The Effects of Topical Agent (Kelo-Cote or Contractubex) Massage on the Thickness of Post-Burn Scar Tissue Formed in Rats

BACKGROUND: We conducted an experimental study to compare the effect of massage using topical agents (Kelo-cote or Contractubex) on scar formation by massaging the healed burn wound on the dorsal area of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. METHODS: Four areas of second degree contact burn were made on the dorsal area of each of 15 SD rats, using a soldering iron 15 mm in diameter. After gross epithelialization in the defect, 15 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: the Kelo-cote group, Contractubex group, Vaseline group, and control group. Rats in three of the groups (all but the Control group) were massaged twice per day for 5 minutes each day, while those in the Control group were left unattended. For histologic analysis, we performed a biopsy and evaluated the thickness of scar tissue. RESULTS: In the Kelo-cote and Contractubex groups, scar tissue thicknesses showed a significant decrease, compared with the Vaseline and control groups. However, no significant differences were observed between the Kelo-cote and Contractubex groups. In the Vaseline group, scar tissue thicknesses showed a significant decrease, compared with the control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that massage using a topical agent is helpful in the prevention of scar formation and that massage only with lubricant (no use of a topical agent) also has a considerable effect, although not as much as the use of a topical agent. Thus, we recommend massage with a topical agent on the post-burn scar as an effective method for decreasing the scar thickness.

Effect of Music Therapy on Anxiety and Vital Sign of Nasal Closed Reduction Under General Anesthesia

PURPOSE: Most of the patients who underwent surgery feels variable kinds of fear or anxiety; an uncomfortable mood state that happens without specific object affects patient's satisfaction before and after the surgery. As music therapy is rather noninvasive method generally used in reducing patient's anxiety, the authors researched about the extent of anxiety with the change of vital sign before the operation while comparing with the cases of patients who took the music therapy at closed reduction under general anesthesia. METHODS: We divided the patients in 4 groups; A with the premedication(Midazolam, Dormicum(R)) before the operation, B with the premedication and music therapy, C with only music therapy, D with no premedication or therapy. And we measured the vital signs after the arrival at the operation room, after induction and 20 minutes after the operation. Also we observed the changes of anxiety index with the STAI(State Trait Anxiety Inventory)-K(Korea)YZ 1 hour before and 8 hours after the surgery. RESULTS: The group B showed the least changes in blood pressure as the group D showed the highest change. Both group C and A showed increase in blood pressure but the upswing in group A was lower than group C. At the change of pulse rate group B showed the lowest upswing also group D showing the highest. Group B showed quite a few upswing but lower than group D, but, at the same time, group A showed lower upswing when comparing two cases. After analysis of STAI-KYZ score, the anxiety relatively decreased in group B and C in comparison with group D. And the index of anxiety state of group A showed just as much to group D. CONCLUSION: The music therapy is better healthcare method compared to other therapies in reducing anxiety also with satisfying effect who underwent operation. The authors recommend music therapy assisted with use of premedication for better relief of anxiety.

A Case of Giant Sacral Chordoma

PURPOSE: Chordoma is a rare primary osseous tumor arising from the remnants of the primitive notochord. It occurs once in 2,000,000. It is characterized by its slow growth, high frequency to invade destroy bone by direct extension. We experienced giant sacral chordoma and reconstructed with gluteal advancement flap. METHODS: A 52-year-old woman presented with a 2-years history of gluteal pain. In the biopsy study revealed sacral chordoma. MRI study showed 13 x 12 x 10 cm sized m0cs. We approached anterior and posterior resection and reconstructed with bilateral gluteus maximus advancement flap. RESULTS: After the operation, blader and anal function were slightly decreased. But, 4 months later those were almost fully recovered. There was no significant complication and recurrence after 2-years follow-up. CONCLUSION: Chordoma is characterized by its slow growth, high frequency to invade and destroy bone by direct extension. Wide surgical resection is the only curative procedure. We report a ase of giant sacral chordoma which was successfully treated by anterior and posterior approach and reconstructed with bilateral gluteal advancement flap.

A Case of Giant Sacral Chordoma

PURPOSE: Chordoma is a rare primary osseous tumor arising from the remnants of the primitive notochord. It occurs once in 2,000,000. It is characterized by its slow growth, high frequency to invade destroy bone by direct extension. We experienced giant sacral chordoma and reconstructed with gluteal advancement flap. METHODS: A 52-year-old woman presented with a 2-years history of gluteal pain. In the biopsy study revealed sacral chordoma. MRI study showed 13 x 12 x 10 cm sized m0cs. We approached anterior and posterior resection and reconstructed with bilateral gluteus maximus advancement flap. RESULTS: After the operation, blader and anal function were slightly decreased. But, 4 months later those were almost fully recovered. There was no significant complication and recurrence after 2-years follow-up. CONCLUSION: Chordoma is characterized by its slow growth, high frequency to invade and destroy bone by direct extension. Wide surgical resection is the only curative procedure. We report a ase of giant sacral chordoma which was successfully treated by anterior and posterior approach and reconstructed with bilateral gluteal advancement flap.

Efficacy of Versiva(R)XC (ConvaTec, UK) Dressing in Treatment of Pediatric Hand Burn

PURPOSE: Effective management of pediatric hand burn is a considerable challenge for clinicians. Traditional dressings may result in significant pain, wound dryness, weak adhesive strength, and increase necessity for dressing change. Versiva(R)XC is combined dressing materials of hydrocolloid, hydrofiber, a polyurethane foam. Authors have used Versiva(R)XC in treatment of pediatric hand burns, and we experienced that maintenance of dressing is comfortable and decrease patient's discomfort. METHODS: Study enrolled 9 patients of mean age 3.6 years with second degree pediatric hand burn, Versiva(R)XC dressing initially applied after bullae aspiration and saline gauze dressing. After admission, we daily changed the dressing in first two or three days and had an interval of two or three days depending on the degree of exudate from the wound. RESULTS: The mean day of application was 6.3 days. None of patients required surgery and healed with no other complication of scar contracture and hypertrophic scar formation. CONCLUSION: The dressing with Versiva(R)XC was effective method because of decreased pain, easy dressing change, more comfort, and decreased hospital day.