Bacterial fluorescence imaging as a predictor of skin graft integration in burn wounds.

BACKGROUND: Split-thickness skin graft (STSG)1 integration rates are susceptible to improvement. Infection and/or biofilm should be appropriately addressed prior to grafting to improve the likelihood of graft-take. Incorporating technological aids such as fluorescence (FL)2 imaging (MolecuLight®), which accurately locates areas of bacterial loads above 104 CFU/gr, for graft site assessment and preparation could yield better outcomes. METHODS: This single-center, prospective observational study included adult burn patients with previously infected wounds that had been deemed clinically and microbiologically clean and were therefore candidates for grafting. Prior to grafting, a FL imaging assessment (blinded to the surgical team) localized areas positive for moderate-high bacterial loads (>104 CFU/gr). Intra-operatively, a standard swab sample from the recipient site was collected by the surgical team. Postoperatively, areas positive/negative for FL and areas of graft take and failure were overlapped and measured (cm2) over a 2D schematic. The performance and accuracy of FL imaging and swab sampling in relation to graft outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: 38 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean total body surface area (TBSA)3 involvement was 14.5 ± 12.4 % [range 0.8 - 40.2 %]. 25/38 of the subjects enrolled had complete graft take while 13 had partial graft losses. There were no total losses. FL-imaging was positive in 100 % of losses versus 31 % (4/13) of the swab microbiology. FL-imaging was found to have a sensitivity of 86 %, specificity of 98 %, PPV of 72 %, NPV of 99 %, and an accuracy of 94 % for predicting any type or range of graft loss in the entire cohort. Meanwhile, the sensitivity of microbiology from swab samples was 30 %, with a specificity of 76 %. CONCLUSIONS: FL imaging is an accurate method for assessing recipient sites and predicting the outcome of a skin graft among burn patients. These findings suggest that FL imaging can inform better decision-making surrounding grafts that may lead to better outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IIA, Therapeutic study.

Abdominal Hypertension after Abdominal Plication in Postbariatric Patients: The Consequence in the Postoperative Recovery.

Background Abdominoplasty with abdominal plication increases intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and has been previously associated with limited diaphragmatic excursion and respiratory dysfunctions. Many factors found in abdominoplasties and among postbariatric patients predispose them to a higher occurrence. This study aims to evaluate the impact of abdominal plication among postbariatric patients, assess whether the plication increases their IAP, and analyze how these IAP correlate to their postoperative outcome. Methods This prospective study was performed on all patients who underwent circumferential Fleur-De-Lis abdominoplasty. For this intended study, the IAP was measured by an intravesical minimally invasive approach in three stages: after the initiation of general anesthesia, after a 10-cm abdominal wall plication and skin closure, and 24 hours after the procedure. Results We included 46 patients, of which 41 were female and 5 were male. Before the bariatric procedure, these patients had an average maximum weight of 121.4 kg and an average maximum body mass index of 45.78 kg/m 2 ; 7 were grade I obese patients, 10 were grade II, and 29 were grade III. Only three patients were operated on with a gastric sleeve and 43 with gastric bypass. We presented six patients with transitory intra-abdominal hypertension in the first 24 hours, all of them from the grade I obesity group, the highest presented was 14.3 mm Hg. We presented 15% (7/46) of complication rates, which were only four seroma and five dehiscence; two patients presented both seroma and wound dehiscence. Conclusion Performing a 10-cm abdominal wall plication or greater represents a higher risk for intra-abdominal hypertension, slower general recovery, and possibly higher complication rate in patients who presented a lower degree of obesity (grade I) at the moment of the bariatric surgery.

Equivalence in Color-coded Duplex Sonography Parameters before Complex Microsurgery.

Background: Color-coded duplex sonography (CCDS) is a widely proposed noninvasive diagnostic tool in microsurgery. CCDS has been applied to lower extremity salvage cases to define appropriate blood flow velocity criteria for achieving arterial success in diabetic foot and complex microsurgery cases. This study aimed to compare the success ratio of free flaps when using CCDS versus cases where CCDS was not used. Methods: We included complex microsurgery cases from 2019 to 2021. These cases were subsequently categorized into two groups: group A consisted of cases where CCDS parameters were applied, whereas group B comprised cases where CCDS was not performed at all. Results: The study encompassed 14 cases (11 men and three women). The age range varied from 23 to 62 years, with an average age of 42. Using CCDS analysis and planning demonstrated improved outcomes in comparison with cases where CCDS was not performed, albeit without statistical significance (P = 0.064). Conclusions: The application of CCDS proves to be beneficial in the realm of microsurgery. Although not achieving statistical significance, our data imply that CCDS utilization holds promise for enhancing microsurgical procedures.

Comparison of Nasal Analysis by Photographs (2D) against Low-cost Surface Laser Imaging (3D) and against Computed Axial Tomography Imaging.

Introduction In aesthetic surgery, we have a few evaluation tools that numerically and objectively measure the changes we make in patients. This article aimed to evaluate the nasal systematic analysis and compare findings between the three systems of nasal evaluation: photographs 2D, 3D surface imaging with the Kinect system, and 3D CT scan imaging. Methods We designed a longitudinal and descriptive prospective study with simple non-blind randomization. To compare the systematic nasal analysis between the three methods. If the findings are similar, all three methods would be useful in independent clinical scenarios. Results A total of 42 observations were included finding a minimum age of 21 with a mean of 28 years old. Also, 64% were female, 93% had adequate facial proportions, and 50% were Fitzpatrick III. For outcome statistics, we found differential nasal deviation between 3D images with a mean of 6.53 mm. While when comparing the nasal dorsum length, we found a statistical significance of p = 0.051. When comparing the nasal dorsum length index, we found no significant difference p = 0.32. Also, we did not find statistical significance when comparing the nasofrontal angle and tip rotation angle p = 1 for both. Conclusion We found that the population we serve has characteristics of Hispanic mestizo nose. The three methods seem to evaluate systematic nasal analysis in a very similar way, and any of them can be used depending on the scenario and the needs of plastic surgeons.

Comparison of wire versus Nylon in Bonny-Mallet Finger treated with pull-out surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Zone I extensor tendon lesion accompanies an avulsion fracture of the bone insertion. A common complication of traditional pull-out is the necrosis of the site of the button in the finger pad. Zhang described an alternative way of anchoring the cerclage to the Kirschner Wire (K-wire) to relieve the pressure in the finger pad. He describes the use of wire cerclage, for fracture reduction. The objective of this paper is to perform a comparison between wire and nylon using Zhang pull-out technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a cohort study comparing Nylon versus Wire in Zhang technique. Comparing cosmetic satisfaction, stiffness, residual pain, and Crawford scale. RESULTS: When comparing the outcomes between both groups, we found no statistical difference in cosmetic satisfaction (p = 0.285), stiffness (p = 0.460), and residual pain (p =1.000), overall complications (p = 1.000), or Crawford scale (p = 1.000). We only found a significant statistical difference in pain when removing the cerclage, being greater in Group B (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant outcome difference between nylon and wire cerclage. However, at the time of removing it, patients experience less pain.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Una complicación común del pull-put tradicional es la necrosis del sitio del botón en la yema del dedo. Zhang describió una forma alternativa de anclar el cerclaje al clavo de Kirschner para aliviar la presión en la yema del dedo. Describe el uso de cerclaje de alambre para la reducción de fracturas. El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una comparación entre el alambre y el nailon utilizando la técnica de extracción de Zhang. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Realizamos un estudio de cohorte comparando la técnica de nailon versus alambre en Zhang. Comparación de satisfacción cosmética, rigidez, dolor residual y escala de Crawford. RESULTADOS: Al comparar los resultados entre ambos grupos, no encontramos diferencias estadísticas en la satisfacción cosmética (p = 0.285), rigidez (p = 0.460) y dolor residual (p = 1.000), complicaciones generales (p = 1.000) o escala de Crawford (p = 1.000). Solo encontramos una diferencia estadística significativa en el dolor al retirar el cerclaje, siendo mayor en el Grupo B (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONES: No encontramos diferencias significativas en los resultados entre el cerclaje de nailon y el cerclaje con alambre. Pero, al momento de retirarlo, los pacientes experimentan menos dolor. Tipo de estudio: terapéutico Nivel de evidencia III.

Auricular Total Reconstruction with Radial Forearm Prelaminated Flap Assisted by 3D Surface Imaging and 3D Printing.

The anatomic position of the auricle leaves it vulnerable to traumatic lesions. In most cases, the best reconstructive outcome is accomplished using a temporoparietal flap with a costal cartilage frame and a partial thickness skin graft. Exceptional cases may require different approaches because the reconstructive goals could be more structural than aesthetic. An important factor in this regard is the mechanical properties of the skin that will provide coverage. This study aimed to share a particular case of total auricular reconstruction assisted by 3D surface imaging and 3D printing in a radial forearm free flap. We present a 58-year-old man with a history of having tympanic barotrauma causing hearing loss, burdening him with the use of auricular devices for hearing assistance. Seven days before presenting for the initial treatment, he sustained ear trauma while performing mechanical reparations in a car. The wheel was activated, causing a total amputation of the right ear. He first went to another hospital' where they performed primary closure and then referred him to our unit. The team performed a prelaminated radial forearm free flap assisted by 3D scanning and planning. A detailed comparison between the left ear and the result of the reconstruction was measured and described. The radial forearm prelaminated free flap is a viable structural alternative with the disadvantage of poor auricular definition in some cases.

The Association of Preoperative Risk Factors for Laparoscopic Conversion to Open Surgery in Elective Cholecystectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common operation worldwide, with low mortality (0.01%) and morbidity (2-8%). It has been reported 2.9 to 3.2% of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies are converted to open surgery. Converted cases are associated with increased complications rates. Method: Two thousand and seventy-five patients, 82.8% females and 17.2% males who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our hospital, between March 1, 2016, and February 28, 2018, were prospectively collected in a database. Pearson's Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to determine significance, with p <0.05 deemed statistically significant. We analyzed seven risk factors associated with conversion to open surgery; age, gender, body mass index (BMI), previous abdominal surgeries, the presence of contracted gallbladder, Mirizzi syndrome, or choledocholithiasis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed using a 3-port technique (73%) and a 4-port technique (27%). Results: Finding associated "strong" factors to conversion: male patients, >60-years-old, previous upper abdominal surgery, contracted gallbladder, Mirizzi syndrome or choledocholithiasis. The presence of a higher or lower BMI did not influence the rate of conversion. The most impact association were males over 60 years, and males with an earlier upper abdominal surgery. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard for gallstones and gallbladder disease; however, inflammation, adhesions, and anatomic difficulty continue to challenge the use and safety of this approach in a small number of patients. This study identifies predictors of choice for open cholecystectomy. In view of the raised morbidity and mortality associated with open cholecystectomy, distinguishing these predictors will serve to decrease the rate of conversion and address these factors preoperatively. How to cite this article: Hanson-Viana E, Ayala-Moreno EA, Ortega-Leon LH, et al. The Association of Preoperative Risk Factors for Laparoscopic Conversion to Open Surgery in Elective Cholecystectomy. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2022;12(1):6-9.

El colgajo libre de arteria perforante sural medial: revisión sistematizada de casos publicados y experiencia en tres centros de Latinoamérica / The medial sural perforating artery free flap: systematized review of published cases and experience in three centers in Latin America

Introducción y objetivo: El colgajo libre perforante de la arteria sural medial es un colgajo versátil, que se caracteriza por ser relativamente delgado, maleable, con una anatomía vascular fiable y baja morbilidad en el sitio donador. Se popularizó en Asia como una buena alternativa en la reconstrucción de cabeza y cuello. Sorprendentemente, se usa con poca frecuencia en América. Este artículo, a través de una revisión de la literatura y nuestra experiencia en 3 centros en América Latina, pretende ayudar a los microcirujanos latinoamericanos a familiarizarse con este colgajo, presentando la técnica quirúrgica, sus aplicaciones más comunes y las posibles soluciones a los problemas más comúnmente encontrados. Material y método: Realizamos la revisión bibliográfica en cuatro plataformas; Medline, Google Scholar, PubMed Central y Embase, obteniendo después de criterios de exclusión 572 pacientes de 36 artículos. A estos agregamos nuestra serie de casos como estudio retrospectivo en los Departamento de Cirugía Plástica de 3 centros en América Latina, entre mayo de 2015 y diciembre de 2020, con un total de 34 pacientes. Resultados: En total reunimos 606 pacientes entre la revisión de casos publicados y nuestra propia serie; de ellos, 75.1% hombres y 24.9% mujeres, con edad media de 49.1 años. El colgajo se usó principalmente en reconstrucción oral. El tamaño promedio del colgajo fue de 54.5 cm2, con un grosor de 5.9 mm y una longitud del pedículo de 9.7 cm. El tiempo de disección del colgajo y de cirugía fue de 74 y 370 min. respectivamente. La tasa de complicaciones fue de 12.7%: 3% en la zona donadora, 4.3% de pérdida total del colgajo, 4.1% con pérdida parcial y 1.3% con congestión venosa transitoria. (AU)

Background and objective: The medial sural artery perforator flap is vastly versatile. It is characterized by being wide, thin, flexible, adequate pedicle length, reliable vascular anatomy, and has low donor site morbidity. It has been popular in Asia as a good alternative, especially in head and neck reconstruction. But surprisingly, it's not frequently used in America. In this article, through a review of the literature and our experience from 3 centers in Latin America, we intend to help Latin-American microsurgeons get familiarized with this flap by presenting the surgical technique, the most common applications, and possible solutions to the most common problems encountered. Methods: For the literature review, the search was performed on 4 different platforms: Medline, Google Scholar, PubMed Central, and Embase. They were gathered, after exclusion criteria, 572 patients from 36 different publications. In addition to the previous, 34 more patients were added from our own experience in 3 different Latin-American hospitals, from May 2015 to December 2020. Results: A total of 606 patients were gathered through the systematic review and our clinical series, 75.1% male and 24.9% females, average age of 49.1 years. This kind of flap is commonly used for oral reconstruction. The average flap size was 54.5 cm2, with a 5.9 mm thickness and an average pedicle length of 9.7 cm. The average time for the flap harvest and surgery was 74 and 370 min, respectively. The complications rate reported was of 12.7%: 3% from donor complications, 4.3% from total flap loss, 4.1% from partial loss and 1.3% from venous congestion. (AU)

Evaluation of Predictive Values of an Automatic Device Measuring Oximetry in Free Flaps.

Free-flap monitoring is challenging to perform in some centers. It requires the availability of trained health care personnel for 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Many methods had been proposed for flap monitoring, and none of them are superior to clinical evaluation. This study aimed to present a murine model to evaluate the accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, and the positive or negative predictive values) of a device. Wistar rats weighing 240-490 g were included for intervention and data collection. A murine model of left inferior epigastric vessel flaps was implemented. Intermittent pedicle clamping was performed to calculate the accuracy of the device that detects flow obstruction. The general variables studied were age, weight, and gender. The sensitivity, specificity, and negative or predictive values were calculated. The results showed a sensitivity of 97%, a specificity of 95% with a positive predictive value of 95%, and negative predictive value of 97%. The sensitivity and specificity showed excellent results within the range of clinical security. We require more data to analyze the multiparameter monitoring to see if it is feasible and cost-effective.

Influence of BMI, Age, and Gender on the Thickness of Most Common Thinned Flaps.

BACKGROUND: Since the description of superficial fascia flap harvesting, a new window of opportunity has been open in obese patients, where a higher subcutaneous thickness of tissue is present. To our knowledge, the impact of body mass index on superficial fascial flaps has not been reported. METHODS: We recruited 122 patients from April 2019 to January 2020. From these patients, the 3 most common thinned flaps were selected: the superficial circumflex iliac perforator flap; the anterolateral thigh flap at the perforator A, B, and C; and the thoracodorsal flap. Two vertical measures were registered: the distance from the skin to the superficial fascia, and from this point to the deep fascia. RESULTS: The average flap measurement presented here was within the range, as previous clinical studies. The superficial fatty layer thickness in the superficial circumflex iliac perforator and anterolateral thigh flap was somewhat similar in thickness between overweight and obese patients, showing a minimal increase with higher body mass index. The anterolateral thigh flap was found thicker among women, and no statistical difference was shown between age groups in any of the flaps. CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding of the fat layers' thickness will result in better planning, minimizing secondary debulking procedures, decreasing operative time, and reducing general complications among obese patients. Thus, a better understanding of flap structure and physiology in obese patients will lower complications and give more predictable results.

Time Reduction by Prebending Osteosynthesis Plates Using 3D-Printed Anatomical Models, In Patients Treated With Open Reduction and Internal Fixation.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of facial bones fractures is 18 to 32 for each 100,000 inhabitants. The most affected population are young working people. Fractures are most commonly caused by assaults and motor vehicle accidents. Its cost of care reaches 1.06 billion dollars. Premodeling osteosynthesis plates with anatomical models can decrease surgical time, bleeding, and increase patient satisfaction. This study aims to evaluate the impact of premodeled osteosynthesis plates, using anatomical models in patients with facial fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with facial fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation were included-Group A without premolding plates and Group B with premolding. The variables studied were: age, sex, etiology of the fractures, number of fractures, among other variables that reflect the quality of the results. RESULTS: A total of 17 osteosynthesis plates were included in 6 patients. The age was 22 to 47 years; all patients were male. The maximum surgery time was 129 to 300 minutes. The average time to start work was 4.8 weeks. When comparing the variables between the groups, we found no difference between the groups for bleeding P = 0.24, the start of work P = 0.19, the time of surgery P = 0.082, or for osteosynthesis time P = 0.15. There was only a significant difference in patient satisfaction, P = 0.04. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence collected shows that premodeling the plates only improves patients' satisfaction among facial fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation.

Enzymatic detoxification of organophosphorus pesticides and related toxicants.

Millions of cases of pesticide intoxication occur yearly and represent a public health problem. In addition, pesticide poisoning is the preferred suicidal method in rural areas. The use of enzymes for the treatment of intoxication due to organophosphorus pesticides was proposed decades ago. Several enzymes are able to transform organophosphorus compounds such as pesticides and nerve agents. Some specific enzymatic treatments have been proposed, including direct enzyme injection, liposome and erythrocytes carriers, PEGylated preparations and extracorporeal enzymatic treatments. Nevertheless, no enzymatic treatments are currently available. In this work, the use of enzymes for treating of organophosphorus pesticide intoxication is critically reviewed and the remaining challenges are discussed.

Controversial case: Revascularization of a popliteal vascular injury of poor prognosis.

INTRODUCTION: Popliteal injuries are significant health risk that could induce permanent functional impairment, limb loss, and in some cases death. Currently, there is a controversy about the required treatment between amputation and a limb salvage surgery, which in some cases could cause more prominent functional impairment than the amputation. Different indicators help to predict, in some extent, the risk of amputation, however most of them were described two decades ago. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A patient with a prolonged hot ischemia and in critical conditions, which had no favorable clinical indicators for revascularization is shown and discussed. By means of intraoperative analysis, it was decided to perform a revascularization for limb salvage, progressing with a positive outcome. DISCUSSION: Advancements in medical and vascular surgery, such as osteovascularized grafts, the use of flaps to cover large defects, the Ilizarov method for bone elongation and stabilization, the use of growth factors, negative pressure therapy, and the use of extracellular matrix, the improvements of intensive care units (ICU), among others, make necessary to revisit and reevaluate these indicators. The accuracy of these indicators has dropped significantly, and currently the medical evaluation cannot longer only depend on them. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest the need to revisit and improve the predicting indicators scores for amputation prognosis that should include a preoperative and transoperative analysis.