Necrotizing fasciitis: A highly fatal infection.

BACKGROUNDS: Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe bacterial infection characterized by involvement of all skin's layers, including the superficial fascia. Diagnosis and treatment must be as quick as possible. Once suspected, extensive surgical debridement is required. METHODS: All necrotizing fasciitis, managed in our hospital in Dijon, during the period from January 2011 to May 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. Demographics characteristics of patients, biological parameters, and type of bacteria were collected. Statistical analysis was performed on the cost of hospitalization, as well as on the death rate between type I and II NF and the speed of management. Student's t-test and Chi2 test were performed with a significant level P<0.05. FINDINGS: A total of 65 patients were included over the period. The mean age was 68.8 years. The average length of stay was 32.4 days, with an average cost of 79,305 €. The main locations were the lower limbs (57%) and the perineum (35%). Cost of hospitalization did not differ between type I and II (P=0.21), unlike mortality rate (P=0.003). Furthermore, the mortality rate according to the speed of management did not vary in our series (P=0.45). CONCLUSION: Necrotizing fasciitis is quickly fatal if left untreated. Early diagnosis, combined with surgical debridement and probabilistic antibiotic therapy are required. Our study shows the impact of necrotizing fasciitis in terms of cost to society and the importance of prevention of certain risk factors. A global management of the patient is necessary to increase the survival rate.

Uso de elementos de protección personal en Unidad de Emergencia HBLT en contexto pandemia COVID-19 / Use of personal protection elements in the HBLT Emergency Unit in thecontext of the COVID-19 pandemic

Los elementos de protección personal (EPP) son el conjunto de equipamiento, componente de las precauciones estándares, destinados a proteger la piel y mucosas del operador evitando el contacto con agentes infecciosos. Los funcionarios de salud que tratan con pacientes COVID-19 se encuentran más expuestos a infectarse en comparación con el resto de los funcionarios de salud, razón por la cual deben utilizar de manera adecuada estos elementos de protección, para protegerse de una posible infección por COVID-19. El objetivo del estudio es deter-minar disponibilidad, manejo y uso EPP utilizados por los funcionarios del Servicio de Urgencia del Complejo Asistencial Barros Luco Trudeau. Este es un estudio transversal descriptivo realizado por medio de encuesta a los funcionarios de la Unidad de Emergencia HBLT a través de Google Forms®. Del total de funcionarios de la Unidad de Emergencia del Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau, un total de 123 funcionarios realizaron la encuesta cumpliendo con los criterios de inclusión, de los cuales 78 fueron mujeres y 45 hombres, con edades dentro del rango desde los 20 años a mayores de 61 años. Se observó que 39,0% de los funcionarios fue notificado como COVID-19 positivo. Un 60,2% de los funciona-rios tuvo una secuencia predeterminada para instalación de los EPP y un 68,3% para el retiro de los EPP. Los más utilizados fueron mascarillas quirúrgicas (95,9%), mascarilla KN 95 (88,6%) y guantes (90,2%). Este estudio contribuye a destacar la importancia en la correcta utilización de los EPP por parte de los funcionarios de la salud, para limitar los contagios y mejorar el cuidado de los equipos de salud durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Además, se describir un patrón de sintomatología más frecuente en los profesionales sanitarios del servicio de urgencia.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a set of equipment, a component of the standard precautions, intended to protect the skin and mucous membranes of the operator avoiding contact with infectious agents. Healthcare workers who deal with COVID-19 patients are at higher risk of being infected compared to other health professionals. Thus they must use them appropriately to protect themselves from possible COVID-19 infection. This study aimed to determine the presence, handling, and use of PPE by the personnel of the Emergency Service of the Barros Luco Trudeau Department. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out applying a survey to the staff of the HBLT Emergency Unit through the Google Forms® platform. A total of 123 staff of the Emergency Unit of the Barros Luco Trudeau Hospital that answered the survey met the inclusion criteria. Seventy-eight of them were women and 45 men, within the range of 20 to over 61 years old. Thirty-nine per cent of the personnel were notified as COVID-19 positive. Regarding PPE use, 60,2% of the personnel had a predetermined sequence for installation, and 68.3% had a correct sequence for removal of the PPE. The most used were surgical masks (95.9%), KN 95 masks (88.6%) and gloves (90.2%). Of those COVID-19 positive 46.3% were asymptomatic, and of those who had symptoms the most prevalent ones were headache (41.5%), tiredness (34.1%) and odynophagia (31.7%). This study highlights the im-portance of using the personal protective elements by health staff as self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to describing the most frequent pattern of symptoms in health professionals in the emergency department.

The infragluteal fold: An appraisal by MRI combined with an anatomic study.

PURPOSE: The gluteal region is a key element of beauty balance and sexual appearance. However, there is no clear anatomical description of the infragluteal fold, nor any classification exists allowing standardizing treatment of this area in case of jeopardisation. The purpose of this study was to perform an anatomical description of the infragluteal fold (IGF) matching radiological and anatomical findings in describing specifically raise of the fibrous component at the bone level. METHODS: Six volunteers (three males and three females) underwent an MRI scan (Siemens Aera® 1.5 T) of the pelvic region. T1 Vibe Morpho T2, Sag Space 3D, and Millimetric slices were performed in order to obtain a more detailed selection of the gluteal landmark. Trabecular connective tissue of the region was analyzed using Horos® ROI (region of interest) segmentation function. Four fresh cadavers (two males, two females, accounting for 8 hemipelvis) were dissected in order to compare the radiological findings. RESULTS: The infragluteal fold is a connectival fibrous band extending from the ramus of the ischium (but not involving the ischial tuberosity, for a length of 21 mm ± 2 and 21 mm ± 3), the apex of the sacrum (for a length of 13 ± 2 and 11 mm ± 2), and the coccyx (for a length of 19 mm ± 2 and 20 mm ± 2, all measures referring to volunteers and cadavers, respectively) reaching superficially the dermis of the medial one-third of the cutaneous fold. No significant difference was found between volunteer and cadaver group in MRI measurement of bony origins, or between MRI and cadaveric dissection measurements. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of this structure will define novel surgical techniques in infragluteal fold restoration.

Fluorescent indocyanine green angiography: Preliminary results in microsurgery monitoring.

INTRODUCTION: Pedicled flaps and free-tissue transfer flaps are used routinely to reconstruct hard and soft tissue defects in head and neck, limb, hand, thoracic and abdominopelvic reconstructive surgery. But failure remains a constant concern, particularly in free-tissue transfers. Usually failure is due to blood supply compromise. Indocyanine green (ICG), a fluorescent dye is a suitable tracer for vessel perfusion. The objective of this study is to evaluate the fluorescent indocyanine green angiography (FA ICG) in free flaps procedures. MATERIEL AND METHODS: Patients who had microsurgical flap reconstruction were included during the study period in a single center. The FA ICG was used at specific times. Intra-veinous injections of 0.1mg/kg of INFRACYANINE® (concentration 2.5mg/mL) were done intraoperatively. The Fluobeam® device programmed on sensitivity and mapping to interpret the data, was used. These different injections allowed to checked skin paddle perforators vessels, osseous perforators vessels, arterial and venous patency after anastomosis and the cutaneous, muscular and osseous perfusion. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients enrolled were 10 males and 1 female. Their mean age was 54.5 years (range 25-75 years). Of the 12 flaps, 8 were free flaps with 4 fibular flaps (3 for mandibular reconstruction and one for femur reconstruction); 2 radial forearm flaps for maxillary reconstruction; one latissimus free flap for tibia skin coverage and one retroauricular fasciocutaneous free flap for thumb skin coverage. We got to modify specific steps during surgery with 8 patients by using the FA ICG to anticipate potential complications: modifying the draw of the skin paddle, recut of this paddle, modifying the osteotomies, re-doing the anastomosis or modifying the position of the pivot point. DISCUSSION: Evaluation of microvascular flap perfusion is still based on subjective clinical features. Clinical monitoring is observer-dependent and does not allow information sharing, test reproducibility, and consistent postoperative follow-up. The successful of salvage rate is linked to the delay between the onset of ischemia and its clinical assessment. FA ICG could be a reliable method for monitoring free-tissue transfers. This technique is objective, non invasive and facilitate a complex reconstructive procedure to augment is liability. This technique may be used such a pedagogical tool for young practitioners in their first microsurgery procedures.

[Evaluation of the risk of postoperative bleeding complications in hand surgery without interruption of anticoagulant Vitamin K Antagonist (VKA), a retrospective study]. / Évaluation du risque de saignement postopératoire en chirurgie de la main sans interruption des anticoagulants de type AntiVitamines K (AVK), étude rétrospective.

OBJECTIVE: The management of patients on Vitamine K Antagonist (VKA) anticoagulation is a public health issue with surgery being the primary cause of VKA interruption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bleeding risk in patients operated on hand surgery without interruption of VKA treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective, monocentric study was conducted between 2013 and 2015. The inclusion criteria were, as follows: patients on VKA over 18 years of age who had emergency or scheduled surgery without interruption of VKA treatment; INR inferior to 3 analyzed less than 24h before surgery. Exclusion criteria were, as follows: INR superior to 3; interruption of VKA treatment with or without switch to heparin treatment. The primary evaluation parameter was any form of bleeding that occurred during the first 7 post-operative days. The secondary criteria were other surgical complications. RESULTS: There were 93 patients and 104 procedures. The mean age was 74.36 years (from 27 to 90) with a sex ratio male-to-female of 2.47. The scheduled surgeries were 61.5% against 36.5% for the emergency cases. The mean INR was 2.29 (from 1.07 to 3). One patient presented a postoperative hematoma on the 4th postoperative day, which did not require any revision surgery. There were no other complications reported. CONCLUSION: The results of this series suggest a small bleeding risk in hand surgery without interruption of VKA treatment provided that IRN is inferior to 3 less than 24hours before the procedure.

Intraoperative superficial inferior epigastric vein preservation for venous compromise prevention in breast reconstruction by deep inferior epigastric perforator flap.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze our technique of intraoperative venous compromise management based on conservation of the superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV), and to undertake a retrospective review of our series of breast reconstructions by deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, followed by a review of other techniques reported in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study involves 198 breast reconstructions by DIEP flap performed between January 2010 and September 2017. Our surgical technique is related in detail, with a focus on venous compromise management. Operative time, re-intervention rate, hospital stay, and complications were all noted and analyzed, and a literature review dealt with other techniques of prevention and management of flap venous congestion. RESULTS: Among breast reconstructions by DIEP, 7.5% contained an episode of intraoperative venous compromise, as opposed to 6.5% postoperatively. The SIEV was used in 65% of cases of venous congestion. In our series, 15.1% of cases presented postoperative complications, and we observed a 2.5% flap failure rate (2%: venous thrombosis; 0.5%: arterial thrombosis). In all patients for whom venous drainage augmentation was performed, the flaps survived without partial loss. While average length of hospital stay in the group having undergone intraoperative secondary anastomosis was 7.5 days, in the group having undergone postoperative secondary anastomosis, it was 13.5 days. CONCLUSION: In cases of intraoperative venous congestion, while a second venous anastomosis may immediately increase duration of an initial intervention by 1hour and 45minutes, it is nonetheless likely to pronouncedly decrease need for surgical revision, cases of failure, rate of partial necrosis and overall hospital stay.

Traumatic atlanto-axial rotatory subluxation after surgical correction of prominent ears: Case report and review of the literature.

Corrective surgery of prominent ears may be justified for social or aesthetic reasons during childhood or adulthood. Post-operative complications occur in approximately 0 to 8.4% of cases. This case describes a rare atlanto-axoid rotatory subluxation after bilateral surgical correction of prominent ears under general anesthesia. Orthopedic treatment was done after two months of medical roaming outside of our center. The one-year post-operative clinic consultation and radiological exam were normal. Only the psychological impact of the episode remained. Traumatic atlanto-axial rotatory subluxation is a rare complication but should be considered after post-operative torticollis in order to aid with diagnosis and allow doctors to implement the appropriate course of treatment.

Are prostaglandins or calcium channel blockers efficient for free flap salvage? A review of the literature.

The free flap failure rate is less than 5%. The responsible mechanisms of postoperative secondary ischemia are mostly vascular. The main postoperative complication leading to flap failure is thrombosis. Different strategies have been reported to improve the reliability of flaps and decrease the risk of partial or total necrosis: thus, pharmacologic agents have been studied to reduce the risk of microvascular thrombosis. The aim of this review was to evaluate the effect of calcium channel blockers and prostaglandins on free skin flap survival. A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify articles studying the efficacy of calcium channel blockers and prostaglandins on free flap survival. After full text reading, eleven articles were finally included. Eight articles investigated the role of prostaglandins in free tissue transfers, two in rats subjects, one in rabbits, five in humans. Two articles studied the effect of calcium channel blockers on free flaps, one in rats subjects, one in rabbits. One article studied in different groups the effect of calcium channel blockers and prostaglandins on free flaps in rabbits. Literature regarding the efficacy of calcium channel blockers and prostaglandins to salvage free flap is poor and mainly based on animal models. Nevertheless, studies on prostaglandins showed a slight efficiency of these molecules for free flap salvage. Results are less reliable for calcium channel blockers and dependent on the molecule used. In conclusion, there is a lack of evidence to use them in clinical practice.

Surgical approaches in neck dissection: Comparing functional, oncologic and aesthetic aspects of transverse cervicotomy to Paul André's approach.

BACKGROUND: Surgical approaches in neck dissection: comparing functional, oncologic and aesthetic aspects of transverse cervicotomy to Paul André's approach. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study compares a new transverse incision for cervicotomy to the classical approach described by Paul André in neck dissections. The evaluation criteria were: number of lymph nodes analyzed, operative time, complications, patient satisfaction and aesthetic aspects of the scar. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients were included in this study, from September 2009 until January 2015. The number of lymph nodes analyzed is not affected by this new approach compared to the classical one (P=0.9). The scar has a significantly more discreet appearance in the transverse cervicotomy group (P=0.023) likewise; patient satisfaction is higher in this group (P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Aesthetic and functional impairment can be reduced using this new transverse cervical approach hidden in the natural creases of the neck described by Langer.

Isolated unilateral temporalis muscle hypertrophy: First case in an 8-year-old boy and review.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated unilateral temporalis muscle hypertrophy (IUTMH) was first described in 1990 and few cases have been published since then. This disease occurs mainly in adults. There is no clear etiology of IUTMH, but bruxism is one of the risk factors. Only two cases have been described before the age of 20 years. To our knowledge, no cases have been described in persons younger than 15 years old. We report the first case of IUTMH in an 8-year-old and review the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This section is separated into 3 parts: (1) search for and description of clinical cases of IUTMH in our department; (2) literature search to find similar cases; (3) data analysis of all cases found. RESULTS: Ten patients, including our case, were found over a period of 23 years: five females and five males with a mean age of 32.8 years. One patient was 15 years old. Time between onset and diagnosis was 16.7 months. Half of the patients reported pain and three had experienced bruxism. Most of the patients had non-surgical treatment. One patient evolved favorably with no treatment. One recurrence occurred 10 years later. DISCUSSION: IUTMH can occur in childhood in a high-stress environment. Diagnosis is based on the history and clinical and imaging findings. Biopsy helps to confirm the diagnosis, but electromyograms and neurological tests contribute little. Bruxism should be taken into account. The treatment with the least inconvenience must be given.

Improving free-flap survival using intra-operative heparin: Ritualistic practice or evidence-base medicine? A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The failure rate of free flaps is approximately 5%, mostly due to thrombosis of microvascular anastomosis. A number of pharmacological agents have been tested in order to enhance the patency of microvascular anastomosis and so to as extend the survival of free flaps. One of them is heparin, a very commonly used anticoagulant. However, there exists no consensus on its use in microsurgery as concerns time of introduction (pre-, intra- or post-operative), recommended dosage, or duration of utilization. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the use of intra-operative heparin, in its systemic or topical forms, can bring about improved survival of free flaps, and if and when it should be recommended in microsurgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review on the PUBMED database enabled us to identify articles evaluating the benefits of intra-operative heparin with regard to free-flap survival. All in all, fifteen articles in animal and human research were selected. RESULTS: As far as animal research is concerned, 9 studies out of 11 showed the superiority of topical intra-operative heparin compared to saline in improving free-flap survival rates through improved patency of the anastomosis. As regards systemic intra-operative heparin, on the other hand, only two trials out of four yielded favorable results. In clinical research in humans, there has been no prospective randomized trial studying the action of topical intra-operative heparin in vessel irrigation of ex-vivo free flaps before vascular repermeabilisation. However, the preliminary results of four trials seem to provide positive arguments for this practice. CONCLUSION: The use of systemic per-operative heparin (intravenous injection) does not improve the survival of free flaps in either animal models or humans. In animal models, however, the use of topical intra-operative heparin (vessel irrigation) has been shown to improve the free-flap survival rate by avoiding thrombosis of microvascular anastomosis. Finally, in clinical studies concerning humans, as of now no prospective randomized trial has proven that use of topical intra-operative heparin to ensure vessel irrigation in ex-vivo flaps is likely to increase free-flap survival. Studies should be conducted to decide whether or not to validate a rather ritualistic practice that consists in irrigating the relevant vessels before anastomosis; does it or does it not improve the patency rate?

[Nipple projection augmentation in breast reconstruction by artificial derm injection]. / Augmentation de la projection du mamelon dans les reconstructions mammaires par injection de derme artificiel.

INTRODUCTION: The reconstruction of the Nipple-Areola Complex (NAC) is the last step and a key part in breast reconstruction. The technique to be used should be chosen as to avoid any complications on previous reconstruction steps. The use of local flaps for NAC reconstruction could be associated with implant exposure especially in the presence of a history of radiation therapy. The pure dermal flap could be indicated for the nipple reconstruction after breast reconstruction by implant after radiotherapy. The limit stay in the nipple hypoprojection. We suggest to assess the increase of the nipple projection, reconstructed by pure dermal flap, by injection of Integra® Flowable Wound Matrix (Integra LifeSciences®, Plainsboro, New jersey). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Nipple projection has been measured among patients enclosed from february to March 2016 reconstructed by pure dermal flap: before, after and also at a 6months term from the injection of Integra® Flowable Wound Matrix. Patient satisfaction and complications have been measured retrospectively. RESULTS: Ten patients with an average of 55years have been enclosed, with an average limit of time of 19months (7 to 33months) between the breast nipple reconstruction by dermal flap and the injection. A volume of 1 to 1.6cc has been injected. A significative increase projection of 2mm at a 6months term has been measured (1.5 to 2.5mm, P<0.01), without complication and a satisfaction rate of 4.5/5. CONCLUSION: The injection of an artificial derm-like Integra® Flowable Wound Matrix seems to be efficient to increase the nipple projection reconstructed by pure dermal flap after a breast reconstruction and moreover, without complications.

Classification proposed of malignant intraosseous odontogenic tumors (MIOT).

Malignant intraosseous odontogenic tumors (MIOT) of the jaws are very rare. The diagnosis is difficult. Clinical, paraclinical and histological diagnostic criteria, strict are well established. But the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) does not provide TNM classification that will allow harmonization of the treatment. Indeed, despite their location, they cannot be classified as primary tumors of the oral cavity because of their localization in the bone marrow, making them systematically classified as T4. We propose a classification taking into account the clinical and radiological data.

[Postoperative complications of labia minora reduction. Comparative study between wedge and edge resection]. / Complications postopératoires des nymphoplasties de réduction. Étude comparative rétrospective entre résections longitudinale et cunéiforme.

BACKGROUND: Labia minora reduction interventions rise in Europe and in North America. Several techniques are described. The objective of this study was to compare postoperative complications of the two most practiced interventions: wedge resection and edge resection. METHODS: Primary labia minora reductions realized in our unit between October 2009 and July 2016 have been retrospectively identified. Two techniques were used by two surgeons: edge resection technique and wedge resection technique. The main evaluation criterion was the occurrence and the quantity of wound dehiscence: superior to 50% (total or subtotal) and inferior to 50% (partial). Patients were systematically examined at 1 week, 1 month and 6 months postoperatively. Data analysis between both groups was made with an exact Fisher test. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 5.3 months after intervention. Sixty-four patients have been included, 42 wedge resections (group C) and 22 edge resections (group L). Global complication rate at 1 month was 13% (n=8). Among wedge resections 14% (n=6) developed complication and 2% (n=9) among edge resection. Seven surgical revisions were necessary: 5 for wound dehiscence (4 in the group C and 1 in the group L) and 2 for hematoma, one in each group. Three (5%) partial wound dehiscence (inferior to 50%) have been identified and let in secondary intention healing: 2 (19%) in the group C and 1 (27%) in the group L. Complication rates between both techniques were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative wound dehiscence is the main labia minora reduction complication. Our global complication rate, 13%, matches with the current literature. A tendency can be shown where wedge resection is more likely to develop wound dehiscence than edge resection.

[Custom-made implant for complex facial reconstruction: A case of total replacement of temporo-mandibular joint, zygomatic arch and malar bone]. / Reconstruction faciale complexe sur mesure : un cas de remplacement total de l'articulation temporo-mandibulaire, de l'arcade zygomatique et du zygoma.

INTRODUCTION: Total prosthetic replacement of the temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) has become a common procedure, but it is usually limited to the TMJ itself. We report about one case of complex prosthetic joint reconstruction extending to the neighbouring bony structures. CASE: A 57-year-old patient, operated several times for a cranio-facial fibrous dysplasia, presented with a recurring TMJ ankylosis and a complexe latero-facial bone loss on the right side. We performed a reconstruction procedure including the TMJ, the zygomatic arch and the malar bone by mean of custom made composite prosthesis (chrome-cobalt-molybdenum-titanium and polyethylene). Five years postoperatively, mouth opening, nutrition, pain and oral hygiene were significantly improved. DISCUSSION: Nowadays technical possibilities allow for complex facial alloplastic reconstructions with good medium term results.

[Total temporomandibular joint prostheses]. / Prothèses totales des articulations temporomandibulaires.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is probably the most complex human joint. As in all joints, its prosthetic replacement may be indicated in selected cases. Significant advances have been made in the design of TMJ prostheses during the last three decades and the indications have been clarified. The aim of our work was to make an update on the current total TMJ total joint replacement. Indications, contraindications, prosthetic components, advantages, disadvantages, reasons for failure or reoperation, virtual planning and surgical protocol have been exposed.

Functional and radiographic evaluation of the treatment of traumatic bone loss of the hand using the Masquelet technique.

This study was a retrospective evaluation of 18 patients with traumatic bone loss affecting the fingers, hand and wrist who were treated using the induced-membrane technique. Sixteen men and two women, mean age 54years (27-74) presented a hand injury including bone loss. Sixteen patients were treated on an emergency basis and two following nonunion of their fractures. There were 13 cases of open fracture of the phalanx and 5 cases of metacarpal fractures. These patients were treated with debridement and the injuries were covered when necessary. To address the bone loss, the first step of the induced-membrane technique involved placing a cement spacer (polymethylmethacrylate [PMMA]) without antibiotics in the defect. During the second step, the cement spacer was removed and replaced by autologous cancellous bone graft. The graft was placed within the biological tube left empty after removal of the cement. For each patient, bone union was assessed with radiographs and/or CT scan. Failure was defined as nonunion at 1year. In 16 patients, the fractures had healed after 4months (1.5-12months) on average. Two failures were noted (one nonunion treated using a PIP prosthesis and one case of delayed union). Mobility of the fingers, evaluated using the Total Active Motion (TAM) was 145° (75°-270°). The Kapandji score reached 8 for the thumb. Grip strength reached 21kg/F and pinch strength was 5kg/F; these values were 50% of those in the healthy hand. The induced-membrane technique is simple and can be used to treat traumatic bone loss in an emergency, thus avoiding amputation and limb shortening, while preserving limb function. It provides immediate stability and allows early mobilization.