Comparison of Efficacy of Vacuum Dressing Versus Conventional Dressing Over Autologous Split Skin Grafts in Burn Wounds: A Single-Center Prospective Cohort Study.

This study was carried out to compare the efficacy of vacuum dressing and conventional dressing over split skin grafts in burn patients. It was a single-center prospective cohort study on patients, with less than 40% TBSA burn, undergoing skin grafting at 2 different sites simultaneously over the burn wounds. One site underwent conventional dressing following grafting, and the other underwent vacuum dressing. The primary objective was to compare the percentages of skin graft uptake on Day 5 and Day 14. The secondary objectives were to compare the duration of dressings, time for complete epithelization, need for regrafting, and wound swab culture positivity rates. Three independent examiners assessed the efficacy of dressings in terms of epithelization percentage, need for continued dressing, graft loss, wound swab culture positivity rate, and qualitative assessment of grafts. A total of 16 patients were included in the study. The graft loss, number of days of dressings, and complete epithelization time were statistically lower in the negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) group compared with the conventional group (P values .007, .006, and 0009, respectively). The percentage of epithelization was also found to be higher in the NPWT group (P = .006). The incidence of positive cultures and clinically significant graft loss was found to be lower in the NPWT group. However, this was not found to be statistically significant. NPWT dressings can be used in burn wounds following skin grafting and have been found to reduce the time for epithelization compared to conventional dressing.

Clinical outcomes of corneal neurotization using sural nerve graft in neurotrophic keratopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of corneal neurotisation using sural nerve graft coaptation of the contralateral supratrochlear nerve in unilateral neurotrophic keratopathy and corneal anesthesia. Corneal neuralization has emerged as a potential option in the treatment of neurotropic keratopathy, however not free from the predicament. We evaluated the long-term outcome of corneal neurotisation in the treatment of unresponsive unilateral neurotropic keratopathy using surgical variations to mimic and expedient the surgical procedure. METHODS: A Prospective interventional study involving patients with unilateral neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) who did not respond to medical measures was conducted. The study parameters evaluated were best-corrected visual acuity improvement, ocular surface evaluation parameters [tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer's 1, and ocular surface staining scores (corneal and conjunctival staining)], central corneal sensation (Cochet Bonnet esthesiometer), sub-basal nerve fiber length (SBNFL), and sub-basal nerve fiber density (SBNFD) determined by central confocal microscopy at recruitment and during follow-up at 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 9-month and 12-month respectively, following corneal neurotization. RESULTS: Eleven eyes of 11 patients with unilateral neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) who underwent corneal neurotisation were studied. The mean follow-up was 10.09±2.31months (range, 6-12). Mean best corrected visual acuity in log MAR at baseline, 1.35±0.52 improved significantly to 1.06±0.76 (P = 0.012) at 3 months and continued to 0.55±0.60 (P = 0.027) at 12 months. There was a significant reduction in NK grade severity and improvement in the ocular surface as early as 1 month, and central corneal sensations (P = 0.024) as soon as 3 months. Mean corneal SBNF improved from 3.12±1.84 mm/mm2 to 4.49±1.88 at 1 month (P = 0.008), 13.31±3.61 mm/mm2 (P = 0.028) at 12 months. Mean central corneal SBNFD evident at 6 months was 1.83±2.54no/mm2 (P = 0.018) and 4.90±3.12no/mm2 (P = 0.028) at 12 months. CONCLUSION: This study substantiates the routine practice of corneal neurotisation by simplifying the intricacies observed during the procedure.

Age correlation in upper brachial plexus injury patients undergoing nerve transfer surgeries.

•A patient's age can be a critical factor influencing the outcome following upper brachial plexus injury (BPI) reconstruction.•The favorable factor being younger patients with short denervation period.•In older patients early and more aggressive management for an optimal outcome.•This study supports the various correlation of age with the outcomes of upper brachial plexus reconstruction surgery.

The role of steroid receptors, peptides and growth factors in the aetiopathogenesis of idiopathic gynecomastia.

Idiopathic gynecomastia is a diagnosis of exclusion. We aimed to evaluate the role of steroids, peptides and growth factors in these patients. Those with bilateral idiopathic gynecomastia (n = 29) (Simon's grade IIb or III) who underwent gland excision were evaluated by immunohistochemical techniques using semi-quantitative grading for oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), aromatase, androgen receptor (AR), peptides (IGF-1, IGF-2, HER-2, parathyroid-hormone related peptide [PTHrP]) and growth factors (EGFR, TGFß). The cohort comprised 29 patients, with a mean age of 25.3 ± 5.1 years and a mean body mass index of 27.2 ± 2.3 kg/m2 . Grade IIb gynecomastia was present in 79.1% and moderate-to-severe insulin resistance (HOMA-IR >3) in 53.7% of patients. ER expression was positive in 100% samples, followed by AR (96.5%), aromatase (96.5%) and PR (93.1%). IGF-1 was expressed in 86.2% of the cohort, IGF2 in 27.5% and HER-2 in only two samples, with both showing weak immunoexpression. None of the patients had positive expression of EGFR, TGF-ß or PTHrP. There was no association between immunoexpression and gynecomastia grade. This study demonstrates the predominant role of oestrogen, aromatase and insulin resistance in the aetiopathogenesis of idiopathic gynecomastia and implicates the paracrine hyperestrogenic milieu in its causation as circulating hormones were normal.

Management of extra-articular shaft fractures of the non-thumb metacarpals: plate-screw fixation versus K-wire fixation.

Metacarpal fractures are common injuries and comprise nearly 36% to 42% of all fractures in the hand. The majority of these can be managed non-surgically. Operative fixation when needed, can be done by a variety of techniques. In this study, we have compared the outcomes of two techniques, plate-screw fixation and K-wire fixation. We have conducted a prospective, non-randomized, comparative study of patients who presented with extra-articular metacarpal shaft fractures of non-thumb metacarpals over a period of 18 months. 30 patients were enrolled according to the inclusion criteria and were alternately allotted to the plate-screw group and the K-wire group. At admission, patient demographics, clinical features, number of fractures, and fracture patterns were recorded, and radiographs were taken. In the plate-screw group, low-profile plates and screws were used, and in the K-wire group, 1 or 2 K-wires were used for fixation after fracture reduction. Hand mobilization exercises were started within one week in the plate-screw group, while in the K-wire group full mobilization was allowed at 4 weeks post-surgery. The Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was calculated and compared between the two groups at 6 months and 12 months after surgery. The mean 6-month DASH score in the plate-screw group was 6.3287±2.2453, while it was 17.1627±6.2103 in the K-wire group (p value <0.001). At the end of 1-year follow-up, the mean DASH score in the plate-screw group was 5.1080±1.6637, and in the K-wire group, it was 5.1073±1.9392 (p value =0.848). In conclusion, extra-articular metacarpal shaft fractures of the non-thumb metacarpals treated by plate-screw fixation had significantly better DASH scores and hence better functional outcomes at the end of 6 months. However, at the end of 1 year, the DASH scores in both the groups were almost similar, suggesting similar functional outcomes in the long term.

Clinico-Epidemiological Characteristics of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Retrospective Cohort Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in Northern India.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic debilitating disease with a relapsing and remitting course. Due to delay in diagnosis, patients are often referred when the disease is very severe. Management strategies vary across multiple guidelines. AIMS: The aim of this study was to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with HS among our outpatient attendees and to study the outcomes of various treatments offered. METHODOLOGY: This was a retrospective cohort study analyzing case files and photographic records of all patients diagnosed with HS, presenting to our tertiary care institute over 18 months. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients (10 males and 12 females) of HS were studied with majority having Hurley stage 2 and 3 diseases. The most common site affected was axilla. Overweight and obese patients were 45.4% and 18.1%, respectively. Rifampicin-clindamycin combination or doxycycline was the first line therapy offered. Adalimumab was given in only two patients but could not be continued for long term due to financial issues. Surgery was performed in six patients. Procedures included wide local excision and deroofing which is left to heal by secondary intention. Least number of remissions and most satisfactory improvement was seen with a combination of antibiotics and surgery compared to medical treatment alone. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective nature and a single center study were the major drawbacks. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing procedural intervention in addition to pharmacotherapy have best overall outcomes and involvement of a multidisciplinary team plays a key role, however a larger follow-up study is required.

Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Management of Primary Brachial Plexus Tumors.

Introduction This study evaluates the clinical presentation, tumor characteristics, and clinical outcomes of surgically treated benign and malignant brachial plexus tumors (BPTs). Methods A prospective study of patients with BPTs from June 2015 to August 2020 was conducted. All patients underwent surgical resection with microneurolysis and intraoperative electrical stimulation to preserve the functioning nerve fascicles. Results Fourteen patients with 15 BPTs underwent surgical resection. Mean age was 37.8 ± 12.3 years; with male to female ratio 4:10. The clinical presentations were swelling (100%), pain (84.6%), and paresthesia (76.9%). The lesions involved roots (5/15), trunk (5/15), division (1/15), and cords (4/15). Thirteen patients had benign pathology (8 schwannomas, 3 neurofibromas, 2 lipomas) and two had malignant neurofibrosarcoma. Gross total resection was achieved in all cases except a dumbbell tumor. The mean follow-up period was 24 ± 5 months. Postoperatively, all patients reported improvement in pain and paresthesia with no new sensory deficit. All patients had developed initial motor weakness (Grades 2-4); however, full power (Grade 5) was recovered by 3 to 5 months. Conclusion Total resection can be achieved by appropriate microneural dissection and electrophysiologic monitoring and is potentially curative with preserving function.

A Novel Trapezoid Concept of Fibula Cutting Guide for Mandible Angle Reconstruction.

ABSTRACT: Virtual surgical planning (VSP) has revolutionized the planning process in the reconstruction of the mandible with a free fibula flap. The traditional planning and design use a triangular osteotomy guide with a closing wedge movement at the angle. With virtual surgical planning, the authors found an additional lateral mandibular tilt angle and tried to incorporate it in our design of osteotomy guide. The authors have proposed a novel design in a trapezoid shape to accommodate the lateral tilt angle in our osteotomy design. Incorporating the two angles in one angle design improves the aesthesis of the reconstructive procedure and saves operative time.

Utilizing DICOM data to generate custom computer-aided designing and computer-aided machining polyetheretherketone healing abutments for an ear prosthesis.

Soft tissue healing around implants may turn out to be the most decisive factor in the success or failure of the prosthesis. Dimension, configuration, and material of the healing abutments play a pivotal role in achieving optimal soft tissue architecture around implants. Digital imaging with computer-aided designing and computer-aided machining (CAD-CAM) technology, has made it easier to illustrate, design, replicate maxillofacial structures, and generate its supporting elements in a reliable, faster, and more convenient manner. This case report highlights the issue relevant to the implant-supported prosthetic replacement, on a site previously attempted for surgical reconstruction of the missing ear. Presurgical DICOM data were used to obtain custom CAD-CAM polyetheretherketone (PEEK) healing abutments on implants in a patient with an excessive amount of tissue in the missing right ear region. It is probably the first extraoral use of PEEK as a healing abutment in the workflow of implant retained maxillofacial prosthetics. No issue warranting the removal of the PEEK component was observed during the duration of its use.

No Traces of SARS-CoV-2 In Wounds of COVID-19 Positive Patients: A Pilot Study.

Background This study was performed to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in wounds of COVID-19 positive patients. Methods This is a single-center observational study. COVID-19 patients with wounds (traumatic/infective/surgical) were included in this study. Preoperative, intraoperative, or postoperative specimens were collected and analyzed with real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) to know the presence of the virus. Results A total of eight patients were included in this study. Eleven samples were collected (seven wound swabs, two peritoneal fluids, and two tissue specimens) and analyzed. None of the samples from the wound tested positive for the virus while they were tested positive for nasal swab taken simultaneously or within 3 days prior. Conclusion The wounds of COVID-19 patients are considered negative and can be managed with routine wound precautions.

Tracing the Journey of Endometrium, from Womb to Arm: Deltoid Endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is an enigma. Extrapelvic endometriosis is even more challenging, as theories of origin are difficult to explain. Very few cases of skeletal endometriosis have been reported in the literature. METHOD: We managed a case of 39-year-old nulliparous woman, who presented to the department of plastic surgery with complaints of a painful nodule measuring about 2 cm, in left upper arm since past 8 years. She had history of myomectomy 8 years back, while she was undergoing treatment for primary infertility. Differential diagnosis of extrapelvic endometriosis was made based on clinical history of cyclical pain and swelling, and she was referred to gynecology for hormonal treatment. MRI and FNAC were inconclusive. She underwent excision biopsy of the lesion. RESULT: Histopathology confirmed intramuscular endometriosis of left deltoid with positive margins. Postoperatively, she was started on dienogest 2 mg once daily and LNG IUS was inserted. Both were withdrawn a year later, due to side effects. It has been more than 6 months since removal of LNG IUS, and currently she is asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the third case of deltoid endometriosis reported till date.

Quality of Life in Patients with Reconstructions After Resections for Oral Cavity Cancers.

To determine effects of reconstruction in advanced oral cavity cancers in achieving a quality of life (QOL), which can help patients to cope with their routine day to day activity. A Cross sectional analysis involving 32 patients of stage III and IV oral cavity cancers already operated in the department of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery was carried out. All these patients had resection of their tumors along with reconstruction. Patients who consented for QOL assessment and follow up through personal visit and telephonic interviews were included in the study. Voice related quality of life; Swallowing related QOL; overall Quality of life (WHO QOL BREF II) and disability assessment scale (WHO DAS II) were used for assessing the various QOL parameters during post-operative period. Patients with stage T3 tumors had better QOL compared to patients with T4 stage tumors. Patients who had reconstruction with free flaps had better QOL compared to those with Pectoralis Major myocutaneous (PMMC) flaps or those reconstructed with combinations of flaps involving delto-pectoral flaps or local flaps along with a free flap or PMMC. Patients with lower stage tumors have better QOL even after reconstruction. If available, free flaps should be preferred over local flaps. Delto-pectoral flaps should be a less preferred option in terms of QOL. Every patient should be counseled accordingly while any reconstruction plan is included in the management of cancers of oral cavity.

Assessing the Role of Virtual Surgical Planning in Mandibular Reconstruction With Free Fibula Osteocutaneous Graft.

BACKGROUND: The role of virtual surgical planning and three-dimensional printing in improving the accuracy, precision, functional and aesthetic outcomes have been demonstrated in the literature; however, there is a dearth of studies evaluating these parameters. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out at a tertiary care center in North India to assess the accuracy of virtual surgical planning in mandibular reconstruction. METHOD: All the included patients were preoperatively assessed with a contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of head and neck. Based on the dimensions a patient-specific fibula cutting guide was fabricated by three-dimensional printing. All patients were evaluated with a postoperative CECT at 6 months of follow-up. The precision outcomes were measured by comparing surgical results with the images of the preoperative virtual planning based on several measurements on the reconstructed mandible such as anteroposterior measurement, transverse measurement, height of the mandible, angle of the mandible, and lateral tilt.The secondary outcomes analyzed were the mean total operative time, mean ischemia time, and morbidity parameters. RESULT: Twelve consecutive patients (6 male, 6 female) with mean age of 33.1 ±â€Š11 years who underwent free fibula graft mandibular reconstruction were included in the study. The mean difference in the anteroposterior, transverse, and height dimensions were 0.87 ±â€Š0.43 mm (P = 0.24), 2.43 ±â€Š3.72 mm (P = 0.64), and 1.08 ±â€Š0.67 (P = 0.88), respectively. The difference in the angles of the reconstructed mandible was 2.37 ±â€Š3.92 degrees (P = 0.51) and of lateral tilt was 1.57 ±â€Š1.5 degrees (P = 0.54). The mean total operative time was 639 ±â€Š27.2 minutes and mean ischemia time was 88.4 ±â€Š8.6 minutes. CONCLUSION: All the patients had satisfactory aesthetic results and good oral function at 6 months postoperative period.

Comparison of efficacy of silver-nanoparticle gel, nano-silver-foam and collagen dressings in treatment of partial thickness burn wounds.

INTRODUCTION: This study was carried out to compare the efficacy of silver nanoparticle gel (SG), nanosilver foam (SF) and collagen (C) dressings in partial thickness burn wounds. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective cohort study carried out over a period of 1 year on patients with 15-40% partial thickness thermal burns ≤48 h. Each patient received all three dressings (silver-nanoparticle gel, nanosilver foam, collagen) simultaneously at 3 randomly selected areas which were comparable in terms of burn depth and surface area. Efficacy of the dressings was assessed in terms of healing rates, time taken and ease of application, pain at dressing change, cost, wound-swab culture and scar quality (at 3 months). RESULTS: A total of 20 patients were included. In SF group, number of patients with 60%-80% re-epithelialization on day10 (SG: 10/20; C: 10/20; SF: 16/20; p = 0.042) and complete healing on day14 (SF: 11/20, C: 6/20, SG: 4/20; p = 0.032) was significantly higher. The time for dressing change was similar at admission (p = 0.918) and day 10 (p = 0.163), although majority of the patients in SF group needed less than 10 min. The time taken (<10 min) was significantly lower in SF group by 14th day (SF: 18/20 C: 6/20 SG: 6/20; p < 0.001). The ease of application rated by clinicians as "extremely easy" was significantly better in SF group (SG: 78%, C: 80%, SF: 95%; p = 0.011). There was a significantly faster decrease in pain scores in SF group by 5th day (VAS score SF: 6, C: 8; SG: 8; p = 0.038), however, pain scores were comparable at 2 weeks. The scar quality (p = 0.82), cost (p = 0.09) and infection rates (SG: 7/20; C: 4/20; SF: 3/20; p = 0.05) were comparable. The need for skin-graft cover was lower in SF group (SG: 5/20; C: 3/20; SF: 1/20). CONCLUSION: Nanosilver-foam dressings were found to be more efficacious for re-epithelialization, healing, ease of application, tolerance when compared to silver nanoparticle gel and collagen dressings in partial-thickness burns. All were found to be safe.

Role of Fat Graft Alone versus Enriched Fat Graft with Stromal Vascular Filtrate in Painful Amputation Stump.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic amputations are very prevalent in today's world. Successful rehabilitation of an amputee largely depends on how well he/she adapt to prosthesis. However, because of poor scar characteristics, these patients often complain of pain while using prosthesis. Autologous fat graft is being vastly used all over the world to improve the scar of various etiologies. However, it has been associated with unpredictable resorption rate. OBJECTIVES: We report the results of the study which was done to assess the consequences of fat grafting over scars and to see its effects on pain management in amputated stump and compare the autologous fat graft with stromal vascular filtrate (SVF)-enriched fat graft for scar remodeling and pain modulation on amputation stumps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized trial was conducted from July 2014 to December 2015. A group of ten patients, who were unable to wear prosthesis due to painful amputation stump, incorporated in the study and randomly distributed in two groups. Group A of five patients (case group) was treated with autologous fat graft enriched with SVF while Group B (control group) of remaining five patients was treated with fat graft alone. The results were assessed at baseline, at 1 month, and at 6 months postoperatively using patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) score. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done to compare fat content preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: All ten patients reported improvement in scar characteristics, most notably in pain in both scales of POSAS score. The improvement was comparable in both groups. However, the fat content in case group was significantly more in comparison to control group when assessed 6 months postoperatively using MRI scan. CONCLUSION: Autologous fat grafting is a viable and minimally invasive solution for painful amputation stump. Enrichment of fat graft with SVF can enhance its viability over long term. This study was done as a pilot project. Hence, further long term studies with large sample size are needed to ascertain the benefits observed in this study.

Harvesting split thickness costal cartilage graft.

AIM: There are few complications associated with harvesting of full thickness coastal cartilage grafts i.e., pneumothorax (0.9%), contour deformities and prolonged post-operative pain. To address these issues, authors devised special scalpel to harvest split-thickness costal cartilage grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standard inframammary incision was used for harvesting rib. Incision was made directly over the desired rib. Specially designed scalpel was used to cut through the rib cartilage to the half of the thickness. The study was conducted in two parts - cadaveric and clinical. RESULTS: There was significantly less pain and no pneumothorax in the patients in whom the split thickness graft was harvested. Wounds healed without any complication. DISCUSSION: Thus, newly devised angulated scalpel used in the current study, showed the potential to supply the reconstructive surgeon with split thickness rib graft without risk of complications such as pneumothorax or warping contour deformities and post-operative pain.