Rate Of Wound Healing Complications Research Articles

Concomitant Panniculectomy in Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: A Narrative Review Focusing on Obese Patients.

The global prevalence of obesity continues to rise, contributing to an increased frequency of abdominal wall reconstruction procedures, particularly ventral hernia repairs, in individuals with elevated body mass indexes. Undertaking these operations in obese patients poses inherent challenges. This review focuses on the current literature in this area, with special attention to the impact of concomitant panniculectomy. Obese individuals undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction face elevated rates of wound healing complications and hernia recurrence. The inclusion of concurrent panniculectomy heightens the risk of surgical site occurrences but does not significantly influence hernia recurrence rates. While this combined approach can be executed in obese patients, caution is warranted, due to the higher risk of complications. Physicians should carefully balance and communicate the potential risks, especially regarding the increased likelihood of wound healing complications. Acknowledging these factors is crucial in shared decision making and ensuring optimal patient outcomes in the context of abdominal wall reconstruction and related procedures in the obese population.

Managing incisional wounds with Prevena VAC therapy in lower-extremity vascular surgery: A comparative study.

Vascular surgical site infections have been reported with an overall incidence of 5-10% for patients undergoing arterial interventions and as high as 10-20% for lower-limb bypass grafting procedures. Given that vascular surgery patients are known to be at a higher risk of postoperative wound infections and other complications, our objective was to evaluate a potential method to reduce such complications. This study compares the rate of wound healing complications between incisional negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and conventional dressings in vascular surgery patients with infra-inguinal incisions. The primary endpoint is complete closure of the wound at the 2-week follow-up appointment. Secondary endpoints include frequency infections requiring antibiotics, need for wound revision, and wound dehiscence. A prospective cohort study with retrospective control group was performed following infra-inguinal vascular surgeries for peripheral arterial disease at the Mount Carmel Health System. The patients included in this study were those who underwent a lower-extremity vascular procedure with primary closure of an incision distal to the groin between January 2014 and July 2018. Patients that had received an infra-inguinal incision with primary closure were included. Patients in the experimental group who had a Prevena Wound VAC were compared with a retrospectively obtained control arm treated with conventional dressings. Data regarding wound healing and complications, specifically infections and wound dehiscence, were obtained. A total of 201 patients were recruited in our study: 64 in the Prevena group and 137 in the control group. There was a significant reduction in the number of open wounds in the Prevena group compared to the control group at the 2-week follow-up (10.9% Prevena vs 33.6% control; p = .0005). When evaluated in aggregate, there was a statistically significant reduction in the number of patients who succumbed to any complication in the Prevena arm compared with traditional dressings (13 (20.3%) Prevena vs 72 (52.6%) control; p < .0001). The results of our study suggest there should be a significant consideration for the use of NPWT as a prophylactic measure to reduce the risk of wound complications of primarily closed infra-inguinal incisions in vascular surgery patients following common vascular procedures. Its use is particularly effective for patients at enhanced risk of infection, especially those with poor vascularization from BMI, smoking, and diabetes. This leads to decreased trends in antibiotic use, ED visits, readmissions, and surgical revisions, which translates to decreased utilization of hospital resources and economic burden.

Superiority of a Silk Surgical Site Wound Closure Device Over Synthetic Dressings

Background: Silk fibroin is an emerging biomaterial with enhanced properties of cellular regeneration, growth and proliferation. The use of a silk fibroin wound dressing has the potential to decrease the incidence of wound healing complications and to improve patient outcomes compared to synthetic dressing alternatives. Methods: A prospective, randomized, single-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 50 patients who were dressed with a silk fibroin dressing on one side of their body and on the contralateral side with 3M Steri-Strips® after undergoing abdominoplasty, reduction mammaplasty, or brachioplasty procedures. Data was collected over 5 postoperative visits using photographs and an investigator administered questionnaire to monitor erythema, skin irritation, skin discomfort, the need for pharmaceutical intervention, wound dehiscence and mechanical skin injury. A comprehensive 75 patient statistical analysis was conducted combining the results with a previously published study comparing Dermabond® Prineo® to the silk dressing. Results: 20.8% (10/48) of patients were assessed by surgeons as having skin erythema (7-10) on the Steri-Strip® control side and 0% (0/48) on the silk dressing side (p=0.002). The frequency of breast triple point separation in 43 cases was 30.2% (13/43) on the Steri-Strip® side and 9.3% (4/43) on the silk side (p=0.012). 75% (36/48) of patients had partial or total detachment of Steri-Strips® while 0% (0/48) had total detachment of the silk dressing and 18.8% (9/48) had partial detachment of the silk dressing within the first two weeks (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: A silk fibroin wound dressing significantly reduces the incidence of wound healing complications throughout the postoperative period. Clinical Relevance Statement: The adoption of a silk fibroin wound dressing into clinical practice has the potential to improve patient outcomes, decrease medical adhesive related skin injuries and reduce the rate of wound healing complications.

Buried de-epithelialized flap: An original solution to fill dead space after sarcoma resection in the thigh. Surgical technique and results of 12 cases

IntroductionSoft tissue sarcomas (STS) are often treated with wide excision in combination with adjuvant or neoadjuvant radiotherapy. This is currently the gold standard procedure for the treatment of STS that arise in the extremities. Wound healing complications frequently occur and negatively affect the prognosis. One of the options is to use a buried de-epithelialized flap as it can increase the lymphatic flow, fill the dead space, and cover neurovascular structures and implants. This aim of this retrospective study were two-fold. 1) Describe the surgical technique for this buried de-epithelialized flap after STS removal in the thigh. 2)Evaluate the efficacy of the buried de-epithelialized flap for decreasing wound complications based on a small case series and compare it with previous publications. HypothesisWe hypothesized that the complication rate of this flap is not higher than the published complication rate for traditional flaps. Materials and methodsTwelve patients (7 women and 5 men) with a mean age of 62±12years (38–76), who underwent surgical removal of an STS in the thigh with coverage by a buried de-epithelialized flap were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 15.8months (range 8–24). ResultsTwo patients presented with a postoperative wound infection (17%): one superficial and one deep at the surgical site. Neither required an additional plastic surgery procedure. Another patient had a dislocation of their total hip arthroplasty that was managed by closed reduction. One patient died from metastatic progression. There was no skin necrosis of the superficial skin edges, no hematoma or seroma in the other 10 patients. The flap was still visible on cross-sectional imaging at 1 month postoperative with no fluid between the tissue planes or signs of necrosis. The rate of wound healing complications that required surgical treatment was 17% in our case series, versus 16 to 56% in previous publications reporting the results of suture closure only. ConclusionA buried de-epithelialized flap reduces the risk of skin complications by filling dead space, improving lymphatic flow and covering critical structures. It is a reliable and reproducible option after wide local excision of STS in the thigh, with no additional morbidity. Level of evidenceIV, retrospective study.

Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy in Oncoplastic Surgery Prevents Delays to Adjuvant Therapy.

Patient demographics, ciNPT use, postoperative complication rates, and time to adjuvant therapy were analyzed from the records of 150 patients (ciNPT = 29, SOC = 121). Propensity score matching was used to match patients based on age, body mass index, diabetes, tobacco use, and prior breast surgery. In the matched cohort, the overall complication rate of ciNPT-treated cancerous breasts was 10.3% (3/29) compared with 31% (9/29) in SOC-treated cancerous breasts (P = 0.096). Compared with the SOC-treated cancerous breasts, the ciNPT breasts had lower skin necrosis rates [1/29 (3.4%) versus 6/29 (20.7%); P = 0.091] and dehiscence rates [0/29 (0%) versus 8/29 (27.6%); P = 0.004]. In the unmatched cohort, the total number of ciNPT patients who had a delay in adjuvant therapy was lower compared to the SOC group (0% versus 22.5%, respectively; P = 0.007). Use of ciNPT following oncoplastic breast reduction effectively lowered postoperative wound healing complication rates and, most importantly, decreased delays to adjuvant therapy.

Retrospective Comparison of Isolated Haglund's Deformity Surgery Versus Combined With Gastrocnemius Recession

Insertional Achilles tendonitis is a common pathology treated by foot and ankle surgeons that may require surgical intervention. Literature has shown good outcomes following detachment and reattachment of the Achilles for removal of the exostosis. However, there is minimal literature showing the impact of adding a gastrocnemius recession to the Haglund's resection. The goal of the present study was to retrospectively review the outcomes of an isolated Haglund's resection versus a Haglund's resection combined with a gastrocnemius recession. A retrospective chart review of 54 operative extremities was performed: 29 with isolated Haglund's resection and 25 with a Strayer gastrocnemius recession. We found similar decreases in pain between the 2 groups, 6.1 to 1.5 and 6.8 to 1.8 in the isolated Haglund's and Strayer's group, respectively. We found decreased postoperative Achilles rupture and reoperation rates in the Strayer group but this did not reach statistical significance. We found a statistically significant decreased rate of wound healing complications in the Strayer group, 4% in the Strayer group and 24% in the isolated procedure. In conclusion, adding a Strayer to a Haglund's resection was found to have a statistically significant decrease in wound complications. We recommend future randomized controlled studies to compare the use of a Strayer procedure on postoperative complications.

Arterial Injury Portends Worse Soft Tissue Outcomes and Delayed Coverage in Open Tibial Fractures.

To investigate if any injury to the three primary branches of the popliteal artery in open tibia fractures lead to increased soft-tissue complications, particularly in the area of the affected angiosome. Retrospective cohort comparative study. Two academic level one trauma centers. Sixty-eight adult patients with open tibia fractures with a minimum one-year follow up. N/A. Soft-tissue outcomes as measured by wound healing (delayed healing, dehiscence, or skin breakdown) and fracture related infection (FRI) at time of final follow-up. Eleven (15.1%) tibia fractures had confirmed arterial injuries via CTA (7), direct intraoperative visualization (3), intraoperative angiogram (3). Ten (91.0%) were treated with ligation and 1 (9.1%) was directly repaired by vascular surgery. Ultimately, 6 (54.5%) achieved radiographic union and 4 (36.4%) required amputation performed at a mean of 2.62 ± 2.04 months, with one patient going on to nonunion diagnosed at 10 months. Patients with arterial injury had significantly higher rates of wound healing complications, FRI, nonunion, amputation rates, return to the OR, and increased time to coverage or closure. After multivariate regression, arterial injury was associated with higher odds of wound complications, FRI, and nonunion. Ten (90.9%) patients with arterial injury had open wounds in the region of the compromised angiosome, with 7 (70%) experiencing wound complications, 6 (60%) FRIs, and 3 (30%) undergoing amputation. Arterial injuries in open tibia fractures with or without repair, have significantly higher rates of wound healing complications, FRI, delayed time to final closure, and need for amputation. Arterial injuries appear to effect wound healing in the affected angiosome. Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Delayed Versus Primary Closure of Diaphyseal Forearm Fractures in Adults: Short-Term Soft Tissue Outcomes.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of delayed closures, whether delayed primary closure (DPC) or split-thickness skin grafting (STSG), of operatively treated forearm fractures on short-term soft tissue outcomes. In this retrospective cohort comparative study of two academic-level one trauma centers from 2010 to 2020, adult patients with diaphyseal forearm fractures who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were either closed primarily at index surgery, or underwent delayed closure, either with DPC or with a STSG. Primary outcome measures were soft-tissue outcomes as measured by wound healing (delayed healing, dehiscence, or skin breakdown) and fracture-related infection (FRI) at time of final follow-up. Eighty-one patients with 81 diaphyseal forearm fractures underwent ORIF with a mean follow-up of 14.3months. Forty-one fractures (50.6%) were open injuries. Thirteen patients (16.0%) were unable to be closed primarily and underwent an average of 2.46 ± 0.7 surgeries including final coverage, with an average of 4.31 ± 2.8days to final coverage. Four patients (30.8%) underwent DPC and 9 (69.2%) underwent STSG. Five (6.6%) patients in the delayed closure group had pre-operative compartment syndrome and underwent formal two-incision fasciotomies. There were no significant differences between delayed versus primary closure in wound healing complication rates, FRI, or radiographic union. Diaphyseal forearm fractures that undergo ORIF have equivalent short-term soft tissue outcomes when closed primarily at index surgery or when closed in a delayed fashion.

Marginal excision of cutaneous mast cell tumors in dogs was not associated with a higher rate of complications or prolonged wound healing than marginal excision of soft tissue sarcomas.

To compare wound healing following planned marginal excision of cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs) with that of soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) and to identify risk factors for wound healing complications and delay in healing. 126 dogs that underwent intentional marginal excision of cutaneous MCTs (n = 77) or subcutaneous STSs (49). Medical records of included dogs were reviewed and signalment, tumor size, tumor location, skin closure type, time to healing, reported complications, histopathological grade, and surgical margins were recorded. These variables and outcomes (complication rate and time to complete healing) were compared between dogs in the MCT and STS groups. Potential risk factors for complications and delayed healing were analyzed. No significant difference between the groups was found in any of the variables. Wound healing complication rates were 29% (22/77) for the MCT group and 31% (15/49) for the STS group. The mean ± SD time to complete healing was 16.5 ± 7.5 days for the MCT group and 17.7 ± 9.3 days for the STS group. These outcomes did not differ significantly between groups. For both groups, the use of subdermal plexus flap reconstruction was associated with the development of complications and increased time to complete healing. Marginal excision of cutaneous MCTs was not associated with a higher rate of complication or prolonged wound healing, compared with marginal excision of STSs. The use of flap reconstruction in skin closure may delay healing and planned adjuvant therapy. Owners should be counseled regarding these risks and where appropriate and feasible, surgery without reconstruction should be considered.

Hypofractionated preoperative radiotherapy for high risk soft tissue sarcomas in a geriatric patient population.

BackgroundStandard therapy for localised, resectable high risk soft tissue sarcomas consists of wide excision and radiotherapy over several weeks. This treatment schedule is hardly feasible in geriatric and frail patients. In order not to withhold radiotherapy from these patients, hypofractionated radiotherapy with 25 Gy in 5 fractions was evaluated in a geriatric patient population.Patients and methodsA retrospective analysis was performed of 18 geriatric patients with resectable high risk soft tissue sarcomas of extremities and thoracic wall. Wound healing and short term oncologic outcome were analysed. In addition, dose constraints for radiotherapy of the extremities were transferred from normofractionated to hypofractionated radiotherapy regimens.ResultsFeasibility was good with 17/18 patients completing treatment as planned. Wound healing complication rate was in the range of published data. Two patients developed local and distant recurrence, two patients isolated distant recurrences. No isolated local recurrences were observed. Keeping the constraints was possible in all cases without compromising the coverage of the target volume.ConclusionsHypofractionated radiotherapy and surgery was well tolerated even in this specific patient population. With feasibility concerning early wound healing problems and adapted constraints, which allow for the treatment of most resectable extremity tumours, the concept warrants further evaluation in patients unfit for standard radiotherapy.

Impact of demographic and perioperative risk factors on complication rates in skin-sparing/nipple-sparing mastectomy with implant-based reconstruction using titanized polypropylene mesh (TiLOOP® Bra)

BackgroundSkin/nipple-sparing mastectomies (SSM/NSSM) have been reported to have acceptable complication rates and good aesthetic outcomes with high patient satisfaction.However, in this relatively young and rapidly expanding field of reconstructive plastic surgery, differences in perioperative management are noted between breast centers. Prospective studies of complication rates using a titanized polypropylene mesh (TiLOOP® Bra) are currently lacking. MethodsA prospective subgroup analysis was performed based on the data set of the prospective, single-arm, multicenter observational study (PRO-BRA). Early complication rates after skin/nipple-sparing mastectomy with implant-based immediate or secondary reconstruction using a titanized polypropylene mesh (TiLOOP® Bra) subpectorally were investigated in relation to demographic factors, as well as intra-and postoperative management. The subgroup consists of 258 patients. Complications were categorised into necrosis, infection, postoperative bleeding or hematoma, seroma, wound healing delays and R1-situations. ResultsEarly complication rates of SSM/NSSM using titanium-based meshes are comparable to complication-rates using ADM's. Logistic regression shows significantly higher risk for wound healing delays, necrosis and seroma with increasing BMI, abladat- and implant-weight (OR 1,17 -1,66, p-value < 0,001). Smokers have significantly higher necrosis rates (20.7%) compared to non-smokers (5.5%) (p-value = 0.002). Discharge with drainage results in a trend toward higher rates of wound healing complications. ConclusionThe use of TiLOOP® Bra meshes was shown to have acceptable complication rates. Complication rates depend on certain demographic and intraoperative risk factors and should be considered in indications and information of patients.

2: Tranexamic Acid Is Associated With Decreased Intraoperative Blood Loss And Wound Healing Complication Rate In Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty

Purpose:Penile inversion vaginoplasty (PIV) is the most common gender affirming genital procedure for transfeminine patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic, on bleeding and bleeding-related complications in vaginoplasty surgery.Methods:Retrospective chart review was performed on patients undergoing PIV from February 2018 through March 2020 by the senior author (K.G.) at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. Patients who received TXA received a combination of topical and intravenous TXA. Data collected includes patient demographics (age, body mass index, race, comorbidities, and tobacco and illicit drug use), intraoperative data (duration of surgery, estimated blood loss, fluid administration, TXA use and dose, and complications), and postoperative data (drain output, complications within 30 days, and revision surgery). Subgroup analysis on the effect of TXA was performed using independent sample t-test.Results:Seventy-four patients were included in this study with 56 patients receiving TXA and 18 patients who had surgery prior to initiation of TXA protocol. There were no thromboembolic events observed in the TXA or the non-TXA group. Ninety percent of all complications were Clavien-Dindo Grade 1 and did not require intervention. There was a significantly lower EBL in the TXA group compared to the no TXA cohort (299.1 ± 64.3 vs. 347.2 ± 84.8, p=0.013). Patients who received TXA had significantly fewer wound related complications than those who did not receive TXA (21.4% vs. 66.7%, p<0.0001). Similarly, there were fewer neo-vagina skin graft failures in the TXA group, though this did not reach significance (0.0% vs. 11.1%, p=0.057). There was no significant difference in drain output between the two groups.Conclusion:No thromboembolic events were observed with intravenous and topical tranexamic acid use in transfeminine patients undergoing penile inversion vaginoplasty surgery. TXA was also associated with lower intraoperative blood loss as well as fewer wound healing complications. Further research is needed to further study its use in gender affirmation surgery.

Outcomes of a Nontraditional Dual Incision Approach for Lisfranc Trauma, Fractures, and Osteoarthritis

Background: Numerous surgical approaches and treatments for Lisfranc pathology have been described and vary across physicians and surgical specialties. Many incisions to access the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint complex have been described including single and dual longitudinal as well as transverse. The aim of this study was to retrospectively review and compare complication and fusion rates in patients with a Lisfranc open reduction and internal fixation or arthrodesis utilizing a nontraditional dual incision approach. Incisions were performed dorsal medial to the first TMT and dorsal along the second interspace just medial to the third TMT. Materials and Methods: The medical records of 1 foot and ankle surgeon were reviewed of patients who underwent Lisfranc surgery utilizing a dual incision approach for both elective and traumatic procedures. The study period encompassed January 2006 through December 2016. Statistical analysis was performed using information collected from chart-review as well as radiograph evaluation to examine predictors of complications and fusion rates. Results: Sixty-eight patients reviewed had the nontraditional dual dorsal incisions, 61 with TMT fusions for arthritis or injury, and 7 open reduction and internal fixation for TMT injuries. In total, 180 joint fusions were performed on the first, second, or third TMTs during arthrodesis. Four of 68 patients were revisions of previously failed fusions. All 68 patients (100%) healed soft tissue without complication. Of the 180 joints that underwent arthrodesis 170 (94.4%) fused successfully. Hardware removal occurred in 10 patients (14.7%) due to discomfort. Conclusions: This nontraditional dual incision dorsal approach for Lisfranc surgery has a low wound healing complication rate, in fact none were reported in this sample size of 68 patients. This approach is reproducible for either traumatic or elective procedures of the Lisfranc complex allowing excellent visualization of the medial and central tarsometatarsal joints while removing risk to the neurovascular structures inherent in the more traditional incisions. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A Meta-Analysis of Autologous Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction and Timing of Adjuvant Radiation Therapy.

Postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) decreases loco-regional recurrence and improves survival in patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Autologous free flap reconstruction, while more durable in the setting of radiation than alloplastic reconstruction, is still susceptible to radiation-induced fibrosis, contracture, fat necrosis, volume loss, and distortion of breast shape. Options for reconstruction timing (immediate vs. delayed) have been discussed to mitigate these effects, but a clear optimum is not known. A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines using search terms "breast reconstruction AND (radiation OR irradiation OR radiotherapy)" were used. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies reporting complications for free flap breast reconstruction in the setting of PMRT. Patients who underwent PMRT were pooled into two groups: those who underwent immediate free flap reconstruction prior to PMRT and those who underwent delayed reconstruction after PMRT. Out of the 23 studies, 12 focused on immediate reconstruction, seven focused on delayed reconstruction, and four studies included both groups. Overall, 729 patients underwent immediate reconstruction, while 868 underwent delayed reconstruction. Complete and partial flap loss rates were significantly higher in patients undergoing delayed reconstruction, while infection and wound-healing complication rates were higher in those undergoing immediate reconstructions. Rates of unplanned reoperations, vascular complications, hematoma/seroma, and fat necrosis did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, rates of planned revision surgeries were higher in the delayed reconstruction group. Immediate free flap breast reconstruction is associated with superior flap survival compared with delayed reconstruction. Rates of complications are largely comparable, and rates of revision surgeries are equivalent. The differences in long-term aesthetic outcomes are not, however, clearly assessed by the available literature. Even in the face of PMRT, immediate free flap breast reconstruction is an effective approach.

Smoking Effects in Foot and Ankle Surgery: An Evidence-Based Review.

The purpose of this article was to review the basic science pertaining to the harmful effects of cigarette smoke, summarize recent clinical outcome studies, and examine the benefits of smoking cessation and the efficacy of current smoking cessation strategies. The literature concerning basic science, clinical outcomes, and smoking cessation was reviewed; over half (56%) of the 52 articles reviewed were published in the last 5 years. Smoking is associated with low bone mineral density, delayed fracture union, peri-implant bone loss, and implant failure. Orthopedic surgical patients who smoke have increased pain and lower overall patient satisfaction, along with significantly increased rates of wound healing complications. Active smoking is a significant modifiable risk factor and should be discontinued before foot and ankle surgery whenever possible. Orthopedic surgeons play an important role in educating patients on the effects of smoking and facilitating access to smoking cessation resources. Level V, expert opinion.

S4A-13 SESSION 4A: GENERALITIES IN CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS – PART I WOUND HEALING COMPLICATIONS AFTER SURGICAL REPAIR OF CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS: ARE ALL RESORBABLE PLATING SYSTEMS CREATED EQUAL?

Introduction: Although multiple resorbable plating systems are available for the repair of craniosynostosis, there is a no consensus on which plating system is associated with the lowest complication rates. In a previous retrospective study conducted at our institution, patients with craniosynostosis who underwent surgical repair with the Biomet Lactosorb plating system were over twice as likely to have a wound complication within a year of surgery. Our institution subsequently shifted its practice from the primary use of Biomet Lactosorb for repair of craniosynostosis to Stryker Delta and KLS Martin SonicWeld. The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of wound complications and return to the operating room between the Stryker Delta and KLS Martin Sonic Weld resorbable plating systems. Methods: A retrospective review of institutional data was performed. Patients less than 18 years old with craniosynostosis who underwent cranial vault reconstruction or frontal orbital advancement with the Stryker Delta or KLS Martin SonicWeld resorbable plating systems between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2018 were eligible for inclusion. The outcomes of interest were wound healing complications, defined as infection or dehiscence, and return to the operating room. Results: Overall, 242 patients underwent surgical repair of craniosynostosis at our institution between 2005 and 2018. The Stryker Delta or KLS Martin SonicWeld resorbable plating systems were used in a total of 76 patients. 41 patients had repair with Stryker Delta, while 35 patients underwent repair with KLS Martin SonicWeld. Patients who received the Stryker Delta plating system had higher rates of wound complications and return to the operating room. Conclusion: The Stryker Delta cohort had a higher wound healing complication rate (17.1%) compared to the wound complication rate of patients undergoing repair with KLS Martin SonicWeld (5.1%). Complication rates associated with resorbable plating systems should influence surgeon and institutional practice as well as industry development.

A comparison of the rates of postoperative complications between dogs undergoing laparoscopic and open ovariectomy.

To investigate whether dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy might have a lower overall and wound-healing complication rate than those undergoing an open surgical approach. A retrospective study of dogs that underwent laparascopic or open surgical ovariectomy between January 1, 2013 and January 1, 2018 by the same team of similarly experienced surgeons using standard practice anaesthetic, theatre and perioperative protocols. General complications were described and graded using the Clavien-Dindo system. Complication rates were compared between the two groups of dogs. Wound complications were further subdivided using the U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidelines. According to the Clavien-Dindo system, 46 of 106 (44%) dogs undergoing open ovariectomy developed a complication. Thirty dogs (28.3%) had wound healing complications, the majority of which were minor and self-limiting. Superficial site infections occurred in 50 (5%) cases and deep surgical site infections in one dog (1%). Incisional herniation occurred in four (4%) cases. Thirty-one (20%) of 154 dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy developed a complication. Seventeen (11%) developed wound healing complications, most of which were minor; five (3%) developed superficial surgical site infections and none had deep surgical site infections. Incisional herniation occurred in none of the laparoscopic cases. The rates of overall and wound healing complications were lower for the laparascopic group than the open surgical group in this non-randomised study. Laparoscopy might be considered preferable for ovariectomy in dogs but confirmation requires a randomised trial.

Effects of Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane-Umbilical Cord Allograft on Total Ankle Arthroplasty Wound Healing

Relatively high rates of wound healing complications continue to be reported with a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) anterior incision. The amniotic membrane-umbilical cord (AM-UC) allograft is a regenerative orthobiologic adjunct that modulates wound healing by down-regulating inflammation, enhancing local healing and antimicrobial factors, and reducing scar formation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether local application of a cryopreserved AM-UC allograft enhances soft tissue healing after TAA. A total of 104 patients with symptomatic ankle arthritis who failed conservative management underwent standard TAA. At skin closure, patients were allocated to either the treatment (local application of AM-UC) or control (no allograft) group. Demographic data, patient comorbidities, and radiographic findings were collected. The primary outcome was a major complication necessitating reoperation. Secondary outcomes were time to healing, minor complications (i.e., skin dehiscence, local wound care, use of antibiotics), and patient scar assessment. Local application of an AM-UC allograft significantly decreased the overall time to skin healing (28.5 days vs 40 days; p = .03). Two patients required a reoperation for soft tissue wound complications, with no difference (p = 1.00) between the groups. No statistically significant difference was detected in terms of skin dehiscence, local wound care, or antibiotic prescriptions in the 2 groups. Regenerative technology using local application of a cryopreserved AM-UC allograft may enhance TAA outcomes by decreasing the time to healing. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to determine whether an AM-UC allograft enhances soft tissue wound healing and ultimately reduces the incidence of devastating soft tissue complications.

Wound healing in postbariatric body contouring surgery

Due to the continuous development in the field of bariatric surgery, there is an increasing need for postbariatric body contouring surgery. The morbidity of postbariatric patients predisposes them to develop wound healing complications. In this article we describe the preoperative, intraoperative and surgical factors influencing the wound healing and therefore the final outcome. The most common postbariatric body contouring procedures, including brachioplasty, breast contouring surgery, abdominoplasty/circumferential body lift and medial thigh lift are being discussed in terms of wound healing characteristics and subsequent complications. The preoperative preparing as well as special operative techniques are described in order to achieve a low rate of wound healing complications.

Endoscopic-Assisted Radial Forearm Free Flap Harvest: A Novel Technique to Reduce Donor Site Morbidity.

The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) remains a workhorse flap but can have significant donor site morbidity. The authors developed a novel technique for endoscopic-assisted RFFF (ERFFF) harvest and hypothesized improved donor site morbidity. A retrospective cohort study was conducted evaluating patients who underwent ERFFF or RFFF by a single surgeon for head and neck reconstruction between November 2011 and July 2016; outcomes and complications were compared. A telephone survey was conducted to assess patient satisfaction with donor site appearance and function. Twenty-seven ERFFF and 13 RFFF harvests were performed. The cephalic vein was less commonly incorporated in ERFFF patients compared with RFFF patients (3.70 and 38.46%, respectively, p = 0.0095). ERFFF patients had lower rates of wound healing complications (0% vs. 15.38%, p = 0.10) and perfusion-related complications than RFFF patients (3.70% vs. 23.08%, p = 0.092). Fewer ERFFF patients reported a desire for a more normal appearance (42.86% vs. 71.43%, p = 0.361). The ERFFF group had a higher functional score (64.29% vs. 44.44%, p = 0.101), reporting lower rates of associated discomfort (35.71% vs. 85.71%, p = 0.063). None of the differences in rates of complications or patient-reported outcomes between the groups reached statistical significance. ERFFF is safe and effective alternative to RFFF, with similar operative time, similar pedicle safety, and elimination of the lengthy forearm incision. Unnecessary cephalic vein dissection can be avoided with endoscopic visualization of the venae comitantes. Further research with a larger sample size and better standardization is needed to assess effects on donor-site morbidity.