Assessment of Smear Layer Removal and Penetration Depth of Root Canal Irrigant Using Different Irrigation Activation Systems: A Comparative Study.

AIM: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the penetration depth and smear layer removal of root canal irrigant using various irrigation activation techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this investigation, sixty single-rooted premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes were chosen. Diamond burs were used to create an access cavity, and #10 K-file was used to determine the patency. About sixty samples were divided into the following three groups (20 samples in each group), group I: Irrigation with conventional needle, group II: Activation of EndoVac system, group III: Passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI). The efficacy of the smear layer was assessed using a scanning electron microscopy at a ×2000 magnification. One-way ANOVA was used to record and analyze the data. All statistical analyses were performed with a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: At coronal third, the maximum smear layer was removed in group II (1.26 ± 0.02) followed by group III (1.84 ± 0.16) and group I (2.89 ± 0.21). At middle third, smear layer removal was maximum in group I (1.18 ± 0.10) followed by group III (1.72 ± 0.09) and group I (2.66 ± 0.18). At apical third, the more smear layer was removed in group II (1.02 ± 0.01) followed by group III (1.58 ± 0.08) and group I (2.38 ± 0.06). There was a highly significant difference found between the three different irrigation systems at all three levels (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, every irrigation device that was evaluated was successful in removing the smear layer from the root canal. However, the EndoVac system group removed a greater amount of smear layer compared with PUI and conventional needle group. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: With the goal of promoting cleaning that is beyond the ability of mechanical devices, irrigation is a crucial part of root canal therapy. If an efficient irrigation delivery system is used, the irrigants can reach the working length (WL). This type of distribution system needs to provide a suitable amount of irrigants up to the WL, as well as have enough flow and be effective at debriding the entire canal system. How to cite this article: Pujari MD, Das M, Das A, et al. Assessment of Smear Layer Removal and Penetration Depth of Root Canal Irrigant Using Different Irrigation Activation Systems: A Comparative Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(4):331-334.

Assessment between antiseptic and normal saline for negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time in diabetic foot infections.

Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) is increasingly used for a diverse range of wounds. Meanwhile, the topical wound irrigation solution consisting of polyhexamethylene biguanide and betaine (PHMB-B) has shown efficacy in managing wound infections. However, the effectiveness of this solution as a topical instillation solution for NPWTi-d in patients with diabetic foot infections (DFIs) has not been thoroughly studied. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of using PHMB-B as the instillation solution during NPWTi-d on reducing bioburden and improving clinical outcomes in patients with DFIs. Between January 2017 and December 2022, a series of patients with DFIs received treatment with NPWTi-d, using either PHMB-B or normal saline as the instillation solution. Data collected retrospectively included demographic information, baseline wound characteristics, and treatment outcomes. The study included 61 patients in the PHMB-B group and 73 patients in the normal saline group, all diagnosed with DFIs. In comparison to patients treated with normal saline, patients with PHMB-B exhibited no significant differences in terms of wound bed preparation time (P = 0.5034), length of hospital stay (P = 0.6783), NPWTi-d application times (P = 0.1458), duration of systematic antimicrobial administration (P = 0.3567), or overall cost of hospitalization (P = 0.6713). The findings of the study suggest that the use of either PHMB-B or normal saline as an instillation solution in NPWTi-d for DFIs shows promise and effectiveness, yet no clinical distinction was observed between the two solutions.

Syringe irrigation in confluent canals: A sequential computational fluid dynamics assessment.

This study aims to assess the influence of root canal preparation, irrigation needle design and its placement depth in the irrigation flow of confluent canals during syringe irrigation. A mandibular molar presenting two confluent canals in its mesial root was sequentially prepared and scanned by micro-computed tomography after mechanical preparation up to ProTaper Next system sizes X2 (25/.06v), X3 (30/.07v) and X4 (40/.06v). In each of the root canal preparation models, a side-vented and an open-ended needle at 5, 3 and 2 mm from the working length were included, and irrigation flow was assessed by a validated computational fluid dynamics model. The results revealed that the irrigant flowed out of the confluent canals mainly through the canal that did not have the needle. Apical penetration and renewal of the irrigant were most efficiently achieved with the use of a 30G open-ended needle and a 30/.07v preparation.

Custo Direto com Tecnologias Para Manejo da Colostomia Definitiva em um Serviço Especializado / Direct Cost of Technologies for Management of Definitive Colostomy in a Specialized Service / Costo Directo de Tecnologías Para el Manejo de la Colostomía Definitiva en un Servicio Especializado

Objetivos:Identificar o custo direto de um serviço especializado com o uso de equipamentos coletores e adjuvantes e compará-lo com o custo simulado da autoirrigação intestinal em pessoas com colostomia definitiva. Método: Estudo descritivo-exploratório conduzido por meio da abordagem quantitativa nos moldes de estudo de casos múltiplos. A amostra por conveniência foi composta de 22 participantes cadastrados em um serviço especializado do norte de Minas Gerais. A coleta de dados foi realizada em prontuários do período de janeiro de 2019 a janeiro de 2020. Resultados: Dos participantes, 59,1% apresentaram complicações relacionadas à estomia e pele periestomia. Em relação aos equipamentos coletores/adjuvantes, o custo variou de 2.340,00 a R$ 5.535,00, custo médio de R$ 4.050,01 e desvio padrão amostral de R$ 770,31. O custo direto médio com autoirrigação de colostomia foi de R$ 3.793,44. Conclusão: O custo direto médio dos equipamentos coletores/adjuvantes foi superior ao da autoirrigação de colostomia, impactado pela presença de complicações e pelo valor do protetor de colostomia.

Objectives:To identify the direct cost of a specialized service with the use of collection equipment and adjuvants and to compare it with the simulated cost of intestinal self-irrigation in people with permanent colostomy. Method: Descriptive-exploratory study conducted through a quantitative approach in the form of multiple-case studies. The convenience sample consisted of 22 participants registered in a specialized service in the north of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data collection was carried out in medical records from January 2019 to January 2020. Results: Among the participants, 59.1% had complications related to the ostomy and peristomal skin. Regarding collector/adjuvant equipment, the cost ranged from R$ 2,340.00 to R$ 5,535.00, average cost of R$ 4,050.01, and sample standard deviation of R$ 770.31. The average direct cost with colostomy self-irrigation was R$ 3,793.44. Conclusion: The average direct cost of collection/adjuvant equipment was higher than that of colostomy self-irrigation, impacted by the presence of complications and the value of the colostomy protector.

Objetivos:Identificar o custo direto de um serviço especializado com o uso de equipamentos coletores e adjuvantes e compará-lo com o custo simulado da autoirrigação intestinal em pessoas com colostomia definitiva. Método: Estudo descritivo-exploratório conduzido por meio da abordagem quantitativa nos moldes de estudo de casos múltiplos. A amostra por conveniência foi composta de 22 participantes cadastrados em um serviço especializado do norte de Minas Gerais. A coleta de dados foi realizada em prontuários do período de janeiro de 2019 a janeiro de 2020. Resultados: Dos participantes, 59,1% apresentaram complicações relacionadas à estomia e pele periestomia. Em relação aos equipamentos coletores/adjuvantes, o custo variou de 2.340,00 a R$ 5.535,00, custo médio de R$ 4.050,01 e desvio padrão amostral de R$ 770,31. O custo direto médio com autoirrigação de colostomia foi de R$ 3.793,44. Conclusão: O custo direto médio dos equipamentos coletores/adjuvantes foi superior ao da autoirrigação de colostomia, impactado pela presença de complicações e pelo valor do protetor de colostomia.

Assessment of Irrigant Agitation Devices in Simulated Closed and Open Root Canal Systems.

INTRODUCTION: The in vitro efficacy of irrigant activation devices has not been contrasted to their safety. This was attempted in this study using apically closed versus patent simulated root canal systems in epoxy resin models, with the latter featuring a simulated periapical lesion. METHODS: All 72 models had 2 joining canals connected by an isthmus, which was filled with dentin debris. The simulated periapical lesion was filled with colored gelatin in the 36 respective models. Canals were irrigated with 1.3% sodium hypochlorite. Samples were divided into 4 subgroups per system (n = 9): conventional irrigation, sonic low (EndoActivator; Dentsply Sirona, Charlotte, NC) and high frequency (EDDY; VDW, Munich, Germany), and ultrasonic agitation of the irrigant (always applying 3 cycles of 20 seconds). The total cleared surface areas (mm2) in the simulated isthmus and periapical lesion were compared between systems and devices using parametric tests (P < .05). RESULTS: The cleaning of the isthmus was more effective in the apically open compared with the closed systems and was also significantly influenced by the agitation method (P < .001). In the closed systems, EDDY and ultrasonic agitation achieved the significantly (P < .05) best cleaning of the isthmus. In the open systems, ultrasonic agitation showed the single best result (P < .05). EDDY caused by far the highest and ultrasonic agitation the lowest dissolution of the gelatin in the simulated periapical lesion. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, ultrasonic agitation of a previously administered sodium hypochlorite irrigant was more laterally targeted and thus safer and more effective than sonic agitation methods.

Small Bowel CLEansing Assessment and Report (SB-CLEAR): Standardizing bowel preparation report in capsule endoscopy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Small-bowel (SB) cleansing is crucial to assess the reliability of capsule endoscopy (CE) findings. However, the presence of multiple grading systems is hampering their use in clinical practice. In 2020, Colon CLeansing Assessment and Report (CC-CLEAR) was created and validated. We sought to develop and validate a new score for the evaluation of the SB cleansing, adapted from CC-CLEAR, aiming to standardize CE reporting regarding the quality of preparation. METHODS: The new grading score, SB CLeansing Assessment and Report (SB-CLEAR), divided the SB into three tertiles, each being scored depending on the percentage of visualized mucosa (0, < 50%; 1, 50%-75%; 2, > 75%; 3, > 90%). The overall classification was a sum of each segment score, graded between excellent, good, and inadequate (0-5). Any segment scoring ≤1 resulted in inadequate overall classification. CE videos were prospectively evaluated by two experienced CE readers blinded to each other. RESULTS: We included 52 CEs, 41(78.8%) female, with a mean age of 57.9 ± 17.9 years. Inter-observer agreement was very strong for each tertile (first: r = 0.863; second: r = 0.865; third: r = 0.861; P < 0.001), which resulted in overall excellent correlation when considering the quality of preparation in all tertiles (r = 0.940; P < 0.001). By applying final classifications of "inadequate," "good," and "excellent," correlation between observers was also very strong (r = 0.875; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SB-CLEAR is an innovative and reproducible grading score for evaluation of SB preparation quality in CE, with overall excellent inter-observer agreement. Along with CC-CLEAR, this may become a valuable tool to uniformize reporting of bowel preparation quality in CE.

Inaccuracy of surgical irrigation fluid temperature hand assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Fluids are often used for irrigation during surgical procedures. The temperature of the fluid directly affects the exposed tissue and body temperature. The recommended practice is to use euthermic fluids to be homeostatic and optimise patient care. Hand checking the fluid temperature by surgeons and scrub practitioners is the commonly used method. This subjective measurement leaves room for error and can lead to inaccuracies. The purpose of the study is to assess the accuracy of the currently used method of checking irrigation fluids temperature by hand immersion. METHOD: Two sets of fluids were prepared. One was made at 37°C and the other was 30°C. Participants immersed their hands in the containers and then report if each of the two sets is (1) appropriately warm for irrigation, (2) too cool and (3) too warm. Data were collected and interpreted. RESULTS: Results showed that about half of participants in our study perceived normal physiologic fluid temperature as too hot for use in irrigation, 30°C fluid was perceived as appropriate and physiologic by about a quarter of participants. CONCLUSIONS: Perception of surgical irrigation fluid temperature by hand immersion is inaccurate. Standard objective methods of measuring the temperature are recommended.

Preclosure povidone-iodine lavage in total hip replacement surgery: Infection outcomes and cost-benefit analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To report the outcomes and cost-benefit analysis of preclosure povidone-iodine lavage (PrePIL) used to reduce the risk of infection following total hip replacement (THR) surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: One thousand six hundred ninety-nine dogs, 17 cats. METHODS: The medical records of 2213 consecutive THR cases were reviewed to determine the incidence of infection. The last 102 were treated with PrePIL using a commercially sourced 0.035% povidone-iodine solution. Postoperative infection rates were compared. A cost-benefit analysis was used to calculate if a PrePIL protocol is economically feasible. RESULTS: Twenty-one THRs out of 2111 (0.99%) that did not have PrePIL developed infection. Infection occurred in none of the 102 PrePIL cases. Cost analysis revealed a PrePIL break-even cost at $49.74 and a break-even infection rate of 0.949%. No complications were identified related to the use of PrePIL. CONCLUSION: Preclosure povidone-iodine lavage appeared to be efficacious in lowering THR infection rates, and it appeared to be safe for this use based on our 102 consecutive cases. The cost of the PrePIL was minimal compared to the overall cost to resolve THR infection and the potential effect on hip function prognosis. The math formulas developed can be used by surgeons to calculate cost effectiveness and break-even cost based on their THR infection rate, and to compare to the cost of a THR revision and infection resolution. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: At current costs, PrePIL can be used in 2415 THR cases at a similar cost of a single revision surgery and resolution of a periprosthetic infection.

Subpalpebral lavage placement for remote topical administration of ocular medications in 12 dogs: A retrospective review and assessment of owner perception.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the placement of subpalpebral lavage (SPL) systems in 12 dogs (15 eyes) intolerant of topical ocular medications to assess the suitability, complications encountered and owner perception of use. ANIMALS STUDIED: Retrospective review of dogs that underwent SPL placement for treatment of ocular disease at the Ophthalmology Department, University of Bristol Small Animal Hospital between 2017 and 2021. PROCEDURE(S): Data recorded included signalment, history, diagnosis, treatment, reason for SPL placement, uni- or bilateral placement, duration of placement, complications, and outcome. Owner perception was assessed using an online questionnaire. Statistical analysis included McNemar and Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests. RESULTS: Twelve dogs (15 eyes) underwent SPL placement. Eleven owners completed the online questionnaire. Corneal ulceration was the most common disease requiring SPL placement (n = 13/15 eyes, 86.7%). Most cases received multimodal topical therapy (n = 9/15 eyes, 60.0%) via SPL. Owners administered medication 6.63 times daily via SPL (range 1-16 applications/day). All dogs requiring ongoing topical medication (n = 8/12, 66.7%) were trained to accept direct administration during SPL treatment. Statistically significant improvements in medication compliance, ease of application, and reduced perceived risk of iatrogenic ocular injury were reported by owners (p-value = .001, .004, and .031 respectively). Minor complications were infrequently reported but an excellent outcome was achieved for all eyes. CONCLUSION: Subpalpebral lavage placement provides a practical and safe solution for the provision of frequent multimodal ocular medication when treating patients with a challenging temperament.

Synovial Fluid Analysis and Microscopic Assessment of Macrophage Quantities and Morphology in Equine Septic Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Research and provision of data on macrophages by cytological synovial fluid analysis and light microscopy in horses with septic arthritis MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records of 167 synovial fluid samples were evaluated and subdivided into different groups: (1) non-septic, (2) haematogenous septic arthritis in foals and (3) traumatic/iatrogenic septic arthritis. The effect of joint lavage on synovial fluid cytology and on the occurrence of macrophage phenotypes was investigated. RESULTS: Regardless of aetiology and age of the horse, macrophage concentrations in synovial sepsis are decreased to a median of 5-6 % (unaffected joints: 23.5 %) and further diminished by joint lavage. Microscopic assessment led to the identification of 4 phenotypes. Morphological characteristics of type 1 showed similarities to monocytes and predominated in unaffected and in septic joints after lavage. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Macrophages are highly versatile by altering their phenotype. A morphological assessment by light microscopy is easily applicable. Type 1 presumably contributes to joint homeostasis.

Reduced Costs, Complications, and Length of Stay After Arthroscopic Versus Open Irrigation and Débridement for Knee Septic Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: In the treatment of native knee bacterial septic arthritis, the optimal irrigation and débridement modality-arthroscopic versus open-is a matter of controversy. We aim to compare revision-free survival, complications, and resource utilization between these approaches. METHODS: The National Readmission Database was queried from 2016 to 2019 to identify patients using International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, diagnostic and procedure codes. Days to revision irrigation and débridement (I&D), if any, were calculated for patients during index admission or subsequent readmissions. Multivariate regression was used for healthcare utilization analysis. Survival analysis was done using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression. RESULTS: A total of 14,365 patients with native knee septic arthritis undergoing I&D were identified, 8,063 arthroscopic (56.1%) and 6,302 open (43.9%). The mean follow-up was 148 days (interquartile range 53 to 259). A total of 2,156 patients (15.0%) underwent revision I&D. On multivariate analysis, arthroscopic I&D was associated with a reduction in hospital costs of $5,674 and length of stay of 1.46 days (P < 0.001 for both). Arthroscopic I&D was associated with lower overall complications (odds ratio [OR] 0.63, P < 0.001), need for blood transfusion (OR 0.58, P < 0.001), and wound complications (OR 0.32, P < 0.001). Revision-free survival after index I&D was 95.3% at 3 days, 91.0% at 10 days, 88.3% at 30 days, 86.0% at 90 days, and 84.5% at 180 days. No statistically significant difference was observed between surgical approaches on Cox modeling. DISCUSSION: Risk of revision I&D did not differ between arthroscopic and open I&D; however, arthroscopy was associated with decreased costs, length of stay, and complications. Additional study is necessary to confirm these findings and characterize which patients require an open I&D. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The effect of timing of instillation therapy on outcomes and costs for patients receiving negative pressure wound therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Although NPWTi-d has been associated with improved patient outcomes compared with NPWT alone, questions remain regarding the timing of NPWTi-d initiation. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the effect of the timing of NPWTi-d initiation on patient outcomes and costs. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted utilizing a national, all-payer hospital database and included patients who received NPWTi-d in 2019. A matched cohort of 514 patients who received either early (within 1 day of NPWT application) or late (within 2-7 days of NPWT application) NPWTi-d initiation was created using propensity scoring. Differences in clinical outcomes and costs were compared using Wilcoxon rank sum, chi-square, and t tests. RESULTS: Early NPWTi-d initiation was associated with significantly shorter NPWT duration (7.0 vs. 11.4 days; P <.0001) and inpatient stay (13.4 vs. 16.3 days; P <.0001) compared with late NPWTi-d initiation. Early NPWTi-d initiation was also associated with fewer debridements, OR visits during hospitalization, days until final OR procedure, and wound-related readmissions. Patients with early NPWTi-d initiation had a $10 877 lower mean cost of index admission (P <.0001), which included lower NPWT costs. CONCLUSION: Study data suggest that in these patients with wounds, early NPWTi-d initiation helped improve patient outcomes and reduced care costs.

Human uterine fluid lavage-derived extracellular vesicle isolation: a comparative study for minimally invasive endometrial receptivity assessment.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does pre-implantation uterine fluid lavage (UFL) of patients undergoing IVF and frozen embryo transfer (FET) affect implantation and clinical pregnancy rates? Which methods among ultracentrifugation, sucrose cushion and qEV column are suitable for isolating UFL extracellular vesicles? DESIGN: First, UFL was collected from 20 patients undergoing IVF and FET 2 days before embryo transfer as the case group. The control group consisted of 20 patients undergoing IVF and FET patients without lavage. All patients were monitored for 6 weeks. In the next step, the UFLs (n = 30) were collected and pooled. The UFL-derived extracellular vesicles were extracted by ultracentrifugation, sucrose cushion and qEV column methods and characterized. RESULTS: Preimplantation uterine lavage sampling did not affect implantation and clinical pregnancy rates. Extracellular vesicles were successfully isolated from UFL by all three methods. Scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis showed that the isolated vesicles were morphologically spherical. The qEV technique showed that they were smaller and homogenized in size. SDS-PAGE of extracellular vesicles showed a weaker albumin band in the qEV column. Western blot analysis indicated that the isolated extracellular vesicles by the qEV column were more immunoreactive for all the common extracellular vesicle markers (CD81, CD9, CD63, and TSG101). Six reference genes were compared by real-time polymerase chain reaction in the isolated extracellular vesicle subpopulations, and lowest cycle threshold value was observed for the 18SrRNA gene. CONCLUSIONS: The isolation of endometrial secretome extracellular vesicles is a minimally invasive procedure for individual assessment of endometrial receptivity and can be carried out during conception cycles along with transvaginal ultrasonography. Molecular analysis of UFL-derived extracellular vesicle components could suggest biomarkers to determine precise extracellular vesicle timing.

Subpalpebral Antibiotic Lavage as Safe, Emergent, and Cost-Effective Management of Acute Infectious Keratitis Related to Contact Lens Overwear: Case Report and Literature Review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to describe the technique of subpalpebral antibiotic lavage (SAL), which is a highly therapeutic, efficient, and cost-effective method for managing severe bacterial keratitis. METHODS: This case report describes a 26-year-old woman with severe bacterial keratitis in the right eye due to contact lens overwear, with progressive corneal thinning, a hypopyon, impending perforation, and marked visual loss to perception of light despite treatment with intensive topical antibiotics. This was managed with SAL that involves the insertion of a cannula transcutaneously into the upper conjunctival fornix to provide continuous antibiotic irrigation of the ocular surface. RESULTS: By 11 weeks after presentation, the cornea and anterior chamber appeared clinically quiescent, and visual acuity improved to 20/40 corrected in the right eye. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial keratitis is a potentially blinding condition for which contact lens wear is an important risk factor. Most cases are successfully managed with topical medications; however, in cases of treatment failure, a second-line approach such as SAL can be sight-saving. SAL uses readily available equipment for the delivery of high concentrations of antibiotics to the ocular surface, thus increasing therapeutic efficacy and reducing nursing staff workload. Despite its advantages, the literature reveals apparent underutilization of this technique.

Possible Extraction of Drugs from Lung Tissue During Broncho-alveolar Lavage Suggest Uncertainty in the Procedure's Utility for Quantitative Assessment of Airway Drug Exposure.

Following inhaled dosing, broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) is often used for sampling epithelial lining fluid (ELF) to determine drug concentration in the lungs. This study aimed to explore the technique's suitability. Urea is typically used to estimate the dilution factor between the BAL fluid and physiological ELF, since it readily permeates through all fluids in the body. As representatives of permeable small molecule drugs with high, medium and low tissue distribution properties, propranolol, diazepam, indomethacin and AZD4721 were infused intravenously to steady state to ensure equal unbound drug concentrations throughout the body. The results showed that propranolol had higher unbound concentrations in the ELF compared to the plasma whilst this was not the case for the other compounds. Experiments with different BAL volumes and repeated lavaging indicated that the amount of drug extracted is very sensitive to experimental procedure. In addition, the results show that the unbound concentrations in ELF compared to plasma differs dependent on molecule class and tissue distribution properties. Overall data suggests that lavaging can remove drug from lung tissue in addition to ELF and highlights significant uncertainty in the robustness of the procedure for determining ELF drug concentrations.

Efficacy of Hydromechanical Therapy in Nonhealing, Chronic Wounds as a Cost- and Clinically Effective Wound Care Modality.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic wounds pose a widespread challenge to health care, with many new, costly wound care modalities introduced in recent years with varying degrees of success. Bacterial biofilms have been postulated as one of the main culprits of the stagnation of chronic wound healing. For years, surgical fields have used pressurized irrigation for cleansing surgical wounds, but its utility in managing nonhealing chronic wounds has often been overlooked. OBJECTIVE: In this case series, the authors aimed to demonstrate that hydromechanical therapy with pressurized irrigation can be a cost-effective and clinically effective wound care modality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors present 6 clinical cases of difficult nonhealing wounds managed with hydromechanical therapy with pressurized irrigation, a follow-up from the initial case report. Other, often more expensive modalities, had previously failed. In all 6 cases, irrigation was performed using tap water or saline either at home or long-term care facilities. Literature that focused on the mechanism of healing from hydromechanical therapy was reviewed. RESULTS: All chronic wounds in the series reached stable healing. The authors speculate that such healing was achieved through biofilm disruption and tissue stimulation with a mechanical impact. Literature supporting this hypothesis is presented. CONCLUSIONS: The current clinical results offer a new perspective on the role of a traditional surgical modality of hydromechanical therapy in chronic wound care and on the associated opportunity of potential cost savings.

Patient-reported outcome and cost implication of acute salvage of infected implant-based breast reconstruction with negative pressure wound therapy with Instillation (NPWTi) compared to standard care.

INTRODUCTION: Implant loss due to infection is the most devastating complication of implant-based breast reconstruction. The use of negative pressure wound therapy with instillation(NPWTi) for salvage of infected implant-based breast reconstructions has shown promising results allowing early reinsertion of a new implant as an alternative to the current management with delayed reinsertion. This study compares the patient-reported outcome and cost implication of NPWTi to the current management. METHODS: Twenty cases of infected breast implants treated with NPWTi(V.A.C. VERAFLO™ Therapy), followed by early reinsertion of new implants were compared to 20 cases that had delayed reinsertion(non-NPWTi). Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the BREAST-Q questionnaire. The average cost per patient was calculated using total operative expense, cost of inpatient stay, investigations, antibiotics, and outpatient visits. RESULTS: Treatment with NPWTi allowed earlier reinsertion of a new implant (NPWTi: 10.3 ± 2.77days vs. non-NPWTi: 247.45±111.28days, p<0.001). Patients in the NPWTi group reported higher satisfaction. The average cost per patient for NPWTi and non-NPWTi was £14,343.13±£2,786.70 and £8,920.31±£3,005.73, respectively(p<0.001). All patients treated with NPWTi had one admission and spent 11.9 ± 4.1days as inpatients, while non-NPWTi patients had 2.1 ± 0.3 admissions(p<0.001) and spent 7.1 ± 5.8days(p<0.004) as inpatients. Patients treated with NPWTi had more procedures (NPWTi:3.35±0.81 Vs. non-NPWTi:2.2 ± 0.41, p = 0.006); however, three non-NPWTi cases required flap reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Patients treated with NPWTi reported higher satisfaction, received a new and earlier implant, and had fewer admissions and outpatient visits; however, they incurred higher average costs, longer inpatient stays, and underwent more procedures. Early implant reinsertion preserves skin envelope; hence avoiding additional cost and stress related to further major autologous reconstruction.

Contemporary procedure characteristics and outcomes of accessory atrioventricular pathway ablations in an integrated community-based health care system using a tiered approach.

BACKGROUND: Since the early descriptions of large series of accessory atrioventricular pathway ablations in adults and adolescents over 20 years ago, there have been limited published reports based on more recent experiences of large referral centers. We aimed to characterize accessory pathway distribution and features in a large community-based population that influence ablation outcomes using a tiered approach to ablation. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 289 patients (age 14-81) who underwent accessory ablation from 2015-2019 was performed. Pathways were categorized into anteroseptal, left freewall, posteroseptal, and right freewall locations. We analyzed patient and pathway features to identify factors associated with prolonged procedure time parameters. RESULTS: Initial ablation success rate was 94.7% with long-term success rate of 93.4% and median follow-up of 931 days. Accessory pathways were in left freewall (61.6%), posteroseptal (24.6%), right freewall (9.6%), and anteroseptal (4.3%) locations. Procedure outcome was dependent on pathway location. Acute success was highest for left freewall pathways (97.1%) with lowest case times (144 ± 68 min) and fluoroscopy times (15 ± 19 min). Longest procedure time parameters were seen with anteroseptal, left anterolateral, epicardial-coronary sinus, and right anterolateral pathway ablations. CONCLUSIONS: In this community-based adult and adolescent population, majority of the accessory pathways are in the left freewall and posteroseptal region and tend to be more easily ablated. A tiered approach with initial use of standard ablation equipment before the deployment of more advance tools, such as irrigated tips and 3D mapping, is cost effective without sacrificing overall efficacy.

Adherence to transanal irrigation in older adults: first-year assessment.

BACKGROUND: While the prevalence of chronic constipation and fecal incontinence increases with age, few data on transanal irrigation in older adults are available. The aim of this study was to assess the adherence and predictive factors for adherence to transanal irrigation during the first year of use in older adults. METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients over 65 years old, who had therapeutic education for transanal irrigation with the Peristeen® device between January 2010 and July 2019 in a neuro-urology department of a university hospital in France. The adherence rate was assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Predictive factors for adherence were looked for by comparing persistent population and non-persistent population at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients over 65 years old were included. The adherence rate was 73.9% at 1 month, 55.1% at 3 months, 46.4% at 6 months, and 40.1% at 1 year. No predictive factor for adherence to transanal irrigation was identified. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to transanal irrigation during the first year in older adults remains close to that in the adult general population. Predictive factors of adherence remain unclear.

The subtle nuances of intranasal corticosteroids.

BACKGROUND: In the specialty of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, intranasal corticosteroids are the mainstay treatment for inflammatory processes within the nasal cavity. All too often, physician prescribing patterns are based on previous training, personal experience, and interactions with industry. The purpose of this commentary is to review the nuances of each intranasal corticosteroid. COMMENTARY: There are nine intranasal corticosteroids approved for use in Canada. Each are discussed in detail, including their indication, bioavailability, effects on intranasal environment, and factors around patient adherence. Off-label use of budesonide irrigations is also discussed and cost information is presented in reference format for all available intranasal corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: Although the efficacy of each intranasal corticosteroid has been shown to be similar, prescribing should be tailored based on bioavailability, intranasal environment, and factors that impact patient adherence such as dosing, cost and tolerability.