Modified Technique of Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap Inset for Buccal Mucosa Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Conventional technique of flap inset in buccal mucosa reconstruction is by direct suturing of cutaneous margin of Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous (PMMC) flap to hard and soft palate mucosa and margin of floor of mouth with simple interrupted sutures. We have done a prospective study of the efficacy of anchoring the upper margin of PMMC flap to the hard palate by a modified method in reconstruction of buccal mucosa defects following tumour excision. This is to prevent disruption of suture line from the mucoperiosteum of hard palate and resultant oro-cutaneous fistula. METHODS: This hospital-based prospective study was carried out in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Bangalore, India for a period of 18 months (2015-2017). Patients (N=48) with buccal mucosa defects requiring reconstruction with PMMC flap either with conventional (n=24) or modified method (n=24) following tumour excision were included. Clinico-demographic profile of the patients including age, gender, size of defect, staging of illness, site and type of reconstruction, disruption of suture margin in the hard palate, development of oro-cutaneous fistula (OCF), day of starting oral feeds, removal of Ryle's tube and post-operative average length of stay in the hospital were recorded. RESULTS: Disruption of suture line in hard palate and Oro-cutaneous fistula were statistically significant in study group in both the variables (P-0.033, P-0.033). The median days on which patients were started with oral clear liquids and removal of Ryle's tube were also statistically significant between study and control groups. Post-operative average length of hospital stay which is the outcome of favourable results in the study group was found to be statistically significant (P-0.021) between the groups. CONCLUSION: Overall, modified technique of anchorage of PMMC flap can be considered as a reliable technique in buccal mucosa reconstruction because of its stability, lower complication rates and shorter length of hospital stay.

Efficacy of Surgical Excision and Adjuvant High-dose Rate Brachytherapy in Treatment of Keloid: Our Experience.

BACKGROUND: Keloids are dermal tumors that are due to increased production of collagen caused by abnormal and prolonged wound healing. The incidence of recurrence is extremely high if only conservative measures are used. This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy surgery and high dose rate brachytherapy as an adjuvant therapy for treatment of keloids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 50 patients with clinically diagnosed 71 keloids were treated with excision of keloid and post-operative high-dose rate brachytherapy were studied. Complete excision of the keloid till the healthy skin margin was excised. The wound were closed in 2 layers. Subcutaneous tissue closed using absorbable suture, over which a 6F flexible polyethylene tube was placed. High dose rate cobalt-60 brachytherapy was administered. Total of 15 Gy in divided dose, 5 Gy in 3 fractions were administered. RESULTS: 50 patients with 71 keloids were studied. Out of the 50 patients, 12 were male (24%) and 38 were females (76%). Age of the patients ranged between 14 and 71 years. Recurrence rate was 2% with 2 keloids recurring at 5 months interval. 4 patients scored the results as unacceptable, remaining 45 patients rated their results as excellent during their follow up at 10 days, 3 months and 6 months. CONCLUSION: Treatment of keloids in the plastic surgeon's practice even today is still challenging. Many therapies have been described, but recurrence rate is high with mono-therapy. Combination therapy especially surgical excision with postoperative radiotherapy is best in preventing recurrence.

Necrotising Fasciitis: Appearances Can Be Deceptive.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing fasciitis is a potentially fatal infection of ß hemolytic Group-A Streptococcus, often occurring in patients with other comorbidities, but can occur in healthy individuals as well. It commonly affects the extremities, perineum, and abdominal wall. The aim of this study was to highlight various presentations of necrotizing fasciitis in unusual anatomical sites with delayed diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis, seven cases of unusual presentations of necrotizing fasciitis were enrolled during a period of five years treated in a tertiary centre. RESULTS: The patients were between 23 and 80 years. Four were males and three were females. Four out of seven were diabetic. All patients had septicemia (hypovolemic shock, with leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia and deranged coagulation parameters) on admission in the intensive care unit. All seven patients had minimal cutaneous manifestation and the remote primary pathology was diagnosed in two patients. Six patients out of seven survived and the morbid state continued in one patient in view of malignancy of rectum in one patient. The overall outcome was satisfactory in five out of seven cases. CONCLUSION: Pain disproportionate to the local inflammation with florid constitutional symptoms should raise suspicion of necrotizing fasciitis. Early diagnosis, of stabilization of hemodynamics, emergency fasciotomy, staged debridement and the initiation of broad spectrum antibiotics reduced the morbidity and mortality. The disease may manifest with uncommon presentations and sometimes lead to the diagnosis of primary aetiology.

Comparison between Conventional Mechanical Fixation and Use of Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) in Wound Beds Prior to Resurfacing with Split Thickness Skin Graft.

BACKGROUND: Platelet rich plasma is known for its hemostatic, adhesive and healing properties in view of the multiple growth factors released from the platelets to the site of wound. The primary objective of this study was to use autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) in wound beds for anchorage of skin grafts instead of conventional methods like sutures, staplers or glue. METHODS: In a single center based randomized controlled prospective study of nine months duration, 200 patients with wounds were divided into two equal groups. Autologous PRP was applied on wound beds in PRP group and conventional methods like staples/sutures used to anchor the skin grafts in a control group. RESULTS: Instant graft adherence to wound bed was statistically significant in the PRP group. Time of first post-graft inspection was delayed, and hematoma, graft edema, discharge from graft site, frequency of dressings and duration of stay in plastic surgery unit were significantly less in the PRP group. CONCLUSION: Autologous PRP ensured instant skin graft adherence to wound bed in comparison to conventional methods of anchorage. Hence, we recommend the use of autologous PRP routinely on wounds prior to resurfacing to ensure the benefits of early healing.