A multistage combined approach to promote diabetic wound healing in COVID-19 era.

When diabetes mellitus is not properly controlled with drugs and a healthy lifestyle, it exposes patients with advanced peripheral arterial disease or critical limb ischaemia (CLI) to the most serious complications, in particular lower limb ulcers. Surgical or endovascular treatments represent the first line of intervention; in addition, the adequate management of ulcers can guarantee not only a faster wound healing but also the improvement of the patient's prognosis. To speed up this process, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and other advanced moist wound dressing have been proposed. During Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many patients with CLI and diabetes mellitus had difficult access to advanced treatments with a significant reduction in life expectancy. We report the cases of patients with non-healing ulcers and CLI treated with an empiric multistage approach after successful endovascular revascularisation; the postoperative course was eventful in all patients, and foot ulcers are currently in an advanced state of healing. The association between adequate revascularisation, systemic anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic therapy with the multistage advanced medications ensures healing of ulcers, limb salvage, and improvement of patient prognosis.

Peroneus Brevis flap in Achilles tendon reconstruction. Clinical, radiological and functional analysis.

BACKGROUND: We would like to describe our experience with Peroneus Brevis flap in complicated Achilles tendon re-ruptures with fringed stumps. METHODS: Eight patients with monolateral re-rupture of Achilles tendon were selected as eligible for surgical repair with Peroneus Brevis flap. Patients' outcome was evaluated clinically (ATRS and ROM), functionally (Gait analysis) and MRI was performed before and after surgery. RESULTS: Effective coverage of tissue defect was reached in all patients. Functional assessment evaluation results were registered in a follow-up time that ranged from 12 to 18 months. ATRS and ROM tests' results showed good functional recovery without functional limitations or subjective reports pain. Post-operative MRI showed no signs of inflammation or tissue gaps. Gait analysis showed a partial reduction of performance in the affected side that did not affect patients' quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: In the presence of fringed stumps in Achilles tendon re-rupture, tendon flaps have the benefits of autologous tissues transfers and present less risks of failure than free flaps. Among them, Peroneus Brevis flap is easy to perform and leads to donor site's low morbidity. Our preliminary experience provides support for this technique to be potentially validated in larger more controlled trial.

New application of purse string suture in skin cancer surgery.

Closure of large wounds may require full-thickness skin grafts, but their use is burdened by donor tissue availability and morbidity; the use of the purse string technique is an elegant way to overcome this problem. The study highlights the gain in terms of graft donor site morbidity and oncological radicality. The study included a group of 47 patients who underwent surgical excision for skin cancer and whose wounds were covered using a purse string suture and a skin graft. Radius of the defect left was measured after the lesion's excision and after the purse string suture. Thereafter, the difference between the initial defect area and the area after purse string suture was calculated. Initial defects ranged from 3.85 to 61.5 cm2 . After skin graft, the purse string suture ranged between 2.2 and 40 cm2 (mean area = 14 cm2 ). Gained area before the graft measured from 1.3 to 21.5 cm2 (mean gained area = 7.1 cm2 ). Average reduction was 33%. The technique allows a reduction of the size of the area to be grafted and the skin graft donor area, thus increasing the possibility of the feasibility of full-thickness grafts. In addition, it allows an optimal observation both of the area of tumour excision and margins during follow-up controls.

Chemotherapy Extravasation Management: 21-Year Experience.

Chemotherapy extravasation may result in serious damage to patients, with irreversible local injures and disability. Evidence-based standardization on extravasation management is lacking and many institutions do not practice adequate procedures to prevent the severer damages. Our aim was to explore the prevention and treatment of extravasation injuries, proposing a standard therapeutic protocol together with a review of the literature. From January 1994 to December 2015, 545 cases were reviewed (age range, 5-87 years; 282 men and 263 women). Our therapeutic protocol consisted of local infiltration of saline solution and topical occlusive applications of corticosteroids. The infiltrations were administrated 3 to 6 times a week depending on damage severity. Our protocol allowed us to prevent ulceration in 373 cases. Only 27 patients required surgery (escarectomy, skin graft, regional, and free flap). Numerous treatments have been proposed in literature. The antidotes have been discussed controversially and are not considered standard methods for treatment, especially when polychemotherapy is administrated and the identification of the responsible drug is not possible. We proposed the use of saline solution injection to dilute rapidly the drug, thus reducing its local toxic effects. This method is easy to use and always reproducible even when the drug is not known or when it is administrated in combination with other drugs. It is possible to perform it in ambulatory regimen, and, overall, it represents a standard method.

Bifid median nerve and carpal tunnel syndrome: an uncommon anatomical variation.

Dear sir, one of the most common entrapment neuropathy syndromes in clinical practice is "Entrapment of median nerve in carpal tunnel" also called "Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)" (Aydin et al., 2007; Huisstede et al., 2010). This syndrome is caused by entrapment of the median nerve in the wrist (Preston and Shapiro, 2005) when the pressure increases in the carpal tunnel. A high division of the median nerve proximal to the carpal tunnel, also known as a bifid median nerve, is a rare anatomic variation that may be associated with CTS and with persistent median vessels (Lanz, 1977). This anatomic variation has an incidence of 0,8% to 2,3% in patients with CTS. Lanz (1977) has characterized this anatomic condition of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. These anatomic variants have been classified into four groups: - Group 0: extraligamentous thenar branch (standard anatomy); - Group 1: variations of the course of the thenar branch; - Group 2: accessory branches at the distal portion of the carpal tunnel; - Group 3: divided or duplicated median nerve inside the carpal tunnel; - Group 4: accessory branches proximal to the carpal tunnel. During dissection of the wrist performed for the treatment of a CTS under local anesthesia, we found an anatomical variation of the median nerve that was divided in two branches inside the carpal tunnel (Group 3 of Lanz Classification) and in which its radial branch passed through its own compartment. The two parts of the nerve seems to be unequal in size (Fig. 1). Moreover the nerve passed in carpal tunnel associated with a median artery, so we classified this variation in the group 3b of Lanz Classification (Fig. 2). The persistence of median artery coexisting with a bifid median nerve has been widely reported in surgical literature (Lanz, 1977; Barbe et al., 2005). Before surgical intervention clinical evaluation of patient and electrophysiological examination showed no differences compared to a non bifid median nerve entrapment syndrome. In conclusion the bifid median nerve may facilitate compression of median nerve in the carpal tunnel because of its increased cross sectional area even if it has no electrophysiological or clinical differential diagnosis in case of CTS. The aim of this letter is aware the physicians in order to borne in mind the possible presence of a median nerve variation during dissection of carpal tunnel in order to avoid the damage of this non common anatomical structures.

Surgical Treatment with Locoregional Flap for the Nose.

Nonmelanotic skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most frequent of all neoplasms and nasal pyramid represents the most common site for the presentation of such cutaneous malignancies, particularly in sun-exposed areas: ala, dorsum, and tip. Multiple options exist to restore functional and aesthetic integrity after skin loss for oncological reasons; nevertheless, the management of nasal defects can be often challenging and the best "reconstruction" is still to be found. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed a total of 310 patients who presented to our Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for postoncological nasal reconstruction between January 2011 and January 2016. Nasal region was classified into 3 groups according to the anatomical zones affected by the lesion: proximal, middle, and distal third. We included an additional fourth group for complex defects involving more than one subunit. Reconstruction with loco regional flaps was performed in all cases. Radical tumor control and a satisfactory aesthetic and functional result are the primary goals for the reconstructive surgeon. Despite tremendous technical enhancements in nasal reconstruction techniques, optimal results are usually obtained when "like is used to repair like." Accurate evaluation of the patients clinical condition and local defect should be always considered in order to select the best surgical option.

Improvement of Mouth Functional Disability in Systemic Sclerosis Patients over One Year in a Trial of Fat Transplantation versus Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells.

Background. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disease characterized by cutaneous and visceral fibrosis. Face and mouth changes include telangiectasia, sicca syndrome, and thinning and reduction of mouth width (microcheilia) and opening (microstomia). We applied autologous fat transplantation compared with autologous adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) injection to evaluate the clinical improvement of mouth opening. Methods. From February to May 2013 ten consecutive SSc patients were enrolled from the outpatient clinic of Plastic Surgery Department of Sapienza University of Rome. Patients were divided into two groups as follows: 5 patients were treated with fat transplantation and 5 patients received infiltration of ADSCs produced by cell factory of our institution. To value mouth opening, we use the Italian version of Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis Scale (IvMHISS). Mouth opening was assessed in centimetres (Maximal Mouth Opening, MMO). In order to evaluate compliance and physician and patient satisfaction, we employed a Questionnaire of Satisfaction and the Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) performed before starting study and 1 year after the last treatment. Results and Conclusion. We noticed that both procedures obtained significant results but neither one emerged as a first-choice technique. The present clinical experimentation should be regarded as a starting point for further experimental research and clinical trials.

Effect of enzymatic debridement with two different collagenases versus mechanical debridement on chronic hard-to-heal wounds.

A chronic ulcer is usually defined as an injury that does not spontaneously evolve towards healing and does not progress through normal healing stages such as inflammation, proliferation and remodelling. This study was designed in order to compare two types of collagenases with mechanical debridement alone. It was thus possible to evaluate their differences in terms of pain and debridement efficacy. Patients were divided into three groups: 30 patients were daily dressed using an ointment based on collagenase produced by Vibrio alginolyticus (B group), 30 patients were daily dressed using an ointment based on a collagenase preparation derived from Clostridium histolyticum (N group) and 30 patients underwent classical mechanical debridement (M group). Complete wound healing over a period of 8 weeks occurred in 24 patients (27%) out of 90;10 patients belonging to the B group, 8 patients to the N group and 6 patients to the M group. This study was performed in order to highlight the differences between two commercially available collagenase-based ointments in comparison with mechanical debridement alone. At the final time point of week, the difference in the percentage of debridement was not statistically significant in all groups, but at 4 weeks, the debrided area in the B group was larger with respect to the N and M groups, suggesting a more rapid wound bed cleansing process. On the basis of our experience, collagenase derived from V. alginolyticus with hyaluronic acid showed chemical and physical properties that make it a product of great manageability and ensure the protection of peri-wound skin. Moreover, less pain was experienced by the patients.

Reconstruction after skin cancer excision through a dermal induction template: our experience.

Dermal substitutes offer alternative approaches for wounds of all thicknesses where sufficient donation sites are not available for self-grafts. Several dermal substitutes are described in literature. This study included 20 patients treated with a dermal induction template after the removal of malignant skin cancers situated in various parts of the body. The participants were especially aged patients with multiple skin cancers, and complex clinical conditions, often affected by pathologies such as cardiopathy, diabetes mellitus, and hypercholesterolaemia, and receiving pharmacological multi-therapies, particularly antiplatelets and anticoagulants. In many of these patients, the general complex clinical picture provided significant contraindication for complex reconstructive surgery because of the high risk involved. All patients achieved complete healing about 8 weeks after the first surgery. By using a dermal induction template, it was possible to cover substantial loss of substances without the need of autologous tissue, with smoother and less apparent scar, minor occurrence of hypertrophic and retracted scars, better flexibility of healed skin and therefore a better result from an aesthetic point of view.

Ten years of experience in chronic ulcers and malignant transformation.

Malignant degeneration of wounds is rare and often misdiagnosed. Delay in diagnosis may result in a worse prognosis. The aim of this study is to determine the number of skin cancers associated with chronic skin ulcers in our facility over a period of 10 years. Between January 2002 and December 2012, a total of about 1000 patients had consulted with us for chronic wounds, especially of vascular, diabetic and traumatic origin and pressure ulcers. Thirteen skin cancers had been detected: seven squamous cell and five basal cell carcinomas and one melanoma. We highlight how important it is to be aware of the signs suggesting a malignant change and the importance of biopsy at regular intervals during the life cycle of any chronic wound.

Co2/Erbium:YAG/Dye laser combination: an effective and successful treatment for angiofibromas in tuberous sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Tuberous sclerosis, an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous syndrome seen in approximately 1 in 6,000 people worldwide, is characterized by the appearance of hamartomas in multiple organs. The classic clinical triad consists of angiofibromas, epilepsy, and developmental delay. Dermatologic disorder is one of the main characteristics. Angiofibromas, a common form of presentation, causes significant cosmetic and medical problems. The current treatment for skin lesions is laser therapy. The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser has been used satisfactorily in treating these lesions, but several studies have demonstrated a high percentage of recurrences. Erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser treatment has been used to resurface skin abnormalities in patients with dermatologic conditions. The dye laser as an alternative uses the principles of selective photothermolysis and is very effective in treating the vascular component of tuberous sclerosis. The use of all these lasers to treat skin lesions in patients affected by tuberous sclerosis has never been described in the literature. METHODS: A retrospective study, conducted from 2007 to May 2013, investigated 13 patients who had tuberous sclerosis treated with an erbium:YAG/CO2/dye laser combination. RESULTS: All the patients showed great improvement of their skin lesions. The results were evident immediately after the first treatment. No patient experienced complications or recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of the erbium:YAG/Dye/CO2 laser is a safe and effective treatment for skin lesions in patients affected by tuberous sclerosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Skin ulcer caused by venous extravasation of heroin.

The accidental leakage of the compound, in this case heroin, from the veins where it is injected, causes the formation of tissue lesions. Similar mechanisms lead to progressive tissue necrosis, which, if not immediately treated, results in the loss of the relevant function. A 57-year-old man presented a skin lesion on the posterior region of the left forearm with extensive necrosis of skin and subcutaneous layer involving the underlying muscle planes, caused by a venous extravasation of heroin that he reports having injected himself. The wound size is 15 × 10 cm; it had a sanious, fibrinous, secreting and smelly bottom. In this period, the patient was subjected to daily focused dressing before debridement of the lesion through a collagenase plus hyaluronic acid ointment: Bionect Start®; (FIDIA Pharmaceutical, Abano, Italy). The therapeutic choice was rewarded with a complete resolution of the wound through a non-invasive technique and over a short period. Avoiding the hospitalisation of the patient achieved a reduction of risks for him and of the costs for the National Health Service (NHS). The Bionect Start®; (FIDIA Pharmaceutical) as well as allowing the healing of the wound also decreased significantly the pain felt by the patient, the amount of exudate and the bad smell improving in a non-negligible way his quality of life.

Intense pulsed light in the treatment of telangiectasias: case report of Behçet's disease with superficial vascular involvement.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology with variable clinical manifestations. HLA-B51 allele is the most strongly associated known genetic factor. The mucocutaneous lesions (oral aphthae, genital aphthae, skin lesions such as pseudofolliculitis) constitute the hallmark of the disease, but also gastrointestinal, vascular, central nervous systems, and others may be involved. We report a case of a young man affected with Behçet's disease who presented facial telangiectasias and striae rubra in the inner region of his arms and at the level of his hips, as uncommon minor superficial vascular manifestations of BD. To manage them we have subjected the patient to a cycle of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. Our findings showed that the use of IPL is a safe and effective treatment for telangiectasias and striae rubra, also in the complex clinical condition of Behçet's disease. In fact, the treatments were well tolerated, no sign of scarring or hyper/hypopigmentation was reported and we obtained a significant improvement of the lesions in terms of color and size of them.

A rare case of lymphangioma in the gluteal region: surgical treatment combined with sclerotherapy and laser therapy.

BACKGROUND: Lymphangioma, a rare benign malformation of lymphatic channels, is among the surgically treatable diseases of the lymphatic vessels. However, damage to surrounding structures together with incomplete resection due to adjacent organ infiltration and a high recurrence rate have encouraged the search for alternative treatments. This study aimed to identify the best therapeutic management for this difficult-to-treat disease. METHODS: This report describes a case of congenital lymphangioma in the gluteal region in a young woman. First, sclerotherapy of the lymphangioma was performed and then surgical excision of residual lesions. Finally, as a third therapeutic step, the patient also was subjected to a cycle of laser therapy with the aim of further improving the appearance of the gluteal region. Pulsed dye laser was used to remove cutaneous dyschromias, and an erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser was used to remove surface irregularities and obtain better skin smoothness. The outcome assessments included standardized photography, the physician's global assessment, the patient's satisfaction scores, and magnetic resonance imaging of the gluteal region. RESULTS: All the lesions of lymphangioma were removed. After the last laser treatment, the skin of the entire treated region was eutrophic and uniform in color, and it appeared to be smooth and soft when palpated. The patient was satisfied with the clinical and aesthetic results achieved. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of sclerotherapy with surgery can be a good solution for the treatment of lymphangioma. The authors also propose laser therapy as an additional therapeutic approach that may follow surgery or sclerotherapy with the aim of improving the skin trophism and the appearance of the affected region.

First reported case of primary basal cell carcinoma of the right caruncle: a case report and review of the literature.

AIM: The clinical and histopathological characteristics of a patient with a primary basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the right caruncle without seeding of the tumor to the conjunctiva are described. Primary basal cell carcinoma of the caruncle is an extremely rare but distinct entity. CASE REPORT: A 24-year-old female presented with a lesion of the medial caruncle of the right eye. Clinical examination revealed a 5×2 mm, oval-shaped, brown coloured, lesion without local skin involvement. No associated cutaneous lesion was present. The tumour was completely excised. One year later, no evidence of recurrence has been noticed. CONCLUSION: This case describes a primary BCC of the right caruncle without seeding to the conjunctiva. It represents the first case of right caruncle BCC documented in photographs.