Application of Negative Pressure Therapy on Skin Grafts after Soft-Tissue Reconstruction: A Prospective Observational Study.

A split-thickness skin graft (STSG) is one of the main tools used in the reconstruction of skin defects. Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been widely used as adjunct therapy for wound healing for decades. Few studies have conducted the outcomes of NPWT use as a postoperative dressing for STSGs. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of the application of NPWT versus conventional dressing on STSGs after soft-tissue reconstruction. A prospective observational study was performed at the King Abdullah Medical City. A total of 18 patients with STSGs for acute or chronic skin defects were recruited. Patients from the two groups­10 patients in the NPWT group and 8 in the No-NPWT group­were postoperatively evaluated for three weeks. Assessment included the STSG take rate, wound healing, pain, infection, hematoma formation, and the need to re-graft the same recipient area. Our data demonstrated a higher mean skin graft take rate in the second and third weeks of the No-NPWT group compared to the NPWT group, but it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). No significant differences between the two groups in terms of wound healing, pain, infection, hematoma formation, and the need to re-graft (p > 0.05) were found. Our study showed that the conventional dressing of STSGs is not inferior to NPWT. In addition, conventional dressing was shown to be easier to use and less expensive to apply, as well as having a higher skin graft take rate and lower infection rate.

Abdominoplasty: An Easy Approach to Giant Abdominal Lipomas.

Introduction. Giant lipomas, which are greater than 10 cm, are rare, cosmetically unacceptable, and deteriorate the quality of daily living. Removal of giant abdominal lipomas either by liposuction, excision, or both, can lead to the formation of a loose, pendulous drooping abdomen, and abdominal wall laxity, which is aesthetically displeasing. The objective of this case report is to highlight an easy approach to treat giant abdominal lipoma through therapeutic abdominoplasty. Case History. In this case, a 29-year-old man with a known case of hypothyroidism and HCV was in remission but had a huge abdominal mass on his lower left side; it progressed for 7 years and increased in size and caused discomfort. His BMI was 29.53 and the mass measured about 15 × 13 cm. All other investigations were normal and showed no malignancies. He underwent excision of the giant abdominal lipoma using a standard abdominoplasty approach. Conclusion. In conclusion, in selected patients, giant abdominal lipomas can be successfully excised along with the redundant abdominal skin.

Prevalence and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease among Shaqra University students, Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common chronic gastrointestinal disorders in adults, it develops when the stomach contents reflux and rise up into the esophagus as a result from lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction. Stomach acid that touches the lining of the esophagus causes symptoms and complications. The classical symptoms of GERD include heartburn, usually after eating, chest pain, and regurgitation. AIM: To measure the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and determine its risk factors among the students of Shaqra University. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed among Shaqra University students after multistage stratification and random sampling technique to stratify students according to gender and the three main colleges in Shaqra city, Saudi Arabia. The sample size was determined to be 435 with the precision of ± 5% and a 95% confidence interval (CI). The questionnaire included demographic data like age, gender, height and weight, lifestyle, and dietary habits. Statistical data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. Results with a P value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 400 [227 (56%) male and 173 (43%) female] participants were evaluated. And 95 participants got a gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire score of ≥8 thus determining the prevalence of GERD to be 23.8%. Univariate analysis revealed that gender, smoking, familial history of GERD, high body mass index (>25 kg/m2), fast food, tea, carbonated beverages consumption, quick eating, and sleeping within 1 hour of dinner are associated with symptomatic GERD (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results show a high prevalence of GERD in Shaqra university students and the presence of many modifiable risk factors which merits the conduction of public health campaigns to raise awareness about the disease and its risk factors.