Use of a Temporary Shunt as a Salvage Technique for Distal Extremity Amputations Requiring Repair by Vessel Grafting during Critical Ischemia

BACKGROUND: Although the use of temporary shunts in proximal extremity amputations has been reported, no study has described the use of temporary shunts in distal extremity amputations that require vein grafting. Moreover, the total volume of blood loss when temporary shunts are used has not been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of a temporary shunt for distal extremity amputations requiring repair by vessel grafting with an ischemia time of >6 hours. This study also aimed to determine the total volume of blood loss when temporary shunts were used. METHODS: Patients who underwent distal major extremity replantation and/or revascularization with a vessel graft and who experienced ischemia for 6–8 hours between 2013 and 2014 were included in the study. A 6-Fr suction catheter was cut to 5 cm in length after the infusion of heparin, and secured with a 5-0 silk suture between the distal and the proximal ends of the artery. While bleeding continued, the bones were shortened and fixed. After the complete restoration of circulation, the arterial shunt created using the catheter was also repaired with a vein graft. RESULTS: Six patients were included in this study. The mean duration of ischemia was 7.25 hours. The mean duration of suction catheter use during limb revascularization was 7 minutes. The mean transfusion volume was 7.5 units. No losses of the extremity were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure should be considered in distal extremity amputations requiring repair by vessel grafting during critical ischemia.

Factors determining poor prognostic outcomes following diabetic hand infections

Background and Objective: Hand ulcers are seen in a small percentage of patients with diabetes. The predisposing factors of diabetic hand varies between different countries. However, the effects of predisposing factors on prognosis are not clear in diabetic hand infections. In this study, our aim was to determine the effects of predisposing factors on poor prognostic outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods: Thirty-four patients with diabetes mellitus who were treated and followed up for a hand infection in between 2008 and 2014 were investigated retrospectively. Patients were evaluated according to predisposing factors defined in the literature that included disease period, age, gender, admission time, presence of neuropathy, smoking habits, HbA1c levels at admission time, peripheral vascular disease, endstage renal disease [ESRD], and trauma. Death and minor/major amputation cases during treatment were defined as poor prognosis. Results: Patients who had ESRD, peripheral neuropathy, or an HbA1c level greater than 10% had significantly higher amputation rates. Conclusions: Peripheral neuropathy, ESRD, and HbA1c levels greater than 10% at the time of admission were determined as poor prognosis criteria for diabetic hand treatment

Transient Hair Loss after Finger Replantation

No abstract available.

Isolated Congenital Nasal Bifid Septum Separated by a Wide Layer of Soft Tissue

No abstract available.

Skin bridging secondary to ingrown toenail

Ingrown toenails are painful conditions that especially affect young people and may become chronic if not treated. We describe a case of chronically inflamed ingrown toenail left untreated for three years. In the physical examination, skin bridging and epithelialization was observed in midline secondary to soft tissue hypertrophy of the lateral nail matrixes. Epithelized fibrous tissue was cut across the lateral nail matrix and left for secondary healing. Partial matrixectomy was applied and the remnants were cauterized in compliance with the Winograd procedure after removal of the nail. Our case is an advanced condition which is the second report in the literature. Skin bridging secondary to excess soft tissue hypertrophy can be observed in untreated bilateral Heinfert or Frost stage 3 ingrown nails. This rare case can be classified as advanced stage 3 disease or stage 4

A Salvage Operation for Total Penis Amputation Due to Circumcision

Circumcision is one of the most common rituals in Jewish and Islamic cultures. It may also be performed for phimosis correction or the treatment of recurrent balanitis. Although circumcision is considered to be a technically easy and safe surgical procedure with no significant risk, it may lead to severe complications such as necrotizing fasciitis or total penis amputation. In this report, we present a case of penis amputation at two levels occurring with third-degree burns due to electrocautery during circumcision. Although penile replantation was attempted, it was unsuccessful due to burn damage to the veins. After restoration of the functional structures, the penis was buried in the inguinal area by reepithelization to maintain blood circulation. The recovery of the penis was successful. This case is presented as a novel example of groin flap surgery to achieve a functionally and aesthetically acceptable outcome in a salvage operation for a penis with significant traumatic injury, which has not been previously reported in the literature.