Utility of an intervention scoring system in documenting effects of changes in burn treatment.

The consequences of the introduction of a program of consistent use of topical antimicrobials and early aggressive excision of deep burn wounds by utilizing a comprehensive, computerized patient registry/therapeutic intervention scoring system, were investigated. Prospectively, the clinical course, mortality, outcome and hospital costs were compared for the year preceding (89 patients) and the 4 years following (226 patients) the introduction of the new treatment program. It was found that mortality decreased from 10.1 to 4.6% after change in therapy (P<0.001), despite an increase in mean burn extent. The length of hospital stay per % burn surface area declined from 1.2 to 1.0 days (P<0.001). The number and complexity of therapeutic interventions and the associated costs, also declined. Patients in the new treatment program had a better level of physical and psychosocial function at follow up. In conclusion, the introduction of a program of consistent use of topical antimicrobials and early, aggressive surgical excision was associated with an improved outcome at lesser cost. The combined registry-intervention scoring system permits ready analysis of results using data entered on a daily, near-real time basis.

The "bottle brush": a new concept for uncemented anchorage of bone implants. Preliminary mechanical and biomechanical studies.

We present a new concept for bone of implants, the "bottle brush". It may be suitable for joint prostheses, dental or percutaneous implants, or other devices fixed into bone. Mechanical pullout studies in artificial brass cavities of different sizes and shapes and implantation studies in 20 rabbits, have been successfully carried out. Further experimental and clinical studies are in progress.

Reduction mammoplasty: comparison of results of plastic and general surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results in patients who had reduction mammoplasty in a department of plastic surgery with those of patients who had the same operation in a department of general surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective study of casenotes, and questionnaire. SETTING: Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital, Linköping, and Department of General Surgery, County Hospital, Motala. SUBJECTS: All 250 patients who had undergone reduction mammoplasty during the five year period 1980-84 (Linköping, n = 173; Motala, n = 77). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Correlation between symptoms and expectations, and the patients' subjective assessment of the results. RESULTS: There was no difference between the rates of response to the questionnaire (149/173, 86%, from those operated on in the department of plastic surgery compared with 68/77, 88%, in the department of general surgery). Median stay in hospital was 6 days in both groups, and the number of days of sick leave was 29 and 33 days, respectively. The most common histological diagnosis was hyperplastic breast tissue with or without fibroadenosis (149/173, 86%, compared with 64/77, 83%) and there was one carcinoma, which was detected before operation. The main reason for the operation in both groups was the weight of the breasts, which caused shoulder or back pain; in nearly half this interfered with activities of daily living. Most patients had high expectations of the operation, and in over 80% these were fulfilled. CONCLUSION: We could find no reason why reduction mammoplasty should not be done by general surgeons, particularly in view of the long waiting lists, but there are some groups (for example, young women and patients either with exceptionally large breasts or who require only small reductions) who should still be treated by specialist plastic surgeons.

Lip and nose morphology in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate from four Scandinavian centres.

Sixty patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate were compared for lip and nose appearance. All patients were photographed from an anteroposterior and a basal view at 7-10 years of age. The photographic registration method was tested for validity and accuracy. Although the four groups of 15 patients each were treated according to different protocols, many similarities were found with shorter lip heights at the cleft side and inclination of the rima oris. Asymmetry of nose and retropositioning at the cleft side naris were generally seen. Significantly straighter noses were demonstrated in the group treated with a two-stage lip nose operation combined with nose plugs, and the two groups where vomer flaps were used showed the greatest deviation of the nose.

Clinical experience with the Unilink/3M Precise microvascular anastomotic device.

The Unilink/3M Precise anastomotic device for microvascular anastomoses has been evaluated in 38 critical anastomoses in 26 selected patients. The microvascular anastomosis was usually completed within three minutes by a single surgeon. There was only one failure, when an arterial anastomosis clotted because of a technical error. In all patients tissue survival was dependent on patent mechanical anastomoses (critical anastomoses) and the follow-up period was more than three years.

Team approach to tibial fracture. 37 consecutive type III cases reviewed after 2-10 years.

During a 10-year period, we managed 35 patients with 37 cases of Type III open tibial fractures, 15 cases within 1 week and 22 as late referrals. In all cases, simultaneous assessment and management by a microvascular and an orthopedic surgeon were mandatory throughout the treatment period. 6 of the 15 acute cases had a primary amputation. Of the remaining 31 cases, limb salvage was possible in 27. 31 flaps, pedicle and microvascular free flaps were used. Major complications occurred in 6 cases, but in 27 cases infection-free solid union was obtained. At long-term follow-up, average 5 years, the function was good or acceptable in 23 cases. We conclude that: (1) patients with Type III tibial injuries should preferably be transferred within a week after injury to a hospital where major reconstructive procedures are commonly performed, (2) early soft tissue coverage is essential in the management of these injuries, (3) unilateral external fixation should be the preferred technique of stabilization, and, finally, (4) plastic surgery expertise is important in management of severe tibial fractures.

Long term evaluation of the unilink anastomotic system. A study with light and scanning electron microscopy.

The long term effects of the Unilink mechanical microvascular anastomosis in terms of anastomotic patency and histological changes in the vessel wall were evaluated in 10 rabbits. Both carotid arteries and facial veins were divided and reanastomosed with the Unilink device. At death two years later all 40 anastomoses were fully patent, with histological changes similar to those described previously after 16 weeks, that is, normal endothelial lining, but almost total atrophy of the media at the anastomotic site. The thinning of the vessel wall at the anastomosis caused neither occlusions nor aneurysms during the observation period.

Regional hyperthermic perfusion with melphalan after surgery for recurrent malignant melanoma of the extremities. Swedish Melanoma Study Group.

A prospective randomized trial testing regional hyperthermic perfusion with melphalan has been conducted. Sixty-nine patients with recurrent malignant melanoma of the extremities were randomly allocated to surgery (36 patients) or surgery plus regional perfusion (33 patients). Prognostic variables concerning primary tumor as well as the recurrent disease were evenly distributed in the groups, excluding any bias in the randomization. Median tumor-free survival after randomization was 17 months in the perfusion group and 10 months in the control group. There were 15 locoregional recurrences in the perfusion group and 24 in the control group. The tumor-free survival curve was significantly (P = .044) better for the perfusion group than for the control group. Median survival time after randomization was 57 months in the perfusion group and 35 months in the control group. This difference was not significant. One patient died within 1 month after perfusion of pulmonary embolism. Regional hyperthermic perfusion after surgery of recurrent malignant melanoma should only be recommended in prospective and controlled trials, until its value has been proven in several randomized studies.

Craniofacial and occlusal characteristics in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients from four Scandinavian centres.

Craniofacial morphology and dental occlusion were studied at early school age in 15 consecutive patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate from each of four Scandinavian cleft centres. Treatment differed mainly in the techniques of palatal repair. Push-back closure of the palate particularly impaired maxillary development, which resulted in an increased incidence of crossbite and reduced intercanine distance when compared with patients who had been operated on by the von Langenbeck method or in whom the anterior palate had not yet been closed.

Preoperative antibiotics and capsular contracture in augmentation mammaplasty.

The main drawback with augmentation mammaplasty using implants is capsular contracture. The cause of this complication is still unknown. Silicone particles, hematoma, and bacterial contamination are some of the etiologic factors discussed. In this randomized, double-blind study on 76 breast-augmented women, 50 percent of the patients had preoperative prophylaxis with benzylpenicillin and dicloxacillin. Bacteria samples were taken intraoperatively. The number of negative cultures increased significantly with antibiotic prophylaxis. In four follow-ups during the first postoperative year, the rate of contractures was evaluated by subjective and objective methods. The results showed no statistically significant difference between the placebo and the antibiotic group with respect to the incidence of capsular contracture.

Microvascular anastomoses in irradiated vessels: a comparison between the Unilink system and sutures.

A new mechanical device (the Unilink system) was compared to conventional suture anastomoses in irradiated microvessels. Twenty rabbits received a single radiation dose of 20 Gy from a 7-MeV electron source through an anterior neck field. One and 6 months following irradiation, the carotid arteries and facial veins were divided and anastomosed on one side with the Unilink system and on the other side with suture technique. At sacrifice 4 weeks postoperatively, all vessels were evaluated for patency and histologic changes associated with radiation and anastomotic trauma. Histology disclosed severe radiation changes. Also, intimal hyperplasia was consistently found at the anastomotic sites in the arteries, while it was totally absent in the venous anastomoses. Occlusive thrombosis was found in two arteries, one anastomosed with the Unilink system and one sutured. Two other arteries, one from each group, had subtotal occlusions at the anastomotic site. No occlusions occurred in any of the venous anastomoses. The overall patency in this study was 97.5 percent, with no difference between the two techniques.

Microvenous grafts to arterial defects. The use of mechanical or suture anastomoses.

A mechanical microvascular anastomotic device, the Unilink system, was compared with sutures in terms of patency, anastomotic time, and histologic changes when a microvenous graft is placed in an arterial defect. Twenty rabbits underwent grafting of a 1.0-cm defect in both carotid arteries with a 1.5-cm reversed femoral vein graft. Anastomoses were performed with the Unilink system on one side and sutures on the other. Animals were killed at 2 weeks (10 animals) and 16 weeks (10 animals) with the vein grafts being assessed with clinical patency tests and then fixated for histologic evaluation. All 20 grafts (100%) interposed with the Unilink system were fully patent while 17 (85%) of the 20 grafts interposed with sutures were fully patent. The grafting procedure with the Unilink anastomoses averaged 12.5 minutes while the sutured anastomoses averaged 41.9 minutes. No differences in the histologic appearance of the vein grafts were noted between the two types of anastomoses. All grafts showed endothelialization at 2 weeks with intimal hyperplasia or "arterialization" being a constant finding.

Microvenous end-to-side anastomosis: an experimental study comparing the Unilink system and sutures.

A method for mechanical microvascular end-to-side anastomosis is presented and compared to conventional suture technique. Twenty rabbits had their facial veins divided from the jugular veins and reanastomosed end-to-side to the jugular veins, 2 cm cranially to the original bifurcation. The anastomoses were performed on one side of the neck with the Unilink system and on the other side with sutures. At sacrifice at two weeks (10 animals) and at 16 weeks (10 animals), all anastomoses were tested for patency and histologically evaluated. All 40 anastomoses were fully patent. The time required for completion of a mechanical anastomosis was on the average one-fourth the time required for suture anastomosis. No thrombus formation was noted in any of the specimens, but a slight narrowing because of intimal hyperplasia was noted in the recipient vessels in two mechanical anastomoses. It was demonstrated that mechanical anastomoses of small veins end-to-side can be performed in a rapid and safe manner with the Unilink system.

Arterial end-to-side anastomosis with the UNILINK system.

A new technique for mechanical end-to-side anastomoses using the UNILINK anastomotic system is presented. The technique, based on the concept of vessel wall eversion over paired ring pins, is described as is a new device for vessel expansion. To evaluate the technique of end-to-side anastomosis, we detached the left renal artery in 18 rabbits and then reanastomosed them end-to-side to the aorta using the UNILINK anastomotic system. Renal blood flow was evaluated before and after anastomoses with a laser Doppler flowmeter. Animals were separated into three groups of 6 and were killed at 24 hours, 2 weeks, and 16 weeks, respectively. To evaluate the acute effects of vessel expansion, 7 additional rabbits underwent expansion of the aorta without subsequent anastomosis. All vessels were evaluated with light and scanning electron microscopy. A patency rate of 100% was achieved in the 18 animals; histological changes at the anastomotic site were comparable to those described previously for this mechanical anastomotic system. The animal model demonstrates that it is both technically possible and efficacious to perform end-to-side anastomoses of arteries with the UNILINK anastomotic system.

The UNILINK system for mechanical microvascular anastomosis in hand surgery.

A new mechanical anastomotic device--the UNILINK system--for small vessels, designed for work under the operating microscope was used in four patients for microvascular, hand surgical operations. All procedures were successful with regard to tissue survival and wound healing. Basal skin temperature and systolic blood pressure distal to the mechanical anastomoses were normal 12 to 26 months after the operation. Doppler investigation also confirmed that all mechanical anastomoses were patent. At the time of this report, 32 to 45 months after the operations, no adverse effects of the method have been found. The device offers increased safety and speed in microvascular operations.

Strength of microvascular anastomoses: comparison between the unilink anastomotic system and sutures.

The Unilink system, a mechanical anastomotic device, was compared with standard suture techniques in terms of anastomotic strength under conditions of uniaxial loading. Twenty-five rabbits underwent Unilink and suture anastomosis of both carotid arteries and facial veins. Animals were sacrificed at 1 hour (five animals), 2 weeks (10 animals), and 16 weeks (10 animals), and all vessels were tested by constant loading in a material testing machine. The maximum load required to disrupt the anastomosis as well as the site of vessel failure were recorded. All 100 anastomoses were fully patent as evaluated by clinical testing. At 1 hour and 2 weeks, the Unilink arterial anastomoses were consistently and significantly stronger than the sutured anastomoses. At 16 weeks the sutured arterial anastomoses were significantly stronger than Unilink. The Unilink anastomoses, however, remained approximately 50% stronger than unoperated normal vessels. No statistical differences were observed in the strength of venous anastomoses at any of the intervals tested. There were no statistical differences in the sites of failure of the vessels under loading (i.e., at the anastomosis or proximal or distal to it) between the two techniques.

Microvascular anastomosis of interpositional vein grafts with the UNILINK system. A comparative experimental study.

Vein segments from the posterior facial vein of the rabbit were surgically isolated and re-anastomosed, either by manual suture technique or by the use of a new mechanical anastomotic device, the UNILINK apparatus. The purpose of the study was to compare anastomotic patency and time required for an orthotopic vein grafting procedure, when the two techniques were used. In the grafts anastomosed with the UNILINK technique, both clinical and histological evaluation showed 100% patency, while 20% of the sutured grafts showed impaired flow as a result of occlusive thrombosis. When the mechanical device was used, the full procedure was completed within one third of the time, as compared to suture anastomoses.

Mechanical anastomosis of small arteries and veins with the unilink apparatus: a histologic and scanning electron microscopic study.

A new method for mechanical anastomosis of small vessels--the Unilink device--has been tested in 23 rabbits. A total of 81 arterial and venous anastomoses were performed. One of the arterial anastomoses were thrombotized, while the remaining 80 anastomoses were fully patent at 2 or 16 weeks. The repair process at the anastomotic site was very rapid both in arteries and veins. The endothelialization was complete at 2 weeks, but a marked atrophy of the media was noted in the arterial anastomoses. The same phenomenon was observed in the venous anastomosis, but to a much lesser degree. Thrombus formation was extremely rare, and the atrophy of the media did not seem to affect the patency rate. The experiment has confirmed that the Unilink method provides a very safe, fast, and simple way to perform microvascular anastomoses.