Radio Peel-Synergism Between Nano-fractional Radiofrequency and 20% Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical Peeling.

BACKGROUND: Microneedling fractional radiofrequency (FRF) and chemical peels are widely used for skin rejuvenation. OBJECTIVE: The authors aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of FRF and trichloroacetic acid 20% (TCA20%) peel in different combinations for determining the optimal treatment protocol. METHODS: In this prospective clinical comparison of 4 protocols (FRF alone, TCA20% alone, TCA20% before FRF [TCA→FRF], and TCA20% following FRF [FRF→TCA]), the patients underwent 3.8 ± 1.2 successive treatments of one protocol at 4- to 6-week intervals. The patients and 2 dermatologists evaluated improvement of pigmentation and dyschromia, erythema and blood vessels, laxity and wrinkling, and skin imperfections using a global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) and a 1 to 5 scoring system. The patients rated their satisfaction and reported adverse effects and reduced activity. Skin impedance and histological changes following the different protocols were also evaluated on 3 additional volunteers. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients (age range 22-80 years) were studied. TCA→FRF caused skin impedance to decrease, yielding a more superficial and less-efficient penetration of FRF energy. FRF→TCA produced more significant improvement in overall facial skin appearance (GAIS) and most evaluated skin parameters. Adverse effects and satisfaction rates were similar for all approaches. CONCLUSION: FRF→TCA had the best synergistic effect on skin rejuvenation compared with FRF or TCA20% alone and TCA→FRF.

Omentopexy improves vascularization and decreases stricture formation of esophageal anastomoses in a dog model.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic strictures are common after primary esophageal anastomosis in pediatric patients. Recent studies provided evidence that omentopexy may improve vascularization of gastroesophageal anastomoses and decrease the rate of stricture-related complications. The effect of omentopexy on primary esophago-esophageal anastomosis, however, is unknown. The aim of the current study was to examine the role of omentopexy on the healing process of primary midesopageal anastomoses. METHODS: Six dogs were operated on. A 5-cm portion of the midesophagus was resected, and continuity was restored by end-to-end anastomosis. In 3 dogs, an omental pedicle was placed around the anastomotic region. Eating patterns were recorded and functional swallowing was evaluated by fluoroscopic studies. Eight weeks after the operations, the experimental animals were killed and anastomotic lumen diameters and vascularization of the anastomotic sites were evaluated by radiographic studies and histologic examination, respectively. RESULTS: Two dogs in the omentopexy group were able to resume regular feeding, whereas none of the dogs in the control group were able to tolerate solid food intake. Fluoroscopic studies found preserved motility patterns of the esophagus in the omentoesophagopexy group, while prestenotic dilatation and delayed food clearance through the anastomosis were observed in the control group. Histologically, neovascularization was observed at the anastomotic site in the omentoesophagopexy group in contrast to the marked degree of fibrosis displayed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Omentopexy may improve vascularization and decrease stricture formation after primary esophagoesophageal anastomosis.