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BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) Jun 2024To assess the effect of lateral episiotomy, compared with no episiotomy, on obstetric anal sphincter injury in nulliparous women requiring vacuum extraction. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of lateral episiotomy, compared with no episiotomy, on obstetric anal sphincter injury in nulliparous women requiring vacuum extraction.
DESIGN
A multicentre, open label, randomised controlled trial.
SETTING
Eight hospitals in Sweden, 2017-23.
PARTICIPANTS
717 nulliparous women with a single live fetus of 34 gestational weeks or more, requiring vacuum extraction were randomly assigned (1:1) to lateral episiotomy or no episiotomy using sealed opaque envelopes. Randomisation was stratified by study site.
INTERVENTION
A standardised lateral episiotomy was performed during the vacuum extraction, at crowning of the fetal head, starting 1-3 cm from the posterior fourchette, at a 60° (45-80°) angle from the midline, and 4 cm (3-5 cm) long. The comparison was no episiotomy unless considered indispensable.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The primary outcome of the episiotomy in vacuum assisted delivery (EVA) trial was obstetric anal sphincter injury, clinically diagnosed by combined visual inspection and digital rectal and vaginal examination. The primary analysis used a modified intention-to-treat population that included all consenting women with attempted or successful vacuum extraction. As a result of an interim analysis at significance level P<0.01, the primary endpoint was tested at 4% significance level with accompanying 96% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
From 1 July 2017 to 15 February 2023, 717 women were randomly assigned: 354 (49%) to lateral episiotomy and 363 (51%) to no episiotomy. Before vacuum extraction attempt, one woman withdrew consent and 14 had a spontaneous birth, leaving 702 for the primary analysis. In the intervention group, 21 (6%) of 344 women sustained obstetric anal sphincter injury, compared with 47 (13%) of 358 women in the comparison group (P=0.002). The risk difference was -7.0% (96% CI -11.7% to -2.5%). The risk ratio adjusted for site was 0.47 (96% CI 0.23 to 0.97) and unadjusted risk ratio was 0.46 (0.28 to 0.78). No significant differences were noted between groups in postpartum pain, blood loss, neonatal outcomes, or total adverse events, but the intervention group had more wound infections and dehiscence.
CONCLUSIONS
Lateral episiotomy can be recommended for nulliparous women requiring vacuum extraction to significantly reduce the risk of obstetric anal sphincter injury.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02643108.
Topics: Humans; Female; Episiotomy; Pregnancy; Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical; Adult; Anal Canal; Parity; Sweden; Obstetric Labor Complications; Lacerations; Young Adult
PubMed: 38886011
DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-079014 -
Cureus May 2024Acute appendicitis stands as a prevalent cause necessitating surgical intervention globally, predominantly affecting young adults and children, with notably lower...
Acute appendicitis stands as a prevalent cause necessitating surgical intervention globally, predominantly affecting young adults and children, with notably lower incidence among the elderly. Timely diagnosis facilitates effective management, mitigating the risk of severe complications. In this report, we present the case of a 59-year-old patient whose delayed diagnosis and consequently delayed surgical treatment led to serious complications. After the appendectomy, the patient, due to developing sepsis, was transferred to the intensive care unit. On the seventh postoperative day, complications were found in the form of wound dehiscence along with perforation of the jejunum. The second surgery involved a classic laparotomy, encompassing partial resection of the small intestine, and the creation of a single-barrel ileostomy. Further conservative treatment was implemented, and drainage of the abscess was performed. After treatment in the ICU, the patient was transferred to the surgical ward for further treatment. During the hospital stay, further conservative treatment was implemented, resulting in the improvement of the patient's general condition and resolution of symptoms. The patient was discharged home in optimal general condition with recommendations. After six months, the patient was brought to the surgical ward for reconstructive surgery to reestablish gastrointestinal continuity, which was carried out successfully.
PubMed: 38883094
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60360 -
Cureus May 2024Introduction Managing open lower extremity fractures is challenging, with potential complications such as amputation and infection. The aim of the study was to determine...
Introduction Managing open lower extremity fractures is challenging, with potential complications such as amputation and infection. The aim of the study was to determine whether the time delay and initial treatment of the patients treated in a non-specialized hospital before being transferred to a dedicated level I trauma center led to a worse outcome. Methods Retrospective data from 44 patients (37 males and seven females) undergoing free tissue transfer for lower extremity open fractures from January 2017 to December 2022 were analyzed. Group A received primary care externally and was later transferred for definitive treatment (n=17, 38.6%), while group B received initial care at a level I trauma center (n=27, 61.4%). Surgical outcomes, complications, the duration of the hospital stay, and assessment times were compared. Various demographic variables, co-morbidities, prior interventions, and flap types were analyzed. Results Average age (A: 55.1±16.7; B: 38.7±19.8 years; p=0.041), overall hospitalization (A: 55.7±22.8; B: 42.8±21.3 days; p=0.041), and time to soft tissue reconstruction differed significantly between groups (A: 30.7±12.2; B: 18.9±9.3 days; p=0.013). Overall, 31.8% had multiple injuries without statistical differences between groups A and B (29.4% vs. 33.3%; p>0.05). There were no statistical differences between the groups in terms of major and minor complications and bone healing characteristics. Limb salvage was successful overall in 93.2% (A: 94.1%; B: 92.6%; P>0.05). Major complications occurred in 9.1%; three patients underwent major amputation (A: n=2; B: n=1). Minor complications were observed in 43.2% of patients (partial flap necrosis, wound dehiscence and non-union; A: 41.2%; B: 44.4%; p>0.05). Overall, 65.9% of patients (A: 64.7%; B: 66.7%; p>0.05) experienced uneventful bone healing, while 18.2% of patients (A: 23.5%; B: 14.8%; p>0.05) experienced delayed healing. Flaps used were mostly musculocutaneous (71.7%). Various assessed demographic characteristics, including age and presence of polytrauma, showed no significant influence on complications (p>0.05). Conclusion Although there is a significant difference in the time course of externally treated patients with open fractures, prolonged treatment is not associated with a higher complication rate or compromised bone healing outcome. Despite the findings, it is important to avoid delays and strive for interdisciplinary collaboration.
PubMed: 38883017
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60380 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Jun 2024Direct-to-implant (DTI) immediate breast reconstruction has proven to be an oncologically safe technique and linked to better overall results. The introduction of new...
BACKGROUND
Direct-to-implant (DTI) immediate breast reconstruction has proven to be an oncologically safe technique and linked to better overall results. The introduction of new surgical techniques has prompted us to develop an acellular dermal matrix fixation technique that reduces the rate of complications and implant loss.
METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed data from patients who underwent DTI prepectoral breast reconstruction with two different techniques of acellular dermal matrix fixation to the chest wall. Descriptive statistics were reported using frequencies and percentages for categorical variables, and means and SDs for continuous variables. Pearson chi-square test was used to compare differences in categorical variables. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to investigate the predictors of complications.
RESULTS
From October 2019 to March 2023, 90 DTI breast reconstructions were performed, 43 using the standard technique and 47 using the new technique. The new technique demonstrated a significant reduction of major complications ( = 0.010), namely seroma (13.9% versus 2.3%), skin necrosis (9.3% versus 2.3%), implant loss (7% versus 0%), wound dehiscence (9.3% versus 0%), and infection (4.7% versus 0%). Compared with the standard technique, the new one reduced the risk of complications by 76% (OR 0.24; 95% confidence interval 0.09-0.68; = 0.007) and 73% (aOR 0.27; 95% confidence interval 0.08-0.92; = 0.037), at univariable and multivariable regression models. No other significant predictor of complications was identified.
CONCLUSIONS
The procedure performed with the proposed modality proved to be advantageous. Careful fixation of the prosthetic implant and the placement of two drains, were the keys to a drastic reduction in complications.
PubMed: 38881959
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005895 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Jun 2024Pilonidal cyst disease is a challenging condition requiring excision and wound management when it is chronic and symptomatic. Primary closure of the excision site can...
BACKGROUND
Pilonidal cyst disease is a challenging condition requiring excision and wound management when it is chronic and symptomatic. Primary closure of the excision site can lead to high recurrence rates, necessitating flap-based reconstruction. This article discusses the use of a partial gluteus maximus muscle flap to address recurrent pilonidal disease and reduce its recurrence.
METHODS
From 2014 to 2021, 11 patients aged 14-31 with recurrent pilonidal cysts underwent two-stage surgery involving excision and wound debridement by general surgery, followed by plastic surgery for wound closure using the partial gluteus muscle flap.
RESULTS
Eleven patients were included in the study (four women and seven men). The mean age was 23 ± 5.2, and the average body mass index was 28.59 (±6.7). The mean number of previous procedures was 2.25 (range, 2-3). Operative time was 158.7 ± 37 minutes. The average length of stay when both procedures were done in the same admission was 8 ± 6 days (range 3-21 days) and when procedures were done separately, the length of hospital stay after the wound closure using a partial gluteus muscle flap was 3 days, and the range for reliable follow-up was 1.6-7 years postoperatively. In our study cohort of 11 patients, the majority, specifically seven individuals, experienced uneventful healing. However, a subset of patients encountered complications. Three patients developed an infection recurrence: one was treated conservatively, and one required reoperation with resolution of symptoms, and one patient also experienced wound dehiscence, which was closed with a small procedure.
CONCLUSION
Partial gluteal muscle flap offers a promising approach for treating recalcitrant, difficult-to-treat pilonidal disease in young adults, enhancing wound healing and reducing the risk of recurrence.
PubMed: 38859808
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005887 -
European Review For Medical and... May 2024Recently, the infiltration of a subpopulation of cells represented by mononucleated cells extracted from peripheral blood [Peripheral Blood-Mononuclear Cells (PB-MNCs)]...
BACKGROUND
Recently, the infiltration of a subpopulation of cells represented by mononucleated cells extracted from peripheral blood [Peripheral Blood-Mononuclear Cells (PB-MNCs)] is becoming a useful technique for medical and surgical regenerative procedures. Due to the angiogenetic and regenerative properties of PB-MNCs, the infiltration of these cells is, in our opinion, a new option indicated in the treatment of pathologies characterized by tissue dystrophy, loss of vascularization, and non-healing wounds.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 25-year-old active smoker patient was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma of the anterior tibial muscle of his left leg and treated with neoadjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy (RT). After the tumor excision, the patient developed wound dehiscence with bone exposure and a perilesional radiation-induced chronic dermatitis characterized by skin dyschromia and hair thinning along the treated area. The patient underwent surgical debridement and reconstruction with autologous skin grafts and dermal substitutes, with poor outcomes due to graft failure. The patient was subsequently treated with surgical debridement and coverage with a reverse sural fascia-cutaneous flap. After 13 days, wound dehiscence was observed, and reconstruction of the dehiscent areas was performed with a split-thickness autologous skin graft with no success. After wound debridement, a new split-thickness skin graft was performed, and a concentrate of autologous PB-MNCs was injected in the flap and perilesional skin. After 14 days, graft take was reached, and improvements in perilesional tissue tropism were noted. At 2 months follow-up, the patient appeared completely healed.
CONCLUSIONS
In our opinion, the use of PB-MNCs to treat conditions characterized by tissue dystrophy, which require neoangiogenesis and cell regeneration, can be a useful and unconsidered technique that could be utilized to improve tissue tropism. Furthermore, prospective trials are necessary to validate our observations.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adult; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Lower Extremity; Rhabdomyosarcoma; Wound Healing
PubMed: 38856134
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202405_36295 -
Eplasty 2024Surgical site complications (SSCs) pose a significant risk to patients, potentially leading to severe consequences or even loss of life. While previous research has... (Review)
Review
Closed Incision Negative Pressure Therapy Versus Standard of Care Over Closed Abdominal Incisions in the Reduction of Surgical Site Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies.
BACKGROUND
Surgical site complications (SSCs) pose a significant risk to patients, potentially leading to severe consequences or even loss of life. While previous research has shown that closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) can reduce wound complications in various surgical fields, its effectiveness in abdominal incisions remains uncertain. To address this gap, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the impact of ciNPT on postsurgical outcomes and health care utilization in patients undergoing open abdominal surgeries.
METHODS
A systematic literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, and QUOSA was performed for publications written in English, comparing ciNPT with standard of care dressings for patients undergoing abdominal surgical procedures between January 2005 and August 2021. Characteristics of study participants, surgical procedures, dressings used, duration of treatment, postsurgical outcomes, and follow-up data were extracted. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models. Dichotomous outcomes were summarized using risk ratios and continuous outcomes were assessed using mean differences.
RESULTS
The literature search identified 22 studies for inclusion in the analysis. Significant reductions in relative risk (RR) of SSC (RR: 0.568, = .003), surgical site infection (SSI) (RR: 0.512, < .001), superficial SSI (RR: 0.373, < .001), deep SSI (RR: 0.368, =.033), and dehiscence (RR: 0.581, = .042) were associated with ciNPT use. ciNPT use was also associated with a reduced risk of readmission and a 2.6-day reduction in hospital length of stay ( < .001).
CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate that use of ciNPT in patients undergoing open abdominal procedures can help reduce SSCs and associated hospital length of stay as well as readmissions.A previous version of this abstract was presented at the 2023 Conference of the European Wound Management Association (EWMA) in Milan, Italy and posted online at the site listed below. EWMA permits abstracts to be republished with the complete manuscript. https://journals.cambridgemedia.com.au/application/files/9116/8920/7316/JWM_Abstracts_LR.pdf.
PubMed: 38846511
DOI: No ID Found -
Eplasty 2024Postsurgical pyoderma gangrenosum (PSPG) is a highly uncommon and unpredictable wound healing complication. Rapid progression of ulcers at incisions can cause unfettered...
BACKGROUND
Postsurgical pyoderma gangrenosum (PSPG) is a highly uncommon and unpredictable wound healing complication. Rapid progression of ulcers at incisions can cause unfettered dehiscence. Most commonly, PSPG involves breast procedures; however, in this work, we detail a case of a patient who developed PSPG 10 days postoperatively after penile inversion vaginoplasty.
METHODS
The patient in this case underwent a penile inversion vaginoplasty with orchiectomy in the standard fashion. She had no risk factors for PSPG. Following an uncomplicated hospital stay, the patient developed difficulty with pain control and increasing serous drainage on the 10th postoperative day. On readmission, the patient was found to have developed large, mildly purulent ulcers throughout the perineal wound edges. On exam under anesthesia, the neovaginal canal was found to be patent and intact. The dehisced portions of the incisions were left open and redressed with occlusive bismuth-petrolatum dressing. Dermatology was promptly consulted with suspicion for PSPG. The patient was started on an 18-day prednisone taper with cyclosporine, along with doxycycline and ciprofloxacin.
RESULTS
After 5 days of immunosuppressive treatment, the ulcers visibly converted to healthy granulation tissue and were no longer actively purulent. Following another washout, the dehisced wound edges were reapproximated. At follow-up, the patient had no evidence of PSPG recurrence and continued dilating on schedule. Our patient recovered from PSPG without further complications and a satisfactory aesthetic result.
CONCLUSIONS
This unique case highlights the importance of prompt dermatological consultation, immunosuppression, and avoidance of further pathergy in the setting of suspicion for PSPG.
PubMed: 38846503
DOI: No ID Found -
Eplasty 2024Nearly half a million interbody fusions are estimated to be performed in the US each year, many of which involve complex reconstruction. The ability to limit seroma...
BACKGROUND
Nearly half a million interbody fusions are estimated to be performed in the US each year, many of which involve complex reconstruction. The ability to limit seroma formation is vital to a seamless postoperative recovery.
METHODS
A retrospective review was performed for patients undergoing fusion procedures along with flap reconstruction over a period of 20 months. Cohorts reflect a temporal practice shift where use of hydrolyzed collagen powder (HCP) was initiated for hypothesized seroma prevention. Outcomes and associated metrics were used for intergroup comparison.
RESULTS
The study included 76 patients, of whom 47 were treated with HCP and 29 were not. Control patients had significantly fewer postoperative seromas than experimental ones (6.9% vs 27.7%; = .03). The cohorts had no significant differences in time until final drain removal or in number of spinal levels involved (7.8 vs 7.1 days; = .33, 8.5 vs 8.4 levels; = .90). Rates of wound dehiscence, hematoma, or infection did not differ significantly between control and experimental patients (3.4% vs 12.8%, = .17; 0% vs 0%; and 6.9% vs 10.6%, = .58, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
The use of HCP led to a 4-fold increase in postoperative seromas in patients undergoing spinal fusion with flap reconstruction. This was regardless of all analyzed demographic and procedural factors, with the exception of age, whereby control patients were found to be on average slightly younger than experimental counterparts.
PubMed: 38846501
DOI: No ID Found -
Cureus May 2024The decision and timing of surgical exploration of intestinal obstruction depend on the clinical findings and probable etiology of the symptoms. Patients with intestinal...
BACKGROUND
The decision and timing of surgical exploration of intestinal obstruction depend on the clinical findings and probable etiology of the symptoms. Patients with intestinal obstruction often have intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH), which is associated with a poor prognosis.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the surgical outcomes in patients with intestinal obstruction in relation to intra-abdominal pressure (IAP).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted on 50 patients with intestinal obstruction undergoing surgery. Preoperatively, IAP was measured in all the patients and was allocated into two groups based on the presence or absence of IAP. Patients were assessed for the postoperative length of hospital or ICU stay, surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, and recovery following surgery.
RESULTS
The patients with preoperative IAH had significantly longer postoperative stays, with a median stay of eight days in these patients compared to four days in patients without IAH (p=0.009). A significantly higher number of patients (24%) had gangrenous changes on the bowel wall (p=0.042) and fascial dehiscence (p=0.018) in the group associated with raised IAP. A total of 75% of patients who required ventilator support belonged to the raised IAP group. The mean IAP in patients admitted to the ICU was significantly higher than in patients not admitted to the ICU (p=0.027).
CONCLUSION
Preoperative IAH in intestinal obstruction is a significant factor in predicting the possibility of bowel ischemia with gangrene, perforation, intra-abdominal sepsis, surgical site infections, and prolonged hospital stay. Early surgical exploration and abdominal decompression must be considered in such cases.
PubMed: 38841048
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59736