Modulating amylase and lipase secretion in the pancreatic graft by somatostatin administration: preliminary results of a prospective, randomized trial

Pancreas transplantation is a routine method for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. One of the main challenges of a transplant with extraperitoneal placement of the pancreatic graft is impaired wound healing due to massive amylase and lipase secretion by the pancreatic graft, evoking edemtous fluid. From February 2002 through January 2003, we performed pancreatic transplant procedures in 21 patients who were prospectively and randomly assigned to two groups: 8 organ donors and the recipients were administered somatostatin by continuous infusion. Thirteen grafts were harvested and transplanted without somatostatin infusion. The two groups did not show significantly differences in mean donor or recipient ages, weights, of serum amylase and lipase content values or drain output until day 6. There was a significantly lower lipase in the drain output of transplant recipients given somatostatin (12.5 and 54.2 micromol/L, respectively; P <.05). Neither the post-pancreatic transplant wound healing nor the number of rejection episodes were affected by somatostatin administration.     

无瘢痕皮肤移植术在手背皮肤重建中的应用

目的：研究手背皮肤缺损的理想修复方法。方法：将手背外伤性创面和手背瘢痕切除后创面的边缘修成斜面形。另用布片制作创面定形模板，并以此在供皮区制作与创面完全相同的定形斜缘皮片。最后将皮片移植于受区，术区均匀加压包扎，术后10—12天拆线。随访1年。结果：切取的38个定形次全厚薄边皮片与受皮区完全吻合，32个皮片顺利成活，一年后随访，皮片色泽和质地优良，边缘部无明显瘢痕形成，美学效果优良。6个定形次全厚薄边皮片术后有点状坏死、水疱形成，后期有小量瘢痕形成和色素沉着，手背大体外观仍然比较好。结论：本文设计的新式植皮技术可以达到无瘢痕愈合效果，术后手功能良好而且美学效果优良。     

Management of failed prosthetic grafts at the time of major lower extremity amputation

During a 2-year period 75 patients underwent 77 major lower extremity amputations for arterial insufficiency deemed untreatable by reconstruction (36 primary and 41 after failed infrainguinal arterial bypass). Patients with nonfunctional prosthetic grafts were randomized prospectively to either partial graft removal or complete graft removal, performed simultaneously with amputation, to determine which technique more effectively reduces delayed wound healing, stump infection, operative revision, and process-related death. Patients with known graft and deep wound infection were excluded from this review, as were patients who had positive graft cultures at the time of amputation. Partial graft removal resulted in an increased rate of delayed wound healing (47.8% vs 7.7%; chi 2 5.9, p less than 0.025) and secondary stump infection (39.1% vs 7.7%; chi 2 4.4, p less than 0.05), when compared with complete graft removal. The operative revision and process-related mortality rates were also higher in limbs that had partial graft removal, although not statistically significant. The operative morbidity and mortality rate was no greater in the group with complete graft removal, although the mean operative time was nearly doubled (1.4 vs 2.6 hours). Therefore we recommend that all nonfunctional prosthetic graft material be removed concomitant with major lower extremity amputation to avoid the excessive number of wound healing and suppurative complications that are encountered when residual graft material is present in the amputation stump.     

Soft tissue cover for an exposed transplanted kidney with a pedicled myocutaneous anterolateral thigh perforator and vastus lateralis flap

Surgical wound infection after a renal transplant procedure can lead to graft loss in the presence of host immunosuppression and graft exposure to the environment. Early cover of the wound with well-vascularized tissue will facilitate early wound healing and preservation of the graft. The pedicle anterolateral thigh perforator flap is a popular flap used for soft tissue reconstruction in the groin and perineum. We present a case of an anterolateral thigh flap used to cover an exposed transplanted kidney after surgical wound breakdown.     

The clinical application effects of artificial dermis scaffold and autologous split-thickness skin composite grafts combined with vacuum-assisted closure in refractory wounds

To investigate the clinical application effects of artificial dermis scaffold and autologous split-thickness skin composite grafts combined with vacuum-assisted closure (V.A.C) in refractory wounds. A retrospective analysis was performed on 70 patients with refractory wounds admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from June 2019 to December 2021 (44 males and 25 females, with an average age of 49.3 ± 21.4 years). There were 26 patients with chronic ulcers; 3 patients with cancerous wounds; 16 patients with hot crush injuries; and 25 patients with traumatic wounds, including 21 cases of hands, 33 cases of feet, 6 cases of upper limbs, and 10 cases of lower limbs. The patients were divided into an artificial dermis scaffold group (35 patients, including 21 males and 14 females, aged 49.5 ± 21.3 years) and a skin graft group (35 patients, including 23 males and 11 females, aged 49.1 ± 21.5 years). In the artificial dermis scaffold group, after debridement, the artificial dermis scaffold was transplanted for approximately 2 weeks until the wound surface was well vascularized, after which the autologous split-thick skin graft was transplanted. Negative pressure wound therapy was performed throughout the treatment. In the skin grafting group, after debridement, the autologous split-thickness skin graft (aSTSG) was transplanted, and negative pressure wound therapy was performed continuously. The wound healing rate; skin graft survival rate; postoperative wound infection; exudative fluid volume; subcutaneous haematoma; hospitalisation time; hospitalisation cost; Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score, used to evaluate the scar of the recipient area at 6 months after the operation; and the sensory disorder grading method, used to evaluate the sensory recovery of the recipient area, were compared between the two groups. All 70 refractory wounds healed. In the artificial dermis scaffold group, the skin graft survival rate was 90% (86%–95%), the hospitalisation time was 38 (29–45) days, the hospitalisation cost was 148 102 (118242–192327) yuan, and the VSS score was 1.9 ± 1.3. There were significant differences in skin graft survival rate (70% [60%–80%]), length of hospital stay (21 [14–28] days), hospitalisation cost (76 201 [39228–135 919] yuan) and VSS score [6.1 ± 3.6] between the skin graft group and the artificial dermis scaffold group (P < .05). The skin graft survival rate, scar hyperplasia and sensory recovery of the recipient area in the artificial dermis scaffold group were better than those in the skin graft group, but the hospitalisation time was relatively longer, and the hospitalisation cost was relatively higher. Wound healing rate, postoperative wound infection, exudate volume, and subcutaneous haematoma of patients in the two groups were similar, and there were no significant differences (P > .05). The artificial dermis scaffold and composite transplantation of autologous aSTSG with V.A.C can promote painless wound healing and improve the skin survival rate, skin colour and lustre, and flexible smooth texture and is conducive to less scar hyperplasia and postoperative functional exercise and recovery. This method provides a reasonable and effective scheme for the treatment of clinical refractory wounds.     

跖内侧皮瓣联合肋骨移植修复多手指末节骨与软组织缺损

目的 总结跖内侧皮瓣联合肋骨移植修复多手指末节掌侧骨与软组织缺损的临床应用结果. 方法 2004年2月至2006年7月,应用吻合血管的跖内侧皮瓣联合肋骨移植修复5例(男4例,女1例)手指末节掌侧骨与软组织缺损,年龄19～43岁(平均31岁).其中,双指损伤3例,3指损伤2例.皮瓣血管蒂与受区的血管行端端吻合,供区创面行中厚网状游离植皮修复. 结果 1例术后供区发生表浅感染,经更换敷料逐渐自行愈合.皮瓣全部成活,随访10～28个月(平均19个月),供区与受区外形较好,手指感觉恢复.两点分辨觉5～14 mm(平均8 mm).结论 跖内侧皮瓣以跖内侧动脉为血供,血运丰富、血管解剖恒定、血管蒂长以及切取容易,联合肋骨移植很适宜修复多手指末节掌侧骨与软组织缺损.     

手部感染的康复治疗

目的：观察综合康复疗法对治疗急、慢性手部感染的作用。方法：对50例手部感染患者，早期采用超短波电疗和紫外线疗法进行抗炎治疗以促进伤口愈合，后期通过蜡疗，超声波疗法及运动疗法达到恢复手部功能的目的。结果：50例的感染均得到早期控制，总有效率达98％，伤口愈合手功能完全恢复者急性感染占82．93％，慢性感染占44．44％，结论：治疗手部感染时同时积极采用康复治疗，可有效地控制炎症，促进伤口愈合，恢复手功能。     

Polyomavirus Infection and Acute Vascular Rejection in a Kidney Allograft: Coincidence or Mimicry?

During the past decade, polyoma virus (PV) infection has emerged as an important cause of graft dysfunction and failure in kidney transplant recipients. Establishing the correct diagnosis can be difficult, however, because the histologic appearance of PV infection can resemble acute cellular rejection. We report a kidney-pancreas transplant recipient with PV infection, in whom both vascular and cellular rejection were dominant histologic features in a renal biopsy specimen. The patient was successfully managed by tapering immunosuppressive therapy, and continues to have good graft function 3 years after diagnosis of PV infection. This case highlights the spectrum of inflammatory changes associated with PV infection, and the need for caution when such changes are attributed to rejection.     

Application of pediatric donors in split liver transplantation: Is there an age limit?

The experience of using pediatric donors in split liver transplant is exceedingly rare. We aim to investigate the outcomes of recipients receiving split pediatric grafts. Sixteen pediatric recipients receiving split liver grafts from 8 pediatric donors < 7 years were enrolled. The donor and recipient characteristics, perioperative course, postoperative complications, and graft and recipient survival rates were evaluated. The mean follow‐up time was 8.0 ± 2.3 months. The graft and recipient survival rates were 100%. The liver function remained in the normal range at the end of the follow‐up time in all recipients. No life‐threatening complications were seen in these recipients, and the only surgery‐related complication was portal vein stenosis in 1 recipient. Cytomegalovirus infection was the most common complication (62.5%). The transaminase level was significant higher in extended right lobe recipients in the early postoperative days, but the difference vanished at the end of first week; postoperative complications and graft and recipient survival rates did not differ between left and right graft recipients. Notably, the youngest split donor graft (2.7 years old) was associated with ideal recipient outcomes. Split liver transplant using well‐selected pediatric donors is a promising strategy to expand pediatric donor source in well‐matched recipients.     

The Prevailing Preference for Left Nephrectomy in Living Donor Transplantation Does Not Adversely Affect Long-Term Donor and Recipient Outcomes

BackgroundIn living donor renal transplantation, surgeons traditionally prefer the left kidney for donation. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the choice of laterality of donor nephrectomy on donor and recipient outcomes.MethodsThe data was obtained from the UK National Health Service Blood and Transplant (NHSBT). During the study period, 7919 donor nephrectomy and transplantation were carried out in 24 transplant centers. Of these procedures, 6407 (80.9%) were left and 1512 (19.1%) were right kidney donors.ResultsRight kidney donation was associated with higher incidence of surgical site infection in the donor. Recipient outcome was superior for left-sided kidneys in terms of immediate graft function, delayed graft function, graft loss within 30 days, and graft survival at 3 years, but not at 1 and 5 years. Open donor nephrectomy (n = 2396, 30.2%) was associated with higher rates of pneumothorax and hemorrhage, longer hospital stay, and inferior graft survival at 3 and 5 years compared with laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (n = 5523, 69.8%).ConclusionsA right donor nephrectomy is associated with higher rate of wound infection in the donor and similar long-term graft outcomes in the recipients. Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy offers lower rate of major complications in the donor and a better overall graft survival.     

Lando双层人工真皮在手部皮肤缺损中的应用

目的探讨人工真皮在手部皮肤缺损中的临床应用效果。方法2018年6月-2019年6月,共收治20例手部皮肤缺损伴骨或肌腱外露的患者,所有患者均于一期彻底清创后行VSD负压吸引,待创面无明显感染后采用人工真皮覆盖创面,再次行VSD负压吸引,3周后行自体游离植皮手术,观察人工真皮及自体游离植皮成活情况。结果20例人工真皮及自体游离植皮皮片全部成活,术后随访平均5.6(3~12)个月,骨或肌腱外露均得到良好修复,创面愈合后外形良好,皮肤弹性好,无臃肿及明显瘢痕增生,未见明显色素沉着,外观平整。结论手部创面采用人工真皮修复后成活良好,二期中厚皮片植皮可确保手部皮肤外形美观,弹性好,效果满意。     

Cytomegalovirus infection complicating renal transplantation and its relationship to acute transplant glomerulopathy

The incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was established, using laboratory criteria, in 298 patients receiving 362 renal allografts (164/298 = 55%). The incidence of CMV infection did not differ between azathioprine/prednisolone-treated and cyclosporine-treated patients (55% vs. 57% NS). The use of antithymocyte globulin (ATG) increased the incidence of CMV infection (78% vs. 51%: P less than 0.01). Donor and recipient CMV status, known for 116 allografts, did not correlate with the incidence of CMV infection (recipient CMV-positive = 50%; recipient CMV-negative = 54%: NS). CMV infection was responsible for 8 patients' deaths (2.7% mortality). Thirty-three patients with acute transplant glomerulopathy were identified (11%). There was no correlation between acute transplant glomerulopathy and CMV infection. Glomerulopathy was associated with poor graft survival (22/33 patients with a graft survival of less than 6 months). Thus CMV infection, although a common complication of renal transplantation with significant morbidity and mortality, is not closely associated with acute transplant glomerulopathy. Further, the lack of correlation of donor-recipient CMV serologic status with graft outcome limits the usefulness of pretransplantation donor screening.     

Beyond death and graft survival—Variation in outcomes after kidney transplantation. Results from the NSQIP Transplant beta phase

The National Surgical Quality Program (NSQIP) Transplant was designed by transplant surgeons from the ground up to track posttransplant outcomes beyond basic recipient and graft survival. After an initial pilot phase, the program has expanded to 29 participating sites and enrolled more than 4300 recipient‐donor pairs into the database, including 2876 complete kidney transplant cases. In this analysis, surgical site infection (SSI), urinary tract infection (UTI), and reoperation/intervention were evaluated for kidney transplant recipients. We observed impressive variation in the crude incidence between sites for SSI (0%‐17%), UTI (0%‐14%), and reoperation/intervention (0%‐25%). After adjustment for donor and recipient factors, 2 sites were outliers with respect to their incidence of UTI. For the first time, the field of transplantation has data that demonstrate variation in kidney recipient surgical outcomes between sites. More importantly, NSQIP Transplant provides a powerful platform to improve care beyond basic patient and graft survival.     

Age-matching improves the results of renal transplantation with older donors

Whilst HLA matching is routine for renal transplantation, the possible benefits of matching donor and recipient age have not been previously examined. In this study we examined the simultaneous effect of donor to recipient age difference on the graft survival of 141 consecutive first cadaver transplant recipients treated by cyclosporin immunosuppression. Multivariate regression analysis, taking into account other variables of moderately matched recipients (i.e. dialysis time and type, donor/recipient sex, local/imported kidneys, recent sensitivity, total ischaemic time, preoperative transfusions), indicated that age-difference was the single most important variable (P less than 0.05). Individually there was no significant effect of recipient age, whilst older donors (aged greater than 50 years) were associated with significantly worse graft survival than those younger (P less than 0.01). When dealing with donors aged greater than or equal to 50 years the corresponding recipient 1-year graft was improved when the donor was no more than 5 years older than the transplant recipient. Donor age to recipient age difference is a potentially important selection criterion in renal transplantation.     

Delayed primary bone grafting in the hand and wrist after traumatic bone loss

Seventeen patients had 21 bone graft operations as part of the overall delayed primary management of hand and wrist wounds. All bone graftings were performed within 10 days of injury. Internal or external fixation was used in all cases, and all wounds healed without infection. Complications included a fibrous union at one bone graft juncture and one malunion. Follow-up was from 3 months to 7 years. Successful delayed primary bone grafting requires a well-decompressed and surgically-clean wound, good blood supply, adequate fixation, and secure soft-tissue cover. If these conditions cannot be met, bone grafting should be deferred and performed in the conventional manner. The advantages of delayed primary bone grafting are: primary bone healing, a shorter rehabilitation period, fewer operations, avoidance of wound contracture, and bone grafting in a well-vascularized scar-free bed.     

Successful three-year outcome in a patient with allogenous sternal bone graft in the treatment of massive post-sternotomy defects

IntroductionDeep sternal wound infection is a life-threatening complication of longitudinal median sternotomy with extensive loss of sternal bone tissue and adjacent ribs. Wound dehiscence cases with no loss of bone tissue can be resolved via osteosynthesis using titanium plates. Unfortunately, this cannot be used in cases of massive bone tissue loss defects due to insufficient support for fixing the plate material caused by missing bone surface which increasing the risk of osteosynthesis failure. We describe the treatment outcome of sternal dehiscence with massive bone tissue loss defects using an allogenous sternal bone graft.Case PresentationA 62 year old diabetic female was operated for serious sternotomy dehiscence after surgery for aortic valve replacement. There was bone tissue loss and complications. We used allogenous sternal bone graft to close the wound. To monitor the healing of the graft, we performed SPECT/CT examinations of anterior chest wall. We describe the successful healing of the graft with the reduction of defects in osteoblastic activity by 42% 21 months after the graft implantation. The wound was found to be healed on all examinations, The chest wall is stable and the patient reports a good life quality.DiscussionAn allogenous bone transplant contains no vital bone marrow cells, which eliminates immuno-genetic graft rejection by the patient. Significant osteoblastic activity was thus registered, especially in places where crushed spongy bone had been applied.ConclusionsTransplantation of allogenous bone graft sternum in our experience is the best option for treating extensive post-sternotomy defects.     

Salvage of infected cartilage grafts for nasal reconstruction with a through-and-through irrigation system

Development of a wound infection after nasal reconstruction can place the entire reconstructive effort in jeopardy. The approach to management in these cases has traditionally entailed wound drainage, removal of involved graft material, and debridement of nonvital tissue. Following adequate wound healing, delayed reconstruction is then performed, with the final result often compromised in form and function.We present a case of a postoperative wound infection following reconstruction of a traumatic nasal deformity utilizing autologous cartilage grafts. Treatment consisted of hospitalization with administration of culture-specific parenteral antibiotics and continuous through-and-through antibiotic irrigation of the wound via an indwelling catheter. The infection was completely eradicated and all cartilage grafts were salvaged utilizing this technique. At 3 years postoperatively, the patient has maintained the shape and quality of her reconstruction, without evidence of recurrent infection.     

Beyond death and graft survival—Variation in outcomes after liver transplant. Results from the NSQIP transplant beta phase

The National Surgical Quality Program (NSQIP) Transplant program was designed by transplant surgeons from the ground up to track posttransplant outcomes beyond basic recipient and graft survival. After an initial pilot phase, the program has expanded to 29 participating sites and enrolled more than 4300 recipient‐donor pairs into the database, including 1444 completed liver transplant cases. In this analysis, surgical site infection (SSI), urinary tract infection (UTI), and unplanned reoperation/intervention after liver transplantation were evaluated. We observed impressive variation in the crude incidence between sites for SSI (0%‐29%), UTI (0%‐10%), and reoperation/intervention (0%‐57%). After adjustment for donor and recipient factors, at least 1 site was identified as an outlier for each of the analyzed outcomes. For the first time, the field of transplantation has data that demonstrate variation in liver recipient outcomes beyond death and graft survival between sites. More importantly, NSQIP Transplant provides a powerful platform to improve care beyond basic patient and graft survival.     

负压封闭引流技术在下肢大面积皮肤缺损合并感染的应用

目的探讨负压封闭引流技术(Vacuum sealing drainage,VSD)治疗下肢大面积皮肤缺损合并感染的临床效果。方法 14例下肢大面积皮肤撕脱伤患者,采用VSD加网状植皮术进行治疗,观察临床效果。结果本组患者平均使用VSD8.5d。13例皮片全部存活创面愈合;1例皮片存活95%,换药后创面愈合。全部患者术后患肢运动功能及外观恢复良好。结论 VSD加网状植皮术治疗下肢大面积皮肤缺损合并感染,能更好地进行创面引流,控制感染加重,促进创面良好贴附,有利于皮片存活。     

Burn patients with history of kidney transplant experience increased incidence of wound infection

ObjectiveTo determine if history of kidney transplant is an independent risk factor for increased incidence of wound infection and other morbidities in burn patients.BackgroundWhile the goal of immunosuppression post-organ transplantation is to prevent graft rejection, it is often associated with significant adverse effects such as increased susceptibility to infection, drug toxicity, and malignancy. Burn injuries lead to a dysregulated hypermetabolic state and a compromised cutaneous barrier, which predisposes to infection and delayed wound healing. We surmise that a history of kidney transplant increases the risk of wound infection in in-hospital burn victims.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 57,948 adults diagnosed in-hospital with a burn injury between 2008–2014, obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) by Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP).Results103 burn victims (0.2%) with a history of kidney transplant (KTX) were identified. Compared to burn patients without a history of transplant (No-KTX), they were older (54.3 ± 13.8 vs 49.8 ± 18.7; p = 0.001), more likely be insured under Medicare (69.9% vs 31.1%; p < 0.001), and less likely to have Medicaid (5.8% vs 17.2%; p = 0.002). Higher in-hospital mortality index scores were observed in KTX compared to no-KTX with p < 0.001. The incidence rates of complications such as wound infection (33.0 vs 16.3; p < 0.001) and acute renal failure (18.4 vs 7.7; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the KTX group. After adjusting for confounding factors in multivariable analysis, the incidence of wound infection remained significantly higher. Burn patients with history of KTX were not more likely to be treated at a transplant (TX) center. TX centers were determined to have higher mortality rate, longer length of stay, and higher total hospital charges.ConclusionHistory of kidney transplant is an independent risk factor for increased incidence of wound infection in burn patients.