A Single Stage Composite Cleft Septorhinoplasty for Correction of the Mature Unilateral Cleft Nose Deformity - The Gujrat Technique.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of a single stage composite cleft septorhinoplasty procedure ("The Gujrat Technique") to correct the exaggerated cleft nose deformity after completion of nasal growth in an adult patient cohort. METHODS: Adult patients with a residual unilateral cleft nasal deformity were deemed eligible for the proposed "Gujrat Technique". Over a 10-year period (2007-2017), 96 adult patients underwent this composite cleft septorhinoplasty as a single stage operation. Post-operative nasal symmetry evaluation was undertaken using the validated computer program 'SymNose'. Functional outcome and patient satisfaction were assessed using Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale and Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) questionnaires respectively. Various statistical analysis methods were used to validate the obtained results. RESULTS: Due to poor compliance with follow-up, post-operative assessments were undertaken in only 32 patients. The single group study design using the non-parametric matching pairs Wilcoxon Sign test (p < 0.001) showed overall good to excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes and higher scores of the digital SymNose grading system. There was a significant improvement in ROE scores (from 26.4 ± 2.9 to 85.9 ± 4.7, p < 0.001). There were no major complications or revisions needed in our series. CONCLUSION: The individual components of "The Gujrat Technique" are not novel but their combination in this adult unilateral cleft rhinoplasty cohort has demonstrated a high patient satisfaction with its aesthetic appeal and functional versatility. In the background of limited resources and unpredictable patient follow up, the simplicity, reproducibility and cost effectiveness of this technique make it a practical reconstructive option.

IV3000 semi-occlusive dressing use in simple and complex fingertip injuries: efficacy and affordability.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the efficacy of the IV3000 semi-occlusive, transparent adhesive film dressing in the non-surgical management of simple as well as more complex fingertip injuries. METHOD: In this qualitative study, patients with fingertip injuries were prospectively recruited and treated conservatively with the dressing between 2015 and 2017. Inclusion criteria included any fingertip injury with tissue loss and patient consent for non-surgical treatment consistent with the study protocol. Exclusion criteria included injuries needing surgical intervention for tendon injury or exposure, joint dislocations, distal phalangeal fractures requiring fixation, bone exposure, isolated nail bed lacerations and any patients eligible for surgical repair who did not wish to be managed conservatively. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients took part in the study. The patients treated with the dressing were asked to rate functional outcome, of whom 40 (62.5%) patients reported the outcome as 'excellent', 19 (29.7%) as 'satisfactory', five (7.8%) as 'indifferent' and none (0%) as 'unsatisfactory'. A reduced pulp volume at completion of healing was felt by 21 (32.8%) patients, but all patients were 'satisfied' with the aesthetic appearance of their fingertips at final clinical review. Average healing time was 4.5 weeks across the group, with the average time for return to work being just under one week. We estimate a 60% reduction in cost with the conservative versus the surgical management option. CONCLUSION: This study showed that, for participants, the IV3000 dressing was an affordable and effective option for the conservative treatment of simple fingertip injuries and in the management of more complex fingertip injuries.

Control of hair growth using long-pulsed alexandrite laser is an efficient and cost effective therapy for patients suffering from recurrent pilonidal disease.

Pilonidal sinus (PNS) and its surgical management have a profound impact on hospital resources in terms of finances and productive man-hours. Surgical treatment has been the mainstay of treatment of both acute and chronic pilonidal sinus but recurrence is common. The control of hair growth in the sinus region plays an important role in preventing recurrence. Here, we discuss our experience of treating 19 patients suffering from recurrent pilonidal sinus with laser depilation and its long-term cost effectiveness. This is a retrospective study on patients who had recurrence of pilonidal sinus following multiple surgical treatments. They were treated using long-pulsed alexandrite laser for depilation in the sinus area, an outpatient procedure. Their clinical characteristics and outcomes were then evaluated. There was a significant reduction in hair density after laser treatment (p < 0.001). The disease-free period after laser treatment was significantly longer than that one after surgical treatment (p < 0.001). The average cost of repeated surgical treatment per disease-free month was significantly higher than that of laser treatment (p < 0.001). Evidence suggests the role of natal cleft hair growth in the evolution of the pilonidal disease; therefore, control of hair growth should be considered as an adjunct to the initial treatment via surgery. Compared to surgical treatment of recurrences, laser depilation is an efficient and cost-effective method of preventing recurrence and reducing morbidity and loss of man-hours. We suggest that laser depilation of the pilonidal sinus should be funded by clinical commissioning groups.

Mastopexy using de-epithelialised dermoglandular flaps: a case series for maximal volume conservation following breast implants removal.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: Removal of implants without replacement is often requested, and the procedure is more commonly performed today than ever before. However, the resultant loss of body image, secondary to the loss of breast volume, is not an outcome, that a patient is looking forward to. There is a lack of information on the options available to the patients following explantation. This case series presents an option of breast volume preservation and reshaping during mastopexy after breast implant removal that can be offered to selected patients. In the current case series, de-epithelialised dermoglandular flap mastopexy was used as an autologous tissue for breast reshaping and remodelling. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since 2015, ten patients were selected for de-epithelialised dermoglandular mastopexy using wise pattern or vertical scar. Surgery was performed under general anaesthesia as a day case. A vertically oriented bipedicular dermoglandular flap was used for vertical scar mastopexy in two patients, and eight patients had Wise pattern incisions. Of these eight patients, four had superomedial and four had inferiorly based flaps for dermoglandular mastopexy and closure. All patients had a preoperative cup size D or larger. RESULTS: All patients had adequate results with an acceptable breast cup size. There was no skin breakdown, nipple loss, haematoma or infection. CONCLUSION: De-epithelialised dermoglandular flap mastopexy is a safe procedure and can be used as an option in selected patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism: description of techniques and advances in the field.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a disease commonly seen in patients above 60 years of age. It is the most common cause of asymptomatic or symptomatic hypercalcemia, usually found incidentally on routine check-ups. Surgical treatment is the only definitive treatment of choice in the symptomatic patient; however, it can also be employed in asymptomatic patients. First described in 1925, bilateral neck exploration is the gold standard of treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism. The recent interest in minimally invasive surgeries has led to better and improved techniques of neck exploration with improved cosmetic results and lesser chances of transient or permanent hypoparathyroidism due to inadvertent removal of normally functioning parathyroid tissue. These include unilateral neck explorations, minimally invasive parathyroidectomies and minimally invasive radio-guided parathyroidectomy. The intact parathyroid hormone assays have greatly added to the detection of normal and abnormal functioning glands, hence better surgical outcomes.