Patient And Observer Scar Assessment Scale Research Articles

Patient's Scar Satisfaction after Conventional Thyroidectomy for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is the most frequent endocrine neoplasm. Its treatment is based on surgery with consequent impact on patients' quality of life (QoL) and aesthetic implication. The aim of the present study is to assess scar satisfaction in patients affected by DTC who underwent total or partial thyroidectomy. A comparison was also made between scar satisfaction with different subcuticular suture. Validated questionnaires have been employed during a 3-month follow-up: Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and the Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ). Eventually, the impact of thyroid cancer on QoL of patients was performed in the studied population employing the Thyroid-related patient-reported outcome questionnaire (ThyPRO) and European Organisation for Research Additionally, Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). It was conducted in a single center observational study considering 74 patients respecting inclusion criteria. Overall scar satisfaction was found to improve during follow-up, reaching the best scores at 3 months from surgery. Subcuticular suture does not seem to influence the scar satisfaction. In our study male patients seem to be more satisfied, on the other hand age does not seem to influence satisfaction. Overall, the ThyPRO questionnaire and EORTC QLQ-C30 scores did not statistically differ between preoperative and postoperative suggesting a small impact of DTC in QoL.

Comparison of health-related quality of life and cosmetic outcome between traditional gasless trans-axillary endoscopic thyroidectomy and modified gasless trans-axillary endoscopic thyroidectomy for patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

Gasless trans-axillary endoscopic thyroidectomy (GTET) has been proved to provide better cosmetic results; however, it has limitations as dissection of central neck lymph nodes is difficult. We developed a modified approach (MGTET-modified GTET) and compared it with the traditional one in terms of patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and cosmetic results in order to provide more convincing therapeutic results. Between January 2021 and June 2021, 100 cN0 patients who had a confirmed diagnosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma were randomized to undergo either MGTET (n = 50) or GTET (n = 50). These two groups' baseline characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative findings, were compared. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was determined 6 months after surgery. Thyroid Cancer-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire was used to assess HRQoL at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. M-GTET was associated with a larger number of lymph nodes dissected (p < 0.001), lower drainage volume (p < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (p < 0.001), and shorter axillary incision (p < 0.001). POSAS was more favorable in M-GTET. HRQoL was significantly better for MGTET in terms of less problems with scar (p < 0.001). Our study suggests that MGTET provides better therapeutic, cosmetic, and HRQoL outcomes.

52 Open-Label, Expanded-Access Study of a Bioengineered Allogeneic Cellularized Construct in Adults With Deep Partial-Thickness Burns

Abstract Introduction An FDA-approved bioengineered allogeneic cellularized construct (BACC) provides burn surgeons with an alternative treatment for deep partial-thickness (DPT) burns and may reduce the need for autografting. A phase 3b, open-label, single-arm, multicenter, expanded-access study (NCT04123548) evaluated safety and clinical outcomes of BACC treatment in adults with DPT thermal burns containing intact dermal elements. Methods Patients aged ≥18 years with 3% to &amp;lt; 50% total body surface area of partial-thickness ± full-thickness thermal burns were enrolled. A single application of up to 1:1 meshed BACC was applied to ≤3 burn areas on the torso or extremities (≤2000 cm2 area of BACC). Patients were followed for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was count and percentage of patients with treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Additional endpoints were patients and treatment sites with confirmed wound closure (complete re-epithelialization without drainage for 2 consecutive visits ≥2 weeks apart) of the BACC treatment site without autografting by Week 12; durable wound closure by Week 24; time to wound closure without autografting (determined by Kaplan-Meier estimate); scar evaluation using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS); and patients with wound infection-related events. The sample was not designed or sized to determine efficacy. Results Overall, 52 patients were enrolled. Pruritus was the most frequently reported TEAE (n=22 [42.3%]). There were 2 (3.8%) BACC-related TEAEs; both were pruritus and mild in severity. There were 20 serious AEs in 10 (19.2%) patients; none were related to BACC. No patients discontinued the study due to TEAEs. There were 4 (7.7%) deaths (aspiration, myocardial infarction, self-injury, and Gram-negative rod sepsis); none were related to BACC. Wound infection-related events occurred in 5 (9.6%) patients. Overall, 46 (88.5%) patients and 87 (90.6%) BACC-treated wounds did not require autografting. Half of patients achieved wound closure by Week 5. At Weeks 12 and 24, observer and patient total POSAS scores (mean ± SD) were 18.7 ± 8.08 and 18.8 ± 9.84, and 24.5 ± 11.0 and 20.2 ± 12.5, respectively. Wound closure of the BACC treatment site without autografting Conclusions There were no unexpected wound or BACC-related events. The safety of BACC supported its prescribing information. Patients treated with BACC achieved durable wound closure without autografting and thus showed expected clinical benefit in this population. The use of BACC in DPT burns in this study was donor-site sparing. Applicability of Research to Practice Treatment with BACC may offer a promising alternative to autografting for DPT burns.

Surgical Treatment for Chest "Lock" Keloid Using Autologous Split-Thickness Skin Grafting and Postoperative Radiotherapy.

The treatment of chest "lock" keloids is challenging due to skin defects and a high recurrence rate. Evaluation of the effectiveness of autologous split-thickness skin graft with local radiotherapy for treating chest "lock" keloids. Fifty-seven patients with chest "lock" keloids were treated from July 2018 to September 2020. The skin defects were closed with an autologous split-thickness skin graft (STSG) and vacuum sealing drainage. The donor and the recipient sites received the first session of radiotherapy 72 hours postoperation for 3 consecutive days. Patients underwent follow-up examinations 12 months after surgery. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was used to assess the treatment outcome. Except for the complaints of pain, which did not improve in the patients' assessments (p = .368), POSAS improved significantly after treatment (p < .0001). The cure rate (including cured and partially cured scars) was 100%. No keloid recurrence was observed during the follow-up period. The procedure of treating chest "lock" keloid by keloid debulking and autologous STSG followed by postoperational radiotherapy is a novel combined methodology for treating keloids.

A Comparison of Tissue Adhesive Material and Suture as Wound-Closure Techniques following Carpal Tunnel Decompression: A Single-Center Randomized Control Trial.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral neuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. The presented study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes by comparing two techniques of wound closure following carpal tunnel surgery in subjects randomized to the application of tissue adhesive or sutures. From April 2022 to December 2022, a single-center randomized prospective trial was conducted at the University Hospital of Split in Croatia. The study participants consisted of 100 patients (70 females) aged 61.56 ± 12.03 years, randomly assigned to suture-based wound closure (n = 50) or tissue adhesive-based wound closure (n = 50) with two-component skin adhesive Glubran Tiss 2®. The outcomes were assessed postoperatively during the follow-up period at intervals of 2, 6, and 12 weeks. A scar assessment was performed using the POSAS (Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale) and cosmetic VAS (Visual Analog Scale). The VNRS (Verbal Number Rating Scale) was used to assess pain. There were significant differences between glue-based wound closure and suture-based wound closure at 2-week and 6-week intervals after the surgery on the POSAS and cosmetic-VAS scales (better aesthetic effect with glue-based wound closure technique where noticed), with less postoperative pain at the same intervals. With the 12-week interval, differences in outcomes were insignificant. This trial demonstrated that cyanoacrylate-based adhesion mixtures might be possibly superior in the short term in terms of cosmetic appearance and discomfort compared to conventional skin suturing techniques for the closing of surgical wounds following open CTS decompression, but there was no difference between both procedures in the long term.

Evaluation of the Pinhole Method Using Carbon Dioxide Laser on Facial Telangiectasia.

Facial telangiectasias are small, dilated blood vessels frequently located on the face. They are cosmetically disfiguring and require an effective solution. We aimed to investigate the effect of the pinhole method using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to treat facial telangiectasias. This study included 155 facial telangiectasia lesions in 72 patients who visited the Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University. Treatment efficacy and improvement were evaluated by quantitative measurements performed by two trained evaluators who assessed the percentage of residual lesion length using the same tape measure. Lesions were evaluated before laser therapy and 1, 3, and 6 months after the first treatment. Based on the initial lesion length (100%), the average percentages of the residual length at 1, 3, and 6 months were 48.26% (p < 0.01), 4.25% (p < 0.01), and 1.41% (p < 0.01), respectively. Complications were evaluated using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The average POSAS scores improved from 46.09 at the first visit to 23.42 (p < 0.01), and 15.24 (p < 0.01) at the 3- and 6-month follow-up. No recurrence was noted at the 6-month follow-up. CO2 laser treatment using the pinhole method to treat facial telangiectasias is a safe, inexpensive, and effective treatment that provides patients with excellent aesthetic satisfaction.

Efficacy and safety of ablative CO2 fractional laser and narrowband intense pulsed light for the treatment of hypertrophic scars: a prospective, randomized controlled trial

Background and Objectives Hypertrophic scarring is a complex process, and numerous methods have been introduced to treat scars. This study aims to evaluate the effect of combined CO2 fractional laser and narrowband intense pulsed light (IPL) compared to IPL alone in the treatment of hypertrophic scars. Materials and Methods This was a prospective, randomized controlled study enrolled 138 patients with hypertrophic scars. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: CO2-IPL and IPL group, and received three sessions at 10–14-week intervals for 3-month follow-up. Two independent plastic surgeons evaluated the treatments using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scales (POSAS). Overall satisfaction was evaluated using the Patient Satisfaction Scale (PSS). Results 101 subjects completed the study. Compared to single IPL, the combination CO2-IPL group showed a significant improvement in itching, color, stiffness, thickness, and irregularity, except for pain, and an enhancement in vascularization, pigmentation, thickness, relief, and pliability of the scar, assessed by POSAS (p < .01). 100% patients in the combination group were satisfied compared to 84% in IPL alone. Conclusion The combination of CO2 fractional laser and narrowband IPL efficiently improved the appearance and profile of hypertrophic scars, offering a comprehensive and reliable approach for scar therapy.

Modified Colson flap with subcutaneous liposuction for one-stage donor site removal: A case series

The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional and cosmetic results of an innovative procedure for modified Colson flap-graft consisting of immediate defatting of the flap by a liposuction cannula. A cross-sectional study was performed among patients with deep hand burns requiring a modified Colson flap between 2018 and 2021. Outcomes included functional and cosmetic assessment of the hand through a quality-of-life questionnaire, a sensitivity scale and a scar assessment scale. During this period, 7 patients were operated on using our technique. One patient was lost to follow-up; 7 patients with a median age of 44 years were included, with a total of 10 burned hands. The burns were thermal in 5 out of 7 cases and the coverage concerned the whole hand in 50% of the cases. The flaps all received cannula defatting. The median time to flap weaning was 23 days (20 to 30 days). The median follow-up was 16 months. One case required remote flap weaning. The median POSAS (Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale) per patient was 4 and 2 per observer. The median BMRCSS (British Medical Research Council Sensory Scale) was 122. One case had recovered S2 sensitivity, the other cases had S3 or S4 sensitivity. Immediate defatting is one of the factors in tegumental quality allowing rapid functional recovery of the hand. The cannula defatting technique does not appear to require additional defatting time. The use of the liposuction cannula allows a one-step, homogeneous, and easier defatting, with a lower risk of devascularization.

Lower lip reconstruction using McGregor fan technique with or without depressor anguli oris chimeric flap. Is there a difference in function and aesthetic outcomes?

Lower lip reconstruction aims to maintain facial subunit function and aesthetics. We present a minor modification of the McGregor flap technique, in which depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is separately elevated as a chimeric flap together to investigate the outcomes for reconstructing lower lip defects using various functional parameters. The study included patients who underwent surgical repair of lower lip defects using a McGregor fan flap with or without DAO muscle chimeric flap between January 2018 and May 2021. The patients were divided into our modified technique with DAO chimeric flap (study group) and conventional McGregor (control group). The primary outcomes were functional evaluation of oral competency, speech intelligibility, and tactile sensation of reconstructed lip outcomes. The functional satisfaction and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) were analyzed. A total of 20 patients were enrolled (10 patients for each group). Excellent oral competence was present in 12 patients, favorably significant in patients with DAO chimeric flap (n = 8/10, p = 0.018). All patients had intelligible speech with insignificant differences between the two groups. No patients demonstrated differences to light touch from baseline sensation at 1 year. Patients in the study group reported more lip function satisfaction (p = 0.049). The POSAS score indicates satisfaction with the appearance of all patients. McGregor fan technique combined with DAO muscle chimeric flap offers a good choice by maintaining sensory and motor functions. Our minor modification can ensure the integrity of the oral sphincter, leading to improved lower lip function.

Surgical treatment of septic arthritis of the hip in children: arthrotomy compared with repeated aspiration-lavage.

To review two cohorts of children treated by two different protocols (repeated needle aspiration-lavage vs. arthrotomy) for surgical treatment of septic arthritis of the hip (SAH). In order to compare between the two methods, the following parameters were checked: (a) Scar cosmesis was assessed by the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). We considered satisfactory results (no scar discomfort) when POSAS was within 10% of the ideal score; (b) 24-h post-operative pain was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS); (c) Complication rates of incomplete drainage (re-arthrotomy/therapy modification from aspiration-lavage to arthrotomy). The results were evaluated by the Student t-test or by the chi-square test. Seventy-nine children (aged 2-14years) admitted during 2009-2018 and available for at least twoyears of follow-up were enrolled. The POSAS score (range 12-120 points) at the latest follow-up was higher in the arthrotomy group compared with the aspiration-lavage group (18.10 ± 6.22 versus 12.27 ± 1.40, p < 0.001); 77.4% of patients treated by arthrotomy had no scar discomfort. The 24-h post-intervention VAS (range 1-10) was 5.06 ± 1.29 after arthrotomy and 4.03 ± 1.13 after aspiration-lavage, p < 0.04. Complications were three times more frequent in the aspiration-lavage group (8.8% in the arthrotomy group and 26.7% in the aspiration-lavage group, p = 0.045). We conclude that the lower complication rate observed in the arthrotomy group outweighs by far scar cosmesis and post-operative pain advantages in the aspiration-lavage group. Arthrotomy as a drainage method is safer than aspiration-lavage.

Mid-Term Follow-Up Study of Children Undergoing Autologous Skin Transplantation for Burns

Deep partial and full-thickness burns require surgical treatment with autologous skin grafts after necrectomy, which is the generally accepted way to achieve permanent wound coverage. This study sought to examine the grafted and donor areas of children who underwent autologous skin transplantation, using two assessment scales to determine the severity of the scarring and the cosmetic outcome during long-term follow-up. At the Surgical Unit of the Department of Paediatrics of the University of Pécs, between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019, children who had been admitted consecutively and received autologous skin transplantation were analyzed. Twenty patients met the inclusion criteria in this retrospective cohort study. The authors assessed the results using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). There was a significant difference in how parents and examiners perceived the children's scars. In the evaluation of the observer scale, the most critical variables for the area of skin grafted were relief and thickness. Besides color, relief was the worst clinical characteristic on the patient scale. However, when medical professionals evaluated the donor site, significantly better results were obtained compared to the transplanted area (average observer scale score: 1.4 and 2.35, p = 0.001; VSS: 0.85 vs. 2.60, p < 0.001), yet it was similar to the graft site in the parents' opinion (Patient Scale: 2.95 and 4.45, p = 0.181).

From qualitative data to a measurement instrument: A clarification and elaboration of choices made in the development of the Patient Scale of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) 3.0

PurposeTo clarify and elaborate on the choices that were made in the development of the Patient Scale of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale 3.0 (POSAS 3.0), based upon the rich information obtained from patients during focus groups and pilot tests. MethodsThe discussions described in this paper are a reflection of the focus group study and pilot tests that were conducted in order to develop the Patient Scale of the POSAS3.0. The focus groups took place in the Netherlands and Australia and included 45 participants. Pilot tests were performed with 15 participants in Australia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. ResultsWe discussed the selection, wording and merging of 17 included items. Additionally, the reason for exclusion of 23 characteristics are given. ConclusionBased upon the unique and rich material of patient input obtained, two versions of the Patient Scale of the POSAS3.0 were developed: the Generic version, and the Linear scar version. The discussions and decisions taken during the development are informative for a good understanding of the POSAS 3.0 and are indispensable as a background for future translations and cross-cultural adaptations.

Aesthetic Results, Functional Outcome and Radiographic Analysis in THA by Direct Anterior, Bikini and Postero-Lateral Approach: Is It Worth the Hassle?

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be performed by several approaches such as direct anterior (DAA), direct lateral (DL) and postero-lateral (PL). Our study was conducted to compare among different approaches, such as DAA, bikini (BK) and PL, the aesthetic impact of the scar, differences in the position of prosthetic components and differences in functional rehabilitation outcomes. Materials and methods: Population, composed by 240 patients, was collected among patients treated for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2021 and divided by surgical approach. Of these, 160 female patients were included in the current analysis, leaving 58 DAA, 52 BK patients and 50 PL patients. Demographic and clinical parameters were retrospectively collected: age, BMI, time of surgery, length of stay, Harris Hip Score (HHS) before and after surgery at 6 months and patient, intra/post-surgical complications and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Results and Discussion: Our results showed a better aesthetical result in BK group compared to DAA group and faster rehabilitation with the DAA compared to PL. Optimal cup positioning was reached both in PL approach and DAA approach. DAA showed no increase in complications compared to PL approach and offered a faster recovery. Bikini approach is an alternative to the standard DAA approach and can be proposed for patients where a better aesthetic result is desired in addition to better functional recover.

Efficacy and safety of stromal vascular fraction on scar revision surgery: a prospective study

BackgroundCell-based therapies are popular in the field of reconstructive surgery. The stromal vascular fraction (SVF), comprised of mature adipocytes or blood, reportedly has a regenerative effect; however the mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to prove the viability and effectiveness of using SVF in scar treatment.MethodsThis prospective double-blind study involved 20 patients who visited an outpatient clinic for 2 years, from July 2016 to July 2018, and underwent scar revision for traumatic or surgical scars. After scar revision surgery performed by a single surgeon, patient scars were divided into experimental and control sides. The subcutaneous layer of the experimental and control sides were injected with 0.1 mL/cm of SVF and normal saline, respectively. Each side was evaluated using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) before and six months after the surgery.ResultsOf the 20 patients who underwent scar revision surgery and SVF treatment, 4 dropped out for personal reasons. In 11 of 12 POSAS items, the experimental side showed significant improvements compared to the control side.ConclusionsAlthough more research is needed, autologous SVF is a valuable source of regenerative medicine that can be swiftly and inexpensively prepared from human fat tissue.

An Observational Study Comparing Hybrid Transvaginal Notes and Four-Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

Recently, a great interest has arisen in hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery-cholecystectomy (NOTES-C). It has the potential to causeless postoperative pain and may offer better cosmesis over conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). A total of 112 females who underwent conventional cholecystectomy were compared with 108 patients of hybrid transvaginal NOTES-cholecystectomy (TV NOTES-C). We compared intraoperative factors, postoperative pain, the analgesic requirement at different intervals, duration of hospital stay, and time to return to normal activities. In addition, cosmesis and patient satisfaction were assessed at four weeks. Postoperative pain and analgesic requirement were less in the hybrid TV NOTES-C group (p<0.001 at 95% CI). Hybrid TV NOTES-C patients were discharged more frequently within 12 hours (27.5% versus 1.8%; p<0.001) and returned faster (2.22 versus 4.62 days; p<0.001) to normal activities.Cosmetic results and short-term quality of life as assessed by the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) and short form-36 (SF-36) scores, respectively, were better in the hybrid TV NOTES-C group (p<0.001 at 95% CI). Hybrid TV NOTES-C is associated with reduced postoperative analgesic requirements, faster return to normal activities, better cosmesis, and patient satisfaction compared to conventional four-port cholecystectomy.

Staged Management of Severe Postburn Contracture of Elbow and KneeA Prospective Interventional Study

Introduction: Long-standing burns at major joints like the elbow and knee often lead to contractures, despite of best treatments and their management poses a great challenge owing to underlying contracted tendons, neurovascular bundle, and joint ligaments. Attempts at release and correction of contractures may lead to injury to the adjacent neurovascular structures. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of staged release as a means of definitive treatment of severe burn contracture. Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted on 30 patients in the Department of Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, India, from December 2018 to December 2020. In the first stage, the maximum excisional release of contracture was done, avoiding any stretching of the neurovascular bundle, then bedside graded traction was applied at the joint until the complete release of contracture was observed. The resultant raw area was covered with a split-thickness skin graft in the second stage. The collected data included- site and side of the contracture, cause of initial burn, Improvement in flexion arc (in degrees), duration of splintage after surgical release, complications and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Paired t-tests were performed to analyse changes in preoperative versus postoperative measurements. Results: Eighteen cases of knee contractures and 12 cases of elbow contractures were included in the study. Among the patients that were analysed, 17 were females and 13 were males, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.3:1. The age range was 18-50 years, with a mean age of 36±8.79 years. The mean Range Of Motion (ROM) of elbow contracture with a severe degree of contracture improved from 25% of functional ROM to 124.29% at 6 months postoperatively. Similarly, the mean ROM of knee contracture with a severe degree of contracture improved from 25.76% of functional ROM to 102.58% at 6 months postoperatively. For both elbow and knee contracture cases the differences in mean ROM were statistically significant with all p-values &lt;0.05. The average time at which the patients reported to the hospital, after developing contracture was 36.8 months, and it ranged from 24 months to 62 months. According to POSAS patient scale, the overall score was 6 and 5 for the elbow and knee respectively and the POSAS observer scale overall score was 6 for both the elbow and knee, respectively. Conclusion: The staged release procedure applied in the present study was an effective way of dealing with long-standing contractures with minimal complications.

Using Zhang's supertension-relieving suture technique with slowly-absorbable barbed sutures in the management of pathological scars: a multicenter retrospective study.

An ideal tension-relieving suture should be efficient for >3months to retrieve normal tensile strength. Most preexisting suturing techniques provided tension elimination followed by relapse and scar proliferation due to absorption and cut-through of the sutures. This study introduces a simple but effective suture technique developed by a senior author (ZYX) to solve this problem. A total of 120 patients with pathological scar (PS) had intervention treatment with the proposed suturing strategy at three centers from January 2018 to January 2021. A slowly absorbable 2-0 barbed suture was used for subcutaneous tension relieving with a set-back from the wound edge and a horizontal interval between proposed inserting points of 1cm. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), scar width, perfusion and eversion of the wound edge were evaluated at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up. The time needed to place the tension-relieving suture was recorded and relapse was monitored for 18months postoperatively. In total, 76 trunks, 32 extremities and 12 cervical PS were included, with an average subcutaneous tension-relieving suture time of 5min. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) score decreased from 84.70 ± 7.06 preoperatively to 28.83 ± 3.09, 26.14 ± 1.92 and 24.71 ± 2.00 at 3, 6 and 12months postoperatively, respectively (p < 0.0001). The scar widths were 0.17 ± 0.08, 0.25 ± 0.09 and 0.33 ± 0.10cm, respectively, with perfusion significantly decreased from 213.64 ± 14.97 to 112.23 ± 8.18 at 6months (p < 0.0001). The wound edge flattened out during the first 3months in most cases with only two scar relapses. Zhang's suture technique provides a rapid and long-lasting tension-relieving effect with ideal scar appearances and lower relapse rates in the surgical management of PS.

The effectiveness of negative-pressure wound therapy for wound healing after stoma reversal: a randomized control study.

The purse-string closure (PSC) method is used for skin closure after stoma reversal to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs). However, PSC requires a longer healing period than primary closure. The application of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) may reduce the healing period of many wound types. This study aimed to investigate whether the application of NPWT promotes wound healing after the PSC method for stoma reversal. This study was a randomized controlled study. Patients who had undergone stoma reversal surgery were randomized to receive NPWT or simple dressing after surgery. The primary outcome was a complete wound-healing period. We also investigated SSI, hospital stay, total cost, and the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) as secondary outcomes. A total of 36 patients were randomized into 2 groups. The median wound healing period was shorter in the NPWT group than in the control group (17.5 days [range, 11-24 days] vs. 21.5 days [range, 14-41 days], P = 0.006). SSI rate and hospital stay did not differ between the groups. However, the number of dressings was lower in the NPWT group than in the control group (5 [range, 3-7] vs. 17 [range, 10-30], P < 0.001). The total cost for dressing was comparable between the groups. The POSAS was not different between the groups. This study revealed that NPWT application after PSC for stoma reversal site is effective in reducing the wound healing period compared to simple dressing, without increasing SSI and total cost.

Comparison of Scar Quality using Polyglactin and Polyamide Suture Materials for Closure of Nasolabial Flap Donor Site Defects in Patients with Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Research Protocol

Introduction: Scar formation is an unavoidable sequelae of any surgical procedure. The goal is to produce fine scars with the least complications. Literature mentions various surgical factors that may lead to better quality of scars, one of which is the type of suture material used. Few studies exist in the literature that have compared the quality of scars after placement of polyglactin and polyamide sutures. Additionally, no studies have been done to compare the quality of scars following reconstruction with nasolabial flaps in patients with oral submucous fibrosis. Need for the study: This study will help evaluate and establish the healing outcomes in nasolabial flaps in the form of scars after placing subcutaneous 4-0 polyglactin (VICRYL™ ETHICON) and 4-0 polyamide (ETILONTM ETHICON) sutures. This will eventually lead to minimal tissue reaction and more aesthetic scars with fewer complications. Aim: To evaluate and compare the quality of scars postreconstruction with nasolabial flaps with subcutaneous polyglactin sutures and subcutaneous polyamide sutures. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective randomised triple-blinded trial which will be conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital (SPDCH), Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, India. The trial will take place from July 2023 to June 2024. A total of 15 subjects with grade C Oral and Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF), who will undergo fibrotomy followed by reconstruction of bilateral nasolabial flaps, will be enrolled in the trial. Suturing of one side of the flap will be done using 4-0 polyglactin (VICRYL™ ETHICON) suture subcutaneously, and the other side will use 4-0 polyamide (Ethilon™ ETHICON) suture subcutaneously. The scar tissues will be periodically evaluated at one week, one month, and three months postoperative period to assess the healing outcomes and overall aesthetic appearance using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) using Chi-square test and Student’s t-test.

The Efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light in the Treatment of Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars.

Introduction: Different therapies have been applied to keloids and hypertrophic scars. Intense pulsed light (IPL) has recently been used but the evidence is limited. This study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of IPL as monotherapy for keloids and hypertrophic scars. Methods: This was a before-and-after interventional study on 16 patients with 50 scars who underwent IPL. Seven scars receive one IPL session, seven received two sessions, and 36 received three sessions. Outcomes were evaluated by the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), scar ultrasound, colorimeter for pigmentation and erythema, and side effects. Results: After the treatment, most outcomes significantly improved except that the pigmentation of the scars did not change. Scar thickness significantly reduced by nearly 10% after the first IPL session, 15% after the second session, and>20% after the third session. All side effects were mild with crust (33.3-46%), blisters (8.3-40%), and hyperpigmentation around the scar (0-14%); the pain was moderate as assessed by the patients. Conclusion: IPL is a safe and effective treatment for keloids and hypertrophic scars. More studies are required to confirm our results.