• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.711-714
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• 2013

Background The most common cause of skin graft failure is the collection of blood or serous fluid underneath the graft. In our study, we describe the use of silicone tube for tie-over dressing to secure the skin graft margins with the aim of decreasing loss of the skin graft, particularly in grafting of deep wounds. Methods Between March 2008 and July 2011, we used this technique in 17 patients with skin defects with depths ranging from 3.5 to 8 mm (mean, 5.5 mm). First, the skin graft was sutured with 3/0 silk suture material from its corners. Then, a silicone round drain tube was sutured with 3/0 absorbable polyglactin 910 over the margins of the graft. Finally, long silk threads were tied over the bolus dressing, and the tie-over dressing was completed in the usual fashion. Results The mean follow-up was 7 months (range, 2-10 months) in the outpatient clinic. Graft loss on the graft margins due to hematoma or seroma was not developed. The results of adhesion between the graft and wound bed peripherally was excellent. Conclusions In our study, we suggest that use of a silicone tube for additional pressure on the edges of skin grafts in case of reconstruction of deep skin defects.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.341-345
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• 2015

Background A tie-over dressing is the accepted method to secure skin grafts in order to prevent haematoma or seroma formation. We describe the novel application of a barbed suture tie-over for skin graft dressing. The barbs act as anchors in the skin so constant tensioning of the suture is not required. Methods From January 2014 to August 2014 we used the technique in 30 patients with skin defects requiring split-thickness or full-thickness grafts. Patient demographics, clinicopathological details and graft outcome were collected prospectively. Results The majority of cases were carried out for split-thickness skin grafts (n=19) used on the lower limb (n=20). The results of this novel technique were excellent with complete (100%) graft take in all patients. Conclusions Our results demonstrate the clinical application of a barbed device for securing skin grafts with excellent results. We find the technique quick to perform and the barbed device easy to handle, which can be applied without the need for an assistant.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.46-53
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of EMLA cream (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics, lidocaine and prilocaine) on pain during ampicillin sodium intradermal (ID) skin test, and also to assess skin reaction after the skin test. Methods: Forty-three nurse-volunteers had skin tests with 0.01ml-0.05ml ampicillin sodium antibiotics. Skin tests were done on each forearm to compare the pain level of the skin test site after application of EMLA cream with the pain level when no EMLA cream was applied. EMLA cream was applied at the ID skin test site with an occlusive dressing for one hour. Pain was evaluated using a visual analogue scale and pain sensation using the short form McGill Pain Questionnaire. The transverse diameter of the wheal and redness was read right after and at 15 minutes after the skin test. The results were compared using independent t-tests. Results: Pain score and sensation with EMLA cream treatment were significantly lower than when EMLA cream was not applied. There was no difference in skin reactions; reading of the skin test was not affected by EMLA cream. Conclusions: EMLA cream was found to be an effective local anesthetic to relieve the pain of clients having ampicillin sodium antibiotics ID skin tests.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.653-658
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• 2008

Purpose: Skin and soft tissue defect is one of the major challenges faced by plastic surgeons. Adipose derived stromal cells, which can be harvested in large quantities with low morbidity, display multilineage mesodermal potential. Therefore, adipose derived stromal cells have been met with a great deal of excitement by the field of tissue engineering. Recently, Adipose derived stromal cells have been isolated and cultured to use soft tissue restoration. In order to apply cultured cells for clinical purpose, however, FDA approved facilities and techniques are required, which may be difficult for a clinician who cultures cells in a laboratory dedicated to research to utilize this treatment for patients. In addition, long culture period is needed. Fortunately, adipose derived stromal cells are easy to obtain in large quantities without cell culture. The purpose of this study is to present a possibility of using uncultured adipose derived stromal cells for wound coverage. Methods: Seven patients who needed skin and soft tissue restoration were included. Five patients had diabetic foot ulcers, 1 patient got thumb amputation, and 1 patient had tissue defect caused by resection of squamous cell carcinoma. The patients' abdominal adipose tissues were obtained by liposuction. The samples were digested with type I collagenase and centrifuged to obtain adipose derived stromal cells. The isolated adipose derived stromal cells were applied over the wounds immediately after the wound debridement. Fibrin was used as adipose derived stromal cells carrier. Occlusive dressing was applied with films and foams and the wounds were kept moist until complete healing. Results: One hundred to one hundred sixty thousand adipose derived stromal cells were isolated per ml aspirated adipose tissue. All patients' wounds were successfully covered with the grafted adipose derived stromal cells in a 17 to 27 day period. No adverse events related to this treatment occurred. Conclusion: The use of uncultured adipose derived stromal cells was found to be safe and effective treatment for wound coverage without donor site morbidity.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.115-118
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• 2007

Purpose: A eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA$^{(R)}$) cream has been used as a topical anesthetic to reduce the pain of procedures penetrating the skin. It is generally applied for 40 to 60 minutes before the painful procedure. Because of the long application period, EMLA$^{(R)}$ is not useful in the emergency department (ED). The purpose of this study was to determine whether a 20-minute application of 9.6% lidocaine would be useful in reducing the pain of routine peripheral intravenous cannulation in the ED. Methods: We examined 27 male and 19 female patients ages over 18 years of age who required intravenous cannula insertion. Intravenous insertion was performed on 46 patients: 24 patients in the placebo group (mean age: 40.0 years) and 22 in the 9.6% lidocaine group (mean age: 37.6 years). The 9.6% lidocaine or placebo gel was applied and covered with an occlusive dressing for 20 minutes. Pain was scored by the patients using a 0- to 10-cm visual analogue scale. Results: The patients in the 9.6% lidocaine group (mean pain score: 3.4) experienced less pain than those in the placebo group (mean: 5.3), and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.029). Conclusion: We concluded that a 20-minute application of 9.6% lidocaine is safe and effective for reducing pain associated with venipuncture.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.225-230
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• 1997

Background: Authors modified the traditional continuous axillary brachial plexus block technique of Selander for purpose of increasing success rate and decreasing complications by use of commercial epidural anesthesia set. Method: Thirty-nine patients scheduled for upper extremity operations were injected with 40 ml of anesthetic solution by axillary perivascular technique, using 23~25G immobile needle at 2 cm from the pectoralis major. Tuohy needle was immediately introduced at 4 cm from the pectoralis major and pierced the expanded neurovascular sheath at an angle of 30 degree to the skin. The "pop" was well noted well. Needle was advanced 0.5 to 3.0 cm and epidural catheter introduced through the needle. After removal of needle, occlusive dressing was done. Tip of catheter and spread of solution were demonstrated by fluoroscopy with contrast dye after completion of procedure. Result: Catheter insertion was successful at first attempt for all case. Total length of insertion was from 6 to 13($10.0{\pm}1.7$) cm. Tip of catheter was placed in infraclavicular space(66.7%), about the humeral head(17.9%) and in upper arm in 3 cases as U-shape(7.9%). Catheters were maintained for $6.7{\pm}2.6$(3-12) days. There were no complications such as: perforation of major vessels, needle trauma to nerve, infection, bleeding or hematoma. Conclusion: This study demonstrated continuous axillary brachial plexus block with epidural anesthesia set is safe, easy and convenient modification of technique of Selander.

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

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.32-37
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• 2018

Purpose: Diabetic foot gangrene has a high morbidity rate and a great influence on the quality of life. Amputation is an appropriate treatment if conservative treatment is impossible according to the severity of gangrene and infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of preoperative percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for the postoperative outcome. Materials and Methods: From February 2013 to April 2016, among 55 patients with diabetic foot gangrene, who require surgical treatment, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed on patients with an ankle brachial index (0.9 and stenosis) 50% on angiographic computed tomography. The study subjects were 49 patients, comprised of 37 males (75.5%) and 12 females (24.5%). The mean age of the patients was $70.0{\pm}9.6years$. The treatment results were followed up according to the position and length of the lesion and the changes during the follow-up period. Results: As a result of angiography, there were 13 cases of atherosclerotic lesions in the proximal part, 11 cases in the distal part and 25 cases in both the proximal and distal parts. As a result of the follow-up after angiography, in 13 patients, the operation was not performed and only follow-up and dressing were performed around the wound. Sixteen patients underwent debridement for severe gangrene lesions and 20 patients, in whom the gangrene could not be treated, underwent amputation (ray amputation or metatarsal amputation, below knee amputation). Conclusion: Preoperative percutaneous angioplasty in diabetic foot gangrene patients with peripheral vascular occlusive disease is simple, and 59.2% of the patients with diabetic foot gangrene could be treated by conservative treatment or debridement.