Eplasty 2017 21;17:e10. Epub 2017 Mar 21.

Institute for Plastic Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL.

Objective: Postsurgical pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare but potentially devastating condition for surgical patients. While pyoderma gangrenosum has 2 subtypes, typical and atypical, each can be further classified by its heralding features. These include ulcerative, pustular, bullous, and vegetative. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017 Feb 28;11(2):e0005331. Epub 2017 Feb 28.

Section Clinical Tropical Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.

Background: Beyond Mycobacterium ulcerans-specific therapy, sound general wound management is required for successful management of Buruli ulcer (BU) patients which places them among the large and diverse group of patients in poor countries with a broken skin barrier.

Methods: Clinically BU suspicious patients were enrolled between October 2013 and August 2015 at a primary health care (PHC) center and a municipal hospital, secondary health care (SHC) center in Ghana. All patients were IS2404 PCR tested and divided into IS2404 PCR positive and negative groups. Read More

Eplasty 2017 25;17:e2. Epub 2017 Jan 25.

Introduction: We describe a novel technique of contralateral pedicled deepithelialized superficial inferior epigastric artery flaps, followed by abdominal advancement coverage, as an alternative treatment of radiated complicated inguinal or lower abdominal defects, avoiding the donor-site defect typically seen with other methods of coverage. Methods: Two male patients with histories of liposarcoma after excision and radiation to one side of lower abdomen/inguinal area presented with complicated wounds that were reconstructed with this technique. Results: Successful obliteration of dead space and wound closure were achieved with the combination of a superficial inferior epigastric artery flap with an abdominal advancement flap. Read More

Orthopade 2017 Apr;46(4):342-352

Klinik für Handchirurgie, Salzburger Leite 1, 97616, Bad Neustadt an der Saale, Deutschland.

Background: The tendency of recurrence or progression is a frequent problem in Dupuytren's disease. The management of recurrence is adapted to the individual situation and the patient's needs. In mild cases a non-operative approach is recommended. Read More

Afr J Paediatr Surg 2016 Oct-Dec;13(4):185-188

Department of Surgery, Division of Paediatric Surgery, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria.

Background: Primary wound closure following laparotomy for peritonitis is generally believed to be associated with wound complications and long hospital stay. Open wound management has long been the most common practice after laparotomy for peritonitis. Primary closure (PC), however, has recently been advocated to reduce cost and morbidity. Read More

Cureus 2016 Nov 14;8(11):e877. Epub 2016 Nov 14.

Section of Plastic Surgery VA Healthcare - San Diego, Division of Plastic Surgery University of California San Diego.

Complex pressure ulcer wound sites often present with a wide scope of barriers to healing ranging from high colonization of multi-drug-resistant pathogens to tortuous internal anatomy which make the wound recalcitrant to traditional wound care including standard negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Negative pressure wound therapy with instillation (NPWTi-d) provides an opportunity to manage and heal wounds with indications not met by standard NPWT such as cavitating wounds with complex undermining and tunneling. In this clinical case report, a patient who presented with a chronic, non-healing Stage IV pressure ulcer underwent a tensor fascia lata flap reconstruction that was complicated by a partial flap-tip nonadherence with associated partial dehiscence of the flap incision that proved unresolvable until application of adjunctive NPWTi-d which allowed the wound to experience a robust rate of granulation, contraction, and closure. Read More

J Foot Ankle Surg 2016 Nov - Dec;55(6):1148-1157. Epub 2016 Sep 1.

Fellowship Trained Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Jamestown Regional Medical Center, Jamestown, ND.

Nonhealing wounds along the fifth metatarsal associated with neuropathy and bone deformity frequently become complicated with osteomyelitis. Our surgical technique for complete fifth ray amputation with peroneal tendon transfer has been previously published. The present study evaluated the outcomes regarding success with initial healing and intermediate-term limb survival after this procedure, which is intended to resolve infection, remove bone deformity, heal and prevent recurrence of lateral column wounds, and maintain functional stability of the foot. Read More

Biomed Pharmacother 2016 Dec 14;84:878-891. Epub 2016 Oct 14.

Enzymes and Bioconversion Research Unit, Department of biological engineering, National School of Engineers of Sfax (ENIS), BP W, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia; Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sfax (ISBS), BP 261, 3000 Sfax, Tunisia. Electronic address:

Background: Lipopeptide microbial surfactants are endowed with unique surface properties as well as antimicrobial, anti-wrinkle, moisturizing and free radical scavenging activities. They were introduced safely in dermatological products, as long as they present low cytotoxicity against human cells. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activities and the wound healing potential of Bacillus subtilis SPB1 lipopeptide biosurfactant on excision wounds induced in experimental rats. Read More

Am J Case Rep 2016 Oct 11;17:730-733. Epub 2016 Oct 11.

Department of Burns, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China (mainland).

BACKGROUND As patients with thoracic duct injuries often suffer from severe local soft tissue defects, integrated surgical treatment is needed to achieve damage repair and wound closure. However, thoracic duct chylous fistula is rare in burn patients, although it typically involves severe soft tissue damage in the neck or chest. CASE REPORT A 32-year-old male patient fell after accidentally contacting an electric current (380 V) and knocked over a barrel of sulfuric acid. Read More

Wounds 2016 Sep;28(9):317-327

Homecare Service, Israel Cancer Association and Geriatric-Palliative Service, Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel.

Introduction: The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel method using an autologous whole blood clot formed with the RedDress Wound Care System (RD1, RedDress Ltd, Israel), a provisional whole blood clot matrix used in the treatment of chronic wounds of various etiologies.

Methods And Materials: Patients were treated at the bedside with the whole blood clot matrix. Blood was withdrawn from each patient using citrate, mixed with a calcium gluconate/kaolin suspension, and injected into an RD1 clotting tray. Read More

Int J Radiat Biol 2017 Mar 21;93(3):340-350. Epub 2016 Oct 21.

a Cytori Therapeutics Inc , San Diego , CA , USA.

Purpose: To develop an approach that models the cutaneous healing that occurs in a patient with full thickness thermal burn injury complicated by total body radiation exposure sufficient to induce sub-lethal prodromal symptoms. An assessment of the effects of an autologous cell therapy on wound healing on thermal burn injury with concomitant radiation exposure was used to validate the utility of the model.

Methods: Göttingen minipigs were subjected to a 1. Read More

J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2016 Aug 1;9(8):47-9. Epub 2016 Aug 1.

Webster Management, Inc. (Private Practice), Oakland, California.

Objective: Following Mohs surgery, medium-to-large defects on the central forehead can often be complicated to surgically reconstruct. In this paper, the authors discuss possible central forehead reconstructions and report their successful experience employing a simple primary vertical linear closure with a special technique to demarcate forehead rhytides rather than performing an overly complicated flap or graft.

Case Report: The patient was a 57-year-old man who presented with a broad superficial basal cell carcinoma that required treatment with Mohs surgery. Read More

Wounds 2016 Aug;28(8):255-63

Department of Burns and Reconstructive Surgery, Comenius University and University Hospital Ružinov, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.

Unlabelled: Although negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been used for more than 20 years, as far as the authors are aware, there is little research aimed at the evaluation of the combination of NPWT with a silver-impregnated dressing.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect, efficacy, and safety of NPWT in conjunction with a silver-impregnated dressing.

Materials And Methods: The authors used a retrospective study of 54 acute and chronic wounds treated in 50 patients over a 2-year period. Read More

Ann Thorac Surg 2016 Sep;102(3):e191-2

Cardiology Division, Internal Medicine Department, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Manama, Bahrain. Electronic address:

A 46-year-old man experienced a remote unexpected lung injury with a sharp object. The object migrated over the years, penetrating the mediastinal structure, injuring the pericardium and the right-sided chambers of the heart. The injury was complicated by hemodynamic instability and pericardial tamponade. Read More

J Pediatr Orthop B 2017 Jul;26(4):350-357

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.

Femoral neck and pelvic fractures are rarely encountered in the pediatric population secondary to the resilient nature of the immature skeleton. Both fracture types usually result from high-energy blunt trauma including motor vehicle collisions, motor vehicle-pedestrian accidents, and falls from height. Considerable studies have been published on the natural history, management, and complications of pediatric pelvis and femoral neck fractures. Read More

J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2016 Aug;14(8):786-95

Department of Dermatology, Allergology, and Venereology, University Hospital of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany.

Methods used in the treatment of acute and chronic wounds undergo constant evolution, reevaluation, and innovation. While negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is an established treatment modality, the combination of NPWT and instillation of normal saline as well as solutions with active antiseptic components for topical treatment of the wound bed represents a novel approach. The well-known effects of NPWT may thus be combined with those of local antisepsis. Read More

Biomacromolecules 2016 Jun 26;17(6):2168-77. Epub 2016 May 26.

School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.

Effective wound healing requires complicated, coordinated interactions and responses at protein, cellular, and tissue levels involving growth factor expression, cell proliferation, wound closure, granulation tissue formation, and vascularization. In this study, we develop a heparin-based coacervate consisting of poly(ethylene argininylaspartate digylceride) (PEAD) as a storage matrix, heparin as a bridge, and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) as a cargo (namely heparin-FGF2@PEAD) for wound healing. First, in vitro characterization demonstrates the loading efficiency and control release of FGF2 from the heparin-FGF2@PEAD coacervate. Read More

Mol Pharm 2016 Jul 1;13(7):2318-31. Epub 2016 Jun 1.

Laboratory for Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba , 750 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0T5, Canada.

Wound care is a serious healthcare concern, often complicated by prolonged inflammation and bacterial infection, which contributes significantly to mortality and morbidity. Agents commonly used to treat chronic wound infections are limited due to toxicity of the therapy, multifactorial etiology of chronic wounds, deep skin infections, lack of sustained controlled delivery of drugs, and development of drug resistance. LL37 is an endogenous host defense peptide possessing antimicrobial activity and is involved in the modulation of wound healing. Read More

J Feline Med Surg 2017 Jun 1;19(6):624-630. Epub 2016 Apr 1.

1 Clinic for Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany.

Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for the treatment of complicated wounds in cats. Methods Twenty cats undergoing open-wound treatment in two clinics were classed according to treatment method: NPWT (group A, n = 10) and polyurethane foam dressing (group B, n = 10). Pairs of patients from each group were matched based on wound conformation, localisation and underlying cause. Read More

Khirurgiia (Mosk) 2016 (2):39-44

Chair of Pediatric Surgery of N.I. Pirogov Russian Research Medical University, Moscow.

Aim: To present results of VAC application in children with complicated wounds of anterior abdominal wall combined with intestinal and/or biliary fistulas.

Material And Methods: For the last 7 years 8 patients aged from 1.5 months to 15 years with infected postoperative wounds of anterior abdominal wall complicated by intestinal fistulas (6), biliary and intestinal fistulas (1) and biliary fistula (1) have been treated at the surgical department №2 of Russian Children's Clinical Hospital. Read More

Vojnosanit Pregl 2016 Jan;73(1):9-15

Unlabelled: BACKGROUND/AIM. Surgical and chronic wounds in vascular patients might contribute to limb loss and death. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC)--Kinetic Concepts, Inc. Read More

Indian J Plast Surg 2015 Sep-Dec;48(3):309-12

Department of Plastic Surgery, NMCS Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Background: Direct closure of large scalp defects is not an easy task. Complicated flap designs or staged surgeries over a period of 6 months are often required. A case of a large scalp defect that was closed directly in 3 months by applying a simple external tissue expansion technique is presented in this report. Read More

Int J Low Extrem Wounds 2016 Mar;15(1):68-70

Academic Teaching Hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt, Dresden, Germany.

Erysipelas are common soft tissue infections responding to first-line antibiosis. Because of factors of related to responsible bacteria and host, complications can occur that need extensive surgery in addition to intensified drug therapy. We report on a 65-year-old woman with leg ulcer who developed an absceding and necrotizing panniculitis of the affected leg complicating erysipelas. Read More

Thromb Haemost 2016 May 21;115(5):1001-9. Epub 2016 Jan 21.

Prof. Tor Ny, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden, Tel.: +46 90 786 6565, Fax: +46 90 134 009, E-mail:

Wound healing is a complicated biological process that consist of partially overlapping inflammatory, proliferation and tissue remodelling phases. A successful wound healing depends on a proper activation and subsequent termination of the inflammatory phase. The failure to terminate the inflammation halts the completion of wound healing and is a known reason for formation of chronic wounds. Read More

J Surg Case Rep 2015 Dec 16;2015(12). Epub 2015 Dec 16.

Division of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland

Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy is a useful tool in the management of a wide spectrum of complex wounds in cardiothoracic surgery. It promotes healing through the application of a controlled and localized negative pressure on porous polyurethane absorbent foams. Known advantages of the VAC therapy are the acceleration of wound healing, stimulation of granulation tissue and reduced tissue edema. Read More

Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl 2015 Nov;26(6):1257-61

First Department of Surgery and Transplant Unit, Evaggelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Fournier's gangrene is not a common cause of morbidity in renal transplant recipients, but, if it occurs, it is difficult to treat because of the immunosuppression and associated increased mortality rate. We describe the case of a male patient who underwent renal transplantation with complicated post-operative course, resulting in cecum perforation (thermal injury due to cautery use during transplantation) requiring exploratory laparotomy and cecostomy. A few days later, he developed Fournier's gangrene and urgent radical surgical debridement of the scrotum was performed, along with aggressive antibiotic regimen and the immunosuppressive treatment was modified. Read More

Rev Urol 2015 ;17(3):194-201

Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Sifa University, Izmir, Turkey.

Colonic injury during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) persists despite the advances in technical equipment and interventional radiology techniques. According to the Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications, colonic injury is regarded as a stage IVa complication. Currently, the rate of colonic injury ranges between 0. Read More

Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2016 Aug 22;88(2):312-5. Epub 2015 Oct 22.

Pediatric Interventional Cardiology Department, National Institute of Cardiology "Ignacio Chávez", Mexico City, Mexico.

Complications of transseptal puncture are significant and potentially life threatening. Aortic perforation is one of these complications and it needs to be repaired immediately. We report the case of a 48-year-old female with a history of rheumatic mitral valve disease. Read More

Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc 2015 ;49(5):571-5

Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Plastic Surgery, Antalya, Turkey.

Conventional procedures can usually prevent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakages, but they may not work for complicated cases. In this case presentation, we demonstrated the effectiveness of combined omental and latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps for management of difficult CSF fistula. A reverse turnover latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap and omental flap were transferred for reconstruction of the posterior wound and CSF leakage. Read More

J Med Case Rep 2015 Sep 18;9:220. Epub 2015 Sep 18.

Chronic Wound Treatment Center, Hangzhou Geriatric Hospital, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China.

Introduction: Pressure ulceration is a common problem for long-term bedridden patients and individuals with traumatic paraplegia. Necrotizing fasciitis can be a life-threatening complication caused by pressure ulcers, especially for debilitated elderly patients. In this report, we describe the successful use of negative pressure wound therapy with instillation to treat severe complex pressure ulcers complicated with peri-anal necrotizing fasciitis. Read More

Ann Thorac Surg 2015 Jul;100(1):318-20

Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

Atrial septal defect closure using the Amplatzer septal occluder (AGA Medical Corp, Golden Valley, MN) device is an established treatment option with excellent clinical outcome. However, several structural characteristics have been reported to be prognostic factors for failure of catheter interventional treatment. We report successful surgical removal of an Amplatzer septal occluder that had become dislocated and had migrated into the deep aortic arch. Read More

J Pediatr Orthop 2016 Dec;36(8):793-796

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA.

Background: Current treatment algorithms for pediatric radial neck fractures reserve open treatment for severe residual angulation. There is a paucity of literature guiding treatment for delayed presentation resulting in malunion. Bioabsorbable pins have been used successfully for many other fracture types in the upper extremity. Read More

Genet Mol Res 2015 Apr 10;14(2):2953-7. Epub 2015 Apr 10.

Emergency Department, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

The purpose of this study was to analyze the therapy of a severe abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) to elucidate the use of an abdominal advanced flap with other supportive measures for restoration of large defects of the abdominal wall. A patient presented with a large defect of the abdominal wall caused by ACS, which had resulted from multiple injuries after a fall from height. Healing of the defect was achieved by transplantation of an abdominal advanced flap and other supportive strategies. Read More

World Neurosurg 2015 Nov 7;84(5):1493.e15-8. Epub 2015 May 7.

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport Department of Neurosurgery, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA.

The purpose of our paper is to present a case of a rare complication of posterior lumbar surgery. Our patient presented for elective lumbar decompression, which was complicated by durotomy. She then developed sudden headache and right eye pain once upright on postoperative day 2. Read More

Wounds 2014 Jul;26(7):189-96

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ.

Background: Management of complicated open wounds represents a challenge when reconstructive options are not applicable. Urinary bladder matrix (UBM) provides a biocompatible material that allows inductivetissue remodeling.

Methods: The use of urinary bladder matrix inthe treatment of 5 patients with complicated open wounds that failed toheal with conventional therapy is presented. Read More

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2015 May 3;45(3):565-84. Epub 2015 Mar 3.

Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4474, USA. Electronic address:

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is becoming recognized in veterinary medicine as a viable option for the management of complex wounds. NPWT has many advantages over traditional wound care and results in quicker and improved wound healing in many instances. This article discusses the art and science of NPWT, as well as the many current indications, complications, advantages and disadvantages, and future directions of NPWT in small animal veterinary medicine. Read More

G Ital Dermatol Venereol 2015 Feb;150(1):13-7

Department of Dermatology, The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, Harlow, Essex, UK -

Aim: Repair following excision of large tumours of the face can be problematic; primary closure may not be achievable and grafting or secondary intention healing carry the risk of necrosis and lengthy healing times. Flaps are usually associated with earlier healing and better cosmetic results, as the skin used for closure is similar to the tissue requiring repair. However, large wound sizes and difficulty in finding a suitable donor area means flaps can be complicated to perform. Read More

Eur J Pediatr Surg 2016 Apr 16;26(2):164-71. Epub 2015 Feb 16.

Department of Hand Surgery, Children's Hospital Wilhelmstift, Hamburg, Germany.

Introduction: The majority of pediatric phalangeal fractures yield excellent results following conservative or operative treatment. However, a certain subset of fractures is associated with long-term sequelae such as osteonecrosis, physeal growth arrest, malunion, and malposition.

Patients And Methods: This study summarizes all sequelae following phalangeal fractures treated within a 10-year period (2003-2012). Read More

Surg Neurol Int 2015 22;6:11. Epub 2015 Jan 22.

Department of Neurosurgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA.

Background: Complex cranial wounds can be a problematic occurrence for surgeons. Vacuum-assisted closure devices have a wide variety of applications and have recently been used in neurosurgical cases involving complex cranial wounds. There is only one report regarding the use of a vacuum-assisted closure device with loss of dura mater. Read More

Acta Med Port 2014 Nov-Dec;27(6):743-8. Epub 2014 Dec 30.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology. Centro Hospitalar SÉo JoÉo. Porto Medical School. Porto University. Porto. Portugal.

Introduction: Foreign body ingestion is a frequent emergency occurrence. Serious complications, although rare, include pharyngooesophageal perforation, aorto-oesophageal fistula and deep neck infection.

Material And Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all cases of foreign body ingestion requiring hospitalization between 1989 and 2011, in a tertiary Hospital. Read More

Am J Cardiol 2015 Feb 13;115(3):392-8. Epub 2014 Nov 13.

Department of Pediatric, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York. Electronic address:

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a rare cardiac malformation that stems from incomplete fusion of the aortic media and the aortic valve annulus, a weakness that may result in rupture of the sinus, large left-to-right shunt, and severe congestive heart failure. Historically, this lesion has been repaired surgically, but percutaneous closure (PC) has emerged as a therapeutic intervention over the last 20 years. We review and contrast 34 studies detailing the PC approach with 16 studies on surgical closure (SC), together comprising a total of 877 patients who were treated for ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm from 1956 to 2014. Read More

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2015 2;28(1):30-8. Epub 2014 Dec 2.

Dr. Mirja Christine Nolff, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Clinic for Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, Veterinärstrasse 13, 80539 Munich, Germany, E-mail:

Objectives: To evaluate negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for treatment of complicated wounds in dogs.

Study Type: Retrospective multicentre study.

Materials And Methods: Dogs (n = 50) undergoing open wound treatment were classified according to treatment method used: bandage (Group A, n = 7), NPWT (Group B, n = 18), and foam dressing (Group C, n = 25). Read More

Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2014 Jul 7;2(7):e180. Epub 2014 Aug 7.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md.; The Department of Trauma and General Surgery, The Role 3 NATO Multinational Medical Unit, Kandahar, Afghanistan; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md.; and Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Summary: Reconstructive surgeons supporting military operations are required to definitively treat severe pediatric abdominal injuries in austere environments. The safety and efficacy of using a components separation technique to treat large ventral hernias in pediatric patients in this setting remains understudied. Components separation technique was required to achieve definitive closure in a 12-month-old pediatric patient in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Read More

J Surg Res 2015 Feb 16;193(2):963-8. Epub 2014 Sep 16.

Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Istanbul Cerrahi Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.

Background: Sutures and suturing techniques compose the basis of the surgery. Although many surgical methods such as the skin grafts or flaps has been described for the closure of large defects, proper primary suturing may sometimes yield very successful results and decrease the need of complicated procedures. In this article, a new combined skin-subcutaneous tissue suturing technique called as "8-shaped crisscross tensile suture (8CTS)" designed for the closure of large skin defects is presented. Read More

Arch Med Sci 2014 Aug 9;10(4):764-72. Epub 2013 Apr 9.

Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.

Introduction: Non-union of the tibia complicated by osteomyelitis is one of the most challenging problems in orthopaedic surgery. There remains a significant amount of debate and controversy regarding the optimal medical management of infected tibial non-union. There are few articles which have reported the outcomes of treatment for infected non-union of tibia from single-stage reconstruction with open bone grafting plus vacuum-assisted closure (VAC). Read More

World J Emerg Surg 2014 6;9(1):49. Epub 2014 Sep 6.

Section for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Rama VI Road, Rachatevi, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand.

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to compare surgical site infection (SSI) between delayed primary (DPC) and primary wound closure (PC) in complicated appendicitis and other contaminated abdominal wounds. Medline and Scopus were searched from their beginning to November 2013 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SSI and length of stay between DPC and PC. Studies' selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were done by two independent authors. Read More

Ear Nose Throat J 2014 Aug;93(8):332-6

Department of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine, 118 Med Surge I, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.

We describe a series of 11 patients--8 men and 3 women, aged 18 to 70 years (mean: 46.0)--who had fungal otitis externa that had been complicated by a tympanic membrane perforation. These patients had been referred to us for evaluation of chronic, mostly treatment-refractory otitis externa, which had manifested as otorrhea, otalgia, and/or pruritus. Read More

J Burn Care Res 2015 Mar-Apr;36(2):324-8

From the *Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine, Illinois; †Department of Therapy Services, University of Chicago Medicine, Illinois; and ‡Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California.

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has revolutionized the management of complicated wounds and has contributed an additional modality for securing split thickness skin grafts (STSG). The standard for NPWT is the vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) device. The authors' institution has accumulated experience using standard gauze sealed with an occlusive dressing and wall suction (GSUC) as their primary mode for NPWT. Read More

J Neurosurg Spine 2014 Nov 15;21(5):805-10. Epub 2014 Aug 15.

Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.

Object: Cerebrospinal fluid leaks due to unrecognized durotomy during spinal surgery are often managed with a second surgery for dural closure. CT-guided percutaneous patching targeted to the dural defect offers an alternative to surgery since it can be performed in a minimally invasive fashion without the need for general anesthesia. This case series describes the authors' experience using targeted CT-guided percutaneous patching to repair incidental durotomies incurred during spinal surgery. Read More

Ann Plast Surg 2014 Sep;73 Suppl 1:S27-30

From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi People's Republic of China.

Background: Penile reconstruction or phalloplasty has always been one of the most challenging problems for plastic surgeons. In 1936, Bogoras performed the first phalloplasty by using traditional tubed pedicle flaps. Many other flaps and methods have been applied since, including lower abdominal flaps, pudendal-thigh flaps, parascapular flaps, paraumbilical flaps and, of course, radial forearm flaps. Read More