Poor Healing Rates Research Articles

The Relation of Preoperative HbA1c Level With Intraoperative and Postoperative Complications in Type-2 Diabetic Patients: An Observational Study.

Background Perioperative dysglycemia increases morbidity and mortality, particularlyamong those with diabetes mellitus (DM), and elevated HbA1clevels,reflecting long-term blood glucose, are linked to poor healing and higher infection rates. This study investigates the link between preoperative HbA1c levels and perioperative outcomes in type-2 DM patients. Methodology This prospective observational study was conducted in India between January 2021 and April 2022. Sixty patients aged 18-60 with type-2 DM who underwent electivesurgery under general anesthesia (GA) were included; the American Society of Anesthesiologists class >III and patients with severe organ failures were excluded. Participants were divided into two groups: A (HbA1c ≤7.5%) and B (HbA1c >7.5%). Data on preoperative vitals, intraoperative hemodynamics, and postoperative complications were collected. SPSS v23 was used for data analysis; p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results The mean age of the participants was 48.22 years; males comprised 58.3%. Group A had a higher proportion of oral hypoglycemic agents. Group B showed higher maximum mean blood pressure and intraoperative blood sugar levels at one hour. Postoperatively, Group B had higher glucose levels, more prevalent hyperglycemia, and higher preoperative and postoperative blood urea levels. No significant differences were found in postoperative outcomes like acute kidney injury (AKI), leukocytopenia, leucocytosis, fever, and intensive care admission. Surgical site infection (SSI) incidence was higher in group B, though not statistically significant. Group B had more extended hospital stays. Conclusion Preoperative HbA1c above 7.5% was associated with impaired perioperative glycemic control and higher dysglycemic episodes. Higher preoperative HbA1c was found to be linked to increased postoperative hyperglycemia, AKI, intensive care admissions, and more extended hospital stays, though not statistically significant. SSI incidence was higher, highlighting its importance over preoperative HbA1c.

Bioinspired Mild Photothermal Effect-Reinforced Multifunctional Fiber Scaffolds Promote Bone Regeneration.

Bone fractures are often companied with poor bone healing and high rates of infection. Early recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is critical for initiating efficient bone repair, and mild thermal stimulation can accelerate the recovery of chronic diseases. Here, a bioinspired, staged photothermal effect-reinforced multifunctional scaffold was fabricated for bone repair. Uniaxially aligned electrospun polycaprolactone nanofibers were doped with black phosphorus nanosheets (BP NSs) to endow the scaffold with excellent near-infrared (NIR) responsive capability. Apt19S was then decorated on the surface of the scaffold to selectively recruit MSCs toward the injured site. Afterward, microparticles of phase change materials loaded with antibacterial drugs were also deposited on the surface of the scaffold, which could undergo a solid-to-liquid phase transition above 39 °C, triggering the release of payload to eliminate bacteria and prevent infection. Under NIR irradiation, photothermal-mediated up-regulation of heat shock proteins and accelerated biodegradation of BP NSs could promote the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs and biomineralization. Overall, this strategy shows the ability of bacteria elimination, MSCs recruitment, and bone regeneration promotion with the assistance of photothermal effect in vitro and in vivo, which emphasizes the design of a bioinspired scaffold and its potential for a mild photothermal effect in bone tissue engineering.

Amination of Polymeric Braid Structures to Improve Tendon Healing: An Experimental Comparison

AbstractSeveral polymers are researched for tendon repair as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactic acid (PLA). These are biocompatible and useful in scaffolding repair though with minimal success due to long‐term failure. There is a need to improve such scaffolds' design and physical–chemical nature. This work concerns surface functionalization of polymeric braids (PET and PLA) that fulfill the high mechanical demands of tissues such as tendons. The functionalization aims to incorporate amine groups in the braids' surface, improve cell adhesion, and consequently, the poor healing rate of these tissues and the biointegration of the braids. Two approaches are compared: the direct application of NH3 plasma and the surface grafting of EDA after O2 plasma activation. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shows that amine groups are effectively introduced onto the samples' surfaces. Besides, the plasma parameters chosen do not compromise the topography and tensile behavior of the braids. Resazurin assay and scanning electron microscopy show that the NH3 treatment improves cell–biomaterial interaction as improved cell adhesion and proliferation are observed. Both approaches are safe for biomedical applications. The NH3 plasma approach is more environmentally friendly, faster, and easier to scale‐up, showing potential for application in the final hybrid medical device.

174. Clinical significance of C1-C2 bone mineral density using quantitated computer tomography

174. Clinical significance of C1-C2 bone mineral density using quantitated computer tomography

Simplified dressing change after loose combined cutting seton surgery for high anal fistula: a prospective, single center randomized controlled study.

High anal fistula (HAF) is a refractory infectious disease. Surgery is the most effective way to treat HAF. Dressing change is an indispensable part of the rehabilitation process after surgery. The purpose of this study is to provide feasibility and evidence of safety for the implementation of a simplified dressing change after loose combined cutting seton (LCCS) surgery and to offer a better method for clinical treatment and postoperative rehabilitation of HAF. In this single-blind randomized controlled trial, 76 patients diagnosed with HAF will be randomly divided into two groups: the simplified dressing change group (n=38) or the traditional debridement and dressing change group (n=38). Compared with traditional debridement and dressing change, simplified dressing change was conducted without mechanical debridement and disinfection. All patients were treated surgically with the LCCS and dressing change. Postoperative follow-up will be carried out on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 180th day after the operation. The primary outcomes will be: complete healing rate of wound and fistula, long-term recurrence rate, poor wound healing rate, and complete wound healing time. The following secondary outcomes will be evaluated: postoperative pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS) score, wound secretions, edema, granulation shape, depth of wound, duration of each dressing change, and incidence of adverse events. Dressing change after HAF surgery is a necessary stage of recovery after anorectal surgery. Effective dressing change can reduce false healing and increase the cure rate. However, traditional dressing change takes a long time, and the patient endures severe pain. We have found that the dressing change process can be simplified in the clinic for patients treated with LCCS. In particular, simplification of the dressing change process may be related to the unobstructed drainage provided by the combination of LCCS and the separation of the dotted line. We will treat HAF using LCCS and compare the simplified dressing change method after the operation with traditional routine debridement and dressing change to demonstrate whether the simplified dressing change can be used in patients with HAF treated with LCCS. ChiCTR2100047312.

A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY ON NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF ELDERLY POPULATION IN A RURALAREA OF WEST BENGAL USING MNA SCREENING TOOL.

Malnutrition, or under nutrition, is a frequent and often unrecognized problem in older adults. It can result in immune dysfunction; poor wound healing, anaemia, longer hospitalization and higher readmission rates, delayed recovery from surgery and a higher rate of mortality. Current statistics for the elderly in India gives a prelude to a new set of medical, social, and economic problems that could arise if a timely initiative in this direction is not taken by the program managers and policy makers. A community based observational, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the elderly people residing at Banspole sub-centre area to nd out their nutritional status. Geriatric people who were the permanent resident of the study area for at least six months were included in the study. A proforma was used to collect the baseline information of the study subjects and details of factors inuencing nutrition status. Mini nutritional assessment (MNA) tool was used to assess nutritional status of 2 elderly. 300 elderly patients were included in this study with an average age of 77.29 ± 6.97 years and BMI of 23.67 ± 3.49 kg/m . Age, literacy and nancial status were found to be signicantly associated with malnutrition. Geriatric nutritional assessment should be integrated into a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Regular assessment of the nutritional status among elderly followed by early interventions will improve the health outcomes, prevents the onset of disability, improves quality of life and saves healthcare costs.

Arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction of the shoulder: a narrative review.

Irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCTs) in young and considerably active patients are difficult to treat because it is mostly associated with poor outcome which may lead to a painful and dysfunctional shoulder. Most of the IRCTs are encountered in massive size rotator cuff tears which associated with high failure rate following surgical repair. Thus, the IRCTs was considered challenging for its poor healing rate following repair which may induce the arthritic changes. Since the advent of arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) of the shoulder in 2013, it has gained its popularity. The procedure has become the most popular option for joint-preserving shoulder surgery for patients with IRCTs. It works by providing a static restraint to the superior humeral head migration to optimize the rotator cuff force couples, hence improving joint kinematics. The acceptance of superior capsular reconstruction has made it rapidly evolving in terms of a wider variety of procedures and broader surgical indications. Despite the enthusiasm and widely acceptance towards the procedure, there are still many queries that exist regarding the best indications, surgical technique particularly graft of choice, the long-term outcome, and the complication and risk of the superior capsular reconstruction (SCR). This narrative review provide the current evidence of SCR in an attempt to provide a state-of-the-art knowledge.

An evaluation of the bacteriostatic effect of platelet-rich plasma.

Chronic wounds are a considerable health burden with high morbidity and poor rates of healing. Colonisation of chronic wounds by bacteria can be a significant factor in their poor healing rate. These bacteria can develop antibiotic resistance over time and can lead to wound infections, systemic illness, and occasionally amputation. When a large number of micro‐organisms colonise wounds, they can lead to biofilm formation, which are self‐perpetuating colonies of bacteria closed within an extracellular matrix, which are poorly penetrated by antibiotics. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood product rich in growth factors and cytokines that are involved in an inflammatory response. PRP can be injected or applied to a wound as a topical gel, and there is some interest regarding its antimicrobial properties and whether this can improve wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro bacteriostatic effect of PRP. PRP was collected from healthy volunteers and processed into two preparations: activated PRP—activated with calcium chloride and ethanol; inactivated PRP. The activity of each preparation against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis was evaluated against a control by three experiments: bacterial kill assay to assess planktonic bacterial growth; plate colony assay to assess bacterial colony growth; and colony biofilm assay to assess biofilm growth. Compared with control, both preparations of PRP significantly inhibited growth of planktonic S aureus and S epidermis. Activated PRP reduced planktonic bacterial concentration more than inactivated PRP in both bacteria. Both PRP preparations significantly reduced bacterial colony counts for both bacteria when compared with control; however, there was no difference between the two. There was no difference found between biofilm growth in either PRP against control or against the other preparation. This study demonstrates that PRP does have an inhibitory effect on the growth of common wound pathogens. Activation may be an important factor in increasing the antimicrobial effect of PRP. However, we did not find evidence of an effect against more complex bacterial colonies.

Preliminary Clinical Evaluation Using a Novel Bioengineered Wound Product to Treat Lower Extremity Ulcers.

Diabetes mellitus affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, each of which have up to a 25% risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) during their lifetime. With poor DFU healing rates using standard of care, advanced treatments are introduced to attempt to close the wound. The objective of this preliminary clinical evaluation was to evaluate lower extremity ulcers treated with a novel bioengineered wound product (BWP). The BWP, a solid absorbable and conformable sheet composed of gelatin, Manuka honey, and hydroxyapatite, was applied on 12 patients with lower extremity ulcers. The patients in this evaluation spanned across 4 sites and had complicated medical histories, including little to no progression of healing with standard of care or treatment with other biomaterials. The ulcers were treated with debridement, BWP placement, dressing, appropriate compression, and offloading as necessary. Weekly follow-up visits were recommended for evaluation, debridement, and BWP reapplication. Nine patients had the BWP applied to aid in full closure. These patients achieved 100% closure within 8 weeks, with a mean closure time of 4.1 weeks. At 4 weeks, the mean percent wound closure was 94%. Three patients had the BWP applied to aid in achieving a healthy wound bed for continued treatment (eg, splitthickness skin graft) and to cover (epithelialization over) an exposed tendon. In all 12 cases, no treatment site infections were observed. The results and observations from this preliminary clinical evaluation suggest that the BWP supports rapid wound closure, a predictor of complete healing for DFUs.

Engineered Cell Sheets for the Effective Delivery of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Tendon-to-Bone Healing

Background: Efforts are being made to treat rotator cuff tears (RCTs) that exhibit poor healing and high retear rates. Tendon-to-bone healing using mesenchymal stem cells is being explored, but research is needed to establish effective delivery options. Purpose: To evaluate the effects of an adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) sheet on mesenchymal stem cell delivery for tendon-to-bone healing of a chronic RCT in rats and to demonstrate that ADSC sheets enhance tendon-to-bone healing. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Mesenchymal stem cells were obtained from rat adipose tissue, and a cell sheet was prepared using a temperature-responsive dish. To evaluate the efficacy of stem cells produced in a sheet for the lesion, the experiment was conducted with 3 groups: repair group, cell sheet transplantation after repair group, and cell sheet–only group. Histological, biomechanical, and micro–computed tomography (micro-CT) results were compared among the groups. Results: Hematoxylin and eosin staining for histomorphological analysis revealed that the cell sheet transplantation after repair group (5.75 ± 0.95) showed statistically significant higher scores than the repair (2.75 ± 0.50) and cell sheet–only (3.25 ± 0.50) groups (P < .001). On safranin O staining, the cell sheet transplantation after repair group (0.51 ± 0.04 mm2) had a larger fibrocartilage area than the repair (0.31 ± 0.06 mm2) and cell sheet–only (0.32 ± 0.03 mm2) groups (P = .001). On micro-CT, bone volume/total volume values were significantly higher in the cell sheet transplantation after repair group (23.98% ± 1.75%) than in the other groups (P < .039); there was no significant difference in the other values. On the biomechanical test, the cell sheet transplantation after repair group (4 weeks after repair) showed significantly higher results than the other groups (P < .005). Conclusion: Our study shows that engineered stem cells are a clinically feasible stem cell delivery tool for rotator cuff repair. Clinical Relevance: This laboratory study provides evidence that ADSCs are effective in repairing RCTs, which are common sports injuries.

Factors Influencing the Reparability and Healing Rates of Rotator Cuff Tears.

To discuss tear- and patient-related factors that influence the healing potential of rotator cuff tears and to clarify the terminology surrounding this topic. Over the last few years, further insight has been gained regarding rotator cuff tear features that are associated with poor healing rates after rotator cuff repair. Some of these features have been incorporated in prediction models developed to accurately predict rotator cuff healing rates utilizing preoperative risk factors weighted by importance. Rotator cuff tears may be considered functionally irreparable based on their size, chronicity, absence of adequate tendon length, atrophy, and fatty infiltration. Furthermore, advanced age, use of tobacco products, diabetes, and other patient-related factors may impair tendon healing. Careful analysis and discussion of all these factors with patients is essential to determine if surgical repair of a rotator cuff tear should be recommended, or if it is best to proceed with one of the several salvage procedures reviewed in this topical collection, including augmentation of the repair, superior capsular reconstruction, tendon transfers, and other.

Revolutionising the wound care pathway for patients with lower limb wounds

Lower limb ulceration is common and costly, with evidence of variation in practice and under-use of evidence-based care. This has resulted in poor healing rates and exacerbated costs. Commissioning to achieve better organised care that supports early delivery of evidence-based interventions is needed to improve the management of this very common condition in community and primary care.

Cohort study evaluating management of burns in the community in clinical practice in the UK: costs and outcomes

ObjectiveTo evaluate health outcomes, resource use and corresponding costs attributable to managing burns in clinical practice, from initial presentation, among a cohort of adults in the UK.DesignRetrospective cohort analysis of...

Lunate fracture healing after partial capitate shortening in Kienböck disease

BackgroundIt is unclear whether lunate fracture types in Kienböck disease correlate with the degree of fracture healing. This study aimed to review the clinical results of stage 3 Kienböck disease treated using partial capitate shortening (PCS) and to evaluate the healing rates of lunate fractures based on the fracture types. MethodsTwenty-three patients were clinically and radiographically followed up for >2 years after PCS. The preoperative location and postoperative healing of the lunate fracture were evaluated using plain radiography, computed tomography, and/or magnetic resonance imaging. Results were evaluated using the Kienböck scoring system by Nakamura. ResultsPCS was clinically effective, demonstrating excellent and good results in 11 and 11 patients, respectively. Pain evaluated using the visual analog scale, wrist extension, flexion motion, and grip strength significantly improved postoperatively (p < 0.01). Fractures were preoperatively detected in all 23 cases. Fracture locations were preoperatively classified into five subtypes based on radiographs: volar pole in five patients, dorsal pole in three, coronal in five, transverse in nine, and ulnar in one. The overall union rate of the lunate fracture was 48%, whereas none of the coronal fractures healed. ConclusionsPCS was effective in treating stage 3 Kienböck disease. Coronal lunate fractures had a poor healing rate relative to those of the other fracture types. Study designClinical, retrospective study.

Reduced Myogenic and Increased Adipogenic Differentiation Capacity of Rotator Cuff Muscle Stem Cells.

Fat accumulation commonly occurs in chronically torn rotator cuff muscles, and increased fat within the rotator cuff is correlated with poor clinical outcomes. The extent of lipid deposition is particularly pronounced in injured rotator cuff muscles compared with other commonly injured muscles such as the gastrocnemius. Satellite cells, which are a tissue-resident muscle stem-cell population, can differentiate into fat cells. We hypothesized that satellite cells from the rotator cuff have greater intrinsic adipogenic differentiation potential than do gastrocnemius satellite cells, and this difference is due to variations in epigenetic imprinting between the cells. Satellite cells from gastrocnemius and rotator cuff muscles of mice were cultured in adipogenic media, and the capacity to differentiate into mature muscle cells and adipogenic cells was assessed (n ≥ 9 plates per muscle group). We also performed DNA methylation analysis of gastrocnemius and rotator cuff satellite cells to determine whether epigenetic differences were present between the 2 groups (n = 5 mice per group). Compared with the gastrocnemius, satellite cells from the rotator cuff had a 23% reduction in myogenic differentiation and an 87% decrease in the expression of the differentiated muscle cell marker MRF4 (myogenic regulatory factor 4). With respect to adipogenesis, rotator cuff satellite cells had a 4.3-fold increase in adipogenesis, a 12-fold increase in the adipogenic transcription factor PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma), and a 65-fold increase in the adipogenic marker FABP4 (fatty-acid binding protein 4). Epigenetic analysis identified 355 differentially methylated regions of DNA between rotator cuff and gastrocnemius satellite cells, and pathway enrichment analysis suggested that these regions were involved with lipid metabolism and adipogenesis. Satellite cells from rotator cuff muscles have reduced myogenic and increased adipogenic differentiation potential compared with gastrocnemius muscles. There appears to be a cellular and genetic basis behind the generally poor rates of rotator cuff muscle healing. The reduced myogenic and increased adipogenic capacity of rotator cuff satellite cells is consistent with the increased fat content and poor muscle healing rates often observed for chronically torn rotator cuff muscles. For patients undergoing rotator cuff repair, transplantation of autologous satellite cells from other muscles less prone to fatty infiltration may improve clinical outcomes.

LEV 7. Location of Venous Leg Ulcer as a Predictor of Poor Healing

There are several factors that influence venous hypertension, which can result in disagreement in the literature regarding risk factors for delayed wound healing. The objective of this study was to identify whether the locations of venous leg ulcers (VLUs) can be an independent risk factor for determining a poor healing rate compared with other common risk factors. We performed a single-center retrospective review of patients diagnosed and treated with VLUs from 2013 through 2017. Those who had a complete medical record with photographic confirmation were included; patients with arterial and severe lymphatic disease were excluded. Ulcer location was divided into four regions: internal supramalleolar, internal inframalleolar, external supramalleolar, and external inframalleolar. Other risk factors were analyzed. The etiology of venous hypertension was also considered. A good healing rate was defined by a 30% reduction at week 4. The healing times for individual factors were compared with Kaplan-Meier method curves and the log-rank test, with a P value of < .05 necessary for statistical significance. There were 160 ulcers in 102 patients eligible for analysis. Ulcer location was 50% internal supramalleolar, 20% internal inframalleolar, 15% external supramalleolar, and 15% external inframalleolar. Location other than internal supramalleolar was identified with delayed healing (P = .04). Age, body mass index, size, and time with ulcer were not found to be risk factors. The location of VLUs outside of the internal supramalleolar area can be considered an independent risk factor for delayed healing.

Antenatal maternal education for improving postnatal perineal healing for women who have birthed in a hospital setting.

The female perineum becomes suffused and stretched during pregnancy, and further strain during vaginal childbirth contributes to approximately 85% of women experiencing some degree of trauma to the perineal region. Multiple factors play a role in the type and severity of trauma experienced, including parity, delivery method, and local practices. There is ongoing debate about best midwifery practice to reduce perineal trauma. Once perineal trauma has occurred, treatment also varies greatly, depending on its degree and severity, local practice and customs, and personal preference. In order to optimise wound-healing outcomes, it is important that wounds are assessed and managed in an appropriate and timely manner. A perineal wound may cause significant physical and/or psychological impact in the short or long term, however little evidence is available on this subject.Antenatal education serves to prepare women and their partners for pregnancy, delivery and the postpartum period. The delivery of this education varies widely in type, content, and nature. This review examined antenatal education which is specifically tailored towards perineal care and wound healing in the postnatal period via formal channels. Appropriate patient education positively impacts on wound-healing rates and compliance with wound care. Risk factors that contribute to the breakdown of wounds and poor healing rates may be addressed antenatally in order to optimise postnatal wound healing. It is important to assess whether or not antenatal wound-care education positively affects perineal healing, in order to empower women to incorporate best practice, evidence-based treatment with this important aspect of self-care in the immediate postnatal period. To evaluate the effects of antenatal education on perineal wound healing in postnatal women who have birthed in a hospital setting, and who have experienced a break in the skin of the perineum as a result of a tear or episiotomy, or both. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (30 September 2017), ClinicalTrials.gov (8th September 2017), the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (8th September 2017) and reference lists of retrieved studies. We considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which referred to all formal methods of antenatal education and addressed care of a potential perineal wound as a result of a tear or episiotomy, which was experienced by pregnant women who planned to give birth within a hospital setting.Trials using a cluster-RCT and a quasi-randomised design would have been eligible for inclusion in this review but none were identified. Cross-over trials were not eligible for inclusion in this review. Studies published in abstract form would have been eligible for inclusion in this review, but none were identified.We planned to consider all formal methods of antenatal education which addressed care of a perineal wound. We also planned to consider all contact points where there was an opportunity for formal education, including midwifery appointments, antenatal education classes, obstetrician appointments, general practitioner appointments and physiotherapist appointments. Two review authors independently assessed titles and abstracts of the studies identified by the search strategy for their eligibility. No studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. We excluded one study and one other study is ongoing. We set out to evaluate the RCT evidence pertaining to the impact of antenatal education on perineal wound healing in postnatal women who have birthed in a hospital setting, and who experienced a break in the skin of the perineum as a result of a tear or episiotomy, or both. However, no studies met the inclusion criteria. There is a lack of evidence concerning whether or not antenatal education relating to perineal wound healing in this cohort of women will change the outcome for these women in relation to wound healing, infection rate, re-attendance or re-admission to hospital, pain, health-related quality of life, maternal bonding, and negative emotional experiences. Further study is warranted in this area given the significant physical, psychological and economic impact of perineal wounds, and the large proportion of childbearing women who have experienced a postnatal wound. The benefits of any future research in this field would be maximised by incorporating women in a range of socio-economic groups, and with a range of healthcare options. This research could take both a qualitative and a quantitative approach and examine the outcomes identified in this review in order to assess fully the potential benefits of a tailored antenatal package, and to make recommendations for future practice. There is currently no evidence to inform practice in this regard.

Study of outcome of patient with faecal fistula

Background: Approximately 80% gastrointestinal fistulas occur following surgery. Due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with gastrointestinal fistula, effective treatment is important. Therefore, this study was conducted to study the outcome of management of patients of gastrointestinal fistula. Methods: 30 Patients developing the condition following surgery were included. All patients were treated either conservatively or operatively by various means and varying period of time. Treatment was focused on the correction of dehydration, controlling sepsis, management of electrolyte imbalance. Results: Younger patients had better fistula healing rate (85%) than older (70%). A high rate of spontaneous healing was observed (85%) in patients who were managed conservatively. Patients with low output fistula had better fistula closure rate as compared to high output fistula. Ileum was the most common site for fistula formation, account for 43.33% of all fistulas. Spontaneous healing rate was better in fistula involving large bowel and duodenal fistula. Patients having both anemia and hypoproteinemia had poor healing rate (72.73%) as compared to those having only anemia and hypoproteinemia. Conclusions: Conservative management with emphasis on improvement of nutrition, control of sepsis, management of fluid and electrolyte balance and control of fistula output supersedes than operative management. Operative intervention must be done in selected cases after improvement of nutritional status and control of infection.

The equine forelimb suspensory ligament exhibits a heterogeneous strain pattern under tensile load.

To determine if regional variations in strain patterns occur within the suspensory ligament under tensile load. Local increases in strain may put certain regions of the suspensory ligament at risk and may explain the poor healing and high recurrence rates associated with suspensory branch injuries. The suspensory ligament and its bone attachments were isolated from each of 10 adult equine cadaveric forelimbs and radiodense reference beads were inserted throughout the length of the ligament. Specimens were attached to a custom fixture secured to a materials testing system. Radiographs were acquired at 50, 445, 1112, and 2224 N of applied tensile load. Changes in distances between the beads in each region of the suspensory ligament were measured and the regional strain was calculated. Significant differences were determined using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. The suspensory ligament exhibited significant differences in regional strain (p <0.001). The distal branches of the suspensory ligament had significantly greater strains than the proximal (p = 0.025) and mid-body (p = 0.002) regions. The mid-body of the suspensory ligament also exhibited local strain variation, with the distal mid-body having significantly higher strains than the proximal mid-body (p = 0.038). The equine suspensory ligament demonstrates a heterogeneous strain pattern during tensile loading, with the distal regions exhibiting significantly more strain than the proximal region. The non-homogenous strain pattern could explain the regional difference in injury and re-injury rates.

Modern management of anal fistula.

Ideal surgical treatment for anal fistula should aim to eradicate sepsis and promote healing of the tract, whilst preserving the sphincters and the mechanism of continence. For the simple and most distal fistulae, conventional surgical options such as laying open of the fistula tract seem to be relatively safe and therefore, well accepted in clinical practise. However, for the more complex fistulae where a significant proportion of the anal sphincter is involved, great concern remains about damaging the sphincter and subsequent poor functional outcome, which is quite inevitable following conventional surgical treatment. For this reason, over the last two decades, many sphincter-preserving procedures for the treatment of anal fistula have been introduced with the common goal of minimising the injury to the anal sphincters and preserving optimal function. Among them, the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedure appears to be safe and effective and may be routinely considered for complex anal fistula. Another technique, the anal fistula plug, derived from porcine small intestinal submucosa, is safe but modestly effective in long-term follow-up, with success rates varying from 24%-88%. The failure rate may be due to its extrusion from the fistula tract. To obviate that, a new designed plug (GORE BioA®) was introduced, but long term data regarding its efficacy are scant. Fibrin glue showed poor and variable healing rate (14%-74%). FiLaC and video-assisted anal fistula treatment procedures, respectively using laser and electrode energy, are expensive and yet to be thoroughly assessed in clinical practise. Recently, a therapy using autologous adipose-derived stem cells has been described. Their properties of regenerating tissues and suppressing inflammatory response must be better investigated on anal fistulae, and studies remain in progress. The aim of this present article is to review the pertinent literature, describing the advantages and limitations of new sphincter-preserving techniques.