• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.45 no.2
• /
• pp.127-130
• /
• 2012

Sternal dehiscence is one of the most troublesome complications following cardiac surgery. Treatment failure and consequent lethal results are very common, even with all the efforts to resolve sternal dehiscence such as removal of infectious tissue, muscle flap interposition, and sternal rewiring. We report on a case of sternal osteomyelitis following coronary artery bypass grafting that was successfully treated with wide sternal resection, titanium plate fixation, and pectoralis muscle flap interposition.

• Neurospine
• /
• v.15 no.4
• /
• pp.338-347
• /
• 2018

Objective: Patients with extradural spine tumors are at an increased risk for intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and postoperative wound dehiscence due to radiotherapy and other comorbidities related to systemic cancer treatment. In this case series, we discuss our experience with the management of intraoperative durotomies and wound closure strategies for this complex surgical patient population. Methods: We reviewed our recent single-center experience with spine surgery for primarily extradural tumors, with attention to intraoperative durotomy occurrence and postoperative wound-related complications. Results: A total of 105 patients underwent tumor resection and spinal reconstruction with instrumented fusion for a multitude of pathologies. Twelve of the 105 patients (11.4%) reviewed had intraoperative durotomies. Of these, 3 underwent reoperation for a delayed complication, including 1 epidural hematoma, 1 retained drain, and 1 wound infection. Of the 93 uncomplicated index operations, there were a total of 9 reoperations: 2 for epidural hematoma, 3 for wound infection, 2 for wound dehiscence, and 2 for recurrent primary disease. One patient was readmitted for a delayed spinal fluid leak. The average length of stay for patients with and without intraoperative durotomy was 7.3 and 5.9 days, respectively, with a nonsignificant trend for an increased length of stay in the durotomy cases (p=0.098). Conclusion: Surgery for extradural tumor resections can be complicated by CSF leaks due to the proximity of the tumor to the dura. When encountered, a variety of strategies may be employed to minimize subsequent morbidity.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.43 no.1
• /
• pp.66-70
• /
• 2016

Background In this study, we characterize the morbidity at the donor-site of partial second toe pulp free flaps in terms of wound management as well as long-term outcomes. Methods A single-institutional retrospective review was performed for patients who had undergone partial second toe pulp free flap transfer to the fingertip. Patient charts were reviewed for infection, skin necrosis, wound dehiscence, and hematoma for the donor site. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was given to patients who had a follow-up of longer than 1 year to characterize long-term postoperative pain and appearance. Results The review identified a total of 246 cases. Early wound complications were significant for wound dehiscence (n=8) and hematoma (n=5) for a wound complication rate of 5.3%. The questionnaire was distributed to 109 patients, and 54 patients completed the survey. Out of these 54 patients, 15 patients continued to have donor-site pain (28%) at a mean follow-up period of 32.4 months. However, the pain intensity was relatively low in the range between 2 to 5, on a 0-10 scale. None of these patients felt this donor-site pain interfered significantly with daily activity, nor did any patient require pain medications of any type. Donor-site appearance was satisfactory to most patients. Conclusions The partial second toe pulp flap was associated with low rates of wound complications and favorable long-term outcomes. Given the functional and aesthetic gain in the recipient finger, donor-site morbidities appear acceptable in this patient population. This study can be helpful in counseling patients regarding donor-site morbidity during the informed consent process.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.49 no.5
• /
• pp.366-373
• /
• 2016

Background: The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that in patients with chronic complex sternum dehiscence, the use of muscle flap repair minimizes the occurrence of paradoxical motion of the chest wall (CWPM) when compared to sternal rewiring, eventually leading to better respiratory function and clinical outcomes during follow-up. Methods: In a propensity score matching analysis, out of 94 patients who underwent sternal reconstruction, 20 patients were selected: 10 patients underwent sternal reconstruction with bilateral pectoralis muscle flaps (group 1) and 10 underwent sternal rewiring (group 2). Eligibility criteria included the presence of hemisternum diastases associated with multiple (${\geq}$3) bone fractures and radiologic evidence of synchronous chest wall motion (CWSM). We compared radiologically assessed (volumetric computed tomography) ventilatory mechanic indices such as single lung and global vital capacity (VC), diaphragm excursion, synchronous and paradoxical chest wall motion. Results: Follow-up was 100% complete (mean $85{\pm}24months$). CWPM was inversely correlated with single lung VC (Spearman R=-0.72, p=0.0003), global VC (R=-0.51, p=0.02) and diaphragm excursion (R=-0.80, p=0.0003), whereas it proved directly correlated with dyspnea grade (Spearman R=0.51, p=0.02) and pain (R=0.59, p=0.005). Mean CWPM and single lung VC were both better in group 1, whereas there was no difference in CWSM, diaphragm excursion and global VC. Conclusion: Our study suggests that in patients with complex chronic sternal dehiscence, pectoralis muscle flap reconstruction guarantees lower CWPM and greater single-lung VC when compared with sternal rewiring and it is associated with better clinical outcomes with less pain and dyspnea.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.24 no.4
• /
• pp.245-252
• /
• 2021

Background: In patients with total elbow arthroplasty (TEA), the soft-tissue around the elbow can be vulnerable to soft-tissue complications. This study aims to assess the outcomes after soft-tissue reconstruction following TEA. Methods: We retrospectively included nine adult patients who underwent soft-tissue reconstruction following TEA. Demographic data and disease characteristics were collected through medical chart reviews. Additionally, we contacted all four patients that were alive at the time of the study by phone to assess any current elbow complications. Local tissue rearrangement was used for soft-tissue reconstruction in six patients, and a pedicle flap was used in three patients. The median follow-up period was 1.3 years (range, 6 months-14.7 years). Results: Seven patients (78%) underwent reoperation. Four patients (44%) had a reoperation for soft-tissue complications, including dehiscence or nonhealing of infected wounds. Five patients (56%) had a reoperation for implant-related complications, including three infections and two peri-prosthetic fractures. At the final follow-ups, six patients (67%) achieved successful wound healing and two patients had continued wound healing issues, while two patients had an antibiotic spacer in situ and one patient underwent an above-the-elbow amputation. Conclusions: This study reports a complication rate of 78% for soft-tissue reconstructions after TEA. Successful soft-tissue healing was achieved in 67% of patients, but at the cost of multiple surgeries. Early definitive soft-tissue reconstruction could prove to be preferable to minor interventions such as irrigation, debridement, and local tissue advancement, or smaller soft-tissue reconstructions using local tissue rearrangement or a pedicled flap at a later stage.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.34 no.11
• /
• pp.848-853
• /
• 2001

Background: Sternal infection or dehiscence after cardiac surgery through median sternotomy is rare. If suitable treatment is not performed for the complication, however, the mortality is high. For 12 patients with sternal dehiscence or infection, we performed wide excision of the infected and necrotic tissue and covered with muscle flap(s) to obliterate the mediastinal dead space. Material and method: Sternal infection or dehiscence occurred in 13 of patients who underwent cardiac surgery One patient, who died of cerebral infarction before the sternal complication was treated, was excluded in this study. The sternal wound complication occurred in 6 of patients with valve replacement and 6 of patients with coronary bypass surgery, respectively. Since 1991, 9 patients underwent definite surgical debridement and muscle transposition as soon as fever was controlled with closed irrigation and drainage. The necrotic tissue and bone was widely excised and the sternal dead space was eradicated with the single flap or the combined flaps of right pectoralis flap(turnover flap), left pectoralis flap(turnover flap or rotation-advancement flap), and right rectus muscle flap. Result : There was no mortality in 12 patients with coverage of muscle flap(s) for sternal infection or dehiscence The mean interval between the diagnosis of sternal complication and the myoplasty was 6.6$\pm$3.9 days. In 4 patients, one pectoralis muscle flap was used, and in 8 patients both pectoralis muscle flaps were used. For each 1 patient and 2 patients in each group, right rectus muscle flap was added. For the last 3 patients, a single pectoralis flap was used to eradicate the mediastinal dead space and the longer placement of the mediastinal drain catheter was needed. One patient, who had suffered from necrosis of left pectoralis flap(rotation-advancement flap) with subsequent chest wall abscess after coverage of both pectoralis flaps, was managed with reoperation using right rectum flap. Conclusion : Sternal dehiscence or infection after cardiac operation can be readily managed with wide excision of necrotic infected tissue(including bone) and muscle flap coverage after short-term irrigation of sternal wound. The sternal(mediastinal) dead space may be completely eradicated with right pectoralis major muscle flap alone.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.38 no.4
• /
• pp.547-551
• /
• 2011

Purpose: Pierre Robin sequence is a congenital malformation in which micrognathia causes glossoptosis and airway obstruction. If conservative treatment fails, surgical procedures such as tongue-lip adhesion can be performed. However, this procedure remains a subject of debate, with favorable results being countered by reports of complications. To overcome the above limitations, we revised the traditional method of tongue-lip adhesion using an alveolar protector. Methods: Between 1992 and 2011, a total of eight patients were identified with Pierre Robin sequence and were treated with tongue-lip adhesion. Two of these eight tongue-lip adhesion procedures were performed with an alveolar protector. The operative technique for tongue-lip adhesion was similar to that described in other published reports. The alveolar protector was inserted between the ventral surface of the tip of the tongue and the lower labial sulcus. Results: Tongue-lip adhesion failed in two patients because of wound dehiscence. The primary surgical success rate was 66.7%. In the two tongue-lip adhesion procedures performed with the alveolar protector, we observed no postoperative complications. Conclusion: Resistance to traction of the tongue can be encountered with nonunionized symphysis menti, causing loosening of the traction suture through the symphysis menti. This can lead to backward positioning of tongue, resulting in dehiscence of tongue lip adhesion. The alveolar protector is a good adjunct to tongue-lip adhesion because this method avoids postoperative loosening of the traction suture and wound dehiscence. It is a simple and effective auxiliary method that yields functional improvement.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.34 no.2
• /
• pp.157-165
• /
• 2008

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a topical 0.2% hyaluronic acid (HA) preparation in the management of wound after removal of arch bar for facial bone fracture and a suture site after orthognatic, oral cancer or oral surgery. Forty patients participated in a randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind trial to evaluate the efficacy of the topical HA and preparation. HA topically applied to the wound after removal of arch bar or stitch out, 3 times a day for 4 weeks. Evaluation is performed once a week for 4 weeks. For subjective evaluation, relative pain reduction in visual analog scale (VAS) and existence of heat sensation was accessed. For objective evaluation, gross evaluation, papilla index, existence of wound dehiscence, redness and swelling was checked. The same evaluation was performed in each arch bar group and suture group. For whole subject, 0.2% HA group resulted higher reduction than placebo group in pain of site in first week with significancy. Same findings were seen other weeks but there was no significancy. 0.2% HA group had better result than placebo in objective evaluation (papilla index, wound dehiscence, redness and swelling), but in gross evaluation placebo had better result than 0.2% HA group with no significancy. Subject was divided into suture group and arch bar group. Same aspect was seen, but only suture group had significancy not arch bar group in pain reduction score. 0.2% HA group resulted higher reduction than placebo group in pain of site in first week with significancy, especially in suture group. It reveals topical application of HA in wound especially suture site reduced pain in early stage. And 0.2% HA group had better result than placebo in papilla index, redness and swelling with no statistical significancy. In conclusion, HA has effect of pain reduction and healing promotion in the mucosal wound after oral surgery.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.130-133
• /
• 2019

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is an inherited disorder of collagen biosynthesis and structure, characterized by skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility, aberrant scars, and tissue friability. Besides the skin, skeleton (joint) and vessels, other organs such as the eyes and the intestine can be affected in this syndrome. Accordingly, interdisciplinary cooperation is necessary for a successful treatment. Three basic surgical problems are arising due to an EDS: decreased the strength of the tissue causes making the wound dehiscence, increased bleeding tendency due to the blood vessel fragility, and delayed wound healing period. Surgery patients with an EDS require an experienced surgeon in treating EDS patients; the treatment process requires careful tissue handling and a long postoperative care. A surgeon should also recognize whether the patient shows a resistance to local anesthetics and a high risk of hematoma formation. This report describes a patient with a wide open wound on the foot dorsum and delayed wound healing after the primary approximation of the wound margins.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.38 no.3
• /
• pp.219-224
• /
• 2021

Background: Omental transposition has been used to facilitate perineal wound healing in patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection (APR). However, there is no high-level evidence supporting the effectiveness of omental transposition in this regard. This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of omental transposition in facilitating perineal wound healing after APR. Methods: In this systematic review, we systematically searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for literature regarding the topic of our study. Studies published since the inception of each database were considered for review. The outcomes of interest were the perineal wound healing rate at 1 and 3 months postoperatively, perineal wound infection rate, and perineal wound healing period. Results: Of the 1,923 studies identified, four articles representing 819 patients (omental transposition patients, n=295) were included in the final analysis. The wound healing rates at 1 and 3 months postoperatively in the omental transposition group (68.5% and 79.7%, respectively) did not significantly differ from those in the control group (57.4% and 78.7%, respectively) (p=0.759 and p=0.731, respectively). Perineal wound infection and chronic wound complication rates, including sinus, dehiscence, and fistula rates, also did not significantly differ between the omental transposition (8% and 7%, respectively) and control (11% and 7%, respectively) groups (p=0.221 and p=0.790, respectively). Conclusion: Our results suggest that omental transposition does not affect perineal wound healing in patients who undergo APR.