Use of the lateral circumflex femoral artery perforator flap in the reconstruction of gunshot wounds to the face

Free perforating branch flap for primary repairing the huge soft-tissue defects on the scalp and face

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the effect of free perforating branch flap on the reconstruction of huge soft-tissue defects on the scalp and face.

METHODS

Sixteen cases of huge soft-tissue defects on the scalp and face were reconstructed by nine latissimus dorsi-free perforator flaps and seven anterolateral thigh-free perforator flaps. The defects area was from 12 cm× 7 cm to 20 cm × 11 cm, while the flaps area was from 14 cm × 8 cm to 23 cm × 12 cm. The survival, planeness, chromatic aberration, radiotherapy toleration of flap and the function, scar of donor site were observed postoperatively.

RESULT

All of the flaps were survived completely, and 15 cases presented for primary reconstruction; one underwent secondary reconstruction. One of the patients died one-year postoperatively due to intracranial tumor recurrence and the others had no recurrence. All of the flaps showed perfect shape and appropriate thickness. No roentgen ulcer was observed except for some extent of chromatic aberration. The donor-site scar was larvaceous and the function was good.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that the latissimus dorsi-free perforator flap or anterolateral thigh-free perforator flap was an ideal choice for the reconstruction of defects on the scalp and face.

Antibiotic therapy in fully impacted lower third molar surgery: randomized three-arm, double-blind, controlled trial

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three drug protocols in patients undergoing extraction of fully impacted lower third molars.

METHODS

Eighty surgeries were performed on healthy patients using three randomized double-blind drug protocols: group 1 (G1), amoxicillin (1 g) 1 h before surgery + 500 mg 8/8 h for 7 days; group 2 (G2), 1-g amoxicillin 1 h before surgery plus placebo, with identical appearance to G1, 8/8 h for 7 days; and group 3 (G3), placebo 1 h before surgery and 500 mg 8/8 h for 7 days. The primary outcome criterion was mouth opening, and the secondary outcome criteria were facial edema and pain. Signals as body temperature, lymphadenopathy, and dysphagia characterize the sample. Evaluation was performed at baseline and on the 4th and 7th postoperative days by the same researcher.

RESULTS

There was no difference among groups with respect to any of the parameters evaluated (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Under these experimental conditions, there is no advantage in the administration of antibiotics in healthy patients undergoing extraction of fully impacted lower third molars with a controlled aseptic chain.

Amyand's hernia: a review

BACKGROUND

The presence of a vermiform appendix in an inguinal hernia sac is known as Amyand's hernia. The aim of this systematic review was to gather information concerning its prevalence, clinical image, diagnosis, and treatment.

DATA SOURCES

The MEDLINE database was thoroughly searched using the keyword "Amyand's hernia." Additional articles were gathered and evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

The true prevalence of Amyand's hernia seems lower than classically described. Its usual clinical image is identical to that of an incarcerated hernia, and thus it is almost impossible to diagnose preoperatively, although ultrasound and computed tomography can help. Treatment includes hernioplasty with or without appendectomy and/or mesh repair depending on the vermiform appendix's inflammation status, the patient's general condition, and other factors. Amyand's hernia generally has a good prognosis, although serious complications have been described. Surgeons should be prepared if they encounter Amyand's hernia because appropriate treatment ensures hernia repair without complications and with avoidance of recurrence.