Cura por vacío (VAC), a propósito de un caso en Atención Primaria / Vacuum assisted closure (VAC), about a case in primary care

El síndrome compartimental agudo requiere de la descompresión quirúrgica, mediante fasciotomía, esta técnica debe ser urgente y será clave para evitar la instauración de graves secuelas. El posterior abordaje de estas heridas de difícil y lenta cicatrización suponen un reto para los profesionales de la salud y un problema para la salud pública debido a los altos costes y elevada morbilidad. La terapia de presión negativa (TPN) o cura por vacío (VAC, "vacuum assisted closure") es un tratamiento no invasivo que consigue la curación de las heridas favoreciendo la vascularización, la aparición del tejido de granulación y eliminación del exceso de exudado[AU]

Acute compartment syndrome requires surgical decompression by fasciotomy, this technique must be urgent and will be key to avoid the establishment of serious sequels. The subsequent approach to these wounds, which are difficult and slow to heal, is a challenge for health professionals and a problem for public health due to high costs and high morbidity. Negative pressure therapy (NPWT) or vacuum assisted closure (VAC) is a non-invasive treatment that achieves wound healing by promoting vascularization, the appearance of granulation tissue and elimination of excess exudate[AU]

A síndrome compartimental aguda requer descompressão cirúrgica, por fasciotomia, esta técnica deve ser urgente e será fundamental para evitar o estabelecimento de sequelas graves. O tratamento subsequente destas feridas difíceis e de cicatrização lenta é um desafio para os profissionais de saúde e um problema desaúde pública devido aos elevados custos e à elevada morbilidade. A terapia por pressão negativa (NPWT) ou o encerramento assistido por vácuo (VAC) é um tratamento não invasivo que permite a cicatrização de feridas através da promoção da vascularização, do aparecimento de tecido de granulação e da remoção do excesso de exsudado[AU]

Experiencia de parto instrumental con vacuum en Hospital Público de Santiago de Chile / Experience of vacuum-assisted instrumental delivery in a Public Hospital in Santiago, Chile

Introducción: El vacuum es el instrumento de elección para asistir el parto instrumental en países desarrollados. Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio es exponer los resultados maternos y fetales del uso del vacuum en población chilena y promover su disponibilidad y uso en nuestro país y Latinoamérica. Método: El estudio se realizó entre octubre de 2017 y diciembre de 2021, incluyendo a pacientes que tuvieron parto instrumental con vacuum en el Hospital San Juan de Dios de Chile. Se compararon los partos exitosos con vacuum y los partos en los que se requirió el uso de otro instrumento o una cesárea posterior al uso del instrumento. Resultados: Se realizaron 153 vacuum, correspondientes al 28,59% del total de partos instrumentales. El 79,74% tuvo éxito. El 5,88% no recibió anestesia o se aplicó anestesia local. Solo el 3,27% presentó desgarro perineal con compromiso del esfínter anal. El 91,5% de los recién nacidos no tuvieron complicaciones fetales. Un 20,3% requirió reanimación neonatal. Conclusiones: El estudio muestra que el vacuum es una opción segura y efectiva de parto instrumental en nuestra población. La correcta capacitación y protocolos adecuados son necesarios para garantizar resultados exitosos.

Introduction: Vacuum extraction is the instrument of choice for assisting instrumental delivery in developed countries. Objective: The aim of the study is to present the maternal and fetal outcomes of vacuum use in the Chilean population and promote its availability and usage in our country and Latin America. Method: The study was performed between October 2017 and December 2021, including patients who underwent instrumental delivery with a vacuum extraction at the Hospital San Juan de Dios in Chile. Successful vacuum deliveries were compared with deliveries where another instrument was required, or a cesarean section was performed after instrument use. Results: A total of 153 vacuum deliveries were carried out, accounting for 28.59% of all instrumental deliveries. 79.74% were successful. 5.88% did not receive anesthesia or received local anesthesia. Only 3.27% experienced perineal tear with involvement of the anal sphincter. 91.5% of newborns had no fetal complications. 20.3% required neonatal resuscitation. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that the vacuum is a safe and effective option for instrumental delivery in our population. Proper training and appropriate protocols are necessary to ensure successful outcomes.

Research progress on wound repair of severe open injury of lower limbs / 临床外科杂志

Severe open injury of lower limbs is complex and difficult to cure in a short time,which can lead to serious infection,amputation and so on.For the treatment of open injury,wound repair is extremely important.A variety of new technologies such as new dressings,platelet-rich plasma(PRP),and vacuum sealing drainage(VSD)have recently been applied to lower limb wound repair,which can not only improve the functional prognosis and aesthetic effect,but also improve the quality of wound healing.This review will summarize the research progress of wound repair methods for open injury of lower limbs,so as to further guide clinical application.

Clinical study of percutaneous cement discoplasty for treating elderly patients with vacuum phenomenon-associated lumbar instability / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To investigate the clinical efficacy and significance of percutaneous cement discoplasty (PCD) in treating elderly patients with spinal instability and vacuum phenomenon on imaging. 【Methods】 We retrospectively analyzed 27 patients with spinal instability and vacuum phenomenon on imaging who underwent PVABC between June 2019 and September 2022. We recorded the surgery duration, bone cement usage, intraoperative bleeding, and total hospitalization time. We evaluated the improvement in pain and lumbar function by comparing pre- and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, and lumbar Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores. We also compared the change in intervertebral height and the distribution rate of bone cement in the intervertebral space by pre- and postoperative imaging data. 【Results】 All the 27 patients who underwent PCD had effective follow-up. The mean hospitalization time was (4.2±1.85) days, and the mean surgery duration was (32.3±4.51), (53.6±12.17), (74.4±6.33), and (90.0±10.36) minutes for single-, double-, triple-, and quadruple-level procedures, respectively. The intraoperative bleeding volume ranged from 2 to 13 mL, which was significantly lower than that of traditional intervertebral fusion surgery. Postoperative VAS pain scores, ODI scores, and JOA scores were significantly improved compared to those before surgery. In terms of imaging, the intervertebral height of the patients improved after surgery, and the distribution of bone cement in the intervertebral space was relatively good in the operated segments. Mechanical stability of the spine was restored. 【Conclusion】 For patients who are not suitable for open surgery due to severe complications, PCD is a feasible treatment option.

Analysis of causes and solutions for vacuum suction weakness of dental units / 中国医学装备

An efficient vacuum suction system is a necessary prerequisite for the smooth operation of the oral diagnosis and treatment.During the use of the dental units,there is often a situation of vacuum suction weakness,resulting in the inability to discharge the mixture of blood,saliva,dental tissue and other mixtures in time,which affects the doctor's treatment field and increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia and cross-infection in patients.The working principle,pipeline system,filters and other aspects of the vacuum suction system that may affect the suction efficiency was analyzed.The causes and solutions of vacuum suction weakness were discussed,and operation suggestions were proposed to ensure the safe and effective use of equipment and ensure the safety of diagnosis and treatment.

Tinjauan Penggunaan Ramuan dan Pembungkusan Dalam Pembuatan Keropok Lekor di Selangor (A survey of the use of ingredients and packaging in the manufacture of fish-based snack in Selangor) / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#Keropok lekor is a fish-based snack and traditional food originating from the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, especially in Terengganu. This study was conducted to identify the ingredients and packaging used in the manufacturing of keropok lekor by entrepreneurs in Selangor. This study is a qualitative study that requires in-depth interviews. The Nutritionist Pro application was used to determine the nutrients in keropok lekor. The sampling method for this study is purposive sampling and involves five keropok lekor operators around Selangor. The ingredients used in making keropok lekor are salt, fish filling (fringescale sardine), baking powder, monosodium glutamate (MSG), margarine, and sweet potato flour. Through this study, it was found that the main source of sodium in keropok lekor is salt. For keropok lekor packaging, all keropok lekor operators use the same packaging method, which is vacuum packaging. In addition, the majority of keropok lekor operators (80%) have been introduced to Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP). The results of the study show that the average sodium content in keropok lekor is 372.11mg/100g and is categorized as medium-level sodium. Although the majority of keropok lekor operators have been introduced to MAP packaging, further research needs to be conducted to find out whether keropok lekor operators have renewed their packaging methods or vice versa. In conclusion, based on the findings, the content of sodium in the manufacturing of keropok lekor in Selangor is still under control. The results of this study can be used to help the government monitor the sodium content found in keropok lekor around Selangor.

Optimization of the preparation process of Soft-shelled turtle blood lyophilized powder using Box-Behnken response surface methodology / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To optimize the preparation process of Soft-shelled turtle blood lyophilized powder （STBLP）， and to provide a reference for improving the availability and quality stability of soft-shelled turtle blood （STB）. METHODS STBLP was prepared with vacuum freeze-drying. Taking the solubility as the index， the preparation process parameters of STBLP were optimized by single factor experiment and Box-Behnken response surface method. RESULTS The optimal freeze-drying process for STBLP was obtained： pre-freezing time of 4 h， total drying time of 13 h （before at 0 ℃）， and resolution drying temperature of 25 ℃. The average solubility of 3 batches of STBLP prepared according to the optimal process was 95.72% （RSD＝0.68%， n＝3）， the relative error of which was －0.97% to the theoretical solubility （96.66%）. CONCLUSIONS Optimized lyophilization process in this study are stable and feasible， the solubility of the prepared sample is high.

Operative vaginal delivery: practice patterns and outcomes at a tertiary general hospital

INTRODUCTION@#There has been a global decrease in operative vaginal deliveries, with a marked shift towards the vacuum extractor. However, little is known about the trends in operative vaginal delivery in Singapore.@*METHODS@#A retrospective study was conducted on all operative vaginal deliveries performed from 2012 to 2017 at Singapore General Hospital (SGH). Maternal outcomes in terms of postpartum haemorrhage and obstetric anal sphincter injuries were compared between forceps- and vacuum-assisted deliveries. Neonatal outcomes in terms of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and clinically significant neonatal events were compared. The instrument preference of obstetricians was analysed.@*RESULTS@#A total of 906 consecutive operative vaginal deliveries were included in the study, comprising 461 forceps- and 445 vacuum-assisted deliveries. The rate of operative vaginal delivery was maintained at approximately 10% from 2012 to 2017. Neonatal cephalohematomas were more common after vacuum-assisted deliveries. Other maternal and neonatal outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups. Clinically significant neonatal events were mostly due to shoulder dystocia, whereas all cases of NICU admissions were not directly related to the mode of delivery. Obstetricians' choice of instrument appeared to reflect personal preference and was not affected by the year of graduation.@*CONCLUSION@#The rates of neonatal and maternal morbidity were low at SGH. Overall instrument use of forceps and vacuum was balanced, and proficiency in both was demonstrated by all operators. Operative vaginal delivery remains an essential skill in facilitating safe vaginal delivery, which should be maintained to keep Caesarean section rates in check.

Clinical efficacy of double-sheath vacuum suction microchannel percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of complex renal stones / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the efficacy and safety of double-sheath vacuum suction microchannel percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) in the treatment of complex renal stones. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 139 patients with complicated renal stones who received MPCNL during Aug. 2019 and Jul.2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the operation modes, the patients were divided into the double-sheath vacuum suction group (dsVS group, n=72) and conventional nephrostomy sheath group (cNS group, n=67). The perioperative indexes and the first-stage stone clearance rate of the two groups were compared. 【Results】 In the dsVS group and cNS group, the mean operation time was (46.72±9.55) min and (57.22±11.31) min, respectively (P<0.05). The first-stage stone clearance rate was 83.33% and 70.15%, respectively (P<0.05). The BUN value was (5.07±1.65) mmol/L and (5.75±1.83) mmol/L, respectively (P<0.05). The WBC value was (9.45±2.46)×109/L and (10.71±3.14)×109/L, respectively (P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative fever was 1.39% and 11.94%, respectively (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in other clinical data between the two groups (P>0.05). 【Conclusion】 The double-sheath vacuum suction MPCNL is safe and effective to manage complex renal stones, which can shorten the operation time, reduce postoperative complications, and improve the stone clearance rate.

Efficacy of flexible vacuum aspiration ureteral access sheath for renal and upper ureteral calculi / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the safety and efficacy of flexible vacuum aspiration ureteral access sheath in ureteroscopic lithotripsy in the treatment of renal and upper ureteral calculi. 【Methods】 Clinical data of 41 cases treated in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed, including 20 cases treated with flexible vacuum aspiration ureteral access sheath (experimental group), and 21 cases treated with traditional ureteral access sheath (control group). The stone-clearance rate, operation time, postoperative fever (T>37.5 ℃), length of hospital stay and hospitalization costs were compared between the two groups. 【Results】 All operations were successful. The experimental group had significantly shorter operation time than the control group [(54.0±19.8) min vs. (76.6±20.1) min, P0.05). 【Conclusion】 Flexible vacuum aspiration ureteral access sheath in flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy can shorten the operation time, improve stone-clearance rate and reduce incidence of postoperative fever, which is worth promoting.

Study of vacuum sealing drainage in the treatment of emphysematous pyelonephritis(report of 5 cases) / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To summarize the experience of vacuum sealing drainage(VSD) in treating emphysematous pyelonephritis.Methods:The clinical data of 5 patients with emphysematous pyelonephritis treated with VSD from January 2013 to October 2022 in Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University were retrospectively analyzed. There were 1 male and 4 female patients.The average age was (61.4±6.6) years old. Clinical manifestations were chills and fever in 5 cases, lumbago in 5 cases. There were 3 cases of nausea and vomiting. Four cases were complicated with electrolyte disturbance. 4 cases suffered abnormal renal function. The levels of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and interleukin-6 were higher than normal in 5 cases. Leukocytes and neutrophils was beyond normal in 3 cases, and lower than normal in 1 case. Five cases were complicated with diabetes, and 2 cases were complicated with ureteral calculus and obstruction. According to the CT results of emphysematous pyelonephritis reported in the literature, it can be divided into Ⅰ-Ⅳ types. Type Ⅰwas confined to the renal collecting system. Type Ⅱ was confined to the renal parenchyma. Type Ⅲ was confined to the renal parenchyma, and typeⅣ was bilateral emphysematous pyelonephritis or isolated renal emphysematous pyelonephritis. Of the 5 cases, 3 were type Ⅲ and 1 was type Ⅳ (bilateral). One case of type Ⅱ progressed to type Ⅲ. Under the controlling of blood glucose and applying broad-spectrum antibiotics, all 5 cases underwent ureteral stenting. Three patients underwent percutaneous renal puncture drainage, and VSD was performed after treatment failed. Among the two cases, one patient was type Ⅳ.And the other's CT showed that the kidney was heavy with gas and less normal renal parenchyma, and VSD was performed directly. The renal sac was opened surgically and the wound was sealed with a semi-permeable membrane. Foam sponge dressing was placed around the kidney for negative pressure irrigation for full decompression and drainage.Results:The leukocytes and neutrophils of 5 patients returned to normal after operation. The inflammatory indicators such as C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and interleukin-6 showed a downward trend to varying degrees compared with those before operation. The vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate and temperature of the patients gradually became normal and stable. The VSD was replaced once every 1 to 3 days and was replaced 3 to 5 times. After 2 to 8 weeks of treatment, the blood leukocytes and kidney function of the patient returned to normal. All patients were followed up for 3 to 24 months with good prognosis and no recurrence of infection. No renal atrophy was observed during intermittent CT examination.Conclusions:When medical treatment combined with ureteral stent placement and percutaneous renal puncture drainage are not effective, or when stones are complicated with obstruction and puncture drainage is not effective, the use of VSD in the treatment of emphysematous pyelonephritis can reduce the difficulty of surgery and preserve the kidney. However, the number of cases in this study is small, and the conclusion needs to be further verified by increasing the sample size.

Efficacy of modified surgery in the treatment of breast abscess and its effects on inflammatory reaction and pain-related factors / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of modified surgery in the treatment of breast abscess and its effects on inflammatory reaction and pain-related factors.Methods:A total of 100 patients with breast abscess who were treated in Zhoushan Women and Children's Hospital from December 2019 to October 2022 were included in this study. They were divided into an observation group and a control group ( n = 50 per group) using the random number table. The control group received vacuum assisted rotary resection, while the observation group underwent modified surgery. Operation conditions, postoperative complications, and postoperative conditions were recorded in each group. Before and 24 hours after surgery, inflammatory reaction and pain-related factors were compared between the two groups. Results:There was no significant difference in operative time between the two groups ( P > 0.05). The intraoperative bleeding volume in the observation group was (23.14 ± 4.53) mL, which was significantly lower than (36.52 ± 7.18) mL in the control group ( t = 11.14, P < 0.001). The incidence of complications in the observation group was 6.00% (3/50), which was significantly lower than 20% (10/50) in the control group ( χ2 = 4.33, P < 0.05). The observation group had significantly lower postoperative visual analogue scale score [(2.42 ± 0.78) points], fewer dressing changes [(5.26 ± 1.34) times], and lower scar degree [(6.82 ± 1.27) mm] compared with the control group [(3.56 ± 0.89) points, (7.43 ± 1.62) times, (9.12 ± 1.54) mm, t = 6.81, 7.30, 8.15, all P < 0.001]. At 24 hours after surgery, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-1 β, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the observation group were (14.52 ± 3.37) mg/L, (182.13 ± 23.32) ng/L, and (20.08 ± 2.89) ng/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than (29.94 ± 5.45) mg/L, (231.24 ± 16.56) ng/L, and (29.98 ± 4.36) ng/L in the control group ( t = 17.02, 12.14, 13.38, all P < 0.001). At 24 hours after surgery, prostaglandin E 2 and substance P in the observation group were (97.14 ± 18.78) ng/L and (175.18 ± 24.37) μg/L respectively, which were significantly lower than (148.65 ± 20.06) ng/L and (265.41 ± 27.86) μg/L in the control group ( t = 13.26, 17.24, both P < 0.001). Conclusion:The modified surgical treatment for breast abscess shows significant effects with fewer complications and minimal impact on inflammatory response, effectively inhibiting the release of pain-related factors.

Comparison between Vacuum-Assisted Closure Technique and Conventional Approach in Patients with Mediastinitis After Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

ABSTRACT Introduction: Median sternotomy is the most preferred approach in heart surgery. Post-sternotomy mediastinitis is a catastrophic and potentially life-threatening complication with an incidence rate of 0.15% to 5%, and its overall mortality rate reaches 47%. In this study, we aimed to compare the results of vacuum-assisted closure technique and the conventional methods on the management of mediastinitis following isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Methods: Between February 2001 and July 2013, 32,106 patients who underwent cardiac operations were evaluated retrospectively. One hundred and fourteen patients who developed post-sternotomy mediastinitis were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups and compared - vacuum-assisted closure group (n=52, 45.6%) and conventional treatment group (n=62, 54.4%). Results: There were no differences between the two groups according to the patients' characteristics, surgical data, and mediastinal cultures. However, we found that total treatment duration for post-sternotomy mediastinitis, time interval from diagnosis to negative culture, hospitalization time, and in-hospital mortality were statistically significantly lower in the vacuum-assisted closure group than in the conventional treatment group (P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, and P=0.03, respectively). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the vacuum-assisted closure technique improves the medical outcome of patients with post-sternotomy mediastinitis compared with the conventional treatment. The vacuum-assisted closure is a safe and more effective treatment modality for patients with post-sternotomy mediastinitis after cardiac surgery with reasonable morbidity and mortality.

SURGICAL WOUND MANAGEMENT WITH VACUUM ASSISTED DRESSING

Background and Objectives: To evaluate the role and efficiency of vacuum dressing in thehealing of wounds and to assess the benefits and limitations of using vacuum dressing indifferent types/categories of wound.Methods: The study of 25 cases was conducted in the Department of Surgery of atertiary care teaching hospital over a period of 2 years.Results: Vacuum dressing had a significant effect on the final outcome of wounds.Wounds which seemingly needed a flap surgery in the first impression, withsuccessive application of vacuum dressing cycles, could be covered with a simplesplit thickness skin graft. Many patients were salvaged of a revision amputation asshowed by the decrease in overall amputation rates.Interpretation and Conclusion: Based on the data from the present study and otherstudies available, vacuum dressing results in better healing, with minimalcomplications, and thus looks to be a promising alternative for the management ofvarious wounds. Vacuum dressing leads to faster healing of the wounds, thereforedecreasing the overall hospital stay. Hence, it is cost effective also. It reduces theinconvenience and discomfort caused to the patient by frequent change in dressings.It helps in reducing size of the wounds, has profound effect on wound depth andgranulation as seen in our study. It promotes granulation tissue completely coveringthe tendon, thus enabling simple techniques (e.g., skin graft) rather than formal flapclosure in few cases. Wounds with exposed underlying bone and chronic nonhealing ulcers can be managed well with vacuum dressing. It reduces the number ofamputations and re-debridement required. More number of wounds can be managedsuccessfully with secondary closure or skin grafting after multiple cycles of vacuumdressing. This reduces patient morbidity and minimizes the overall effect on hisquality of life. Good outcome of vacuum dressing also depends on its properapplication.

Uso concomitante de sutura elástica associada ao curativo a vácuo no fechamento de grandes perdas de partes moles / Concomitant use of elastic suture associated with vacuum dressing in the closure of large soft tissue losses

O tratamento das feridas complexas com grande perda de partes moles é um desafio para a cirurgia plástica, principalmente quando a ferida encontra-se infectada. Várias opções são consideradas para o tratamento, como sutura, enxertos, retalhos, expansores. Devido à complexidade dos casos, frequente associação de morbidades, necessidade de intervenções multidisciplinar e longos internamentos, os custos do tratamento são frequentemente elevados. Este trabalho vem demonstrar a técnica de sutura elástica empregada em um caso clínico, utilizando tração contínua da pele em associação ao curativo a vácuo, que possibilitou reabilitação do paciente sem a necessidade de intervenções mais agressivas para o fechamento da ferida traumática extensa.

Treating complex wounds with great loss of soft tissues is a challenge for plastic surgery, especially when the wound is infected. Several options are considered for treatment, such as sutures, grafts, flaps, and expanders. Due to the complexity of the cases, the frequent association of morbidities, the need for multidisciplinary interventions, and long hospital stays, treatment costs are often high. This work demonstrates the elastic suture technique used in a clinical case, using continuous skin traction in association with a vacuum dressing, which enabled patient rehabilitation without the need for more aggressive interventions to close the extensive traumatic wound.

Vacuum-assisted cortex removal - A novel change to the tradition

In developing countries, manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) has surfaced as the cost-effective alternative to phacoemulsification. The Simcoe irrigation-aspiration cannula was developed nearly 40 years ago and is still the most frequently employed tool for cortex aspiration. Although it stands unsurpassed, here we attempt to introduce an addition to the existing Simcoe cannula to achieve a dynamic and controlled vacuum with the added advantage of less physical strain and an effective volume of aspiration. The vacuum-assisted cortex removal device is based on a simple spring action mechanism, where the relaxation of the spring pushes the plunger up and thereby generates a controlled vacuum

Vacuum rhexis � A novel capsulorhexis technique for white cataracts

Capsulorhexis in white intumescent cataract is often associated with extension leading to radial tears or biradial extension 揂rgentinian flag sign� and associated complications. We describe a novel technique of managing this situation. Vacuum rhexis is performed with a 24 G bent cannula attached to a 10-ml syringe. The flap is lifted and then caught using 24 G cannula. The suction is manually controlled by the surgeon, and the rhexis is completed using circumferential movement. The chamber stability is well maintained as there is no leakage, and the bent tip gives excellent fulcrum for movement. The advantage of this technique is that a single port is used for maintaining the chamber stability and it needs no special surgical instruments. Vacuum rhexis is a novel surgical technique used for performing successful continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) of adequate size in white and intumescent cataracts, with a consistent and predictable outcome.

Zero Phaco: A new technique for dealing with soft cataracts

Phacoemulsification in soft cataracts can be challenging due to the lack of rigid cleavage planes and the inability to crack. We describe a new phacoemulsification technique for dealing with soft cataracts using high vacuum and zero energy. Following capsulorhexis and hydrodissection, we introduced the phacoemulsification probe, keeping the torsional and longitudinal power at zero. A central groove was created in sculpting mode. We held the nucleus with adequate vacuum in chop mode and divided the nucleus. Then, we rotated and chopped the nucleus similarly into small pieces without using any power. For emulsification, we increased the vacuum to 600 mmHg and then shredded and stuffed the pieces into the phaco probe by the chopper. A newer generation phaco machine with active fluidic system and monitored pressurized infusion helps the surgeon control the intraocular pressure (IOP) and hold the nucleus with vacuum alone, allowing chopping and emulsifying of the pieces without any energy.

NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY (NPWT): OUR EXPERIENCE USING HOSPITAL WALL SUCTION

Study Design: Prospective case series Delayed wound healing is a significant concern, particularly in Introduction: complex wounds and the elderly with co-morbidities. It leads to pain, morbidity, prolonged treatment, and requires major reconstructive surgery, which imposes an enormous social and financial burden. Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) was used to cover large wounds, decubitus ulcers, and open fractures that cannot be closed either primarily or secondarily and often require a complex reconstructive procedure to protect the injury. NPWT is an alternative method of wound management, which uses the negative pressure to prepare the wound for spontaneous healing or by lesser reconstructive options. We applied NPWT on pa Materials and Methodology: tients with open fractures, decubitus ulcers, neglected wounds, fasciotomies, and large wounds. Compared to the patented VAC system, ours include pre-sterilized PVA foam, cling drape (Surgiwear TM), nasogastric tube or an infant feeding tube, and a hospital wall suction. There Results: were three cases of soft tissue injury of the foot with wound defect, one case of fasciotomy for compartment syndrome, one case of the decubitus ulcer, one case of open fractures, and three cases of degloving injuries of the foot. In our study, the NPWT was changed every five days, the average number of NPWT changes was 3-4, length of time NPWT applied before the closure was 14-21 days. The most frequent coverage mode is Split Thickness Skin Graft obviating the need for more complex flaps and microvascular reconstructive procedures. Negative Conclusion: pressure therapy stabilizes the wound environment, reduces wound edema/bacterial load, improves tissue perfusion, and stimulates granulation tissue and angiogenesis. NPWT appears to be simple and more effective than conventional dressings for managing complex wounds, reducing wound volume, depth, treatment duration, and cost.

Proficiency of topical platelet-rich plasma with vacuum-assisted closure over platelet-rich plasma alone in diabetic foot ulcers - A clinical prospective comparative study

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is usually associated with peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease with consequential limb ischemia, and eventually diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). The healing process is slow due to microangiopathy and wound is easily infected with microbials leading to superficial infection, progressing to deep infection and eventually landing in amputation most of the times. Plate rich plasma (PRP) is very cost-effective, readily available blood derivative and has the capability to stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation. It improves tissue healing and regeneration and exhibits potent activities against a number of pathogens. Vacuum assisted closure (VAC), on the other hand, is a new novel way to treat DFU by having negative pressure wound healing. The present study focused on the advantage of (PRP+VAC) dressing over (topical PRP application with its peripheral injection) alone for aiding and enhancing the process of wound healing in DFU. Aims and Objectives: To appraise the advantage of (PRP+VAC) dressing over (topical PRP application with its peripheral injection) alone for aiding and enhancing the process of wound healing in DFU. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective comparative study of 100 cases to compare the outcomes of wound healing by (topical PRP application with its peripheral injection. Results: Mean time taken for appearance of granulation tissue, 100% granulation tissue, average reduction in wound surface area, showed significant (P => 0.005) differences between the (PRP+VAC) and the (topical PRP application with its peripheral injection) dressing groups. Conclusion: (PRP+VAC) dressings are more effective than conventional (topical PRP application with its peripheral injection) dressings in wound healing of DFU.