Skin Suture Research Articles

How to remove non-absorbable sutures.

Skin sutures are commonly used to bring together the edges of a wound, assisting it to heal. Depending on the location of the wound, the sutures used may be absorbable or non-absorbable. Non-absorbable sutures will need to be removed once the wound has sufficiently healed. Timely, safe and effective removal of non-absorbable sutures is crucial to avoid complications and ensure optimal cosmetic results. Nurses undertaking suture removal must have the knowledge and skills to undertake the procedure safely and effectively and work within the limits of their competence. • Before suture removal, the wound must be checked for signs of infection and indications of dehiscence. • Removing sutures at the recommended time assists in preventing new skin growth from covering the sutures and in reducing scarring. • Aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) is recommended for suture removal, but local policy should always be followed. REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY: 'How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence-based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: • How this article might improve your practice when removing non-absorbable sutures. • How you could use this information to educate nursing students or your colleagues about the procedure for removing non-absorbable sutures.

Impact of Needle Design and Suture Gauge on Tissue Tearing During Skin Suturing: A Comparative Analysis.

Surgeons face numerous choices in selecting sutures for skin closure, with potential adverse effects such as tissue tearing. To investigate the influence of needle design and suture gauge on tissue tearing during suturing procedures. The authors tested the tear-through force in Newtons for 3 needle types and 3 suture gauges using an artificial skin model and a professional-grade tensiometer. Suture material was secured into the skin model, and force was applied to the suture at a constant rate, resulting in tearing. Force-displacement and force-time curves were generated. Evaluation included conventional cutting (PC-3), reverse cutting (PS-3), and taper point (BB) needles with a 5-0 polypropylene suture. In addition, nylon sutures with a reverse cutting needle (PS-2) were tested at 3 suture gauges (5-0, 4-0, 3-0). The mean tear-through forces for PC-3, PS-3, and BB were 3.26 N, 3.75 N, and 4.07 N, respectively. For the 5-0, 4-0, and 3-0 nylon sutures, the mean tear-through forces were 3.44 N, 3.81 N, and 4.04 N, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed a significant impact of suture gauge size (p < .001) and needle geometry (p < .001) on tear-through force. Larger suture diameter and taper needles minimize tissue tearing.

Early functional restoration in cleft patients by presurgical infantile orthopedics with follow up

Cleft lip and palate present significant surgical challenges, particularly in cases of extensive clefts associated with severe nasolabial deformities. This case series focuses on the role of presurgical naso alveolar molding (PNAM) in improving surgical outcomes by reducing cleft deformities and enhancing facial symmetry. PNAM, combined with nasal stenting and presurgical orthopedics, aids in aligning the segments of the alveolar cleft and correcting nasal cartilage asymmetry. The study involved bilateral and unilateral cleft repairs, utilizing the Randall's modification of tennison triangular flap for unilateral cases and the Millard-Mulliken procedure for bilateral full clefts. Precise preoperative marking, meticulous tissue rearrangement, and multi-layer closure were key to achieving optimal results. Postoperative care included close monitoring, with skin sutures removed on the fifth day. The results align with existing literature, demonstrating the effectiveness of PNAM in narrowing the cleft and achieving nasal symmetry. This case series highlights the importance of early intervention and the application of PNAM plates in the comprehensive treatment of cleft lip and palate, contributing to favorable outcomes in reconstructive surgery.

Mechanisms and causes of death after abdominal surgery in low-income and middle-income countries: a secondary analysis of the FALCON trial

Death after surgery is devasting for patients, families, and communities, but remains common in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to use high-quality data from an existing global randomised trial to describe the causes and mechanisms of postoperative mortality in LMICs. To do so, we developed a novel framework, learning from both existing classification systems and emerging insights during data analysis. This study was a preplanned secondary analysis of the FALCON trial in 54 hospitals across seven LMICs (Benin, Ghana, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa). FALCON was a pragmatic, 2 × 2 factorial, randomised controlled trial that compared the effectiveness of two types of interventions for skin preparation (10% aqueous povidone-iodine vs 2% alcoholic chlorhexidine) and sutures (triclosan-coated vs uncoated). Patients who did not have surgery or were lost to follow-up were excluded (n=231). The primary outcomes of the present analysis were the mechanism and cause of death within 30-days of surgery, determined using a modified verbal autopsy strategy from serious adverse event reports. Factors associated with mortality were explored in a mixed-effects Cox proportional hazards model. The FALCON trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03700749. This preplanned secondary analysis of the FALCON trial included 5558 patients who underwent abdominal surgery, of whom 4248 (76·4%) patients underwent surgery in tertiary, referral centres and 1310 (23·6%) underwent surgery in primary referral (ie, district or rural) hospitals. 3704 (66·7%) of 5558 surgeries were emergent. 306 (5·5%) of 5558 patients died within 30 days of surgery. 226 (74%) of 306 deaths were due to circulatory system failure, which included 173 (57%) deaths from sepsis and 29 (9%) deaths from hypovolaemic shock including bleeding. 47 (15%) deaths were due to respiratory failure. 60 (20%) of 306 patients died without a clear cause of death: 45 (15%) patients died with sepsis of unknown origin and 15 (5%) patients died of an unknown cause. 46 (15%) of 306 patients died within 24 h, 111 (36%) between 24 h and 72 h, 57 (19%) between >72 h and 168 h, and 92 (30%) more than 1 week after surgery. 248 (81%) of 306 patients died in hospital and 58 (19%) patients died out of hospital. The adjusted Cox regression model identified age (hazard ratio 1·01, 95% CI 1·01-1·02; p<0·0001), ASA grade III-V (4·93, 3·45-7·03; p<0·0001), presence of diabetes (1·47, 1·04-2·41; p=0·033), being an ex-smoker (1·59, 1·10-2·30; p=0·013), emergency surgery (2·08, 1·45-2·98; p<0·0001), cancer (1·98, 1·42-2·76; p<0·0001), and major surgery (3·94, 2·30-6·75; p<0·0001) as risk factors for postoperative mortality INTERPRETATION: Circulatory failure leads to most deaths after abdominal surgery, with sepsis accounting for almost two-thirds. Variability in timing of death highlights opportunities to intervene throughout the perioperative pathway, including after hospital discharge. A high proportion of patients without a clear cause of death reflects the need to improve capacity to rescue and cure by strengthening perioperative systems. National Institute for Health and Care Research Global Health Research Unit.

Virtual Loupes: A Pilot Study on the Use of Video Passthrough Augmented Reality in Plastic Surgery.

Plastic surgeons use loupes or operative microscope to aid in tissue dissection and anastomosis of structures. These devices have their own limitations in areas of visualization and weight. Current uses of augmented and virtual reality in surgery have been limited to operative planning and simulation. We present a proof of concept that harnesses video passthrough AR technology to augment the capabilities of loupes. We first evaluated methods of gaze-based eye tracking to enable digital magnification. Using the Varjo XR-1 mixed reality headset, we compared discrete zoom through displayed pop-up menu vs continuous zoom through eye winking. Six participants were recruited to perform skin suturing simulation and completed a survey and interview. Next we assessed the performance and limitations of AR digital magnification. Varjo XR-3 was utilized to address the hardware limitations. Participants performed anastomotic suturing tasks with progressively finer suture, then completed a survey and interview. There was no strong preference between zoom methods, although participants felt the discrete zoom was easier to use. Participants had difficulty determining depth and visualizing the suture due to limitations of digital magnification. Using Wilcoxon rank sum test to examine differences in system usability scale, the Phase 2 user experience had significant difference in percentile distribution (P 0.0390). Virtual loupes may be a valuable tool for plastic surgeons, with potential for variable magnification and advanced visualization. Improvements in the hardware yielded higher ratings of system usability and user experience. Further development is needed to address the limitations of existing devices.

Use of a new vertical traction device for early traction-assisted staged closure of congenital abdominal wall defects: a prospective series of 16 patients

PurposeAbdominal wall closure in patients with giant omphalocele (GOC) and complicated gastroschisis (GS) remains to be a surgical challenge. To facilitate an early complete abdominal wall closure, we investigated the combination of a staged closure technique with continuous traction to the abdominal wall using a newly designed vertical traction device for newborns.MethodsFour tertiary pediatric surgery departments participated in the study between 04/2022 and 11/2023. In case primary organ reduction and abdominal wall closure were not amenable, patients underwent a traction-assisted abdominal wall closure applying fasciotens®Pediatric. Outcome parameters were time to closure, surgical complications, infections, and hernia formation.ResultsTen patients with GOC and 6 patients with GS were included. Complete fascial closure was achieved after a median time of 7 days (range 4–22) in GOC and 5 days (range 4–11) in GS. There were two cases of tear-outs of traction sutures and one skin suture line dehiscence after fascial closure. No surgical site infection or signs of abdominal compartment syndrome were seen. No ventral or umbilical hernia occurred after a median follow-up of 12 months (range 4–22).ConclusionTraction-assisted staged closure using fasciotens®Pediatric enabled an early tension-less fascial closure in GOC and GS in the newborn period.

Tissue Adhesive versus Skin Suture plus Waterproof Wound Dressings for Carpal Tunnel Wound Closure: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

The popular wound closure methods for carpal tunnel decompression (CTD) include non-absorbable and absorbable sutures which have comparable results in clinical outcomes. However, these wound closure methods are recommended to keep a wound dry which may limit some ADLs. We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial that compares clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness in a skin closure following CTD between absorbable sutures plus a 2-octyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (2OCA) versus non-absorbable skin sutures plus a waterproof dressing (NSPWD). We enrolled 120 patients undergoing CTD into two groups: 2OCA and NSPWD, with 60 patients in each group. Number of dressing changes, Quick DASH, pain VAS, cosmetic VAS, patient satisfaction VAS, and Hollander wound evaluation score, cost-effectiveness, and post-operative complications were collected at pre-operative period and two and six weeks post-operatively. Slightly better patient satisfaction VAS (7.9 vs 7.2, p=0.018) and cosmetic VAS (8.0 vs 7.2, p=0.025) were observed in 2OCA at 2 weeks. Meanwhile, NSPWD revealed lesser times of dressing change (Median, mode, IQR: 0/0/0 vs 2/3/2, p<0.001). The total wound-related costs include dressing change and suture removal cost ($15.9 for 2OCA vs $19.2 for NSPWD, p=0.002) although an initial wound-related cost in 2OCA was higher ($15.7/case vs $7.9/case, p<0.001). Our study revealed that the supplementary tissue adhesive to absorbable sutures following CTD could reduce total wound-related costs while clinical outcomes might not be considered clinically significant.

The Catheter Fell Out

BackgroundAccidental catheter removal or drain dislodgment, including tube thoracostomy, is a common, high-risk complication in hospitalized and ambulatory patients that often necessitates an additional procedure, increased length of stay, and increased cost. MethodsThe aim of this study was to compare the tensile strength of pigtail catheter fixation using a simple interrupted suture, a U-stitch suture, or 2 simple interrupted skin sutures in a standardized skin model. Catheters were sutured to the skin, penetrating the collagen layer, with 1 of the 3 suture techniques and varying suture combinations. ResultsFor each trial, breakage occurred at the suture or knot. The mean breakpoint varied significantly between 2 simple interrupted sutures and both the 1 simple interrupted suture and the U-stitch technique (analysis of variance post hoc test P < .001), with the 2 simple interrupted suture technique withholding nearly 40% more force. Using the strongest suture, 0 silk, on a deceased adult sheep to secure a pigtail thoracostomy catheter yielded identical data compared with the standardized skin model. ConclusionsIn conclusion, 2 simple interrupted skin sutures to secure a pigtail catheter has very low risk with a strongly positive benefit.

The prevention of infectious complications of caesarean section in the context of the global rise of antibiotic resistance

In the context of the global rise of antibiotic resistance, optimising the prevention of infectious complications of caesarean section (CS) with a reassessment of the guidelines for ultra-short antibiotic (AB) regimens is becoming increasingly important. Given the current data on the negative consequences of the use of AB in pregnant women for the fetal microbiota, the role of antiseptics that are used locally, do not pass to the child, and are less likely to cause resistance, have a wider range of antimicrobial activity is increasing.The objective: to provide clinical evidence for the prevention of infectious complications of CS by topical application of an antiseptic with decamethoxin.Materials and methods. A comparative study of two homogeneous groups of women with low infectious risk delivered by elective CS was conducted. In the 1st group (55 women) an antiseptic with decamethoxin was used at all stages of abdominal delivery: preoperative treatment of the skin and vagina, intraoperative irrigation of the inner surface of the uterus, uterine sutures, and subcutaneous tissue. The 2nd group (55 patients) received conventional antibacterial prophylaxis. In the course of clinical and microbiological parallels, ultrasound monitoring of uterine involution, the results of the examination on the 42nd day after CS and information on the condition of the newborn child were used.Results. The absence of infectious complications of puerperium, infection of the surgical site, trends and signs of inflammatory reactions in both groups was revealed.In the 2nd group 5.5% of patients had partial skin suture separation due to seroma formation and transient infiltration of the subcutaneous tissue. The absence of such phenomena in the 1st group should be considered a consequence of the cytoprotective effect of decametoxin. The use of an antiseptic with decametoxin has pharmacoeconomic advantages over antibiotic prophylaxis regimens.Conclusions. The use of antiseptic with decametoxin in the perioperative care of caesarean section combines the possibility of safe reduction of antibiotics, effective antiinfective protection with guaranteed safety for the child.

Suture techniques and materials used in oral surgery

This article highlights the importance of proper suturing of mucosa, gingiva, and skin after surgical procedures and trauma. Several factors play a role in promoting good healing, including optimal tension on the sutured wound, adequate blood flow, and careful selection of suture materials. The selected suture material depends on various factors, such as type of tissue, location of the wound, and healing time. Different suture techniques are discussed, including interrupted sutures, continuous sutures, horizontal and vertical mattress sutures, each with their own specific applications and benefits. Skillfulness in suture techniques and appropriate material selection contribute to effective wound healing and optimal outcomes.

Evaluation of effects of intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine or lignocaine on stress response and postoperative pain in patients undergoing craniotomy for intracranial tumors: A randomized controlled exploratory study.

Goals of anesthesia in neurosurgery include stable cerebral hemodynamics and provide relaxed brain to surgeon. Dexmedetomidine and lignocaine as an adjuvant can fulfill these criteria but literature comparing the two are sparse. We compared the effects of intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine or lignocaine on stress response, postoperative pain, and recovery in patients undergoing craniotomy for intracranial tumors. Approval was obtained from IEC, and the study was prospectively registered (CTRI/2022/11/047434). Written and informed consent was obtained from 105 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria, and they were divided into three groups. Group D received intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg over 15 minutes followed by infusion at rate of 0.5 mcg/kg/h, Group L received intravenous infusion of lignocaine 2 mg/kg over 15 minutes followed by infusion at rate of 1.5 mg/kg/h, and Group N received intravenous infusion of normal saline at the rate of 4-8 ml/h till skin suturing. SPSS v23 (IBM Corp.) was used for data analysis. There was a significant difference between groups in terms of intraoperative hemodynamic variations, brain relaxation score, extubation criteria, postoperative pain, stress indicator response, and quality of recovery. Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to anesthetic drugs has a better profile than lignocaine in suppressing stress response and preventing hemodynamic variations at intubation, skull pin application, and surgical incision. Dexmedetomidine increases the duration of effective analgesia more than lignocaine, in postoperative period in patients undergoing craniotomy.

A Novel Surgical Approach For Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Purpose: To report the surgical results of the patients with dermatochalasis (DC) who underwent upper eyelid blepharoplasty (UEB) with the cautery method was aimed. Materials and Methods: UEB surgery was performed by cautery method in 36 eyes of 18 patients due to DC. Pencil-tipped cautery was used to cut to sagging and marked skin area and was removed. Patients were examined preoperatively and postoperatively on the 1st day, 3rd day, 2nd week, 3rd month and 6th month. Results: The mean age was 54.6±7.9 years (range, 46 to 67 years) and 10 of were female and 8 were male. Mean operation time (1 session for 2 upper eyelid (UE)) was 36.7 ± 5.8 minutes (range, 28 to 46 minutes). Mean wound healing time was 7.7 ± 1.6 days (range, 5 to 12 days). Skin ecchymosis persisted for approximately 24.8±3.7 days (range, 19 to 38 days). Suture marks did not appear in 34 patients (%94), they were present in 2 patients 6 months after surgery. Statistically significant change was detected in the 6-month period in terms of skin ecchymosis and suture scar disappearance (p

Trocar-site incisional hernia after 8-mm robotic trocar placement: A prospective study.

The current literature supports the closure of trocar sites ≥10-mm for the risk of developing incisional hernias, while there is no need to suture the abdominal fascia when using 5-mm trocars. To date, evidence regarding the closure of 8-mm trocars that are use by new robotic systems is weak. The aim of our study was to investigate the incidence of incisional hernia for 8-mm trocars. We prospectively collected data on all patients undergoing robotic-assisted abdominal wall surgery from 2020 to 2023, in whom the abdominal fascia of all 8-mm trocars was not closed. The enrolled patients underwent a follow-up visit during which we conducted clinical and sonographic evaluations of all 8-mm trocars, in addition to assessing the satisfaction levels of the patients. The primary outcome was the incidence of port-site hernia. We enrolled 166 patients, 155 men and 11 women, for a total of 513 trocars accessed. Mean age was 61.1±14.0years, and mean BMI was 27.0±3.9kg/m2. The follow-up visits were carried out after a median follow-up of 14.5 (9.0-23.2) months. Only one case developed an asymptomatic 1×1cm supra-umbilical hernia that was not treated. Patient reported a satisfaction regarding the 8-mm trocars and skin sutures of 9.8±0.5 out of 10 points. The occurrence of a trocar-site hernia after 8-mm robotic access is extremely low. Hence, the fascia closure may not be necessary.

Acute Combined Cerebrolysin and Nicotinamide Administration Promote Cognitive Recovery Through Neuronal Changes in the Hippocampus of Rats with Permanent Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion

Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, where the Hippocampus (HPC) is affected. HPC organizes memory, which is a cognitive domain compromised after a stroke, where cerebrolysin (CBL) and Nicotinamide (NAM) have been recognized as potentially therapeutic. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a combined administration of CBL and NAM in a rat stroke model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 36) were divided into four groups: saline (pMCAO − Saline), CBL (pMCAO + CBL), NAM (pMCAO + NAM), and experimental (pMCAO + CBL-NAM) (n = 9 per group). A permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) was induced through electrocauterization of the middle cerebral artery, followed by the administration of CBL (2.5 ml/kg), NAM (500 mg/kg) or combined immediately after skin suture, as well as at 24, 48, and 72 h post-surgery. The rats were evaluated in the novel object recognition test; hippocampal infarct area measurement; reconstruction of neurons from CA1 for Sholl analysis; and, measurement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels near the infarct zone. Our findings revealed that the administration of CBL or NAM induced infarct reduction, improved cognition, and increased BDNF levels. Moreover, a combination of CBL and NAM increased dendritic intersection in CA1 pyramidal neurons. Thus, the combined administration of CBL and NAM can promote cognitive recovery after a stroke, with infarct reduction, cytoarchitectural changes in HPC CA1 neurons, and BDNF increase. Our findings suggest that this combination therapy could be a promising intervention strategy for stroke.

Abstract PO5-26-01: Assessing the effect of multimodal therapy in massive fungating breast cancers without distant metastasis

Abstract Background: Massive fungating breast cancers (MFBCs), which comprise exudative, foul-smelling tumors, the size of a child’s head or involve extensive ulceration are classified as locally advanced breast cancers. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer without distant metastases. However, limited evidence is available regarding the successful treatment of fungating breast cancers. In clinical practice, many fungating breast cancer cases are treated as stage IV tumors. This study aimed to investigate whether multimodal therapy, including surgery for giant breast cancers, can improve survival rates and whether the survival rates are comparable to those of other stage III breast cancers. Subjects and methods: Out of 1480 cases of primary breast cancer diagnosed at our hospital between June 2012 and March 2020, 123 patients with clinical stages IIIA–IIIC were chosen for analysis. Furthermore, 29 of these patients with MFBC were selected. During multimodal therapy for selected patients with fungating breast cancer, difficulties were encountered in some patients with single-stage skin suturing and closure after standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy. These patients underwent surgery with an additional skin flap or skin grafting. Furthermore, radiation therapy was added as needed. We compared the survival rates of these patients with those of patients who received drug therapy only according to the therapeutic protocol for Stage IV. Survival rates of patients with MFBC and other stage III breast cancers were also compared. Statistical analyses were conducted using the Kaplan–Meier curve and the log-rank test. Results: Of the 29 patients with MFBC, 22 (75.9%) and seven (24.1%) were treated with multimodal and palliative therapies, respectively. The median age and follow-up period of the multimodal therapy group were 62 (range: 43–94) years and 67 (range, 32–131) months, respectively. The corresponding values for the palliative therapy group were 79 (range: 42–88) years and 31 (range: 2–96) months. All patients in the palliative treatment group were hormone receptor positive and HER2 negative, and treatment with hormone therapy was initiated. The 7-year survival rate was significantly higher in the multimodal therapy group than in the palliative treatment group (92.3% vs. 68.6%, p = 0.0317). Furthermore, the 5-year distant recurrence-free rate was higher in the multimodal treatment group (79.3% vs. 63.5%). Local recurrence did not occur in any patient in the multimodal treatment group. There was no significant difference in the 7-year survival rates between patients with MFBC and those with other stage III breast cancers (86.8% vs. 75.3%; p = 0.239). Triple-negative breast cancer accounted for 20.8% (20 96) of the other stage III breast cancers, but none of these were MFBCs. Conclusions: Clinically, MFBCs are often palliatively treated as stage IV tumors, even in the absence of distant metastasis. However, the survival rate was significantly higher in the multimodal therapy group than in the palliative treatment group. Furthermore, the survival and distant recurrence-free rates for MFBC were higher than those for other stage III breast cancers. Therefore, patients with MFBCs should be actively treated using curative treatments. Citation Format: Tamaki Tamanuki, Maki Namura, Tomoyoshi Aoyagi, Haruhito Sakata, Mika Iwai, Shinichirou Shimizu, Hiroshi Matsuzaki. Assessing the effect of multimodal therapy in massive fungating breast cancers without distant metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-26-01.

Vectorial Analysis of Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift.

The vector of aging and consequently the vector of lift in rhytidectomy has aided surgeons in improving movement of tissues during facial rejuvenation procedures. The goal was to analyze the vector of lift in patients undergoing primary and revisional facelift to achieve proper vectorial lifting. Patients undergoing deep-plane facelift surgery were included for analysis. Intraoperative photographs and measurements were taken of the skin, superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), and platysmal suture suspension with mastoid crevasse inset. Measurements were compared between patients who were undergoing primary vs secondary surgery, site of lift, age, and gender. Seventy-one patients (90% female, mean age 57.8) with a total of 142 hemifaces were analyzed, 57 (73%) of which were primary and 14 (27%) secondary facelifts. The average vector of SMAS lifting was 70.8°. Females had a more vertical vector than males (71.3° vs 65.4°; P < .01). The average vectors of platysmal and skin lift were 87.0° and 58.2°, respectively. There was intrapatient difference between hemifaces. Despite there being more intersuture disparity in secondary cases than primary cases (16.9° vs 4.5°; P < .05), the mean vector of lifting was similar between them. Proper release of the deep plane helps determine the appropriate vectors of lift, without relying on guidelines based on population averages. Each patient presents with a unique vector required to correct their descent. This technique provides an optimal result by directly suspending against the vectors of greatest descent.

Necrotising fasciitis with extensive necrosis caused by Lactobacillus: a case report

BackgroundNecrotising fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening soft-tissue infection that rapidly destroys the epidermis, subcutaneous tissue, and fascia. Despite their low virulence, Lactobacillus spp. can cause NF, and because of its rare incidence, there is limited information about its molecular and clinicopathological characteristics. We report a rare case of NF in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus diagnosed on admission and severe obesity due to infection with two types of Lactobacillus spp. that manifested in extensive necrosis.Case presentationA 48-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a complaint of difficulty walking due to severe bilateral thigh pain. She presented with mild erythema, swelling, and severe skin pain extending from the pubic region to the groin. The patient was morbidly obese, had renal dysfunction, and had diabetes mellitus diagnosed on admission.; her LRINEC (Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotising Fasciitis) score was 9, indicating a high risk of NF. An exploratory surgical incision was made, and NF was diagnosed based on fascial necrosis. Emergent surgical debridement was performed, and cultures of the tissue culture and aspirated fluid/pus revealed two types of Lactobacillus spp.: Lactobacillus salivarius and L. iners. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), where antibiotics were administered and respiratory and circulatory management was performed. Diabetic ketoacidosis was detected, which was treated by controlling the blood glucose level stringently via intravenous insulin infusion. The patient underwent a second debridement on day 11 and a skin suture and skin grafting on day 36. The patient progressed well, was transferred from the ICU to the general ward on day 41, and was discharged unassisted on day 73.ConclusionsLactobacillus spp. are rarely pathogenic to healthy individuals and can scarcely trigger NF. However, these bacteria can cause rare infections such as NF in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with diabetes and obesity, and an early diagnosis of NF is imperative; surgical intervention may be required for the prevention of extensive necrosis. The LRINEC score may be useful for the early diagnosis of NF, even for less pathogenic bacteria such as Lactobacillus.

A new midline closure technique without skin sutures: Long-term outcomes of primary repair of pilonidal sinus disease.

Currently, the focus regarding pilonidal sinus disease is put on the treatment techniques. The aim of the study is to compare postoperative long-term complications and recurrence of two surgical techniques. From February 2015 to December 2020, male patients with pilonidal sinus disease attended at two general surgery outpatient centers were randomly assigned to either Group 1 (n=80; excision and primary closure) or Group 2 (n=80; excision and midline closure without skin sutures). Patients with recurrent or complicated pilonidal sinus or with prior surgical procedures were excluded from the study. Intergroup postoperative results and recurrence throughout the follow-up period were analyzed. Significant decrease (p<0.001) in the duration of the surgical procedure (35 to 25 minutes), length of hospital stay (one day to the day of the surgery), and of the time required to return to work (15 to 12 days) was seen for Group 2 patients. The complication rate (wound infection and seroma) was lower in Group 2 compared to Group 1 (n = 3; 3.7% vs n = 10; 12.5%; p = 0.014). During the five-year mean follow-up, five patients (6.2%) in Group 1 had recurrence compared to none in Group 2 (p = 0.023). Midline primary closure method without skin sutures - easy to learn and implement and has no complication or recurrence in the long-term follow-up - may be an ideal method in cases where excision and primary repair is planned, especially in patients with sinus orifices located in the midline.

The "Hitch-Stitch" for Preventing High Tracheal Stent Migration: Expanding Indications and Extended Experience.

Airway stenting is a standard treatment option for tracheo-bronchial obstruction and other conditions like tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF). To prevent stent migration, a percutaneous fixation strategy called the "hitch-stitch" was described in 2016 as an efficient technique. We describe an extended experience of the "hitch-stitch" for silicone stents in high tracheal stenting situations and expanding indications to metal stents. Seventy-four percutaneous stitches were placed in 54 patients (36 males and 18 females). The mean age of the patients was 42 (±19) years. The indication for stenting was tracheal stenosis in 63/74 (85%) cases and TEF in 11/74 (15%) cases. Silicone stents were used in 56/74 (75.5%) cases while self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) were used in 18/74 (24.5%) cases. The majority of the stents (62/74, 85%) were high tracheal stents. The "hitch-stitch" as an anti-migration strategy had a high success rate, with distal stent migration in only 2 cases (2.7%) as the stitch had given way-these were repositioned and hitched with double stitches. Minor complications included delayed skin healing (2.8%) and suture site infection (1.4%), which was successfully managed with oral antibiotics. Stitch removal was easy with no complications. In this large series of percutaneous "hitch-stitch" as a stent migration prevention strategy, long-term data shows it is safe and effective in an expanded cohort of silicone stents. Its extended utility is the successful application to metal stents, especially in TEF, where the consequences can be deleterious. It is simple to do, with minimal extra requirements and not associated with any significant complications.

Totally endoscopic concomitant aortic and mitral valve surgery in junctional epidermolysis bullosa: a case report

BackgroundJunctional epidermolysis bullosa is a rare skin and mucosal disorder characterized by blister formation in response to minor trauma and extracutaneous manifestations. There have been no reports of cardiac surgery and prognostication in patients with epidermolysis bullosa due to skin and mucosal fragility.Case presentationA 55-year-old man presented with congenital junctional epidermolysis bullosa, hypertension, and vasospastic angina. He complained of dyspnea on exertion, and transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe aortic valve regurgitation, moderate aortic valve stenosis (tricuspid valve), and severe mitral valve regurgitation. Considering that the skin condition in the right chest wall was relatively healthy, the right thoracotomy approach was preferred and totally endoscopic concomitant mitral valve repair and aortic valve replacement were performed using a sutureless bioprosthetic valve (Perceval™ (Corcym, Group, Milan, Italy)). Polyurethane and silicon dressing foams were used to protect the skin at the site of contact with the bag valve mask, arterial pressure catheter, intravenous catheter, and the tracheal intubation tube. Vertical mattress sutures were used for the skin sutures. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged nine days after the operation. There was no indication for reoperation until three years follow-up period.ConclusionsThe totally endoscopic concomitant aortic and mitral valve surgery using Perceval™ prosthesis can be performed safely in patients with junctional epidermolysis bullosa by adequate protection of the skin and mucosa.