity, which results in scarring. Strain-based bioreactors, on the other hand, have successfully expanded split-thickness skin grafts in vitro within a 7-day period, increasing graft coverage. After in vitro expansion, the expanded skin grafts were tested in a porcine full-thickness excisional wound model. Expanded graft take rate was 100%. Volumetric, histologic, and mechanical assessments indicated that expanded grafts were comparable to unexpanded grafts (positive control). While there was considerable variation in expansion (31% to -3.1%), this technique has the potential to enhance the coverage area of skin grafts while reducing or eliminating scarring.

Robot-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site versus mini-laparoscopic pyeloplasty: a comparison of perioperative, functional and cosmetic results.

BACKGROUND: New approaches have been developed to further reduce the invasiveness of laparoscopic pyeloplasty (P) as treatment for uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). Aim of the study was to compare perioperative, functional and cosmetic results of mini-laparoscopic (mL-P) versus robot-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site P (rLESS-P). METHODS: Since April 2009 to June 2010, 12 adult patients with primary UPJO, BMI<25 and no previous abdominal surgeries were enrolled undergoing mLP (3-mm instruments only). With the same indications since February 2012 to October 2013, 15 patients underwent rLESS-P with "single site"® platform (Intuitive Surgery Inc, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). Success of surgeries was determined by clinical parameters and renal scan (success if T 1/2<20 min) at 12 months postoperatively. Demographics and perioperative results were analyzed. Cosmetic results were assessed by using the Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ). RESULTS: Groups were comparable at baseline. No differences were found in perioperative variables except for a longer operative time in rLESS-P group (128 vs. 190, P<0.001). Postoperative complications rate, analgesic consumption, pain visual analogue scale scores, hospital stay and success rate of surgeries were not significantly different between the groups. PSAQ revealed that in both the groups patients were satisfied with the cosmetic result. At one-year follow-up no recurrences were observed. Semiquantitative analysis of costs revealed an extra-cost for rLESS-P of € 3410 per procedure. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, both mLP and rLESS-P appeared to be feasible and safe in the treatment of UPJO and allowed for excellent cosmetic results. r-LESS required longer operative times and higher costs.

[Experience in transumbilical endoscopic surgery diagnosis for 3 cases of pseudomyxoma peritonei].

Three patients of pseudomyxoma peritonei who were diagnozed by transumbilical endoscopic surgery (TUES) were reviewed retrospectively from September 2014 to November 2014. Three cases of ascites patients underwent TUES were diagnozed as pseudomyxoma peritonei. All operations were successful. No open surgery or laparoscopic surgery was required. The mean operative time was (45±16) min; the mean intraoperative blood loss was 510 mL; the mean hospital stay time was 3 days. During the follow up of 911 months, no obvious scar was observed. Cosmetic results appear to be excellent. All patients were treated with intraperitoneal hyperthermia and chemotherapy. The survival rate was 100%. As a novel scarless endoscopic invasive abdominal surgery, TUES has high clinical value with the advantages such as small trauma, no scars, small risk and low cost in the diagnosis of unexplained ascites.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for wound care. / Oxigenoterapia hiperbárica para tratamento de feridas.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the most common types of wounds indicated for hyperbaric oxygen therapy and the results. METHOD: Cross-sectional study at a Hyperbaric Centre in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The medical records of 200 patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen were reviewed from January to November 2013. The variables of the persons, clinical, indications, number of sessions and wound care were analysed by means of descriptive statistics and the chi-square test of association incorporating Yates's correction with a level of 5%. RESULTS: The wounds that were most frequently indicated for hyperbaric oxygen therapy were venous ulcers, traumatic injury and diabetic foot. Patients with chronic wounds had fewer sessions (61.1%) and their wounds healed or were reduced (62.0%) compared to those with acute wounds. CONCLUSION: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an effective treatment for patients with chronic wounds.

Oxigenoterapia hiperbárica para tratamento de feridas / La oxigenoterapia hiperbárica para cuidado de heridas / Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for wound care

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever os tipos mais frequentes de feridas com indicação para terapia por oxigênio hiperbárico e os resultados obtidos. Método Estudo transversal, realizado em um Centro Hiperbárico localizado na cidade de Salvador, Bahia. Os prontuários de 200 pacientes tratados com oxigênio hiperbárico foram revisados, no período de janeiro a novembro de 2013, analisando-se as variáveis da pessoa, clínicas, indicação, número de sessões e cicatrização da ferida, através de estatística descritiva e teste de associação Qui-quadrado de Pearson com correção de Yates, adotando-se um nível de 5%. Resultados As feridas mais frequentemente encontradas como indicação para terapia por oxigênio hiperbárico foram: úlcera venosa, lesão traumática e pé diabético. Os pacientes com feridas crônicas realizaram um menor número de sessões (61,1%) e tiveram suas feridas cicatrizadas ou reduzidas (62,0%) quando comparados com aqueles com feridas agudas. Conclusão A terapia por oxigênio hiperbárico é um tratamento efetivo para pacientes com feridas crônicas.

RESUMEN Objetivo Describir los tipos más comunes de heridas con indicación de oxigenoterapia hiperbárica y resultados. Método Estudio transversal realizado en un centro hiperbárico situado en la ciudad de Salvador, Bahia. Las historias clínicas de 200 pacientes tratados con oxígeno hiperbárico fueron revisados en el período de enero a noviembre de 2013, analizando las variables de la persona, clínicas, la indicación, número de sesiones y la cicatrización de heridas a través de la estadística descriptiva y prueba de chi-cuadrado de asociación con la corrección de Yates, adoptando un nivel de 5%. Resultados Las heridas que más a menudo se encuentran como una indicación de oxigenoterapia hiperbárica fueron: úlceras venosas, lesiones traumáticas y pie diabético. Los pacientes con heridas crónicas realizaron un menor número de sesiones (61,1%) y tenían sus heridas curándose o reducidas (62,0%) en comparación con aquellos con heridas agudas. Conclusión La terapia de oxígeno hiperbárico es un tratamiento eficaz para los pacientes con heridas crónicas.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the most common types of wounds indicated for hyperbaric oxygen therapy and the results. Method Cross-sectional study at a Hyperbaric Centre in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The medical records of 200 patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen were reviewed from January to November 2013. The variables of the persons, clinical, indications, number of sessions and wound care were analysed by means of descriptive statistics and the chi-square test of association incorporating Yates's correction with a level of 5%. Results The wounds that were most frequently indicated for hyperbaric oxygen therapy were venous ulcers, traumatic injury and diabetic foot. Patients with chronic wounds had fewer sessions (61.1%) and their wounds healed or were reduced (62.0%) compared to those with acute wounds. Conclusion Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an effective treatment for patients with chronic wounds.