Management of scalp arteriovenous malformations: a rising trend towards percutaneous direct puncture embolization technique-our experience.

BACKGROUND: Scalp arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), or cirsoid aneurysms of the scalp, usually present with troublesome symptoms and cosmetic disfigurement. Endovascular/percutaneous embolization has evolved as a sole treatment method or adjunct to surgical excision in the management of scalp AVMs with an excellent outcome. PURPOSE: To discuss minimally invasive techniques for treating scalp AVMs as well as to highlight the role of embolization before surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 50 patients with scalp AVM who underwent embolization (percutaneous/endovascular) during 2010-2019 at a tertiary care center. n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) was used as an embolizing agent in all the cases and the patients were followed up at three- and six-month intervals with Doppler evaluation. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were included in the study. The occipital region was the most common location; 82% were Schobinger class II lesions and 18% were class III lesions. Thirteen patients had small-sized AVMs and 37 patients had large-sized AVMs. Post-embolization surgery was performed in 36 patients. Of the patients, 28 underwent percutaneous embolization, 20 underwent endovascular embolization, and two underwent both to achieve complete embolization of the lesion. The number of percutaneous procedures increased in the latter half of the study period as the safety and efficacy of the technique were established. No major complications were seen in this study. CONCLUSION: Embolization of scalp AVMs is a safe and effective technique and can be used in isolation for small lesions and as an adjunct procedure to surgery for large-sized lesions.

Knowledge and Compliance of Hydroxychloroquine Prophylaxis for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection among Indian Health-Care Workers.

Objective: In the initial days of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommended the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as chemoprophylaxis for health-care workers (HCWs) involved in the care of COVID-19 patients. The present survey aimed to assess the knowledge and compliance of HCQ prophylaxis as per the ICMR recommendations among Indian HCWs during the first wave of the pandemic. Methods: A validated 19-item questionnaire-based survey was distributed to HCWs in our apex tertiary care institute who had completed their duties in the COVID-19 wards to assess the knowledge, attitude, and compliance of all sections of HCWs regarding the ICMR-recommended HCQ prophylaxis. Participation in the survey was voluntary, and anonymity was maintained. Data obtained from the responses were collated and analyzed. Findings: Two hundred and fourteen out of 250 HCWs completed the survey (85.6% response rate). Among 214 participants, 87.9% were below the age of 40 years. 83.2% were aware of the use of HCQ for possible prevention of COVID-19 infection, while only 24.6% took HCQ for 7 weeks as was recommended during that period. The main reasons given by 37.3% of the HCWs for not taking HCQ were their knowledge and research on HCQ, where side effects were prominent. Side effects were reported by 35% of the respondents, of which the most notable was nausea/vomiting (14%) followed by gastritis (12%). Conclusion: The poor compliance with HCQ prophylaxis by HCWs was influenced by their knowledge and research, lack of strong scientific evidence, and drug-associated adverse effects.

Efficacy of Silicone Conduit in the Rat Sciatic Nerve Repair Model: Journey of a Thousand Miles.

BACKGROUND: A lot of options have been tried for bridging the two ends of the injured nerves. Researchers have used decellularized nerve grafts, artificial materials and even nerve growth factors to augment functional recovery. These materials are either costly or inaccessible in developing world. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the silicone conduit in a rat sciatic nerve injury model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 24 healthy Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (250-300 grams; 8-10 weeks) were used and right sciatic nerve was exposed; transected and re-anastomosed by two different methods in 16 rats. In control group, n = 8 (Group I) the sciatic nerve was untouched; Group II (reverse nerve anastomosis, n = 8): 1-centimeter of nerve was cut and re-anastomosed by using 10-0 monofilament suture; Group III (silicone conduit, n = 8) 1-centimeter nerve segment was cut, replaced by silicone conduit and supplemented by fibrin glue]. Evaluation of nerve recovery was done functionally (pain threshold and sciatic functional index) over 3 months and histologically and electron microscopically. RESULTS: Functional results showed a trend of clinical improvement in Group III and II but recovery was poor and never reached up to normal. Histopathological and electron microscopic results showed an incomplete axonal regeneration in Groups II and III. Psychological analyses showed that no outwards signs of stress were present and none of the rats showed paw biting and teeth chattering. CONCLUSION: The silicone conduit graft may be an economical and effective alternative to presently available interposition grafts, however for short segments only.

Excision of Large Scalp Arteriovenous Malformations with Aesthetic Scalp Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Scalp arteriovenous malformations (SAVMs) are seen in young individuals and skin involvement is common in large SAVMs. They are commonly seen in younger age group too. Pre-operative embolization followed by surgical excision and hair bearing scalp reconstruction with tissue expansion are the treatment of choice. Therefore, proper selection of tissue expander for reconstruction of hair bearing scalp, seems essential. This study evaluated excision of large SAVMs with aesthetic scalp reconstruction. METHODS: We described management of 10 patients of large SAVMs with cutaneous involvement. All patients underwent pre-op embolization followed by surgical excision and hair bearing scalp reconstruction with tissue expansion. RESULTS: All cases of large SAVMs healed well with minor complications. CONCLUSION: While complete surgical excision with extirpation of the nidus is considered as the gold standard treatment, aesthetic hair bearing scalp restoration is also of paramount importance for the patient. This is done by using scalp tissue expansion after proper selection of the expander.

Management of macrocystic lymphatic malformation at uncommon site with aqueous bleomycin sclerotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphangioma are rare vascular malformation that results from maldevelopment of primitive lymphatic sacs. They are most frequently found in the neck and axilla, while intra-abdominal and mediastinal lymphangiomas are uncommon. Atypical site of cystic hygroma in pediatric age group are usually difficult to diagnose clinically but can be diagnosed easily by ultrasound. The aim of the study was to evaluate the result of the intralesional bleomycin for macrocystic lymphatic malformation (LM) presenting at atypical site. MATERIAL AND METHOD: All patients of LM of other than head& neck, axilla and abdomen presenting in pediatric age group were included in the study. Mainstay of diagnosis was ultrasound and was supplemented by CT scan wherever required. All patients were managed with intralesional bleomycin (ILB) and surgical excision was done only if primary therapy failed. RESULT: Total 15 cases of LM presenting at atypical sites were included in the study. Series include two case of cystic hygroma of breast, 4 cases of cystic hygroma of anterior chest wall, two case of substernal LM, three cases of LM of parotid gland, one case of inguinal region cystic hygroma and 4 cases involving submandicular area. Complete resolution was observed in 13 out of 15 cases, and two cases had less than 50% reduction in size and were managed with surgical excision after second session of ILB. CONCLUSION: Aqueous Intralesional bleomycin is a cost effective alternative to surgery even at rare sites of LM which provide better aesthetic outcome, and avoids complication associated with surgery.

Bleomycin Sclerotherapy in Massive Macrocystic Lymphatic Malformation: Minimal Complications with Maximum Results.

INTRODUCTION: Cystic lymphangioma (CL) is a multiloculated congenital malformation of the lymphatic system occurring in approximately 1 in 6,000-12,000 births, and it mostly presents at birth. The CL is of a variable size and it can be found at any age and in any part of the body. This study was carried out to observe the effect of intralesional aqueous bleomycin on giant CL presenting in adult and pediatric cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an observational study conducted in the department of pediatric surgery and plastic surgery from January 2012 to January 2020. All the diagnosed cases of lymphangioma measuring more than 5 cm in size and managed during this period were reviewed. The cases who had lesions with a vascular component or who had any history of previous surgery or any form of treatment were excluded from the study. A total of 19 cases were included in the study. The primary mode of management of CL at the present center is intralesional bleomycin sclerotherapy (IBS). This is the standard protocol followed at our center to treat the cases with CL. Relevant demographic and clinical data of all the included patients were collected on a structured proforma, and data were analyzed. RESULT: Four cases had a favorable outcome in a single session, seven cases showed a favorable response after the second session, and three cases showed a favorable response after the third session. Two cases showed a partial response even after the fourth session and were considered nonresponders, one of whom was operated on and the other who was satisfied with a partial response and was not willing to undergo surgical excision. No major complications were observed in the present series. A few cases developed mild pain with or without fever, but none of them required hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Intralesional bleomycin sclerotherapy (IBS) is a safe, effective, and economical treatment option for the management of large cystic lymphangiomas and it avoids surgery-related complications.Level of Study: IV evidence studyType of Study: Retrospective observational study.

Minimally Invasive Approaches for Stone Clearance in Crossed Fused Renal Ectopia.

Crossed fused renal ectopia (CFRE) is a rare fusion anomaly of the kidneys, with a predisposition to calculus disease. Management of renal calculi in CFRE is not standardized because of paucity of literature. We managed a 32-year-old man with left to right CFRE with multiple stones in both the kidneys by percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the right moiety and laparoscopic pyelolithotomy for the crossed moiety. Based on the stone burden and anatomy, we decided to go for a staged approach, to provide maximum clearance rate with least risk. We share our experience in this case, with regard to the use of two different but minimally invasive modalities for effective management of the patient. We also emphasize on the utilization of a staged approach whenever required for patient safety. We also reviewed the literature regarding the management of kidney stones in this rare anomaly.

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.

Is multiple session of intralesional bleomycin mandatory for complete resolution of macrocystic lymphatic malformation?

BACKGROUND: Intralesional bleomycin scelro-therapy has become a favored line of treatment for macrocystic lymphatic malformations. However the need for multiple sessions is a drawback associated with this treatment modality. Our aim is to document whether multiple session of intra- lesional sclero-therapy is necessary for complete resolution of cystic lymphatic malformation. METHOD: Intralesional bleomycin under Ultrasound guidance was used for macrocystic lymphangioma at concentration of 3mg/ml but not exceeding the total dose (1mg/kg) body weight for single session or cumulative dose of 5mg/kg. In all cases intralesional sclerosant (ILS) was installed under proper aseptic precaution in operation theatre in general anesthesia or sedation depending on the site or size of lesion and age of the patient. Age of patients at the time of enrolment in study ranged from 3 months to 18 years. Clinical examination was the main stay of diagnosis which was supplemented by USG and/or computed tomography. Compression of the lesion site was done for few hours wherever it was possible after the ILS session. RESULT: A total of 21 patients included in our study. The age ranged from 3 months to 18 years. Male to female ratio was 8:13. The most common site of involvement was neck and axilla followed by anterior chest wall and nape of the neck. Complete resolution after single session was observed in 90.5% cases where as surgery was required in 9.5% case. Major complication was observed in one patient, who had intralesional bleeding which was managed conservatively. Transient pain and fever was observed in 23.8% of cases. Only two patient required surgical intervention where one had persistent subcutaneous fibrotic nodule and other one did not respond to ILS. CONCLUSION: Intralesional bleomycin is an effective treatment for macrocystic lesion, and complete resolution may be achieved by single session of ILS if proper principle are followed.

Case 249: Intramuscular Mycetoma.

History A 21-year-old man presented with swelling of the medial aspect of the left thigh of 1-month duration. There was no history of fever or penetrating injury in the left thigh. The patient had undergone renal transplantation 7 years earlier and had been taking immunosuppressants since transplantation. He had undergone two surgeries at the same site in the medial aspect of the left thigh in the past 3 years for a similar problem. At physical examination, there was swelling in the medial aspect of the left thigh, with mild tenderness. A surgical scar was noted anterior to the swelling ( Fig 1 ). No redness or discharging sinus was present. Laboratory results were as follows: hemoglobin level, 11.3 g/dL (normal range, 13.8-17.2 g/dL); white blood cell count, 9.7 × 109/L (normal range, [4-11] × 109/L); neutrophil, 75% (normal range, 48%-77%); lymphocyte, 22% (normal range, 10%-24%); eosinophil, 1% (normal range, 0.3%- 7%); monocyte, 1% (normal range, 0.6%-10%); serum creatinine level, 1.3 mg/dL (114.9 µmol/L) (normal range, 0.5-1.6 mg/dL [44.2-141.4 µmol/L]); and serum glucose (random) level, 82 mg/dL (4.5 mmol/L) (normal range, 79-140 mg/dL [4.4-7.8 mmol/L]). Radiography of the left thigh showed soft-tissue swelling in the medial aspect of the left thigh, without underlying bone involvement (not shown). Ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the left thigh were performed. [Figure: see text].

Small Intestinal Lymphangioma Presenting as an Acute Abdomen with Relevant Review of Literature.

Cystic lymphangioma of small bowel mesentery is rare with clinical features ranging from an asymptomatic abdominal lump to acute intestinal obstruction. We discuss two cases of lymphangioma of small bowel mesentery who presented to us as acute intestinal obstruction. In the first case exploratory laparotomy revealed a large multicystic lesion arising from small bowel mesentery just distal to the duodenojejunal junction having multiple small cysts filled with milky white fluid. The involved region of the bowel was excised. The second case had a large multicystic lesion involving the mesentery of proximal jejunum, dudenojejunal junction, encasing the entire superior mesenteric vessels. For this patient, debulking was done.

Aqueous intralesional bleomycin sclerotherapy in lymphatic malformation: Our experience with children and adult.

OBJECTIVES: Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are aberrant proliferation of sequestrated lymphatic vessels during early embryogenesis and do not communicate directly with the general lymphatic system. The absence of vascular flow is the hallmark of LMs and is usually symptomless apart from painless disfiguring mass with concerns regarding cosmesis. DESIGN: Sclerotherapy has gained prominence as a preferred treatment modality for macrocystic lesions. Here, we present our experience with use of aqueous bleomycin as intralesional sclerosing agent, an economical first-line treatment for macrocystic variant of LMs in children and adults. While bleomycin microsphere in oil has been commonly used in many previous studies, we have used aqueous bleomycin solution as the sclerosing modality which is easily available and economical. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients of macrocystic LM including adults and children underwent bleomycin sclerotherapy under ultrasonography guidance. Number of sessions, dose administered, and the response to therapy along with all side effects were noted. RESULTS: Sixteen patients received 3 or less sessions while rest needed 4-6 sessions of sclerotherapy for desired response. The response was excellent in 22 patients while 5 patients showed good response. Eleven patients developed minor side effects in form of fever, local infection, intracystic bleed, and local skin discoloration. Postsclerotherapy, surgery was performed in two patients. CONCLUSION: The better response in the present study can be attributed to targeting of individual cysts in multiloculated lesion, ultrasound-guided aspiration of the cysts content before drug delivery, and postprocedure compression which increases the contact time between cyst wall and bleomycin reducing the chances of postprocedure seroma formation. Since the drug acts on the endothelial lining of the cyst, volume of the cyst is the major determinant in response. Aqueous bleomycin had comparable results with oil-based microsphere establishing it as an economical alternative treatment modality.

Naso-orbital fistula and socket reconstruction with radial artery forearm flap following orbital mucormycosis.

Invasive mucormycosis is an uncommon cause of orbital exenteration. Reconstruction of an exenterated orbit is a surgical challenge. The loss of eyelids, adnexal structures, and even surrounding skin causes significant facial disfigurement. The goal for reconstruction demands a symmetrical orbital cavity with good prosthetic rehabilitation. Multiple reconstructive options in the form of skin grafts, local flaps, and free flaps are available. However, none of them provide ideal reconstruction. Our patient not only had extensive soft-tissue loss and unstable lining but also a large naso-orbital fistula. Reconstruction for this complex defect was done using an adipofascial radial artery flap which not only closed the fistula but also provided soft-tissue bulk and good skin match. Radial artery forearm flap provides a simple, stable, and good reconstructive option postorbital exenteration.

Platelet growth factors from allogeneic platelet-rich plasma for clinical improvement in split-thickness skin graft.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Platelets are a source of numerous growth factors which facilitate repair and healing. Thus platelet rich plasma has been increasingly used as a treatment modality in the field of reconstructive surgeries for wound healing. This preliminary study was carried out to explore whether platelet growth factors from platelet rich plasma could be used for enhancement of split thickness skin graft survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients (13 males and 7 females) requiring split thickness skin graft for various clinical reasons were enrolled in the study. Platelet rich plasma was collected by apheresis and frozen at -80° C. It was thawed at room temperature immediately before its intended application. PRP was applied only on one half of the wound, while another half served as control. Patient was followed for 6 weeks. The effect was assessed at first dressing in terms of graft uptake and subsequently as time taken for complete healing. RESULTS: There was 100% uptake of the graft in the area where platelet rich plasma was applied. In the control area, there was complete graft loss in 4 cases, partial loss in 7 cases and complete uptake in 9 cases. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated promising results on application of PRP to split thickness skin grafts. Further randomized studies with greater sample size may be undertaken to establish platelet rich plasma as a validated treatment modality.

Congenital cheek teratoma with temporo-mandibular joint ankylosis managed with ultra-thin silicone sheet interpositional arthroplasty.

Primary cheek teratomas are rare with < 5 reported cases. None had associated temporo mandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA). The fundamental aim in the treatment of TMJA is the successful surgical resection of ankylotic bone, prevention of recurrence, and aesthetic improvement by ensuring functional occlusion. Early treatment is necessary to promote proper growth and function of mandible and to facilitate the positive psychological development of child. Inter-positional arthroplasty with ultra-thin silicone sheet was performed. Advantages include short operative time, less foreign material in the joint space leading to negligible foreign body reactions and least chances of implant extrusion. Instead of excising a large bony segment, a thin silicone sheet was interposed and then sutured ensuring preservation of mandibular height. Aggressive post-operative physiotherapy with custom made dynamic jaw exerciser was used to prevent recurrence.