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Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Oct 2023The use of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers for correcting nasal deformities offers an increasingly popular alternative to surgical rhinoplasty. However, this can sometimes...
BACKGROUND
The use of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers for correcting nasal deformities offers an increasingly popular alternative to surgical rhinoplasty. However, this can sometimes be extremely challenging, for example, in patients with a permanent defect in the nasal septum secondary to chronic drug use.
METHODS
We report a case in which nonsurgical intervention with a high G' HA filler was used therapeutically to improve the permanent nasal disfigurement of an individual with previous long-term drug use (now in remission).
RESULTS
This approach led to high levels of patient satisfaction and empowerment in her personal and professional life. Despite the high risk in this case, only immediate minor complications were recorded, including temporary edema and ecchymoses, and these resolved spontaneously.
CONCLUSIONS
Nonsurgical treatment using an appropriate HA filler may offer a safe and effective option in selected patients with nasal deformities resulting from pathological conditions.
PubMed: 37817926
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005329 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Oct 2023Intraoperative and postoperative bleeding is considered one of the most common risks in rhytidectomy. Recently, the use of antifibrinolytic agents in facial plastic and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Intraoperative and postoperative bleeding is considered one of the most common risks in rhytidectomy. Recently, the use of antifibrinolytic agents in facial plastic and reconstructive surgeries has been evaluated, but their use in rhytidectomy remains a topic of ongoing discussion. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent that prevents enzymatic degradation of the fibrin clot by blocking the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, improves platelet function, and has a direct anti-inflammatory effect. This review covers pertinent literature to elucidate whether the use of TXA in rhytidectomy confers intraoperative and postoperative benefits.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in online databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science for all articles on the topic of TXA in facelift published up to and including June, 2023 using the following terms: "TXA," "tranexamic acid," "plastic surgery," "aesthetic surgery," "facelift," "rhytidectomy". They were either searched individually or in combination. All relevant original research articles, of any study design were included and narratively discussed in this review. Studies not carried out in humans and studies centred on the use of TXA in other specialties were excluded. English Language was included.
RESULTS
Eight articles were reviewed in this paper. Through these articles, the authors provided in detail the possible beneficial effects of TXA in facelift patients in evaluating several clinical outcomes: intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drain output, postoperative oedema, ecchymosis, operative time, and surgical field quality.
CONCLUSION
Although there is still a lack of information on TXA in facelift patients, we are not able to deny the beneficial effects of TXA on this topic. Therefore, further investigations including prospective, case-controlled multi-institutional studies comparing routes of delivery should be performed until reaching, at the end, an evidence-based guideline providing a clear protocol in terms of the administration and dosage of TXA in facelift.
PubMed: 37811108
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001224 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Sep 2023This practical review critically evaluates the evidence behind the widespread use of postoperative compression therapy intended to improve surgical outcomes, such as... (Review)
Review
This practical review critically evaluates the evidence behind the widespread use of postoperative compression therapy intended to improve surgical outcomes, such as reduced edema, ecchymosis, pain, and seroma formation. A literature search of PubMed was conducted to identify relevant studies concerning the use of compression garments after aesthetic surgery, including rhinoplasty, facelift, neck lift, mammoplasty, abdominoplasty, limb contouring, and others. Additionally, reconstructive and therapeutic procedures closely related in anatomy or technique to these cosmetic operations, such as breast reconstruction, mastectomy, and hernia repair, were also considered to provide further perspective. After study extraction, the volume, quality, and agreement of the evidence found was highly heterogenous depending on the context of specific operations and outcomes evaluated. The most well-supported indications for the use of postoperative compression garments are to mitigate edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty and to reduce postoperative pain after breast and abdominal procedures, although no effect on seroma rate was demonstrated. Any potential benefit must be balanced against the associated costs and possible complications of compression, including patient discomfort, increased venous stasis, and skin defects. Thus, we encourage surgeons to critically reassess their use of compression garments. In many settings, such as brachioplasty, there is limited high-quality evidence to inform best practice, and we urge the community to continue researching this important topic so that more definitive and comprehensive guidelines may be established.
PubMed: 37753333
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005293 -
Epidemiologia E Servicos de Saude :... 2023An outbreak of illness compatible with scurvy occurred among male prison inmates; most frequent signs/symptoms were edema and pain in lower limbs, difficulty in walking...
MAIN RESULTS
An outbreak of illness compatible with scurvy occurred among male prison inmates; most frequent signs/symptoms were edema and pain in lower limbs, difficulty in walking and hematoma/ecchymosis; the associated factor was age > 40 years.
IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICES
The results can contribute to the identification and description of scurvy outbreaks in other contexts and territories. Epidemiological studies of events like this enhance the practice of field epidemiology in health services.
PERSPECTIVES
It is expected that the prevention of hypovitaminosis, such as scurvy, will be based on public policies aimed at the population deprived of liberty; and that the capabilities of health services to detect and respond to cases of the disease will be improved.
OBJECTIVE
to identify the occurrence of an outbreak compatible with scurvy and exposure factors associated with typical signs/symptoms of hypovitaminosis that occurred in a male penitentiary in Ceará, Brazil between 2019-2020.
METHODS
this was a population-based case-control study; we used clinical records and interviews with compatible cases - based on sign/symptom onset during the study period - and with controls; we carried out multivariate analysis.
RESULTS
out of 62 cases, mean age was 40.6 years (SD = 10.8); main signs/symptoms were edema and pain in the lower limbs (100.0%), difficulty in walking (91.9%), hematoma/ecchymosis in the lower limbs (90.3%) and fever (88.7%); we identified being over 40 years old as an associated factor (aOR = 1.10; 95%CI 1.05;1.17; p-value = 0.001); and as protective factors: working (aOR = 0.11; 95%CI 0.03;0.36; p-value < 0.001) and taking part in classes (aOR = 0.21; 95%CI 0.08;0.59; p-value = 0.003) in the prison.
CONCLUSION
we considered the penitentiary outbreak to be compatible with scurvy due to characteristic signs/symptoms, associated with the identified factors; we recommended regular provision of a diet rich in vitamin C to all male inmates and clinical follow-up of cases.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adult; Case-Control Studies; Scurvy; Brazil; Prisons; Ecchymosis; Disease Outbreaks; Hematoma; Pain
PubMed: 37729262
DOI: 10.1590/S2237-96222023000200020 -
Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology Aug 2023Compared to hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) treatment through the femoral artery (TFA), the brachial artery (TBA) is more flexible and easier for patients to...
BACKGROUND
Compared to hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) treatment through the femoral artery (TFA), the brachial artery (TBA) is more flexible and easier for patients to accept. However, the feasibility of TBA has not been studied yet. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of HAIC via the TBA.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 63 patients with primary liver cancer who were treated with HAIC via TBA. In this study, a total of 163 HAIC procedures were performed via the left brachial artery pathway, and each patient underwent an average of 2.59 procedures. One patient received 5 treatments, 18 patients received 4 treatments, 15 patients received 3 treatments, 12 patients received 2 treatments, and 17 patients received 1 treatment. The main evaluation indicators were the technical success rate and complication rate.
RESULTS
The main technical success rate was 99.4% (162/163). No patient required conversion to the femoral artery (TFA) access. All the complications were minor and occurred in 11 patients (6.75%). Subcutaneous ecchymosis occurred in 3 (1.84%) patients, arterial thrombosis in 2 patients (1.23%), and catheter displacement in 6 patients (3.68%). No serious complications occurred.
CONCLUSIONS
TBA pathway is feasible and safe for HAIC treatment of liver cancer patients. More research is needed in the future to confirm whether TBA is superior to other pathways.
PubMed: 37720451
DOI: 10.21037/jgo-23-523 -
Case Reports in Women's Health Sep 2023A 23-year-old woman, G0, presented to the emergency department with painful bruising of the legs shortly after starting an oral contraceptive pill. The presumed...
A 23-year-old woman, G0, presented to the emergency department with painful bruising of the legs shortly after starting an oral contraceptive pill. The presumed diagnosis was pill-induced ecchymosis, and she was instructed to discontinue the medication. Her bruising resolved. However, the working diagnosis was later questioned as the patient had used other oral contraceptive pills in the past without any adverse reaction. In addition, there is robust literature associating these medications with thrombosis, not bruising. The patient later disclosed that she had concomitantly started an oral hair supplement along with her oral contraceptive pill. Analysis of the supplement contents revealed that it contained extract of , a herbal anticoagulant, making this a much more plausible explanation for the ecchymosis. She then resumed the original oral contraceptive pill alone without any reaction. The case highlights how cognitive bias resulted in a misdiagnosis. Specifically, this case introduces the concept of , as the patient's unexplained bruising was presumed to be a result of her use of an oral contraceptive despite the lack of evidence to support this claim. This bias has the potential to impact clinical decision-making and lead to clinical errors.
PubMed: 37719129
DOI: 10.1016/j.crwh.2023.e00538 -
JMIR Dermatology Sep 2023Psychogenic purpura is an idiopathic psychodermatologic condition of recurrent, painful purpura precipitated by psychological stress, predominantly affecting young... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Psychogenic purpura is an idiopathic psychodermatologic condition of recurrent, painful purpura precipitated by psychological stress, predominantly affecting young females. Little consensus exists on the diagnostic guidelines for this rare condition, often resulting in costly, unnecessary, and stressful investigations as well as prolonged hospital admissions.
OBJECTIVE
With this first up-to-date systematic review of 134 cases of psychogenic purpura in over a decade, we aim to thoroughly investigate the diagnostic strategy and treatment regimens used in the last decade. With a sooner diagnosis, patient stress and nosocomial ecchymoses can be minimized, and treatment can be expedited.
METHODS
We conducted a literature review of 4 databases (PubMed, Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science) on October 5, 2022 that yielded 46 full-text articles, which were reviewed and extracted by 2 independent reviewers.
RESULTS
We analyzed a total of 134 cases, consisting largely of females (125/134, 93.3%) with purpura on the upper (103/134, 76.9%) or lower limbs (112/134, 83.6%). Apart from a paresthesia prodrome, patients commonly experienced headaches, malaise, and arthralgia or myalgia. Approximately 70% (95/134) of patients reported a physiological or psychological stressor or psychiatric diagnosis before the development of the purpura. Laboratory testing almost always revealed unremarkable results. The intradermal washed autoerythrocyte sensitization test was positive in 98% (42/43) of cases. Histopathology biopsy findings commonly revealed dermal erythrodiapedesis or hemorrhage (n=34) and perivascular inflammatory infiltrates (n=17). Approximately 42% (56/134) of patients received a novel psychiatric diagnosis, with depression being the most common (40/72, 56%). In both patients with and those without a novel psychiatric diagnosis, observation, counseling, treatment with antidepressants (ie, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), and psychotherapy (ie, cognitive behavioral therapy) prevailed in the resolution of the purpura.
CONCLUSIONS
Due to the unclear etiology and infrequent presentation of this condition, it remains a diagnosis of exclusion based on clinical suspicion evaluating the presence of stressors or psychiatric comorbidities and exclusion of systemic conditions. Clinical confirmation can be sought through a positive autoerythrocyte sedimentation test, characteristic histopathology findings, and remission of purpura after psychiatric treatment.
PubMed: 37703091
DOI: 10.2196/48153 -
International Wound Journal Jan 2024Caesarean section (C-section) is a prevalent obstetric surgical procedure, with the choice of analgesic agents playing a pivotal role in postoperative recovery. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Caesarean section (C-section) is a prevalent obstetric surgical procedure, with the choice of analgesic agents playing a pivotal role in postoperative recovery. This systematic meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of sufentanil (ST) and remifentanil (RT) on postoperative wound healing in caesarean section primiparas undergoing epidural anaesthesia. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, yielding eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for inclusion. The primary outcome was wound healing assessment using the REEDA (redness, edema, ecchymosis, discharge, approximation) scale on the third, fifth and tenth postoperative days. The meta-analysis encompassed 691 primiparas. A significant difference in wound healing was observed between ST and RT on the third (I = 99%; Random: SMD: 6.75, 95% CIs: 3.11-10.39, p < 0.01) and fifth days (I = 99%; Random: SMD: 3.63, 95% CIs: 1.56-5.70, p < 0.01) postcaesarean section. However, no significant difference was noted on the tenth day (I = 5%; Random: SMD: 0.00, 95% CIs: -0.45-0.45, p = 0.35). Sufentanil and remifentanil exhibit differential effects on early postoperative wound healing in caesarean section primiparas undergoing epidural anaesthesia. While both opioids are effective analgesics, sufentanil demonstrates a more pronounced impact on wound healing during the immediate postoperative days. Clinicians should consider these findings when selecting an opioid for pain management in this patient population.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Analgesics, Opioid; Anesthesia, Epidural; Cesarean Section; Remifentanil; Sufentanil; Wound Healing; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37697689
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14377 -
Medicine Sep 2023The purpose of this study was to explore efficacy of locally injected tranexamic acid (TXA) at a concentration of 1 mg/mL for reduction perioperative bleeding and...
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to explore efficacy of locally injected tranexamic acid (TXA) at a concentration of 1 mg/mL for reduction perioperative bleeding and postoperative complications in subcutaneous tumor excisions. We present the protocol and also compare results between the group of use antithrombotic group and not used.
METHODS
This is a retrospective study. Fifty-three patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 14): using antithrombotic drugs (antiplatelet or anticoagulants) with locally injected TXA. Group 2 (n = 17): using antithrombotic drugs without locally injected TXA. Group 3 (n = 22): not using antithrombotic drugs but with locally injected TXA. TXA was diluted to 1 mg/mL for use based on our experience. All patients were operated by 1 surgeon in 1 single medical center in Taipei from March 1st, 2020, to March 31st 2022. Outcomes such as the quality of perioperative surgical field and postoperative surgical complications were evaluated and compared. The quality of field was intraoperatively recorded by an assessment and photos from the surgeon. The statistical relationships between the complication rates were analyzed using χ2 test and a 1-way ANOVA by SPSS 25.
RESULTS
From Groups 1 and 3, a total of 36 patients, 29 patients had a clear surgical field during procedure. When comparing Groups 1 and 2, use of locally injected TXA had greater positive advantage in terms of a clearer vision whilst surgery (P = .031). Group 2 had more minor complications such as hematoma, severe ecchymosis, wound dehiscence, wound infection. By postoperatively reducing hematomas for 24 hours, it significantly reduce the incidence of abovementioned minor complications (P = .036). With the help of locally injected TXA, shorter time was required to remove drain, hence reducing duration of in-hospital stay.
CONCLUSION
The use of locally injected TXA whilst performing subcutaneous surgery on patients taking antithrombotic drugs is cost-effective. It could reduce bleeding and provide a more effective surgical field. In our study, favorable results were obtained from the use of diluted tranexamic acid (1 mg/mL) mixed with lidocaine, namely in clearing the surgical field as well as reducing postoperative surgical complications.
Topics: Humans; Tranexamic Acid; Fibrinolytic Agents; Retrospective Studies; Postoperative Complications; Surgeons; Hematoma
PubMed: 37657042
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034900 -
Cureus Jul 2023Sclerotherapy is an accepted treatment modality for reticular varicose veins and telangiectasia. We aimed to compare the success and safety of foam and liquid...
OBJECTIVE
Sclerotherapy is an accepted treatment modality for reticular varicose veins and telangiectasia. We aimed to compare the success and safety of foam and liquid sclerotherapy in obese patients with lower extremity varicose veins and telangiectasia.
METHODS
The present study was performed in a non-randomized prospective manner, and obese patients with lower extremity varicose veins (patients with anatomy and pathophysiology classification {CEAP} class C1) and telangiectasia treated with foam sclerotherapy and liquid sclerotherapy were enrolled into the study. Patients treated with foam sclerotherapy and liquid sclerotherapy were compared with regard to preoperative parameters, procedure success, Visual Analog Score (VAS), patient satisfaction, and complications.
RESULTS
The VAS scores at the first hour and sixth hour were statistically higher in the foam sclerotherapy group (p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). The success rate after the first session was 88.2% in the foam sclerotherapy group and 69.4% in the liquid sclerotherapy group (p=0.008). After all sessions, the success rates were similar between groups (p=0.607). The foam sclerotherapy group required an average of 1.1 sessions, while the liquid sclerotherapy group required 1.4 sessions (p=0.001). At the third-month follow-up, the success rate was significantly higher in the foam sclerotherapy group than liquid sclerotherapy group (91.2% and 77.4%; p= 0.030). In the foam sclerotherapy group, 80.9% of the patients were very satisfied, while this rate was 58.1% in the liquid group (p=0.012). The rates of ecchymosis and hyperpigmentation in the first week after the procedure were significantly higher in the foam sclerotherapy group (p=0.003 and p=0.040, respectively).
CONCLUSION
Our findings showed that foam sclerotherapy had a significantly higher success rate after the first session, and third month follow-up with higher patient satisfaction. In contrast, liquid sclerotherapy had significantly lower VAS scores in the first and sixth hours following the procedure and had lower ecchymosis and hyperpigmentation in the first week after the procedure.
PubMed: 37637635
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42571