Fistula after single-stage primary hypospadias repair - A systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The reporting of fistula after hypospadias repair varies greatly in the worldwide literature, with incidence ranging from 0% to over 35%. With multiple techniques employed within a heterogeneous patient cohort, to date, no "average" incidence of fistula has been reported. METHODS: A systematic review of the contemporary English-language literature from 2005 to 2015 identifying articles reporting complications after primary, single-stage hypospadias repair (the most commonly performed hypospadias operation) was performed. Identified reports were reviewed according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and the Methodological Index or Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). A random effects analysis model was produced, in order to calculate a pooled outcome rates across the included studies. Separate models were then produced for subgroups of studies, with the resulting pooled rates compared. RESULTS: After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 44 articles progressed to the final analysis. A total of 6603 patients were included. The incidence of fistula was 7.5% (95% CI: 5.8-9.4), stricture or stenosis 4.4% (95% CI: 3.1-5.8) and dehiscence 2.1% (95% CI: 1.3-3.1). CONCLUSIONS: With pooled proportions of complications from over 6600 patients over a 10-year period, a standard may be set for outcomes after single-stage primary hypospadias repair for surgeons to audit their own outcomes against.

Tracks and voids in amorphous Ge induced by swift heavy-ion irradiation.

Ion tracks formed in amorphous Ge by swift heavy-ion irradiation have been identified with experiment and modeling to yield unambiguous evidence of tracks in an amorphous semiconductor. Their underdense core and overdense shell result from quenched-in radially outward material flow. Following a solid-to-liquid phase transformation, the volume contraction necessary to accommodate the high-density molten phase produces voids, potentially the precursors to porosity, along the ion direction. Their bow-tie shape, reproduced by simulation, results from radially inward resolidification.

Paraplegia after epidural anesthesia in a patient with peripheral vascular disease: case report and review of the literature with a description of an original technique for hematoma evacuation.

Epidural hematoma after epidural anesthesia is a rare and uncommon complication in patients with peripheral vascular disease who require perioperative anticoagulation therapy. A low index of suspicion makes its diagnosis difficult and often delayed. Treatment usually involves extensive laminectomy, increasing the chances for patient complications. In this article, the authors report a case of epidural hematoma with secondary paraplegia after epidural anesthesia. Also described is an original technique for evacuating the epidural space.

Microvascular composite tissue transfer for the management of type IIIB and IIIC fractures of the distal leg and compound foot fractures.

Patients who sustain high-energy, compound fractures with severe contamination and soft tissue loss, face high rates of delayed union, nonunion, infection and, in some instances, amputation. The authors reviewed 18 patients with compound foot fractures and IIIB and IIIC tibial fractures. All patients were treated by early free-flap coverage and simultaneous bone reconstruction. Corticocancellous bone grafting, composite osteocutaneous free flaps, or bone transport techniques were utilized, as required. Bony union was achieved in all cases; rehabilitation and return to work occurred within 12 to 18 months, with no major complications. The authors believe that the reconstruction ladder usually followed should be altered in certain cases in which severe periosteal stripping and soft-tissue contamination necessitate distant free composite tissue transfer, particularly those cases involving the distal third of the leg and foot. Simultaneous reconstruction is superior to other methods of wound management in providing early coverage of extensive wounds, a barrier against bacterial contamination, prevention of osteomyelitis, and enhanced union of the fractures.

Efficacy of microsurgical free-tissue transfer in chronic osteomyelitis of the leg and foot: review of 22 cases.

The efficacy of free composite tissue transfer for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of the leg and foot was evaluated in a retrospective study. Twenty-two patients, operated on at the American University of Beirut between January, 1992 and December, 1996, were identified. Infection involved the heel (8), ankle (1), foot (5), and tibia (8). All patients had multiple debridement and prolonged antibiotic treatment prior to presentation. The mean duration of disease was 4.8 years (range: 1 to 25 years). There were five cases of infected tibial non-union and one case of an infected tibial bone defect measuring 15 cm. Following radical debridement, microvascular free-tissue transfer was immediately performed. One latissimus dorsi and 13 rectus abdominis muscle flaps, as well as eight radial forearm fasciocutaneous flaps were used. At a mean follow-up of 3.8 years, there was one rectus abdominis free-flap failure in a Gustilo IIIC tibial fracture, which necessitated secondary amputation; there was no evidence of recurrence of osteomyelitis in the remaining 21 patients during the study period. The patients with tibial nonunion and bone defect healed following resection and bone transport utilizing a callus distraction technique. The results show that free-tissue transfer is a safe and viable treatment option in chronic osteomyelitis of the leg and foot. A brief discussion of the history of microvascular free-tissue transfers, as well as their value in modern reconstructive surgery, is also presented.