Comparison of Wound Infection in Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis by Subcuticular Suture and Interrupted Suture.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications such as wound infection and scarring are some of the major concerns regarding suturing techniques. This study is designed to evaluate postoperative outcomes of adhering subcuticular sutures in comparison to the interrupted suturing method in patients who underwent appendectomy for uncomplicated acute appendicitis. METHODS: 240 patients were randomly assigned into two groups; 120 with interrupted and 120 subcuticular sutures after an appendectomy, at Shohada Ashayer hospital, Khorramabad, Iran. The prevalence of wound infection, three days after the surgery in the hospital and a week after discharge was determined and evaluated statistically. RESULTS: No wound infection was seen within three days of hospitalization in the subcuticular group whereas, 1 patient reported infection in the interrupted group, however, the difference was not statistically significant. A week after discharge, a patient was reported to have wound infection in the subcuticular group and 2 in the interrupted group. No significant difference was seen in this regard either. 55 females and 66 males received subcuticular sutures whereas, 74 males and 46 females were given interrupted sutures for wound closing. One male in interrupted and 1 male and female in the subcuticular group were referred for wound infection, after discharge, respectively. Among these groups, no significant differences were seen. In catarrhal appendicitis, the infection was reported in the interrupted group only which was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Subcuticular sutures provide better cosmetic outcomes without any additional complications in comparison to interrupted sutures.

Application of Cell Therapy for Anti-Aging Facial Skin.

The human skin undergoes the complex process of aging which is prompted by the interplay of intrinsic mechanisms and extrinsic influences. Aging is unavoidable but can be somewhat delayed. Numerous approaches have been developed to slow down facial skin aging process as it is of interest to stake holders in the beauty and fashion world as well as to plastic surgeons. Adipose-derived stem cell [ADSC] and mesenchymal stem cell [MSC] as potential anti-aging agents to some extent have provided a promising and effective alternative in managing skin and facial skin aging. Furthermore, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells [BMMSC] have exhibited similar ability to rejuvenate aged skin. This review is aimed at giving a comprehensive account of the application of stem cells especially ADSCs and MSCs to reduce or slow down the rate of facial skin aging process.

Role of growth factors and biomaterials in wound healing.

Wound healing is a biological complex process that involves several cell types under the control and regulation of several growth factors and cytokines. There have been efforts to study the therapeutic effects of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factor-ß, vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor on chronic wounds. In addition, the effects of biomaterials such as nano-fibrous chitin and chitosan have been proven to be effective on wound healing. Furthermore, stem cell therapy using adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) has been developed as a new therapeutic method for wound repair and healing. In this review, we will summarize the role of stem cells; growth factors and biomaterials in wound healing and repair.

Stem cell and skin rejuvenation.

Stem cell-based therapies have been widely used for their abilities to repair and regenerate different types of tissues and organs in cosmetic and plastic surgeries. It involves the clinical application of different types of stem cells. Different stem cells have been reported to be applicable in different areas of cosmetic surgeries like face lipoatrophy, skin rejuvenation, breast enhancement, and body contouring. However, adipose-derived stem cells remain the most widely used by cosmetic surgeons as they have the potential and capability to differentiate into mesenchymal, ectodermal, and endodermal lineages and are easily accessible to harvest. The purpose of this review is to summarize available applications of stem in cosmetic and plastic surgeries.

Recent Progresses in Breast Reconstruction: Stem Cells, Biomaterials, and Growth Factors.

Breast cancer is one of the most deadly tumors in women, and new procedures for post- surgical breast reconstruction have been developed which includes autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF), platelet-derived growth factors, biomaterials and various stem cells. Adipose derived-stem cells (ASCs) has been reported to be one of the most widely used stem cell for breast reconstruction because of their ability to form new functional adipose tissue and vessels and in combination with stromal vascular fraction has been also reported efficient for breast reconstruction. Biomaterials include acellular dermal matrix, bone substitutes, and injectable have also been reported to be applicable for several clinical applications, including breast reconstruction surgery. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to explicitly define methodological procedures and to confirm the safety of all theses procedures during post-surgical breast reconstruction. The purpose of this mini-review is to summarize various recent and old applications of stem cells, biomaterials as well as growth factors in breast reconstruction.

Diabetic ulcer regeneration: stem cells, biomaterials, growth factors.

The impairment of ulcer wound healing in diabetic patients is a vital clinical problem affecting millions of patients. Several clinical and basic science studies have demonstrated that stem cell therapy, to be effective in healing diabetic ulcer. Furthermore, these ulcer wounds may be healed from molecular maneuvering of growth factors to improve microcirculation within the ulcer wound. In addition, ulcer wound dressings may be employed as medicated systems, through the delivery of drugs, growth factors, peptides and stem cells. These dressing materials can include natural, modified and synthetic polymers, as well as their mixtures or combinations. This review paper will give a summary of some of the recent advances on the application of stem cells, biomaterials and growth factors in the treatment of diabetic ulcer wound.

Recent progresses in plastic surgery using adipose-derived stem cells, biomaterials and growth factors.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery is a distinct specialty, which entails craniofacial and hand surgery; trauma, oncologic and congenital reconstruction; burn care, and aesthetic surgery. However, advances in nanotechnology have significantly affected wound management, skin care, implant and prosthetic design, tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems. Presently, plastic surgeons are applying the efficacy of stem cells (ADSCs), biomaterials and growth factors in different facets of plastic surgery. In this review, we will elucidate the applications of stem cells, biomaterials and growth factors in plastic surgeries.