• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.415-420
• /
• 2010

Purpose: Heterotopic calcification is a pathological event in which deposits of calcium salts build up, usually in the joint area or soft tissues. It can occur under many conditions and in some rare cases may develop in burn scars. In particular, ulcerations in burn scars accompanied by heterotopic calcification are difficult to treat through conservative treatment. This study reports methods for accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment of ulceration in burn scars accompanied by heterotopic calcification. Methods: Fourteen patients who visited our hospital from March 2008 to January 2010 were subjected to this study. Their sex, age, modes of burn, degree, TBSA (%), ulcerated area, the time of occurrence of the ulcerations in the burn scars were investigated. In addition, radiological examination and biopsy was performed to diagnose heterotopic calcification. Results: Among the 14 cases, 6 were male and 8 were female. The average age of the patients was 48.2 (27 - 69 yrs). As for the mode of burn, 11 were flame burns and 3 were scalding burns. The average time of occurrence of the ulcerations in the burn scars was 4.5 months. The ulcerated areas were situated in the legs in 12 cases, arms in 1 case, and torso in 1 case. The diagnosis was confirmed through X-ray and biopsy, and skin graft was performed after wide excision. Conclusion: Diagnosis of the ulceration in burn scars accompanied by heterotopic calcification is possible through radiological and pathologic studies. Surgical treatment is the most reliable method of treatment, and we chose to perform skin graft after wide excision. Also, we learned that the complete removal of the calcified tissue and the inflammatory fibrotic tissues is crucial in preventing recurrence. Also, in contrast to Marjolin's ulcer, heterotopic calcification had a small size, little or no granulation tissue, and lacked fungating type ulceration. Therefore, favorable prognosis could be achieved through adequate treatment.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.44.1-44.17
• /
• 2023

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a significant public health concern around the globe. Antimicrobial peptides exhibit broad-spectrum and efficient antibacterial activity with an added advantage of low drug resistance. The higher water content and 3D network structure of the hydrogels are beneficial for maintaining antimicrobial peptide activity and help to prevent degradation. The antimicrobial peptide released from hydrogels also hasten the local wound healing by promoting epithelial tissue regeneration and granulation tissue formation. Objective: This study aimed at developing sodium alginate based hydrogel loaded with a novel antimicrobial peptide Chol-37(F34-R) and to investigate the characteristics in vitro and in vivo as an alternative antibacterial wound dressing to treat infectious wounds. Methods: Hydrogels were developed and optimized by varying the concentrations of crosslinkers and subjected to various characterization tests like cross-sectional morphology, swelling index, percent water contents, water retention ratio, drug release and antibacterial activity in vitro, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infected wound mice model in vivo. Results: The results indicated that the hydrogel C proved superior in terms of cross-sectional morphology having uniformly sized interconnected pores, a good swelling index, with the capacity to retain a higher quantity of water. Furthermore, the optimized hydrogel has been found to exert a significant antimicrobial activity against bacteria and was also found to prevent bacterial infiltration into the wound site due to forming an impermeable barrier between the wound bed and external environment. The optimized hydrogel was found to significantly hasten skin regeneration in animal models when compared to other treatments in addition to strong inhibitory effect on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α). Conclusions: Our results suggest that sodium alginate -based hydrogels loaded with Chol-37(F34-R) hold the potential to be used as an alternative to conventional antibiotics in treating infectious skin wounds.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.48 no.8
• /
• pp.839-845
• /
• 2005

Purpose : Neck masses, in pediatric population, derive from a multitude of congenital, inflammatory, or neoplastic diseases. The majority of these masses represent benign conditions. However, thorough clinical evaluation is required to rule out malignant diseases. We evaluated the causes, clinical characteristics and outcomes of children with neck masses who underwent tissue biopsy. Methods : A total of 28 medical records of children with neck mass who underwent tissue biopsy at Chungnam National University Hospital, from January 2000 to March 2004 were retrospectively analyzed. The methods of biopsy were ultrasonography guided core biopsy(CB), fine needle aspiration biopsy(FNAB) and excisional biopsy. Results : Out of 28 patients, half were boys. The most common location of the mass was the posterior cervical area(N=19, 67.9%). Laboratory findings of peripheral blood and serologic studies were nonspecific. In 25(89.3%) cases, CB or FNAB was initially performed for neck masses. Among them 10 cases(40%) were reactive hyperplasia, 8(32%) inflammatory granulation tissues, 4(16%) necrotizing lymphadenitis, and 3(12%) acute suppurative inflammations. Initially, excisional biopsy was performed for diagnosis in 3(10.7%) cases. Diagnosis of these cases was thyroglossal duct cyst, dermoid cyst and lymphoblastic lymphoma, respectively. Conclusion : Most neck masses in children were benign. CB and FNAB were safe methods for tissue sampling, without need for general anesthesia.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.190-199
• /
• 2003

Purpose: The aim of this study was to find out a clinically appliable method to insert a biodegradable solid material containing holmium-166-chitosan complex into the surgical field, and to evaluate the histological changes in the normal tissues after ${\beta}$ -ray irradiation from holmium-166 according to the dose, period and type of tissues. Materials and Methods: 3.0 mCi, 50 ${\mu}l$ of the liquid state $^{166}$Ho-chitosan complex was attached to the absorbable gelatin sponge. The radiation activity measured by dose caliberator was 1.5 mCi. These $^{166}$Ho-chitosan complex containing absorbable gelatin sponges were inserted into the thigh muscles and over the femur bones of the Wistar rats. The cases were evaluated at 2 weeks after insertion, and 4, 6 weeks with respect to the histological changes of the soft tissues and bone, the depth of the tissue necrosis, and the changes of the $^{166}$Ho-chitosan complex containing absorbable gelatin sponges. Results: At 2 weeks, the muscles showed coagulation necrosis, degenerating myocytes, regenerating myocytes, intermuscular edema, and inflammatory cells. The necrosis depth was 3.3 mm. In the bones, there was no osteocyte in the lacuna of cortex (empty lacuna), marrow fibrosis, inflammation. The necrosis depth was 2.9 mm. At 4 weeks, in the muscle, calcification and increased fibrosis with necrosis depth by 3.3 mm were the additional findings. In the bone, marrow fibrosis with necrosis depth by 3.3 mm were detected. At 6 weeks, soft tissue shrinkage, increased fibrosis and granulation tissue formation, and nearly resolving inflammatory reaction were the findings. Conclusion: The local application of the $^{166}$Ho-chitosan complex attached to biodegradable gelatin material with surgery in the laboratory animals resulted in no mortality and morbidity, and satisfactory tissue necrosis. Holmium-166 can be applied to the treatment of the malignant tumor patients.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.27 no.6
• /
• pp.647-651
• /
• 2010

The advantages of the $CO_2$ laser are offset by the delay in laser wound healing secondary to thermal damage. To minimize the undesirable thermal damage of the $CO_2$ laser, investigators have developed technical advances in the delivery system of the laser energy. This study compared tissue healing of the continuous and the pulsed modes $CO_2$ laser wounds in an animal surgery model. Five healthy Landrace and Yorkshire mixed breeds of both genders were used (45-51 kg, 4-6 months old, three males and two females). A full thickness wound of skin ($2{\times}2{\times}2cm^2$) was made over on the each pig's both sides of dorsal midline at 0, 7, 14, and 18 days. The wounds created at 18, 14, 7 and 0 days were named post-wounding day (PWD) 3, 7, 14 and 21, respectively. In each pig, one wound (left side) was treated pulsed $CO_2$ laser and the other wound (right side) was treated continuous wave $CO_2$ laser. Each wound was closed with two interrupted suture of 3-0 sutures. At 21 days after initial wounding, each wound was taken for histological evaluations. The degrees of reepithelialization were performed more prominently in the pulsed mode group than in the continuous mode group. The degrees of granulation were greater significantly in pulsed mode group than those in the continuous mode on PWD 3 (p < 0.05). The degrees of fibroblasts in the pulsed mode group were greater significantly in comparison to those in the continuous mode group on PWD 7, (p < 0.05). In conclusion, reepithelialization, granulation and fibroblasts in the pulsed mode group were greater markedly in comparison to those in the continuous mode group. It was considered that pulsed mode $CO_2$ laser was more suitable for the skin incision than the continuous mode $CO_2$ laser.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.72 no.6
• /
• pp.486-492
• /
• 2012

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze clinical situations requiring rigid bronchoscopy and evaluate usefulness of rigid bronchoscopic intervention in benign or malignant airway disorders. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 29 patients who underwent rigid bronchoscopy from November 2007 to February 2011 at St. Paul's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea School of Medicine. Results: Of the 29 patients, the most frequent underlying etiology was benign stenosis of trachea (n=20). Of those 20 patients, 16 had post-intubation tracheal stenosis (PITS), 2 had tracheal stenosis due to inhalation burn (IBTS) and other 2 had obstructive fibrinous tracheal pseudomembrane (OFTP). Other etiologies were airway malignancy (n=6), endobronchial stenosis due to tuberculosis (n=2), and foreign body (n=1). For treatment, silicone stent insertion was done in 16 cases of PITS and IBTS and mechanical removal was performed in 2 cases of OFTP. In 6 cases of malignant airway obstruction mechanical debulking was performed and silicone stents were inserted additionally in 2 cases. Balloon dilatation and electrocautery were used in 2 cases of endobronchial stenosis due to tuberculosis. In all cases of stent, airway obstructive symptom improved immediately. Granulation tissue formation was the most common complication. Conclusion: Tracheal stenosis was most common indication and silicone stenting was most common procedure of rigid bronchoscopy in our center. Rigid bronchoscopic procedures, at least tracheal silicone stenting, should be included in pulmonary medicine fellowship programs because it is a very effective and indispensable method to relieve critical airway obstruction which needs training to learn.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.19 no.1
• /
• pp.92-97
• /
• 2005

Inhibition of inflammatory response, acceleration of basal cell growth, and balanced synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) are important in healing of cutaneous open wounds. In order to evaluate the healing effects of water extracts of Radix Astragali (the root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.)) on open wound at early stage, the experimental open wounds were generated on the dorsal sides of SD rats under anesthesia. The boiled-water extracts of Radix Astragali $(100{\mu}l)$, soaked into an occlusive film dressing were applied once a day for eleven consecutive days. The healing process was assessed by measuring macroscopic appearance and wound areas of the open wounds. The molecular aspects of healing process by Radix Astragali extracts were also investigated by Hematoxylin-Eosin (H-E) double staining and immunohistological staining of collagen type I in the healed skin area, implying cell density and linear alignment of the granulation tissue, and ECM synthesis and its remodeling, respectively. The Astragali radix extracts were found to significantly accelerate the cutaneous wound healing by suppressing the inflammation and stimulating the basal cell growth in wounded area, as compared to epidermal growth factor (EGF).

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.37 no.3
• /
• pp.227-232
• /
• 2010

Purpose: Continuous irrigation method is an important step in managing wound infection. V.A.C. devices have been used in intractable wounds for reducing discharge, improving local blood flow, and promoting healthy granulation tissue. We expect synergistic effects of reduced infection and more satisfactory, accelerated wound healing when using both methods simultaneously. This study evaluated continuous irrigation combined with V.A.C. appliance for treatment of infected chronic wounds. Methods: We reviewed data from 17 patients with infected intractable chronic wounds. V.A.C. device (Group A) was used in 9 patients, and V.A.C. with antibiotics irrigation (Group B) was used in 8 patients. We placed Mepitel$^{(R)}$ on the surface of wound and placed an irrigation and aspiration tube on each side. A sponge was placed on the Mepitel$^{(R)}$ and covered with film dressing. The wound was irrigated continuously with mixed antibiotics solution at the speed of 200 cc/hr and aspirated through the wall suction at the pressure of -125 mmHg. V.A.C. applied time, wound culture and wound size were compared between the two groups. Results: No complication were seen in two groups. Compared with Group A, in the Group B, V.A.C. applied time was shortened from 32.7 days to 25.6 days and showed efficacy in the reduction rate of wound size. No statistical differences were shown in bacterial reversion. Conclusion: V.A.C. appliance with continuous irrigation is an effective new method of managing infected chronic wounds and useful to reduce treatment duration and decrease wound size. Moreover it could be applied more widely to infected wound.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.29 no.3
• /
• pp.315-321
• /
• 1996

Bronchoplastlc procedures including sleeve lobectomy were initially introduced for patients whose pulmonary function was insufficient to tolerate pneumonectomy In more recent years, sleeve lobectomy has evolved as an alternative to pneumonectomy in carefully selected cases of bronchogenic carcinoma, especially for centrally located lesions. Between 1992 and 1995, bronchoplastic procedures for bronchogenic carcinoma were performed in 15 patients and the majority of operative procedures were sleeve lobectomy (W: 12). All procedures were considered as complete and potentially curative. Mean age was 62.3 years (range 46 to 70 years) and there were 12 males and 3 females. Of 15 patiients, 7 underwent right upper sleeve, 2 underwent right lower sleeve, 5 underwent left upper sleeve, and 1 underwent right sleeve pneumonectomy. Postoperative staging was , stage I in 3, stage ll in 8, stage llla in 3 and stage lII in 1. The postoperative complications included anastomosis site obstruction due to granulation tissue in 1, local recurrence in 3, and wound infection in 1 There were 1 operative death due to sepsis and 2 late deaths. The three-year survival rate was 80%. The significant correlation was observed (r=0.11) between the predicted FEVI (1.851 L) and measured FEVI (1 762L). In conclusion, bronchoplastic procedure will have better prognosis than pneumonectomy in selected lung cancer patients because of preserving good function in remnant lung.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.59 no.1
• /
• pp.62-68
• /
• 2005

Background : The clinical results of a Natural stent in patients with a benign tracheobronchial stenosis were examined by comparing the clinical outcomes and complications of those patients who underwent Dumon and Natural stenting in the management of benign airway stenosis. Methods : The medical records of 94 patients (39 Dumon and 55 Natural stent) with a benign tracheobronchial stenosis were reviewed and analyzed. Results : Post-tuberculous stenosis was the leading indication for airway stenting (74%), which was followed by post-intubation stenosis (21%). After intervention, the dyspnea had improved among those patients who underwent Dumon (90%) and Natural (86%) stenting. After stabilizing the dyspnea, the stent could be successfully removed in half of the patients who underwent both Dumon (54%) and Natural (49%) stenting. During the 42 month follow-up period, the complication rate was similar in those patients who underwent Dumon and Natural stenting: migration (46% vs 53%), granulation tissue formation (36% vs 49%), mucostasis (21% vs 16%) and restenosis (51% vs 36%). Conclusion : The clinical results of Natural airway stent was similar to those of Dumon stent in the management of benign tracheobronchial stenosis.