Outcomes and Complications of Surgical Removal of Foreign Body Granulomas Due to Illicit Polymer Injection for Cosmetic Purposes.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous injection of illicit polymers can result in a number of local complications, including injection-site deformity, granulomas, and skin changes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare postoperative complications and symptom flare in patients undergoing surgical excision of foreign-body granulomas. METHODS: We retrospectively examined data of patients who underwent surgical removal of foreign-body granulomas caused by polymer injection for cosmetic purposes. The granulomas were removed by ultrasonic-assisted liposuction or en bloc excision with primary closure, skin grafts, or free flaps during 2014 to 2020. Data collected included demographic and operative parameters. Postoperative complications, symptom flare, and time to flare were reported. The relations between type of surgery and complications, symptom flare, and time to flare were determined through statistical analysis. RESULTS: The final cohort included 49 surgeries (42 primary and 7 secondary) in 35 patients. The overall complication rate was 28.9%, with no significant intergroup differences (30.8%, 20%, 66.7%, and 40%; P = 0.328). Wound dehiscence and skin burns were the main complications. An overall symptom flare of 35.1% in surgically treated areas over a mean period of 28.49 months was reported. Chi-squared test indicated statistical significance between type of surgery and symptom flare (P = 0.004) and between complications and flare (P = 0.013). Kaplan-Meier test for flare was statistically significant (P = 0.006) after comparison of the 4 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of postoperative complications was similar for each type of surgery. However, en bloc excision and reconstruction by either primary closure or free flap was associated with a significantly decreased rate of symptom flare and a longer symptom-free period.

Infection and mortality of healthcare workers worldwide from COVID-19: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate COVID-19 infections and deaths in healthcare workers (HCWs) from a global perspective during the early phases of the pandemic. DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: Two parallel searches of academic bibliographic databases and grey literature were undertaken until 8 May 2020. Governments were also contacted for further information where possible. There were no restrictions on language, information sources used, publication status and types of sources of evidence. The AACODS checklist or the National Institutes of Health study quality assessment tools were used to appraise each source of evidence. OUTCOME MEASURES: Publication characteristics, country-specific data points, COVID-19-specific data, demographics of affected HCWs and public health measures employed. RESULTS: A total of 152 888 infections and 1413 deaths were reported. Infections were mainly in women (71.6%, n=14 058) and nurses (38.6%, n=10 706), but deaths were mainly in men (70.8%, n=550) and doctors (51.4%, n=525). Limited data suggested that general practitioners and mental health nurses were the highest risk specialities for deaths. There were 37.2 deaths reported per 100 infections for HCWs aged over 70 years. Europe had the highest absolute numbers of reported infections (119 628) and deaths (712), but the Eastern Mediterranean region had the highest number of reported deaths per 100 infections (5.7). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 infections and deaths among HCWs follow that of the general population around the world. The reasons for gender and specialty differences require further exploration, as do the low rates reported in Africa and India. Although physicians working in certain specialities may be considered high risk due to exposure to oronasal secretions, the risk to other specialities must not be underestimated. Elderly HCWs may require assigning to less risky settings such as telemedicine or administrative positions. Our pragmatic approach provides general trends, and highlights the need for universal guidelines for testing and reporting of infections in HCWs.

Linfedema escrotal masivo: Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Massive scrotal lymphedema: case report and literature review

El lindefema masivo localizado es una condición rara pero su incidencia se encuentra en aumento. El linfedema puede ser primario o secundario a infecciones, radioterapia, cirugías, cáncer, enfermedades del sistema inmune o a compresión. Algunos autores han sugerido un incremento en su incidencia debido a la epidemia de obesidad. El linfedema escrotal produce una morbilidad importante debido a mala higiene, infecciones, incontinencia urinaria, disfunción sexual, pérdida de la libido e inclusive limitación en la deambulación. Las opciones de tratamiento no quirúrgico de la linfedema incluyen el drenaje linfático manual, prendas de compresión, terapia física y ejercicio. Usualmente, el tratamiento conservador falla debido a la dificultad anatómica que presenta la región genital para la aplicación de dichas terapias. El tratamiento quirúrgico puede ser efectivo en casos graves y moderados. Existen diferentes variantes a la técnica quirúrgica, pero la resección del tejido afectado y la reconstrucción con tejido sano es primordial. El pronóstico de esta patología tiende a ser bueno; sin embargo, se reporta una alta tasa de recidiva.

Massive localized lymphedema is a rare but rising condition that could be primary in nature or secondary to infections, radiation, surgery, malignancies, autoimmune or compression. Some authors have suggested and increased incidence due to the raising epidemic of obesity. Scrotal lymphedema causes significant morbidity such as poor hygiene, infections, urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, loss of libido and a limited ambulation. Although non operative treatment options for lymphedema include manual lymph drainage, compression garments, exercises, sequential gradient pump. Usually, non-operative techniques fail due to the difficult in the anatomic area. Surgical treatment can be effective in moderate to severe cases of giant scrotal lymphedema. There are many variations of the surgical technique, however, resection of the affected tissue and reconstruction with healthy skin is primordial. The prognosis tends to be good, although there is reported a significant amount of relapse, mostly dependent on the weight lost and diet of the patients

Bilateral Forearm Transplantation in Mexico: 2-Year Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Patients with proximal forearm and arm transplantation have obtained and/or maintained function of the elbow joint and full active range of motion of the extrinsic muscles of the hand, but with diminished protective sensibility and a lack of good function of the intrinsic muscles. These patients have improved function, as measured by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire. METHODS: We report the case of a 52-year-old man who suffered a high-voltage electrical burn requiring amputation of his upper limbs. He underwent bilateral proximal forearm transplantation in Mexico City in May 2012. RESULTS: At 2-year follow-up, immunosuppressive treatment has not led to metabolic, oncologic, or infectious complications. Keloid scars developed at the graft-recipient interface. There have been 4 acute rejections: the fourth was treated with methylprednisolone, rituximab, and immunoglobulin. Chronic rejection has not been detected. The extrinsic muscles of the wrist and digits have good function. Although the intrinsic muscles demonstrated electrical activity 15 months postoperatively, clinically, they are nonuseful. After 2 years, hand function is sufficient to allow the patient to grasp lightweight and medium-sized objects. The patient's Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire score improved from 50.00 points to 30.83 points, and his Hand Transplantation Score System rating is good, at 69/73 (right/left) of 100. The patient and his family are very satisfied with the functional and aesthetic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Upper arm or proximal forearm transplantation is a reconstructive option for patients who have experienced amputation because of trauma.