Evaluating patient satisfaction with WALANT for hand surgery: a comprehensive questionnaire-based study.

INTRODUCTION: There has been an increase in the popularity of the wide-awake local anesthesia no-tourniquet (WALANT) procedure for various upper limb surgeries. The present study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the satisfaction levels of 106 patients, considering factors such as age, gender, comorbidities, and the specific procedures they underwent. METHOD: The present study was a retrospective cohort study conducted to analyze the overall satisfaction of a cohort of 106 patients who underwent various surgical procedures of the hand between 2018 and 2023. The satisfaction was assessed with a questionnaire comprising 13 questions/statements adjusted to a standard Swiss grading system (from 1 = I strongly agree to 6 = I strongly disagree). RESULTS: Overall satisfaction with WALANT was high, with most patients expressing positive experiences. Patients with hypertension reported similar satisfaction levels compared to those without, while diabetic patients experienced significantly higher anxiety levels during the procedure (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: WALANT exhibits versatility as an anesthesia choice, demonstrating efficacy in both routine and complex hand surgeries. Our survey-based study reveals a high satisfaction level across diverse procedures. When assessing the correlation between WALANT satisfaction and patient comorbidities, hypertension displayed no significant impact, while diabetic patients reported heightened anxiety. Importantly, patient satisfaction remained consistently high even within the subgroup with comorbidities. Our results underscore WALANT's reliability in upper limb surgery, showcasing its usefulness and positive outcomes across a broad range of patients and surgical procedures.

Enhancing Buttock Contours: A Safer Approach to Gluteal Augmentation with Ultrasonic Liposuction, Submuscular Implants, and Ultrasound-Guided Fat Grafting.

Background: The global popularity of gluteal augmentation has risen significantly, driven by the desire for enhanced buttocks size and shape to align with individual patient preferences. This increased demand has prompted extensive research into diverse techniques and their safety. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of a gluteal augmentation technique involving ultrasound-assisted liposuction, submuscular implants, and ultrasound-guided fat grafting. Our study involved a review of the medical records of 50 consecutive patients who underwent this procedure between February 2020 and July 2023. Results: Data related to patient demographics, the quantity of fat grafts, and any complications were analyzed. Additionally, a brief survey was conducted to evaluate patient satisfaction. The Polytech implants were used in forty-four patients, and Sebbin implants in six. The implant size varied from 285 to 560. Most of the Polytech implants were 390 cc (25/44; 56.8%). Two patients had a minor infection at the incision sites and subsequent wound dehiscence. No revision surgeries were needed. Conclusions: The presented technique incorporates ultrasonic liposuction, submuscular silicone implants, and ultrasound-guided fat grafting to achieve safe and aesthetic gluteal enhancements. This method is especially suitable for patients looking to augment both the central and lateral areas of the buttocks, particularly when they lack adequate fat tissue for augmentation through fat grafting. With the addition of ultrasound guidance, the fat grafting step is significantly safer.

Buttock Augmentation with Ultrasonic Liposuction and Ultrasound-Guided Fat Grafting: A Retrospective Analysis Based on 185 Patients.

Background: The popularity of gluteal augmentation has surged in recent decades, primarily due to satisfactory aesthetic results. Objectives: The primary goal of this retrospective analysis was to present the key characteristics of a large patient cohort from Europe, comprising 185 female patients who underwent gluteal augmentation with ultrasound-guided fat grafting. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 185 female patients who underwent gluteal augmentation with ultrasonic liposuction and fat grafting from February 2020 to July 2023. The procedures were performed in accordance with the latest safety recommendations. Results: Information concerning the patient demographic, volume of fat graft, and complications was analyzed. Additionally, patient satisfaction was evaluated through a questionnaire. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of the patients was 23.00 kg/m2 (SD = 2.62). Furthermore, the volume of transferred fat graft ranged from 500.00 mL to 800.00 mL, with a mean of 596.75 mL (SD = 67.29). The most frequent complication was the formation of seroma (5.41%). All complications were treated successfully. Conclusions: Using ultrasonic liposuction and ultrasound-guided fat grafting to enhance buttock contours is a reliable technique. Nevertheless, it is crucial to exert caution and take all necessary steps to reduce the risk of potentially life-threatening complications.

Submuscular Buttock Augmentation With Silicone Implants in 80 Female Patients.

BACKGROUND: Over the past 4 decades, gluteal augmentation has increased enormously in popularity, and numerous techniques have been developed to provide patients with the best possible outcomes. The submuscular technique has been shown to be a reliable option for a broad cohort of patients. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this retrospective study was to describe the characteristics and clinical outcomes of a group of patients who underwent gluteal augmentation by the submuscular technique. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 female patients who underwent submuscular gluteal augmentation with silicone implants between August 2019 and May 2022. All of the patients were operated on by the authors of the present study. RESULTS: Information about patient demographics, implants, complications, and treatments was analyzed. Moreover, the satisfaction of the patients was assessed by means of a short survey. The most frequent complication was wound dehiscence. Only 7 patients required surgical revisions, and 2 required isolated antibiotic therapy. All complications were effectively addressed and no implants had to be removed. Furthermore, the retrospective analysis revealed a noteworthy association between the size of the implant and the occurrence of complications. CONCLUSIONS: The submuscular method provides the best aesthetic results and adequate safety for patients. It significantly minimizes the possibility of complications, such as fluid collection due to muscle fiber dissection or implant exposure/extrusion.

The topographical anatomy of the posterior auricular artery: a computed tomography angiography analysis with implications for reconstructive surgery.

BACKGROUND: The anatomy of the posterior auricular artery (PAA) is highly variable and relevant in various plastic and reconstructive procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The results of 55 consecutive patients who underwent head and neck computed tomography angiography (CTA) were analyzed. A total of 78 hemifaces were evaluated. The analysis has been performed in 19 categories. RESULTS: Median PAA length was found to be 47.59 mm (LQ = 32.75; HQ = 56.16). The median PAA diameter (at its origin) was established at 2.55 mm (LQ = 2.29; HQ = 2.90). Moreover, the median PAA cross-sectional area (at its origin) was set to be 3.22 mm (LQ = 2.49; HQ = 4.13). Sexual dimorphism regarding all of the measured parameters was also evaluated. Statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found in 13 of the measured categories. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated the complete anatomy of the PAA. The most frequent origin of the said artery was from the ECA, and its mean length was 45.07 mm; which did not differ between males and females significantly (p>0.05). Moreover, we have provided surgeons with tools to localize this artery pre- and intraoperatively using simple landmarks, namely the apex of the mastoid process and the center of the external acoustic meatus. The exact position of the origin of the PAA was also demonstrated by a heat map of the auricular region. Our findings have the potential to assist surgeons in developing a mental visualization of the arterial anatomy of the retroauricular region. This visualization can be instrumental in precisely identifying the location of the PAA during reconstructive surgeries, thereby minimizing complications and enhancing surgical outcomes.

A New Capacitance Sensor for Measuring the Void Fraction of Two-Phase Flow Through Tube Bundles.

Evaluating the two-phase flow parameters across tube bundles is crucial to the analysis of vibration excitation mechanisms. These parameters include the temporal and local variation of void fraction and phase redistribution. Understanding these two-phase parameters is essential to evaluating the stability threshold of tube bundle configurations. In this work, capacitance sensor probes were designed using finite element analysis to ensure high sensor sensitivity and optimum response. A simulation-based approach was used to calibrate and increase the accuracy of the void fraction measurement. The simulation results were used to scale the normalized capacitance and minimize the sensor uncertainty to ±5%. The sensor and required conditioning circuits were fabricated and tested for measuring the instantaneous void fraction in a horizontal triangular tube bundle array under both static and dynamic two-phase flow conditions. The static calibration of the sensor was able to reduce the uncertainty to ±3% while the sensor conditioning circuit was able to capture instantaneous void fraction signals with frequencies up to 2.5 kHz.

New concept of scapholunate dissociation treatment and novel modification of Brunelli procedure - anatomical study.

BACKGROUNDS: This paper describes a novel method in treatment of scapholunate dissociation accompanied with rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid. The idea of this method is to create a kind of axial lever that can fully reconstruct anatomical relationship between the scaphoid and the lunate, with no involvement of extrinsic ligaments, and with simultaneous restriction of pathological alignment of the scaphoid. Based on this technique, we have also proposed a new modification of Brunelli procedure in scapholunate dissociation with rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid and dorsal intercalated segmental instability. METHODS: At the initial stage of the study, 20 human wrists fixed in Ethanol were used, followed by 12 fresh human wrists used in part two. The first stage included functional, biomechanical and strength tests carried out by means of a 5 kg load and intended to find the most anatomical and durable treatment method. The second stage involved testing the proposed methods on fresh cadaver wrists. RESULTS: We have discovered that the new method is able to recreate anatomical forces and properties of scapholunate ligament; what's more, it can also prevent rotatory subluxation of the scaphoid. The performed strength tests have proven that it is possible to treat scapholunate instability also in case of dorsal intercalated segmental instability. CONCLUSIONS: We highly recommend using both the new technique and the new modification of Brunelli procedure for treatment of scapholunate dissociation in both dynamic and static instabilities.

Acute compartment syndrome after open forearm fracture--scale of the problem and case report.

Acute compartment syndrome is caused due to a sudden increase in the tissue pressure in a given fascial compartment. Missed and undiagnosed or not treated in time can lead to irreversible damage to limb muscles and nerves due to ischemia mechanism. This paper presents a case of a patient with an open forearm fracture treated conservatively in plaster.

Radiological investigation of relationship between lunate type and ulnar variance.

UNLABELLED: Some variances and anatomical proportions of the wrist may contribute to development of avascular necrosis of the lunate. Kienböck's disease is more often encountered in young males, who suffer, among others, from type II of the lunate (with two joint surfaces for the capitate and hamate) and/or negative variance of ulna in relation to radius. The aim of the study was to investigate whether there exists interdependence between the simultaneous occurrence of individual types of the lunate with one of the variances of ulna in both genders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 394 (n=394) radiological tests of the wrist in 174 (44%) women and 220 (56%) males aged 18-83 years (average age 39 years). From the entire pool, 265 X-rays were educed in 104 females and 161 males, and no fractures or wrist instability features were could be observed. The X-rays were obtained from computer lab and archive data base at St Hedwig Hospital in Trzebnica from the beginning of January 2011 to the end of December 2012. RESULTS: 196 cases (74%) were found with type I of the lunate and 69 cases (26%) with type II. Ulnar variance amounted to from +4.7 mm to -4.2 mm (mean value +0.9 mm). Positive ulnar variance was stated in 44 patients (16.6%), negative in 63 (23.7%) and neutral accounted for the biggest group of other 158 (59.7%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Neutral variance of ulna is the one that occurs most often in the Polish population. There is no correlation between gender and ulnar variance. There is also lack of direct connection between occurrence of individual lunate types and ulnar variance.

"Dangerous" anatomic varieties of recurrent motor branch of median nerve.

UNLABELLED: Carpal tunnel release became one of the most common operations in the field of hand surgery. Many controversies has been made about frequency of the so-called dangerous variations of motor branch of the median nerve. Knowledge of all the anatomical variations motor branches is the duty of every surgeon dealing with the subject. The aim of the study was to present the incidence of dangerous variants of median nerve motor branch in the carpal tunnel based on both clinical experience and anatomical studies performed on 20 cadaver wrists. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2006-2012 during minimally open carpal tunnel release we made photographic documentation of all visible dangerous varieties of recurrent motor branches of the median nerve. We also studied 20 cadaver wrists in the Department of Anatomy Medical University in Wroclaw. RESULTS: Dangerous varieties of the motor branch of median nerve was found in three clinical cases and in one cadaver wrist. Also In one wrist we found one regular branche, which, however, has atypical two separate branches supplying the thenar muscles. CONCLUSIONS: Dangerous varieties of the motor branch of median nerve occur very rare in the population, but does not release from the fact that in each case special attention must be given.We also conclude that, at the minimally open carpal tunnel release procedure, the transverse carpal ligament should be released rather from the line of radial border of the 4th finger to minimize the risk of injury to the recurrent motor branch of median nerve.

Radial wrist extensors as a dynamic stabilizers of scapholunate complex.

UNLABELLED: Wrist stabilization is ensured by the complex of stabilizers, both static (intrinsic and extrinsic ligaments) and dynamic ones (flexor and extensor sinews of the wrist). Extrinsic carpal ligaments link both carpal rows with forearm, while the intrinsic ones connect individual carpal bones. From among intrinsic ligaments, the most significant from clinical point of view is scapholunate ligament (scapholunate lig.--SL). Instability of the SL resulting from SL ligament tear is the most frequent type of carpal instability. If untreated or undiagnosed, it may lead to destabilization of the carpal rows, and in the final stage to massive degenerative changes with SLAC (scapholunate advanced collapse). The aim of the study was to present a hypothesis of a possible influence of radial extensors of the wrist as dynamic stabilizers for SL complex, based on which it is possible to discern the partial ligament tear with accompanying damage of static stabilizers of the complex. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This hypothesis was based on radiological tests carried out on 5 patients, with acute partial SL ligament tear, which was confirmed during wrist arthroscopy. The outcome was presented as well, with its visualization in radiological tests. RESULTS: The picture of rotary subluxation of the scaphoid -signet ring sign in PA view and strengthening in stress position (clenched fist) was demonstrated in all 5 patients. In 2 patients who had wrist arthroscopy performed it was observed that the palmar and proximal part of SL ligament were injured, yet no damage of dorsal part was reported. In MRI tests of these patients, an additional injury of dorsal intercarpal ligament was revealed. CONCLUSIONS: Correction of the scaphoid reduction in position of clenched fist may result from influence of radial extensors of the wrist (both short and long) as dynamic stabilizers of SL complex. This imagining is a completion of the radiological symptoms so far occurring in this SL instability. In case of acute, partial scapholunate ligament tear, reduction of scapholunate subluxation and its internal fixation with the lunate and capitate for a 6-week period may be an optional procedure.

Post-traumatic thumb reconstruction with radial forearm flap.

The study described a case of a 37-year-old patient, who had undergone avulsion amputation of the thumb, and was subject to a primary thumb reconstruction by means of thumb reconstruction with radial forearm flap, with the use of osseous fragments of the amputated thumb parts.

Treatment possibilities of reverse-flow sural flap in covering the defects of lower extremities.

UNLABELLED: Soft tissue defects of the lower extremity pose an important surgical challenge, often because of inviability of primary covering. Therapeutic modalities of choice comprise of local perforator flaps, as well as of free flaps created with the use of microsurgical skills. However, these methods cannot be applied in patients with important comorbidities, and it is in such cases where the reverse sural flap proves to be the best solution. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: To present the results of treating lower extremity defects with various modifications of the reverse sural flap. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen patients, males aged 17-56 years, were operated on from 2007 to 2013. Diabetes with multiple complications, disseminated atheromatosis, and extensive soft tissue trauma involving the arteries crucial for microsurgica anastomoses were the most common reason disqualifying from the free and perforator-based flap techniques. RESULTS: All of the patients achieved very good results; in two cases distal and marginal flap necrosis was observed which, once exiced, covered with granulation, and was successfully covered with a partial-thickness skin graft. CONCLUSIONS: The reverse sural flap, technically easy, offers a viable, low-risk alternative to free and perforator-based flaps.

Surgical treatment of hemangiomas and arteriovenous malformations in upper extermity.

UNLABELLED: Hemangiomas belong to one of the most common type of tumors occurring in childhood. They are benign and often do not require any treatment, with the tendency to. frequently disappearing spontaneously at the age of 5-7 years. The tumors usually develop in the head and neck area, whereas vascular malformations (AVMs) are rare congenital anomalies, which may occur anywhere. In upper limb, they may amount to 30-60% of cases. It is common for these changes not to require any surgical treatment. In case they do, the main indications for such treatment of upper limb AVMs may be as follows: signs of compression of the peripheral nerves, limited mobility of the fingers because of the tumor, which entails difficulties in the functioning of the whole arm, pain and aesthetic considerations. AIM OF THE STUDY: was to present the results of surgical treatment of vascular tumors (hemangiomas and AVMs) in the upper limb that was applied in our department, as well as a broader discussion on epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of these changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2003-2011 period we treated 11 patients aged 24-39, suffering from vascular tumors (hemangiomas / vascular malformations) in the upper limb; the group included 3 men and 8 women. In this group we diagnosed 2 cases with arm hemangiomas, 2 cases of intramuscular hemangiomas of the forearm, 2 cases of hemangiomas in metacarpal area, 2 cases of AVMs of the finger and metacarpal area, and 4 cases of isolated vascular malformations (mainly arteriovenous malformations) of the fingers. All preparations were examined histologically. RESULTS: No complications or recurrence were found in 7 cases, recurrences of AVMs were observed in 4 patients with finger changes. In one patient with AVMs of the index finger, we observed a treble recurrence, which severely impaired functioning of his hand. We eventually suggested to him the finger amputation, to which the patient agreed. CONCLUSIONS: Upper extremity is a rare location of hemangiomas and other vascular malformations requiring surgery. hemangiomas are more common in women, and the occurrence of AVMs in both males and females is similar. Surgical treatment of hemangiomas and AVMs of the upper extremities is doubtlessly an arduous task, which calls for great microsurgical skills.

Radiological and anatomical study to investigate possibility of relationship between scaphoid fracture and lunate morphology.

BACKGROUND: A connection between lunate type has been described for medical conditions like Kienbock's disease as well as for wrist osteoarthritis, e.g. STT osteoarthritis. Aim of the Study to investigate the possibility of a relationship between lunate type and the type of wrist injury mainly localised to the scaphoid bone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 394 PA and lateral radiographs of the wrist (n = 394) were subjected to a detailed assessment by two independent surgeons. The X-rays were selected and analyzed from a computer and archive database run by St. Hedwig Hospital in Trzebnica, from the beginning of January 2011 till the end of December 2012. Most of the X-rays (69%) were obtained from citizens of Trzebnica District. In addition, detailed anatomical studies of the wrist bones were carried out on 20 human preparations fixed in ethanol. RESULTS: Lunate type I was found in 288 wrist radiographs (73%) and type II in the remaining 106 photos (27%). Various types of wrist injuries were diagnosed in 129 cases. These were mainly distal radius fractures, scaphoid fractures and isolated scapholunate instability. There exists a statistically confirmed relationship between scaphoid fracture and lunate type II as well as a connection between lunate type and gender. Anatomical examination of 20 wrists showed the presence of lunate type I in 11 cases and type I in 9 cases. CONCLUSION: 1. Lunate type II is more frequently encountered in men. 2. Scaphoid fractures are more common with lunate type II. 3. The joint surface for the hamate in lunate type II is 2-7 mm in width. 4. The presence of another articular surface for the hamate in lunate type II may contribute to the formation of degenerative changes in the lunohamate joint.

Proposition of a new classification for scapholunate instability.

UNLABELLED: Scapholunate (SL) instability is the most common pattern of instabilities in the wrist. If untreated or undiagnosed, it may lead to degenerative changes with SLAC (scapholunate advanced collapse) wrist. There are a few of of well-known SL instability classifications. The one that takes into account a dynamic or static nature of SL instability is the most accepted and used. The arthroscopic classifications are also becoming more and more popular. The aim of the study was the critical review of most popular classifications of SL instability, yet at the same time we proposed a new SL instability classification. RESULTS: The new classification was found to be very useful in the process of diagnosis and decision making concerning further treatment of patients with SL instability in our department. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed new classification combines the opportunity of evaluating the scapholunate interosseus ligament (SLIL) tear and lesions of the secondary static stabilizers of SL ligament complex that can coexist with or without DISI deformity (Dorsal Intercalated Segmental Instability).

Unsuccessful replantation of metacarpal hand after venous thrombosis--case report.

Trans-metacarpal hand replantation is one of the most complex and difficult procedures in the reconstructive microsurgery. As far as we know the arrangement of the palmar arterial network, the problem lies in the absence of accurate venous maps at the dorsum of the hand. The quality of venous circulation structure at the replanted hand determine the success of the surgery. In this paper we present a case of a failed replantation of a metacarpal hand after early thrombosis at the venous microcirculation system.

[An example of multi-stage reconstruction of a full-thickness abdominal wall defect]. / Przyklad wieloetapowej rekonstrukcji pelnej grubosci ubytku sciany jamy brzusznej.

Abdominal wall reconstruction is a highly complex procedure that may requires a multiple stages surgical operations. The aim of a such reconstruction is to close the abdominal wall defect and to create a support for the internal organs. It's a challenge for both general and reconstructive surgery. An incomplete thickness defects of the abdominal wall are so much easier to challenge than complete ones. Also the size of the primary defect determines the way and stages of the operation. Such defects can occur in necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall, after abdominal walls tumors removal, in traffic accidents or after "open abdomen" procedures (acute severe pancreatitis). In this paper the authors present a case of 62-yo patient which was operated because of large intestine perforation with various complications of which the most serious was the abdominal wall defect.

Result of arm-level upper-limb transplantation in two recipients at 19- and 30-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Arm transplantation (ATx) is a novelty in the field of upper-limb transplantation, with only 7 procedures performed world-wide. CASE REPORT: In this paper we report on early results of unilateral arm transplantation recipients. Patient 1, a 30-year-old man, examined 30 months post-transplant, is able to actively flex the elbow, has 160 degree of ROM in the fingers of the grafted limb, and scored 92 points in the DASH questionnaire and 62 points in the Comprehensive Functional Score System (CFSS). The post-transplant period was complicated with 1 acute rejection episode due to CMV infection, and delayed bony union. Patient 2, a 55-year-old woman, examined 19 months post-transplant, is able to actively flex the elbow, has 180 degree of ROM in the fingers of the grafted limb, and scored 89 points in the DASH questionnaire and 64 points in the Comprehensive Functional Score System (CFSS). CONCLUSIONS: The post-transplant period was complicated with a delayed bony union. The ATx seems to be a valuable reconstructive therapeutic modality.

Epidemiological characteristic of acute pancreatitis in Trzebnica district.

Acute pancreatitis is one of the most common surgical disease, and thus cause of hospitalization. Incidence and etiology of this condition demonstrates large regional differences. This situation is a substantial financial burden forhospital district, and changes in organization structure and funding medical service should be taken under consideration.The aim of the study was to record the epidemiology with etiology, diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis in large district (77 000 inhabitants).Material and methods. A meta-analysis study of all 298 patients admitted to Hospital St Hedwig in Trzebnica, in the six-year period from 2005 to 2010, with acute pancreatitis was performed.Results. Acute pancreatitis was diagnosed in 298 patients in the six - year period, giving an estimated incidence of 64.4 per 100 000. Among the group of 441 admissions for acute pancreatitis in 298 patients was confirmed. Severe acute pancreatitis developed in 22.5% (67/298) of patients, more often in males 56/208 (27%) than in females 11/90 (12%). Gallstones were found as an etiological factor in 27% (80/298), and alcohol intake in 49% of patients. 211/298 (70%) patients had only one attack, whereas 29% (87/298) were readmitted with 230 relapses. The risk of recurrent pancreatitis was 48% in alcohol induced and 6,25% in gallstone induced pancreatitis. 53/298 patients (17%) were operated, ERCP procedures were performed in 24.Performed operations: necrosectomy in 25/53 (47%), elective cholecystectomy in 16/53 (30%), open drainage of abdominal abscess in 5/53 (9%), open drainage of cysts in 5/53 (9%), Jurasz's operation in 2/53 (3%). Majority surgical treatment was carried out in 68% cases with severe acute pancreatitis. Mortality due to acute pancreatitis was 3% (10/298); 15% in severe pancreatitis.Conclusions. 1. Acute pancreatitis continues to be an important clinical problem. 2. Severe, necrotic acute pancreatitis is associated with high mortality rates. 3. The ethanol-intake-related episodes of acute pancreatitits are much more prevalent than the gall-stone-related ones. 4. After the exclusion of ethanol- and gall-stones-related etiologies, the subsequent diagnostic process should aim at excluding neoplastic process of the head of pancreas.