Radiofrequency ablation for markedly incompetent perforators versus compression therapy in the management of post-phelebtic venous ulcers: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Venus ulcers developed mainly due to reflux of incompetent venous valves in perforating veins. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 119 patients recruited over two years, with post-phelebtic venous leg ulcers, were randomly assigned into one of two groups: either to receive radiofrequency ablation of markedly incompetent perforators (Group A, n = 62 patients) or to receive conventional compression therapy (Group B, n = 57 patients). Follow-up duration required for ulcer healing continued for 24 months post randomization. RESULTS: Statistically significant shorter time to healing (ulcer complete healing or satisfactory clinical improvement) between both groups (56 patients, 90.3% of cases in Group A versus 44 patients 77.2% of cases in Group B) over the follow-up period of 24 months was attained (p = 0.001). Also, significantly different ulcer recurrence was recorded between both groups, 8 patients (12.9%) in Group A versus 19 patients (33.3%) in Group B (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: In absence of deep venous obstruction, the monopolar radiofrequency ablation for incompetent perforators is a feasible and effective method that surpasses the traditional compression protocol for incompetent perforator-induced venous ulcers in terms of time required for healing even in the presence of unresolved deep venous valvular reflux.

Hybrid retrieval of embolized device in abdominal aorta after transcatheter closure of large patent ductus arteriosus.

Patients with a large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can have several presentations. Many will be asymptomatic, some could develop severe pulmonary hypertension, and others can develop Eisenmenger syndrome. We have presented a case in which a PDA correction device was embolized to the abdominal aorta, 2 months after transcatheter closure of a large PDA. The patient presented with an acute abdomen. In the management of the case, we implemented a hybrid technique in the process of device retrieval. Transbrachial access and a lower abdominal midline incision were accomplished to dislodge the device from the supraceliac aorta to the aortic bifurcation. The Amplatzer Ductal Occluder (St Jude Medical Inc, St Paul, Minn) was extracted through a small arteriotomy of the distal abdominal aorta. The procedure was followed by a dramatic improvement of the ischemic liver and bowel, evidenced by the vanishing of the cyanotic hue of the liver and normalization of the bluish discoloration of the intestine.

Giant scrotal swelling in association with a congenital giant melanocytic nevus: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Scrotal lymphedema is a rare condition, with significant psychological and functional disability. To date, association with giant congenital melanocytic nevus has not been reported. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 15-year-old male with a giant congenital nevus associated with giant scrotal lymphedema. Surgical debulking with penoscrotoplasty achieved satisfactory functional and esthetic results. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and surgical intervention should be advocated for congenital causes of large scrotal swelling.