A Retrospective Study for Labia Minora Reduction by Serrated-shaped Resection.

Background: The demand for genital plastic surgery has increased dramatically among female patients globally. Although various labia minora reduction procedures have been applied with different indications, advantages, and disadvantages, none has been universally accepted as the best method. So, we presented an innovative strategy for this increasingly demanded reconstructive procedure. Methods: In this retrospective study, we included 29 patients seen between November 2020 and May 2023 with hypertrophic labia minora. The patients with hypertrophic labia minora after serrated-shaped resection were included for analysis. Patient satisfaction and complications were evaluated through the follow-up after the operation. Results: Patients with a mean age of 27.1 years (range 19-47 y) performed labia minora reduction via serrated-shaped resection. One patient experienced incision dehiscence, requiring additional surgical revision. One patient experienced postoperative cosmetic asymmetry and also performed secondary repair surgery. One patient experienced urinary retention, which was relieved after urinary catheterization. High overall patient satisfaction has been achieved after a median follow-up of 6.7 months (range 1-24 months). No flap necrosis, sexual dysfunction, or hypertrophic scarring has been reported. Conclusions: Results suggested that serrated-shaped resection is a novel technique for repairing hypertrophic labia minora with high efficiency and satisfaction. The procedure could effectively improve the appearance of the labia minora and reduce complications.

Comparisons of the effects of topical anti-scar drugs on post-surgical facial scar formation: a clinical investigation.

OBJECTIVES: Scarring is a common but intricate problem, and topical anti-scarring drugs are the most widely used treatment. However, the wide range of drugs available makes it difficult for doctors and patients to choose from because of the lack of clinical comparisons. Therefore, we conducted an observational study to compare the clinical efficacy of different topical anti-scarring drugs. METHODS: Patients with post-suturing facial scars were enrolled in this study. The questionnaire was designed to record the basic characteristics of the patients. The Vancouver Scar Scale, SCAR scale, and measurements of scar width and thickness were used to evaluate scar quality. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into four groups for comparison: the silicone preparation (SP), onion extract (OE), asiaticoside (AC) groups, and the untreated blank control (BC) group. The overall data were analyzed before they were confined to the zygomatic region. RESULTS: A total of 127 eligible patients were enrolled in this study. The results of the total and zygomatic scars demonstrated that SP, OE, and AC groups resulted in narrower scars and lower scar scale scores. The SP group depicted higher melanin efficacy than the other two groups. The OE group had the best pliability, whereas the AC group had the thinnest scar. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we acquired expertise with different topical anti-scar agents: SP significantly reduced melanin levels, OE mainly benefited scar pliability, and AC was better at reducing scar thickness. These differences may be more instructive for clinical applications.

Effects of chitosan-collagen dressing on wound healing in vitro and in vivo assays.

The present study was designed to fabricate a new chitosan-collagen sponge (CCS) for potential wound dressing applications. CCS was fabricated by a 3.0% chitosan mixture with a 1.0% type I collagen (7:3(w/w)) through freeze-drying. Then the dressing was prepared to evaluate its properties through a series of tests. The new-made dressing demonstrated its safety toward NIH3T3 cells. Furthermore, the CCS showed the significant surround inhibition zone than empty controls inoculated by E. coli and S. aureus. Moreover, the moisture rates of CCS were increased more rapidly than the collagen and blank sponge groups. The results revealed that the CCS had the characteristics of nontoxicity, biocompatibility, good antibacterial activity, and water retention. We used a full-thickness excisional wound healing model to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of the new dressing. The results showed remarkable healing at 14th day post-operation compared with injuries treated with collagen only as a negative control in addition to chitosan only. Our results suggest that the chitosan-collagen wound dressing were identified as a new promising candidate for further wound application.

Non-canonical Interaction Between O-Linked N-Acetylglucosamine Transferase and miR-146a-5p Aggravates High Glucose-Induced Endothelial Inflammation.

Background and Aims: Increased O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT)-induced O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) post-translational modification is linked with diabetic complications. MicroRNA-146a-5p (miR-146a-5p) is a negative inflammatory regulator and is downregulated in diabetes. Here, we investigated the interaction between miR-146a-5p and OGT. Methods: Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were stimulated with high glucose (25 mM) and glucosamine (25 mM) for 24 h. Western blot, real time PCR, bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assay, miR-146a-5p mimic/inhibitor transfection, siRNA OGT transfection, miR-200a/200b mimic transfection, and OGT pharmacological inhibition (ST045849) were performed. The aorta from miR-146a-5p mimic-treated db/db mice were examined by immunohistochemistry staining. Results: HG and glucosamine upregulated OGT mRNA and protein expression, protein O-GlcNAcylation, and IL-6 mRNA and protein expression. Real time PCR analysis found that miR-146a-5p was decreased in HG- and glucosamine-stimulated HAECs. This suggested that OGT-induced protein O-GlcNAcylation as a mechanism to downregulate miR-146a-5p. Bioinformatic miR target analysis excluded miR-146a-5p as a post-transcriptional regulator of OGT. However, a luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-146a-5p mimic bound to 3'-UTR of human OGT mRNA, indicating that OGT is a non-canonical target of miR-146a-5p. Transfection with miR-146a-5p mimic and inhibitor confirmed that miR-146a-5p regulated OGT/protein O-GlcNAcylation/IL-6 expression levels. Furthermore, OGT siRNA transfection, miR-200a/miR-200b mimic transfection, and ST045849 increased HG-induced miR-146a-5p expression levels, indicating that HG-induced miR-146a-5p downregulation is partially mediated through OGT-mediated protein O-GlcNAcylation. In vivo, intravenous injections of miR-146a mimic decreased endothelial OGT and IL6 expression in db/db mice. Conclusion: A non-canonical positive feedback interaction between miR-146a-5p and OGT is involved in a vicious cycle to aggravate HG-induced vascular complications.

Treatment for long-term poorly closed incisions after hepatobiliary surgery.

BACKGROUND: Effective measures are lacking to treat long-term poorly closed incisions after hepatobiliary surgery, including chronic sinus tract and keloid. This study aimed to introduce the treatment experiences with the abdominal wall and costal margin complications after hepatobiliary surgery, and to investigate the method for prevention of this kind of complication. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 26 patients with complications of abdominal wall and costal margin after hepatobiliary surgery, who had been admitted to our hospital since 1998. The 26 patients were classified according to complications into 3 groups: chronic ulcer with costal chondritis (5 patients), single chronic ulcer (3), and keloid (18). According to the symptoms of patients, treatments given included focal removal regional flap transfer restoration and focal removal dermatoplasty combined with glucocorticoid injection, anti-scar medication, external application of silicone gel film, and pressure therapy after surgery to inhibit recurrence. RESULTS: Satisfactory results were observed in the 26 patients after the treatments. Focal and regional ache and itching disappeared, and 2-3-year follow-up revealed no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Attention should be paid to patients with complications of abdominal wall and costal margin after hepatobiliary surgery. Combined treatment or mainly operations produce satisfactory result.

Effectiveness and Complications of Improved Liposuction-Curettage Through Mini-Incisions for the Treatment of Axillary Osmidrosis.

BACKGROUND: Liposuction-curettage (LC) is a popular and effective surgical method for the treatment of axillary bromhidrosis (AB). However, residual malodour and skin necrosis often appear after this type of surgery. We investigated the efficacy and complications of 4 methods of LC. METHODS: A total of 280 patients with AB comprised the study cohort, of which 228 were followed up. We carried out 4 methods of modified tumescent LC through mini-incisions and provided a questionnaire for evaluation of surgical outcome. Evaluations were malodour elimination, scarring, reduced growth of hair, and complications. Mean follow-up was 15 months. RESULTS: The study involved 449 axillae. In patients with LC in the final phase of improvement (programmed and well-organized LC, skin pinching to wrap up the cannula, LC to the skin around 2 surgical incisions, and cotton balls packed in gauze and an elastic set for post-operative management), excellent elimination of malodor was observed in 141 (89.81%) of 157 axillae. Only 4 (2.55%) cases encountered a small area of skin necrosis, and 28 (17.83%) had local damage to the epidermis. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that LC with a final phase of improvement through mini-incisions is effective for AB treatment.

HISTORIQUE: La liposuccion-curetage (LC) est un mode opératoire efficace et populaire pour traiter la bromidrose axillaire (BA). Cependant, de mauvaises odeurs résiduelles et une nécrose cutanée se produisent souvent après ce type d'opération. Les auteurs ont examiné l'efficacité et les complications de quatre types de LC. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Au total, 280 patients ayant une BA ont formé la cohorte de l'étude, dont 228 ont fait l'objet d'un suivi. Les auteurs ont effectué quatre types de LC tumescente modifiée par mini-incisions et ont remis un questionnaire d'évaluation des résultats de l'opération. Les points évalués étaient l'élimination des mauvaises odeurs, la cicatrice, la réduction de la pilosité et les complications. Le suivi moyen était de 15 mois. RÉSULTATS: L'étude portait sur 449 aisselles. Chez les patients ayant subi une LC qui en étaient à la dernière phase d'amélioration (LC programmée et bien organisée, pincement de la peau pour installer la canule, LC jusqu'à la peau par deux incisions chirurgicales, tampons d'ouate emballés dans de la gaze et bandage élastique pour la prise en charge postopératoire), les auteurs ont observé une excellente élimination des mauvaises odeurs dans 141 aisselles sur 157 (89,81%). Seulement quatre cas (2,55%) ont présenté une petite région de nécrose cutanée et 28 (17,83%), une atteinte locale de l'épiderme. CONCLUSION: Selon ces données, la LC accompagnée d'une phase finale d'amélioration par mini-incisions est efficace pour traiter la BA.