Management of diabetic foot ulcers using topical probiotics in a soybean-based concentrate: a multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a common complication in people with diabetes. Standard management includes strict glycaemic management, control of the infection, revascularisation, debridement, mechanical offloading and foot care education. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of using topical probiotics in a soybean-based concentrate in the management of DFUs. METHOD: A retrospective, multicentre evaluation of patients with diabetes with non-infected DFUs between October 2020 and October 2021, and who were treated with twice daily topical application of probiotics in a soybean-based concentrate as an adjunct to standard wound care. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients were enrolled into this study, including 16 males and six females, with a mean age of 61 years (range: 31-89 years). Defect size ranged from 1-33.5cm2 (mean: 7.2cm2). The mean number of days until complete healing was 51 (range: 21-112 days). Of the patients, 83% showed complete healing at the end of 16 weeks, 72% showed complete healing at 12 weeks, 56% at eight weeks, and 22% at four weeks. The wounds showed an average decrease in size of 0.59cm2 (9%) per week, calculated using generalised estimating equation. CONCLUSION: This findings of this study provide a new perspective on the therapeutic potential of probiotics as an effective form of management in patients with small, hard-to-heal (chronic) DFUs.

Epidemic-Prevention Measures and Health Management in a Nursing Home during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of epidemic prevention and isolation policies on residents' health and well-being and assess the effectiveness of implementing intervention measures to maintain their quality of life. This mixed-methods research study involved a retrospective record review of residents' daily life diaries and descriptive statistical analysis. Data were collected between March 2021 and June 2022, and epidemic-prevention measures were implemented using Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control guidelines. Three interventions were developed to address residents' health, social, and rehabilitation needs. Despite an overall infection rate of 10% at various times between 2021 and 2022, there were no reported outbreaks of nosocomial infections. The concept of reablement proved effective in helping residents maintain their independence and physical function, with a maintenance rate of 66.6%, thereby improving their quality of life. By implementing epidemic-prevention measures, we found that proper hand washing and the use of surgical masks were effective in controlling infections. Furthermore, the decline in physical function is a continuous and gradual process for older adults. Even under the restriction of social interaction, it is essential to incorporate rehabilitation plans into residents' daily activities and encourage their active participation, as this promotes improved physical function and enhances their overall quality of life.

Multi-disciplinary management of type 1 and 2 skin tears using a silver-based hydrofiber dressing.

Skin tear is a common problem encountered in the emergency department. If it is not properly managed, it can lead to wound infection, skin necrosis and a need for further surgical intervention and skin grafting. Current management is to cleanse the wound, replace the thin skin tear followed by coverage with a dressing that is inducive for wound healing. Several dressings have been suggested for the coverage of these wounds. But, up to now, there has been no mention of the use of a silver-based hydrofiber dressing in the management of this condition. The objective of this study was to explore the use of a silver-based hydrofiber dressing for the management of paper-thin skin tears. We retrospectively reviewed all patients with Type 1 or 2 skin tears that had undergone management using a silver-based hydrofiber dressing between October 2019 and October 2020. Demographic data and medical history was obtained by retrospective chart review. Data that was collected included: age, sex, comorbid illnesses, defect location, defect size, complications, number of times the silver-based hydrofiber dressing was replaced and the number of days required to achieve complete wound healing. A total of 65 patients were included in the study. There were 42 males and 23 females. There were 28 patients whose age was greater then 85 years old, of which 14 patients were over 90 years old. The mean number of outpatient visits was 2. The mean defect size was 33 cm2 (range 1 cm × 1 cm to 18 × 10 cm). The mean number of days required for total wound healing was 13 days (range 7-21). We did not encounter any patients that required further surgical debridement or split-thickness skin grafting. The use of a silver-based hydrofiber dressing was well tolerated by the elderly population as it provided an easy, efficient, economical and effective form of management of skin tears. We suggest that a silver-based hydrofiber dressing can be used as a first-line treatment method for type 1 and 2 skin tears.

Endoscopic Concurrent Gastrocnemius Muscle Resection and Soleus Muscle Neurectomy for Severe Muscular Calf Hypertrophy.

BACKGROUND: Selective neurectomy or muscle resection techniques for calf reduction conventionally focuses on the gastrocnemius muscle. Nonetheless, the underlying soleus muscle plays an important role in muscular calf hypertrophy. In our experience, the results of calf reduction have been suboptimal in patients with severe muscular calf hypertrophy who had undergone gastrocnemius muscle resection only. This study aimed to describe a new calf reduction method that employs concurrent gastrocnemius muscle resection and soleus muscle neurectomy using an endoscope-assisted single-incision approach in patients with severe muscular calf hypertrophy. METHODS: One hundred thirty-nine patients who underwent simultaneous gastrocnemius muscle resection and soleus muscle neurectomy for severe muscular calf hypertrophy from March 2017 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: After combined gastrocnemius resection (mean weight per calf was 349g) and soleus neurectomy, about 3.8 to 8.2 cm (mean: 6.4 cm) or 12.8% to 24.3% (mean: 16.6%) of the calf was reduced. Three patients each had cellulitis, hematoma, and seroma. Two patients had traction injury to the sural nerve, whereas one patient developed mild depression. One patient developed Achilles tendon rupture at 2 months postoperatively. None of the patients complained of functional impairment with respect to easy fatigability, stability, gait, or sport activities at 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to combine gastrocnemius muscle resection with selective soleus muscle neurectomy to achieve the most efficient calf reduction for severe muscular calf hypertrophy.

Predictive Factors for Nasogastric Tube Removal in Post-Stroke Patients.

Background and Objectives: Stroke patients have different levels of functional impairment, and rehabilitation is essential to achieving functional recovery. Many post-stroke patients transition from acute treatment to post-acute care (PAC) with nasogastric tubes (NGTs) for rehabilitation. However, long-term NGT placement can lead to several complications, and its earlier removal can effectively reduce the incidence of mortality. This study aimed to use a PAC-cerebrovascular disease (CVD) program and physical functional evaluation scale tools to demonstrate the factors associated with NGT removal before post-stroke patient discharge. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, data were collected between January 2017 and August 2022. We divided patients who had NGTs at admission into discharged with and without NGT groups to compare their baseline characteristics and physical functional status. Logistic regression analysis was used to detect the predictive factors for NGT removal. Results: There were 63 participants: 22 without NGT removal and 41 with NGT removal. The NGT removal rate was 65%. Age and scores for the activities of daily living by the Barthel index (BI), Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Mini-Mental State Examination, and Concise Chinese Aphasia Test were significantly different in terms of NGT removal status, but only the BI and FOIS were significantly correlated with NGT removal. Patients' BI scores indicating severe to moderate dependence (21-90) had a 4.55 times greater chance of NGT removal (odds ratio, 4.55; p < 0.05) than patients who had total dependence (<20). Every one-point increase in FOIS score indicated a 3.07 times greater chance of NGT removal (odds ratio, 3.07; p < 0.05). Conclusions: The BI and FOIS evaluations may indicate the probability of NGT removal in patients.

Microsurgical complication associated with vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT): A case report.

RATIONALE: The use of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Astra Zeneca) vaccine has proven beneficial, but in a limited number of the general population, it was found to be associated with vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). However, there have been no reports of this complication occurring in a microsurgical free tissue transfer. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 49-year-old man developed an acute myocardial infarction 3 weeks after receiving his first dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 in June 2021. Three months later, he presented with right third toe wet gangrene with extension into the plantar foot nine days after receiving his second dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. DIAGNOSIS: Based on recent exposure to vaccination, the timing of inoculation before the development of his symptoms, and serology tests (platelet, D-dimer, and anti-PF4 antibodies), the patient was diagnosed with VITT. INTERVENTIONS: Fasciectomy and sequestrectomy were performed for wound bed preparation. Limb salvage was done using free vastus lateralis muscle flap and skin graft for reconstruction. OUTCOME: The flap was complicated by persistent microthrombi leading to superficial necrosis without vascular pedicle compromise. Repeated debridement of the superficial necrosis was done. Three months after the development of VITT, no further new superficial necrosis was seen. A well-contoured flap was seen 5 months after the initial surgery. LESSONS: We believe this is the first case describing microthrombi in the free flap due to VITT after microsurgical reconstruction. Patients and surgeons should be advised of this possible risk when contemplating microsurgery once VITT has developed after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 administration.

Sedoanalgesia with intravenous midazolam and fentanyl for angioplasty of dysfunctional arteriovenous access: A retrospective single-center analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular therapy, such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), stenting, or embolization, is a well-established form of treatment to prolong the lifespan of arteriovenous access. These procedures, especially PTA, can be accompanied with severe pain. We reviewed and analyzed the efficacy, safety, and outcome of sedoanalgesia using intravenous midazolam and fentanyl, for pain relief during these procedures. METHODS: Two hundred and two consecutive patients with dysfunctional dialysis access that had undergone endovascular procedure in our institute between July and November 2017 were included in this study. The dialysis access profile, procedure complication, and 10-point Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were collected. One-year clinical follow-up record was also collected to evaluate arteriovenous access patency and long-term complications. RESULTS: Among the 202 patients, the mean age was (mean ± SD) 67.0 ± 12.08 years. Dialysis access profile of these patients were 119 (58.9%) native arteriovenous fistula and 162 (74.2%) forearm access. The number of lesions treated were 1.63 ± 0.802.Immediate complications included 11 (5.44%) nausea/vomiting, 24 (11.88%) desaturation (SpO2 < 90%, resolved after pillow removal or jaw trust), 16 (7.9%) hypotension (SBP < 90 mmHg, resolved without inotropic agents). There was a low average pain score (1.16 ± 1.594) during the procedure with 136 (67.3%) no pain (VAS 0-1) and 56 (27.7%) mild pain (VAS 2-4). Higher VAS score correlated with overweight patients, longer PTA time and pain after procedure. Six-month primary patency rate was 49.17% and primary assisted patency rate was 93.04%. CONCLUSIONS: Sedoanalgesia with intravenous midazolam and fentanyl is an easy, safe, and effective method for surgeons.

Simultaneous calf reduction and contouring with customized differential subtotal gastrocnemius resection and muscle transposition: Analysis of 200 cases.

BACKGROUND: Oversized muscular calves can cause severe emotional distress. Total, partial, and subtotal resections of the gastrocnemius muscle for calf reduction have been described. However, the amount of muscle resected may be inappropriate, and the resultant leg contour may not be straight or esthetically pleasing enough. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe a technique of customized differential subtotal gastrocnemius resection and muscle transposition. METHODS: A total of 200 patients who underwent customized differential subtotal gastrocnemius resection and muscle transposition for hypertrophic muscular calves from July 2013 to June 2016 were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 148 patients underwent subtotal resection of both heads, and calf reduction ranged from 3.2 to 7.2 cm (mean 14.8%). Forty-two patients underwent subtotal resection of the medial head alone, and calf reduction ranged from 2.8 to 5.5 cm (mean 9.2%). Ten patients underwent subtotal resection of the lateral head alone, and calf reduction ranged from 1.2 to 2.1 cm (mean 4.6%). The medial gastrocnemius muscle was subtotally resected in 190 (95%) patients. In 130 (65%) patients, the preserved medial gastrocnemius muscle was transposed superomedially to achieve a straighter medial contour. None of the patients complained that their legs were too thin because of over-reduction. Cybex test showed that near-total muscle strength recovery was achieved within 6 months. CONCLUSION: Customized differential subtotal gastrocnemius resection together with muscle transposition resulted in enhanced calf reduction with straighter leg contour, without any impairment of the leg function. This approach may be more appealing to both patients and surgeons.

Evaluating the effectiveness of using negative pressure wound therapy in the preservation of the infected prosthetic aortic graft.

BACKGROUND: Infected deep sternal infection due to an associated infection of the prosthetic aortic graft is a devastating condition. Standard management requires the removal of the graft and substituting it with a new one. Often, removal of the prosthetic graft is close to impossible. Negative pressure wound therapy is currently the treatment of choice for patients with deep sternal infection. However, its use in deep sternal infection with exposed infected prosthetic aortic graft has not been well described. METHODS: Eight patients were included in this study. All had type A aortic dissection of the ascending aorta and/or aortic arch. RESULTS: There were 7 men and 1 woman. The median age was 53 years old (range 33-81 years old). The median number of days from the initial aortic operation to the diagnosis of infection was 20 days (range 14-52). The median length of stay in the intensive care unit was 17 days (range 6-338 days). The median time interval from the initial debridement to reconstruction was 20 days (range 6-43 days). The median number of times negative pressure wound therapy was changed was 4 (range 2-9). The most common flap used for reconstruction was the pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap in 7 patients, a free antero-lateral thigh flap in 1 patient, and pedicled omental flap in combination with pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap in 1 patient. One patient had persistent recurrent infection of the graft despite negative pressure wound therapy and flap reconstruction. The median length of follow-up was 38.5 months (range 4-120 months). CONCLUSION: This small study suggests that negative pressure wound therapy could be used successfully for the management of deep sternal infection due to infected prosthetic aortic grafts. In most cases, it eliminated the need to replace the infected prosthetic aortic graft in high-risk patients.

Parecoxib Reduced Postsurgical Pain and Facilitated Movement More Than Patient Controlled Analgesia.

Background: Postoperative pain management is an imperative issue for patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery. Delayed pain relief is associated with poor clinical outcomes. This study compared the effects of intravenously administered patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with intravenous parecoxib, both commonly used methods for analgesic pain control after surgery. Methods: A non-randomized study was used to recruit 68 patients who were scheduled to receive lumbar spinal fusion surgery at a hospital in Taiwan from April through December of 2020. The group treated with parecoxib received an initial perioperative dose of parecoxib 40 mg during a 30-min period and then postoperative intravenous parecoxib at 40 mg per 12-h period, for 72 h. Those with PCA received morphine (0.4 mg/ml), droperidol (0.02 mg/ml), diphenhydramine (0.48 mg/ml), midazolam (0.02 mg/ml) and saline solution during the 3-day study course. Major outcomes, including visual scale pain score and Barthel index of activities of daily living, were collected via review of medical records at 4 times: 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery. Comparative effects between two groups were assessed by the generalized estimating equations. Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, the administration of parecoxib was associated with a significant decrease in pain scores and an increase in the Barthel Index, when compared with the PCA group (all p < 0.05). Notably, both effects would maintain for 72 h after surgery. Discussion: This is the first trial of which the authors are aware, that supports intravenous parecoxib as significantly enhancing patient mobility, in addition to having pain control efficacy, when compared with PCA. This study could be used as a reference when instituting interventions to improve the adaptation process and clinical prognoses after lumbar spinal fusion surgery.

Single Incision Endoscope-Assisted Gastrocnemius Muscle Resection for Calf Hypertrophy: Analysis of 300 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Muscular calf hypertrophy can cause severe psychological distress. Total or subtotal resection of the gastrocnemius muscle results in significant calf reduction. However, both techniques require a second incision of 5 and 2 cm, respectively, at the posterior mid-calf. The resultant mid-calf scar is more difficult to conceal when wearing short skirts or pants. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to describe the technique of endoscope-assisted gastrocnemius muscle resection to obviate the need for a mid-calf scar and to review the outcomes of patients who underwent this procedure. METHODS: A retrospective study of 300 patients in a single center in Taiwan who underwent endoscope-assisted subtotal resection of the gastrocnemius muscle for hypertrophic muscular calves, between March 2015 to June 2019, were included in this study. RESULTS: The combined weight of the resected gastrocnemius muscle ranged from 156 to 484 g per calf (mean = 276 g). The mean maximal calf circumference was 36.1 cm preoperatively and 30.9 cm postoperatively. The calf reduction achieved was 3.0 to 8.1 cm (mean = 5.2 cm), or 8.9% to 19.8% (mean = 14.4%). The complications were minor, and the rate was low (2%). As for the popliteal fossa scar, 6 patients underwent further treatment of their hyperpigmented or hypertrophic transverse scar. There were no complaints of impaired leg function regarding gait or sports activities 3 to 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: At present, gastrocnemius muscle resection remains unrivaled in its ability to achieve calf reduction. The surgery is now much more appealing to patients as a result of employing the endoscope-assisted technique to obviate the mid-calf scar.

A novel method of skin graft fixation using adhesive hydrofiber foam.

OBJECTIVE: Conventional skin graft fixation uses a tie-over bolus dressing with splint fixation. However, splints are highly uncomfortable and contribute considerably to medical waste. Previous study has shown positive results using hydrofiber for skin graft fixation. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of using adhesive hydrofiber foam for skin graft fixation. METHOD: In this retrospective study, patients reconstructed with split-thickness skin graft that was fixated only with adhesive hydrofiber foam from April 2017 until April 2019 were included. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients took part, of whom 32 were male and 12 female, with a mean age of 56±19 years. The mean operative time was 77.5±91 minutes. The average defect size was 42±37cm2. The mean skin graft take was 97±5%. The mean length of hospital admission after skin grafting until discharge was 8.5±9.2 days. Excluding those patients undergoing other procedures at the same time as the skin graft gave a total of 34 patients. Their mean operative time was 32±20 minutes, and mean length of hospital stay after skin grafting was 4.0±4.7 days. CONCLUSION: Adhesive hydrofiber foam for skin graft fixation was technically very easy to apply, resulting in a waterproof, non-bulky, secure dressing. Splints were not required. Patients were allowed to mobilise. This method resulted in increased patient comfort and decreased medical waste. From these findings, we believe that this is an extremely simple and effective method of skin graft fixation.

Management of incontinence-associated dermatitis with topical antibiotics and antifungal medication.

OBJECTIVE: The primary goals of managing incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) are to control the incontinence and to stop the progress of dermatitis. This study evaluated the effectiveness of using a combination of topical antibiotic and topical antifungal medication to manage IAD. METHOD: Patients with grade 2 IAD treated with a combination of topical antibiotic Biomycin (CBC Biotechnological and Pharmaceutical, Taiwan) and antifungal clotrimazole (Sinphar Group, Taiwan) between January 2017 and January 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Data collected included patients' age, sex, diagnosis, body mass index, comorbidities and surface area involved. Patients were reviewed fortnightly until the wounds had healed, the patient was discharged or had died. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients were included. There were 39 men and 37 women with a mean age of 74 years. In 58 (76%) patients, the surface area involved was >50cm2, in 13 (17%) patients the involved area was 20-50cm2 and in five (7%) patients the area involved was <20cm2. The mean number of days treated was 10.3 (range: 1-53). A total of 46 (61%) patients showed total healing of their IAD, 17 (22%) patients showed improvement of >50% of the involved area, seven (9%) patients showed improvement of 0-50%, five (7%) patients showed no improvement and one (1%) patient showed an increase in the area involved. CONCLUSION: This combination of treatment was effective in the management of IAD. It was cheap, easy to apply, easy to remove and easily accessible. It could be used efficiently by the hospital staff and the patient's family.

Editor's Choice - Diabetic Limb Salvage With Endovascular Revascularisation and Free Tissue Transfer: Long-Term Follow up.

OBJECTIVE: Combining vascular bypass surgery with free flap coverage is one of the treatment methods for complex soft tissue defects in the ischaemic lower limb. Endovascular revascularisation has become the first line treatment for limb ischaemia in many centres. Surgeons now perform free tissue transfer after angioplasty. The early and long-term limb salvage rate in diabetic patients who had undergone infrapopliteal endovascular revascularisation and free flap reconstruction are assessed. METHODS: This was retrospective study of all consecutive diabetic patients who had undergone endovascular revascularisation with free flap reconstruction for lower limb salvage between 2008 and 2014. They were followed up for at least 2 years or to death (mean follow up 39 ± 17 months). Cox regression analysis was used to analyse variables influencing outcome. RESULTS: There were 55 patients who had undergone 60 procedures. Five patients had undergone the procedure to the contralateral leg. All tissue lesions were Wagner-Meggit classification Grades 3 or 4. Thirty-six patients had TASC C lesions and 24 patients with TASC D lesions. Combined below knee triple vessel disease was seen in 30% of the cases, 28% involved both the anterior and posterior tibial artery, 7% and 2% involved the anterior tibial or the posterior tibial and the peroneal arteries. The free flap success rate was 95%. The peri-operative mortality was 1.7%. Twenty-one cases required surgical re-intervention. Mean length of hospital admission was 32 ± 9 days. One and five year amputation free survival rates were 94% and 68%, patient survival rates were 95% and 67%, limb salvage rates were 93% and 91% and respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that excellent early and late limb salvage can be achieved with free tissue transfer based on endovascular revascularisation of infrapopliteal arteries. This can be a further treatment option in diabetic patients with complex soft tissue defects.

Reconstruction of Diabetic Foot Defects With the Proximal Lateral Leg Perforator Flap.

BACKGROUND: In patients with diabetic foot ulcers requiring flap reconstruction, the choice of local flaps is limited by the lack of adequate tissue available. Free flaps are often bulky, presenting footwear difficulty due to poor contouring. Here, we present our experience of using the proximal lateral leg perforator flap in the reconstruction of thin diabetic foot ulcers. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 17 patients with diabetic foot ulcers reconstructed with the proximal lateral leg perforator flap during January 2013 and December 2015. RESULTS: Nine patients had varying degrees of peripheral arterial disease. The perforator was located 7 to 14 cm (mean, 9.7 cm) from the fibula head. The pedicle length ranged from 5 to 9 cm (mean, 6.9 cm). The arterial diameter of the pedicle measured 0.8 to 1.9 mm (mean, 1.4 mm). There was 1 total flap failure. One other flap complicated by venous thrombosis was successfully salvaged. All donor sites were closed primarily without morbidities. All the wounds were stable without recurrent ulceration during a mean follow-up time of 12 months. CONCLUSION: The thin, pliable proximal lateral leg perforator flap is an option for the reconstruction of small to moderate diabetic foot defects especially when it is located over the dorsal foot or the ankle. The flap is simple and quick to harvest without sacrificing a major artery. Although it is limited by the short length and the small diameter of the pedicle, for experienced microsurgeons, the success rate is high.

A comparison study between endoscope-assisted and the standard approach in the harvesting of the free rectus femoris muscle flap.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic harvesting of muscle flaps is well described for gracilis, latissimus dorsi, gastrocnemius, and pectoralis major amongst others. So far there has been no description of endoscopic harvesting of the rectus femoris muscle as a free flap. The purpose of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes of harvesting the free rectus femoris muscle flap endoscopically as compared to the standard approach. METHODS: Fifty patients with lower limb defects reconstructed with free rectus femoris muscle flap between January 2014 and December 2016 were included in this study. Their ages ranged from 37 years old to 92 years old. The flaps were harvested with both the standard and endoscopical method. Comparative data between the two methods collected included: age, gender, comorbid illnesses, flap size, defect size, reconstruction time, and flap survival rate RESULTS: Twenty patients underwent flap harvesting endoscopically and 30 were harvested with the standard technique. Their mean ages were 67 ± 9.4 and 65 ± 14 years old respectively (P = .47). The defect size was 96 ± 60 cm2 versus 81 ± 74 cm2 (P = .45). The flap size was 72 ± 34 cm2 in the endoscopic group and 60 ± 42 cm2 in the standard group (P = .52). The mean total reconstruction time in the endoscopic group was 228 ± 48 minutes and 216 ± 64 minutes in the standard group (P = .50). There was no significant difference between flap survival (P = N/A), complication rates (P = .33), and length of admission (P = .84) in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Endoscope-assisted harvesting of a free rectus femoris muscle flap is a feasible option and permits a small scar at the donor site.

Varicose Vein Treatment by Suction-assisted Shaving Phlebectomy without the Use of Transillumination/Irrigation: A Simple, Quick and Effective Method.

Traditional management of saphenous vein incompetency is using high ligation and stripping with multiple stab incision phlebectomies for the varicose tributaries. A number of minimally invasive options have been described, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. We describe a new technique using suction-assisted shaving phlebectomy without transillumination and irrigation in the management of varicose veins. METHODS: All patients that underwent combined conventional high ligation and stripping for saphenous vein insufficiency and suction-assisted shaving phlebectomy for varicose tributaries between 2011 and 2016 was included. They were evaluated with respect to surgical time, number of incisions, complications, and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 232 patients with mean age of 49 years old were included. The mean operation time for combined saphenous stripping and suction-assisted shaving phlebectomy was 29.5 minutes and for suction-assisted shaving phlebectomy was 7.4 minutes. The number of incisions excluding the groin incision was 3 incisions in 38 limbs, 2 incisions in 186 limbs, and 1 incision in 33 limbs. Postoperative complications included 2 (0.8%) skin perforation, 1 cellulitis (0.4%), 2 hematoma (0.8%), 3 saphenous neuropathy (1.2%), 4 skin pigmentation (1.6%), 4 skin depression or irregularities (1.6%), and 3 hypertrophic scarring (1.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Suction-assisted shaving phlebectomy has the advantage of decreased operating time, fewer surgical incisions, ad decreased scar formation. There is no need to purchase expensive medical equipment. It is a simple and effective procedure with comparable complication rates. This technique aims to replace traditional ambulatory phlebectomy and transilluminated powered phlebectomy.

Skin Graft Fixation Using Hydrofiber (Aquacel® Extra).

BACKGROUND: The traditional method of skin graft fixation is with tie-over bollus dressing. The use of splints in the extremities for skin graft fixation is a common practice. However, these splints are heavy and uncomfortable and contribute considerably to our overall medical waste. Hydrofiber (Aquacel Extra) has a strong fluid absorption property and fixates well to the underlying wound once applied. In this study, we used hydrofiber for fixation, avoiding the use of splints after skin grafting. METHODS: A total of 56 patients reconstructed with split-thickness skin graft that was fixated only with hydrofiber between March 2015 and March 2016 were included in this retrospective study. RESULTS: There were 44 men and 12 women with a mean age of 61 ± 18 years. The defect size ranged from 1 × 1 cm for fingertips to 30 × 12 cm for lower limb defects. The average defect size was 61 ± 78 cm. The mean skin graft take was 96% ± 6%. Because splints were not required, we saved around 48 kg of medical waste over the space of 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: The use of hydrofiber for skin graft fixation was effective and technically very simple. Splints were not required with this method, decreasing the medical waste created and increasing patient comfort. We suggest that this is an excellent alternative for skin graft fixation while at the same time decreasing our carbon footprint as surgeons.