An Algorithm for Reconstruction of Electrical Injuries of the Scalp.

BACKGROUND: Electrical injuries of the scalp are a frequent occurrence in developing countries. Burns can be contact or conductive and result in extensive tissue damage. The authors present their experience with treatment of scalp and calvarial electrical injuries and propose a management algorithm. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study comprising all patients with electrical injuries of the scalp treated at the authors' center between January of 2010 and December of 2016. Noncontrast computed tomography scans were obtained to assess viability of the calvarium in patients who presented more than 2 weeks after injury. Single-stage débridement and reconstruction were performed. All nonviable soft tissue and bone was removed. Soft-tissue reconstruction was performed with skin grafts, local scalp flaps, pedicled trapezius flaps, and free flaps (anterolateral thigh, latissimus dorsi, and scapular). Cranioplasty was performed in a delayed manner with autologous bone grafts. RESULTS: Over a 7-year period, a total of 52 patients underwent scalp reconstruction for high-voltage (44 patients) and low-voltage (eight patients) electrical injury. All patients underwent successful soft-tissue reconstruction. Osteomyelitis with draining sinuses developed in three patients; these patients underwent flap re-elevation and bone débridement, which resulted in a healed wound and stable reconstruction. Cranioplasty was performed with split calvarial grafts in two patients and split rib grafts in four patients. One patient underwent scalp tissue expansion for hair restoration. CONCLUSION: The authors propose an algorithm for reconstruction of electrical injuries of the scalp. Thorough débridement of the calvarium is the most important determinant of a successful outcome. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Sebaceous carcinoma of forehead: A rare malignant lesion.

Sebaceous carcinoma is an uncommon malignant tumour of the sebaceous glands. This lesion typically occurs as painless and slow growing nodule in the eyelid region. In rarity, it can develop on buccal mucosa, head and neck, and other regions of the body in people in their 60s and 70s. Sebaceous carcinoma is locally aggressive and carries the potential of regional and distant spread. We present the case of a 15-year-old male who was diagnosed with sebaceous carcinoma over the forehead. After discussing the case in the board meeting, surgery was performed to remove the tumour with 1 cm margin. Outer table of the frontal bone was also removed and intraoperative frozen section was done for margin clearance. After the excision, soft tissue coverage was done with free Anterolateral thigh flap and the patient received six cycles of post-operative radiation therapy.

Application of microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD) to detect COVID-19 in energy deprived countries.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread all across the world. Low- and medium-income countries are more affected economically and socially compared to developed countries due to the lack of a rapid, robust, and affordable testing infrastructure. Furthermore, the high cost of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system, sophisticated user-handling procedure, and high expense of the conventional clinical tests are the root causes of the less accessibility of the testing systems to the users. In this study, a COVID-19 Point-of-Care (POC) ecosystem model is proposed for the low- and medium-income countries (or energy deprived countries) that will facilitate the technological development with locally available fabrication components. In addition, the nontechnological development phases have also been discussed, which encompasses the collaboration among academia, local as well as government bodies, and entrepreneurial ventures. In addition, a hypothetical design of a microfluidic paper-based analytical (µPADs) POC platform is proposed to detect COVID-19 analyte using unprocessed patient-derived saliva, which is a miniaturized form-factor of conventional real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The device contains four major reaction zones, which are sample zone, buffer zone, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) Master Mix zone, Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) zone, and sensor zone. To obtain quicker test results and easier operation, a handheld image acquisition technique is introduced in this study. It is hypothesized that in a remote setting, the proposed design could be used as an initial guideline to develop a POC COVID-19 testing system, which may be simple, easy-to-use, and cost-effective.

Application Of Cling Film Over Burn Wounds (Occlusive Wound Dressing): Our Experience.

BACKGROUND: This study shares our experience and review the outcome of the use of cling film with silver sulfadiazine cream in terms of healing time, and patient's satisfaction score. METHODS: It was a descriptive case series conducted at Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Center, Lahore, from March 2018 to February 2019. In this study, a thick layer of silver sulfadiazine was applied and then wrapped with cling film on 35 patients sustained mix thickness burns on the trunk and limbs. Dressing was done daily after wound wash with normal saline. Consultant Plastic surgeon assessed the wound healing by observation and serial photographs. Duration of wound healing and complications were noted. RESULTS: Complete wound healing was achieved in 25 (71.4%) patients with mean healing time of 13.3 days (range 11-15 days). The wound infection was seen in 5 (14.2%) patients, that were diagnosed by change in colour of wound edges and patients with signs of sepsis (ABA scoring). Sepsis was treated in 5 patients with debridement and culture specific antibiotics. split skin graft done in 8 (22.8%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Moist wound dressing with Silver Sulfadiazine and cling film is cost effective, easy to apply with good visibility of the wound and has good patient satisfaction, but is labour intensive.

Glycerol Preserved Amnion: A Viable Source of Biological Dressing for Superficial Partial Thickness Facial Burns.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of amnion as a biological dressing in superficial partial thickness facial burns. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Centre, Lahore, from January 2017 to December 2018. METHODS: Sixty two patients with superficial partial thickness facial burns were randomly divided into two groups (A and B). Ointment containing Polymyxin B and Bacitracin was applied in group A (n=28) while amnion was applied in group B (n=34). The patients were monitored for the pain related to burns needing analgesia, time of healing of burns, and cosmetic outcome of the facial scarring over a period of six months. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 26.5 ±12.2 years. 39 (62.9%) patients were male and 23 (37.1%) were females. The mean percent total facial surface area burned was 2.7% ±1. None of the patients developed facial wound infections. The average healing time was 6 ±2 days. The mean frequency of analgesia for 3 days of group B was less as compared to group A. infection rate was similar in both groups. No significant difference was observed in VAS score at 1, 3 and 6 month follow up between both groups. CONCLUSION: Amnion is a safe, cost effective and most readily available biological dressing for superficial partial thickness facial burn management. Key Words: Amnion, Facial burn, Biological dressing, Scarring, Partial thickness burn.

Vacuum-assisted Closure in Integration of Skin Graft Over Scalp Wounds: A Randomised Control Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcome of split thickness graft with and without vacuum-assisted closure over the scalp soft tissue defects in terms of graft take and complications. STUDY DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Plastic Surgery, Jinnah Burns and Reconstructive Surgery Centre, Lahore, from June 2017 to June 2018. METHODOLOGY: Patients with scalp soft tissue defects were recruited for the study. Patients with history of poly trauma, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were excluded. Patients were randomly divided into two groups by balloting lottery method. In group A, simple dressing were done after split thickness skin graft; and into group B, VAC dressing was applied after split thickness skin graft. Outcome variables (graft take and complications rate at recipient site) were assessed clinically at 2 weeks and analysed by Chi-square test with p-value <0.05 was taken as significant. RESULTS: Mean age of 120 patients was 33.44 ±14.65 years. Graft take was seen in 24 (40.0%) patients in group A and in 56 (93.3%) patients in group B (p = 0.0001). Seroma was recorded in eight (13.3%) in group A (simple dressing) patients and one patient (1.67%) in group B (VAC dressing, p = 0.015), hematoma was seen in 04 (6.67%) versus 0 (0.0%), respectively (p = 0.042) and graft edge dehiscence in 03 (5.0%) versus 0 (0.0%), respectively (p = 0.079). CONCLUSION: Outcome of split skin graft over scalp soft tissue defects with VAC dressing is better than simple dressing in terms of graft take and complications rate.

Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor in Burn Patients with Neutropenia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) for improving neutropenia in burns patients with neutropenia. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Centre, Lahore, from May to October 2017. METHODOLOGY: Patients with burn injury, having absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <500 / µL or where it was expected to decrease to <500/µL within the next 48 hours, were recruited in the study. A detailed demographic profile of patients was taken, burn site was evaluated, and sample collection by phlebotomy was done in the complete blood count (CBC) vial. Samples were run in a CBC analyser and verification of neutrophil count on the neubuar chamber was done. ANC was taken for 3 days for each patient. Injection Filgrastim was given 300 µg subcutaneous (S/C) or intravenous (I/V) once daily until the neutropenia improved. Improvement was categorised as good, moderate and poor, depending on the number of days for improvement in ANC. The response was further stratified on the basis of age, gender and percentage of burn. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients with mean age of 32.1±14.4 years included 84.6% (n=33) males and 15.4% (n=6) females. Mean percentage of burn was 40.5±15.7%. In 12-40 years of age, there were 30/39 (76.9%) patients. Among them, 11/30 (36.6%) were good, 13/30 (43.3%) were moderate, and 6/30 (20%) were poor responders. In 41-70 years of age, there were 9/39 (23.1%) patients. Among them, 2/9 (22.2%) were good, 4/9 (44.44%) were moderate, and 3/9 (33.3%) were poor responders (p = 0.616). CONCLUSION: The addition of G-CSF injections to the standard treatment of burn injury markedly improve the neutrophil counts in burn patients with neutropenia.

Complex Reconstruction of Nose and Upper Lip after Assault.

A 21-year male, farmer by profession, was admitted in Plastic Surgery Department via outpatient department, with amputation of nose and upper lip with the knife during resistance against robbery attempt. He was having the blockage of the right side of nostril and difficulty in mouth opening. Upper lip vermilion and mucosal reconstruction with the bilateral facial artery musculo-mucosal (FAMM) flap and moustache reconstruction was done with visor flap. Split thickness skin graft (STSG) was done over the donor site. Division and insetting of visor flap was done after two weeks. After three months, all three nasal layers were reconstructed. The inner lining was reconstructed with the turn down flap, L-strut from rib cartilage, and the outer lining with forehead flap.

Comparison of Graft Survival between Fat Harvested from Abdomen and Medial Thigh for Facial Contour Deformity: A Randomised Control Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the graft survival between fat harvested from abdomen and medial thigh for facial contour deformity. STUDY DESIGN: Randomised control trial (RCT) . PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Center, Lahore, from October 2015 to April 2017. METHODOLOGY: Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups. Fat was harvested from medial thigh in Group A and from abdomen in Group B. Outcome was measured in terms of fat survival by comparing mean fat at baseline, first and 12ᵗʰ week. Final fat survival thickness >6.00 mm at 12ᵗʰ week was considered as excellent. ANOVA was used for comparison of mean fat thickness (mm) between the groups, and Chi-square test for outcome and complications among groups with p-value <0.05 as statistical significance. RESULTS: Mean age of subjects was 27 +7.44 (range 12 to 60) years. Mean final fat thickness in Group A was 6.030 +0.095 mm and in Group B was 4.989 +0.094 mm (p=0.001). Thirty patients (76.9%) in Group A and none in Group B showed excellent response (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Outcome of graft survival with fat harvested from medial thigh was better as compared to that from abdominal fat.

Oropharyngeal, Hypopharyngeal and Cervical Esophageal Reconstruction: An Experience of Pedicle Flaps.

OBJECTIVE: To review the experience of single-stage reconstruction following pharygolaryngectomy and cervical esophageal defect with pedicle flaps in a tertiary care centre. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Centre, Lahore, from June 2007 to June 2017. METHODOLOGY: All patients who underwent oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal reconstruction with pedicled flaps were included. RESULTS: Thirty-two reconstructions were done, of which 16 (50.0%) were supraclavicular flaps, 12 (37.5%) were pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps (PMMF) and 4 (12.5%) platysma myocutaneous flaps (PMF). Among these, 24 (75%) were males and 8 (25%) females. The mean hospital stay was 18.75 +5.45 days. Complications were noted in 12 (37.5%), salivary fistula being the most frequent found in 6 (18.75%). Wound dehiscence was noted in 4 (12.5%), partial flap necrosis and wound infection present in 1 (3.1%) each. CONCLUSION: Oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal and cervical esophageal reconstruction with pedicle flaps is still very useful and safe to perform, associated with minimal flap and donor site complications.

Comparison of efficacy and safety of intralesional triamcinolone and combination of triamcinolone with 5-fluorouracil in the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars: Randomised control trial.

The treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scar is challenging with no universally accepted mode for permanent ablation. Conventional therapies yield unpredictable results, significant complications and require elaborate hardware. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to establish the safety and efficacy of intralesional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial (RCT). PLACE AND DURATION: It was conducted at the Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Center/Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan from May 2012 to March 2013. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We included 120 patients divided in two groups. The group A patients received intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) and the group B patients received both 5-FU and TAC. 8 injections at a week interval were given and patients were evaluated at the start of treatment and then at 4th and at 8th week during the treatment and then 4 weeks after the end of treatment. Patents were assessed for mean reduction in scar height, efficacy and complications. RESULTS: Total of 108 patients completed the study. The mean reduction in the scar height in group B (5-FU+TAC) 1.144+.4717 was markedly better than that of group A (TAC alone) 1.894+1.0751 (t=4.781, p=.000). The efficacy (defined previously as >50% reduction in initial scar height) was superior in group B 44 (77.2%) than that of group A 25 (49.0% (X2=9.260, p=.002). Recurrence was seen in 39.2% (20) of patients of the group A while in only 17.5% (10) of the cases of group B (P=0.012). Mean follow up was of 22 months. CONCLUSION: 5-FU+TAC is safe, easy to administer and effective treatment for problematic scars and has the lower rate of recurrence on larger follow up.

Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flap: A Versatile Option For Soft Tissue Reconstruction Of Head And Neck And Limbs.

BACKGROUND: To assess the outcome of Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flap (MSAP Flap) as an option for the soft tissue reconstruction of head and neck and limbs. METHODS: This descriptive case series was conducted at Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Center, Lahore during October 2016 to August 2017. All patients in whom MSAP flap (free and pedicled) was performed for reconstruction are included. Patients were followed at one week and one month after the discharge and data was entered into the proformas. RESULTS: In total, 18 patients were operated with this flap. Free and pedicled MSAP flap were performed for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the head and neck and the lower limb. The maximum dimensions of the flap were 14 cm length and 10 cm width. The maximum pedicle length was 16cm. All flaps survived and showed good outcome. There was necrosis of the distal margin of a pedicled flap, but no case of venous congestion and flap failure was observed. The flap donor site was closed primarily in 7 patients while split skin graft was used in the rest of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The MSAP flap provides a thin skin paddle and has minimal donor site morbidity as compared to the other options. It is a good addition to the armamentarium of perforator flaps which are thin and pliable, can be harvested by two team approaches, under the tourniquet and has a hidden donor site.

The efficacy of excision followed by intralesional 5-fluorouracil and triamcinolone acetonide versus excision followed by radiotherapy in the treatment of ear keloids: A randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: The ear is the common site for keloid formation especially in women after ear piercing. Surgery is the main stay of treatment in these lesions but there are large numbers of treatment failures in surgery alone. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of post-excision intralesional 5-fluorouracil/triamcinolone acetonide (5-FU/TAC) and post-excision radiotherapy in the treatment of ear keloids. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial. SETTING: The study was conducted from May 2014 to January 2015 at Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Centre, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore. SUBJECT & METHODOLOGY: After approval from the hospital ethical committee, 60 patients presented in the outpatient department fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected and randomly assigned in two groups with the help of the random number table. Patients in group A had excision followed by intralesional 5-FU/TAC injections while patients of group B had excision followed by radiotherapy. Patients were assessed at 6 months after completion of treatment for efficacy (no recurrence within 6 months of treatment). RESULTS: In our study total of 60 patients completed the study, with 30 patients in each group. 7 patients (23.34%) in Group-A and 9 patients (30%) in Group-B were males while 23 patients (76.67%) in Group-A and 21 patients (70%) in Group-B were females i.e. male to female ratio is 1:2.75. Mean age was 31.8+6.48years. The comparison of frequency of efficacy in both groups showed that 73.33% (n=22) in Group-A and 43.33% (n=13) in Group-B had efficacy, p value was calculated as 0.01, showing a significant statistical difference. CONCLUSION: Excision and intralesional 5-FU/TAC is an effective treatment for keloids on the ears.

Extended Islanded Reverse Sural Artery flap for Staged Reconstruction of Foot Defects Proximal to Toes.

Obective:To assess the outcome of extended delayed reverse sural artery flap for reconstruction of foot defects proximal to toes in terms of flap survival, complication and extended area. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Centre, Lahore, from February 2015 to April 2017. METHODOLOGY: Cases who underwent delayed sural artery flap were inducted. Preoperative hand-held doppler was done to confirm the location of perforator. Two suitable perforators were chosen to raise the extended flap by crossing the proximal limit in all cases. The pedicle was kept minimum 3 cm wide and perfusion was assessed. Flap was delayed for one week and vaccum-assisted closure (VAC) dressing was applied over wound. The second surgery was performed after one week. Proximal perforator was clamped and ligated after checking adequate perfusion of flap. Flap was insetted into defect. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were reconstructed with delayed reverse sural artery flap. The mean age of the patients was 26.5 12.2 years. Twenty-four (75%) patients were males and 8 (25%) were females. Twenty-two (68.7%) cases were degloving wounds after road traffic accidents (RTA), 6 (18.7%) were diabetic foot wounds, 4 (12.5%) sustained injury after falling from height and 7 (21.8%) patients had fracture of metatarsals. Twenty-eight flaps were transferred after one week delay, and only in 4 cases, flap were transferred after two weeks. All flaps survived completely. Complications of infection noted in 3 (9.3%) flaps, 3 (9.3%) flaps showed tip necrosis, 2 (6.2%) flaps undergone epidermolysis and only 2 (6.2%) showed venous congestion. CONCLUSION: Delayed islanded reverse sural artery perforator flap is a reliable and versatile option for resurfacing soft tissue defects of lower limb proximal to the toes with lesser complications and extended coverage area.

Distally Based Medial Hemisoleus Flap: Reliable Option for Distal Tibial Wounds.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the success (flap survival as a whole without necrosis or dehiscence up to two months as judged clinically) of distally based medial hemisoleus muscle flap for the coverage of distal tibial defects. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Centre, AIMC, Lahore, from July 2014 to July 2017. METHODOLOGY: Patients with middle and distal third tibial defects were enrolled and stratified according to the site of the wound in middle or distal third of tibia. Soft tissue coverage was provided with distally based medial hemisoleus muscle flap on which split thickness skin graft was applied. Postoperatively, patients were followed-up after one week of discharge and then fortnightly for at least 2 months. Outcome variable was taken as flap success. RESULTS: Out of 37 cases, flap was successful in 33 patients as complete flap survived with primary wound healing. Partial flap necrosis without dehiscence was seen in 3 cases and partial necrosis of flap with dehiscence in only one case that required another surgery for the defect. Complete flap loss was not seen in any case. CONCLUSION: Distally based medial hemisoleus muscle flap is reliable coverage option for middle and distal third of tibial defects.

Comparison Of Outcome Of 1- And 2-Knot, 4-Strand, Doublemodified Kessler Flexor Tendon Repair With Early Active Mobilization Protocol In Patients With Flexor Tendon Lacerations Of Hand.

BACKGROUND: Hand is unique for the dexterity of its function and flexor tendons have most important function in hand. Its injury is a challenging treatment. Purpose of this study is to compare the success of 1- and 2-knot, flexor tendon repair (good to excellent results) with early active mobilization in terms of total active motion (TAM) of affected hand postoperatively. METHODS: Hundred patients with age range of 5-70 years of age presenting with flexor tendon lacerations of hand were included in the study. Subjects were randomly divided into Group A, who underwent flexor tendon repair using 4 strands of double modified Kessler repair with 1 knot and Group B, in which 4 strand double modified Kessler repair with 2 knot technique was used. All patients followed early active motion protocol started in first 48 hours. They were followed at 3, 6 and 8 weeks after surgery for TAM. Data was entered and analysed in SPSS-21.0. Frequency and percentages were calculated for outcome of procedure. RESULTS: In group A 89.8% (44) of patients had good to excellent results in terms of total active motion (TAM) as compared with 90.9% (40) in group B using early active mobilization protocol. CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that that four strand double modified flexor tendon repair using either 1 or 2 knot technique are excellent choices of repair with early active mobilization protocols.

Quantification and Further Refinements of Dorsal Metacarpal Artery Perforator Flap for Reconstruction of Wounds of Fingers upto Distal Interphalangeal Joints.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of dorsal metacarpal artery perforator flap for coverage of finger defects extending upto distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ). STUDY DESIGN: Case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Centre, Lahore, from March 2015 to May 2017. METHODOLOGY: Our study was carried out in two parts. 1st part of study was to measure average flap length in our population. Five hundred cases were enrolled to measure flap length, from pivot point of the flap to the distal border of extensor retinaculum. This length was traced to fingers to determine its coverage area. This was followed by clinical study in 35 cases. All patients with wounds over dorsal surface of fingers upto distal interphalangeal joint and volar surface of fingers upto mid of middle phalanx, single or multiple finger defects with exposed tendon joints or bones were included in the study. Patients with history of trauma to the dorsum of hand, metacarpal head or neck fracture and patients with history of diabetes or peripheral vascular disease were excluded. RESULTS: Flap length decreased from radial to ulnar side of hand. Average length of flap based on the second metacarpal artery was 7cm while of the third was 6.6 cm and the fourth was 6.1 cm. This flap length covered upto mid of middle phalanx in border digits while upto PIPJ in central digits. This data was confirmed in 35 patients in which 36 flaps were raised to cover finger defects. Thirty-four flaps survived completely while tip necrosis was seen in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: The dorsal metacarpal artery perforator flap is a thin, pliable flap, which has minimal donor-site morbidity. It can reliably cover soft tissue defects of dorsum of fingers upto mid of middle phalanx in border digits and upto PIPJ in central digits.