Autologous platelet-rich plasma vs conventional dressing in the management of chronic diabetic foot ulcers.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major complication of diabetes. Recently, considerable progress has been achieved in techniques that promote wound healing. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one such technique that is gaining popularity. Platelet-rich plasma is thought to stimulate wound healing by releasing growth factors essential for healing. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to study the efficacy of PRP in managing chronic DFUs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two patients with chronic DFUs were equally divided into 2 groups. The first group was treated with activated PRP injection and gel on the surface of the ulcer, and the second group was treated with conventional dressing using normal saline to irrigate the wound, followed by coverage with petrolatum gauze and sterile dressing. RESULTS: Both methods of treatment improved healing, but there was a significant increase in healing rate among the PRP group compared with the conventional dressing group (31/36 patients [86.11%] vs 23/36 patients [63.89%]; P =.029). Additionally, the healing duration was shorter in the PRP group than in the conventional dressing group (10.90 weeks ± 3.40 standard deviation vs 13.48 weeks ± 3.37, respectively; P =.01). CONCLUSIONS: The use of autologous PRP results in a higher rate of wound healing in less time compared with conventional wound care in managing DFUs. Platelet-rich plasma is an effective and promising treatment for chronic DFUs; PRP enables healing in less time. This is expected to positively affect the individual's performance and minimize long-term health care expenditure on foot ulcers.

Evaluation of fistulotomy with immediate sphincteric reconstruction in the treatment of high transsphincteric perianal fistula

Background: High perianal fistula treatment remains challenging, mainly due to the variability in success and recurrence rates as well as continence impairment risks. So far, no procedure can be considered the gold standard for surgical treatment. Yet, strong efforts to identify effective and complication-free surgical options are ongoing. Fistulotomy can be considered the best perianal fistula treatment option, providing a perfect surgical field view, allowing direct access to the source of chronic inflammation. Controversy exists concerning the risk of continence impairment associated with fistulotomy. The present study aimed to assess the outcomes of fistulotomy with immediate sphincteric reconstruction regaring fistula recurrence, incontinence, and patient satisfaction. Methods: This interventional study was performed at the General Surgery Department of Zagazig University Hospital during the period from July 2018 to December 2019 on 24 patients with a clinical diagnosis of high transsphincteric fistula-in-ano. The fistulous tract was laid open over the probe placed in the tract. After the fistula tract had been laid open, the tract was curetted and examined for secondary extensions. Then, suturing muscles to muscles, including the internal and external sphincters, by transverse mattress sutures. Results: Our study showed that 2 patients develop incontinence to flatus ~ 8.3%.and only one patient develop incontinence to loose stool, 4.2%. Complete healing was achieved in 83% and recurrence was 16.6%. Conclusion: Fistulotomy with immediate sphincteric reconstruction is considered to be an effective option in the management of high perianal fistula, with low morbidity and high healing rate with acceptable continence state. (AU)

Retroperitoneal necrosectomy using lavage circuit as a new technique in the management of pancreatic infected walled off necrosis (WON): A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Walled off necrosis (WON) is clarified according to the revised Atlanta classification, 2013, as a late phase complication of acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Not all cases with WON need intervention but, if indicated both open approach and minimally invasive techniques were clarified. We are discussing here, a case presented to us with infected WON. We adopted the step up approach as the main line of treatment; the case was managed by percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) followed by retroperitoneal necrosectomy using lavage circuit. CASE PRESENTATION: Diabetic male patient aged 58 year old gave to us with left hypochondrial pain accompanied with easy fatigability and poorly controlled DM. The patient had an attack of acute pancreatitis (AP) 2 months before admission. Abdominal CECT revealed infected WON. The case was managed successfully by retroperitoneal necrozectomy using lavage circuit after failure of PCD. DISCUSSION: A step up approach is followed for determining the optimal interventional strategy for patients presented with infected necrosis. We adopt retroperitoneal debridement using lavage circuit as a 2nd step in this approach. The concept of this technique is to facilitate the detachment of necrotic tissue using the force of saline while minimizing the risk of bleeding. CONCLUSION: Infected WON cases are representing as challenging, we require to get rid of the necrotic material with infected fluid and reduce the hazard of complications. In this technique, we have the advantage of retroperitoneal necrosectomy where we can remove only the loose necrotic tissue by saline force and so, reduce the possible bleeding risk.

Adherence to the evidence-based guidelines in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is considered one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders; the annual worldwide incidence for AP is 4.9-73.4 cases / 100,000 people and the total mortality rate is 4-8%, increasing to 33% in patients with infected necrosis. This study aims to assess the outcome of providing standardized evidence-based care to patients with acute biliary pancreatitis. METHODS: Thirty patients diagnosed with acute biliary pancreatitis, were enrolled in this study and managed according to the Japanese guidelines, 2015 with a complementary scope on other recent guidelines. RESULTS: Out of 30 patients in the study, 60% were females. Twenty-five cases were presented in the early phase of the disease while the rest presented in the late phase. Gallstones were the commonest cause (80%). The complications encountered were a systemic complication in one case, organ failure in three cases, and the local complications in the form of fluid collections in (43.3%) of cases.Out of 30 patients, 6 patients had an intervention. The main approach was minimally invasive techniques (4 cases), Open approach was performed in 2 cases. The total mortality rate was 10%. Most mild cases were discharged within one week from admission. Cases readmitted with recurrent attacks of acute pancreatitis were 3 cases, one male and 2 females. CONCLUSION: By applying guidelines in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis, we can reduce disease-related morbidity and mortality. Besides, we can reduce the costs of medical services with the proper investment of healthcare resources.