Search

Aim Method Results Conclusion Despite favourable outcomes in recurrence after off‐midline closure techniques in pilonidal surgery, between 18% and 40% of patients suffer from prolonged postoperative wound healing. The aim of this work was to investigate if closed‐incision negative‐pressure wound therapy (NPWT) promotes wound healing after Bascom's cleft lift (BCL) surgery for complicated pilonidal sinus disease compared with conventional drainage and dressing.Patients were randomized to either NPWT for 4–7 days or loop‐vessel drain for 24 h and a dry dressing postoperatively. Healing was evaluated by a wound care nurse blinded for randomization at 2 and 12 weeks postoperatively (primary endpoint). Healing was defined as one or no closing defects of ≤5 mm and with no undermining.Although we had wanted to recruit 200 patients, the study was terminated at 118 patients (NPWT group, n = 60; control group, n = 58) after interim analysis. Patients were comparable by age, sex, body mass index, previous smoking status and indication for BCL surgery. At 2 weeks 12% of patients were healed in both the NPWT and control groups [risk difference = 0.00(95% CI −0.12 to 0.11), p = 1.00]. After 12 weeks, 68% of patients were healed in the NPWT group and 72% in the control group [risk difference = −0.03 (95% CI 0.19 to 0.13), p = 0.82]. There was no significant difference in pain experienced postsurgery. In a symptom‐based questionnaire, the control group reported self‐esteem to be less affected (p = 0.015).Closed‐incision negative‐pressure wound therapy did not significantly improve healing after BCL surgery for complicated pilonidal sinus disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The treatment of traumatic wounds with exposed bone or tendons is often challenging. An induced membrane (IM) is used to reconstruct bone defects, as it provides an effective and sufficient blood supply for bone and soft‐tissue reconstruction. This study explored a novel two‐stage strategy for wound management, consisting of initial wound coverage with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and an autologous split‐thickness skin graft under the IM. Fifty inpatients were enrolled from December 2016 to December 2019. Each patient underwent reconstruction according to a two‐stage process. In the first stage, the defect area was thoroughly debrided, and the freshly treated wound was then covered using PMMA cement. After 4‐6 weeks, during the second stage, the PMMA cement was removed to reveal an IM covering the exposed bone and tendon. An autologous split‐thickness skin graft was then performed. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemical analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CD31 and CD34 were used to evaluate the IM and compare it with the normal periosteal membrane (PM). The psychological status and the Lower Extremity Function Scale (LEFS) as well as any complications were recorded at follow‐up. We found that all skin grafts survived and evidenced no necrosis or infection. H&E staining revealed vascularised tissue in the IM, and immunohistochemistry showed a larger number of VEGF‐, CD31‐ and CD34‐positive cells in the IM than in the normal PM. The duration of healing in the group was 5.40 ± 1.32 months with a mean number of debridement procedures of 1.92 ± 0.60. There were two patients with reulceration in the group. The self‐rating anxiety scale scores ranged from 35 to 60 (mean 48.02 ± 8.12). Postoperatively, the LEFS score was 50.10 ± 9.77. Finally, our strategy for the management of a non‐healing wound in the lower extremities, consisting of an IM in combination with skin grafting, was effective, especially in cases in which bony structures were exposed in the elderly. The morbidity rate was low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the treatment effect of Z‐plasty on a non‐healing wound. A total of 72 patients diagnosed with a chronic non‐healing wound in Peking University Third Hospital from November 2009 to August 2019 were retrospectively analysed. Among them, 27 patients were treated with Z‐plasty, and 45 patients were treated with the general method. Detailed patient information was retrieved from medical records, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), alcohol, smoking, and comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease). Surgical parameters included operation time and intraoperative blood loss. Wound swelling, epidermal blisters, wound edge colour, and skin temperature at 1 day after surgery were assessed to evaluate the blood supply of the wound. Surgical complications included infection, haematoma, dehiscence, and non‐healing within 2 weeks postoperatively. Student t test (for continuous data) and Chi‐square test (for categorical data) were conducted to determine the statistical difference. We found no significant differences in age, gender, BMI, alcohol, smoking, and comorbidities between the two groups. Z‐plasty did not show any advantages in the surgical time, invasive blood loss, hospital days, and hospitalisation expenses. The incidence of abnormal wound edge colour with Z‐plasty was significantly lower than that with the general treatment (P <.05), and the Z‐plasty enables better healing of the patient's wound (P <.05). Z‐plasty promoted better recovery of chronic non‐healing wounds than direct suturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxia is a common cause of poor wound healing, for which a variety of oxygen therapies have been developed. In order to overcome the limitations of traditional methods of treatment, namely the type of equipment, its setting, safety and cost, local haemoglobin therapy has been developed, although no reviews have so far been published. Here, we systematically review the current evidence to establish the efficacy, scope, adverse reactions, and required precautions of this new form of therapy. A search of the literature was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Web of science databases, with 17 studies meeting the eligibility criteria, comprising one animal model study and 16 clinical studies. Local haemoglobin therapy is able to safely and effectively promote the healing of a variety of wounds, especially those that are chronic and non‐healing. However, premature discontinuation of this treatment can result in impediment to wound healing and even deterioration of the wound. The distinct benefit of the elimination of slough and relief of pain suggests that this technique may represent a new generation of debridement technology. Furthermore, its ease of use and convenience enables patient self‐management, thereby greatly reducing health care costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calciphylaxis is a rare and potentially fatal disease that affects the subcutaneous layer of the skin. It is a calcific vasculopathy induced by a systemic process that causes occlusion of small blood vessels. The mortality rate for individuals diagnosed with calciphylaxis is estimated between 52% and 81% with sepsis being the leading cause of death. Uraemic calciphylaxis and its known effective treatments are well documented in the literature. Unfortunately, there is no known effective treatment for non‐uraemic calciphylaxis. Most of the current treatments for non‐uraemic calciphylaxis are derived from uraemic calciphylaxis treatment protocols. We report a case of a 75‐year‐old female with calciphylaxis on the right lower extremity who was successfully treated with four pamidronate infusions in addition to local wound care. This case represents a non‐uraemic calciphylaxis wound successfully treated with pamidronate infusions and standard wound care, and suggests that IV pamidronate can be an effective treatment option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]