Evidence-Based Review of the Use of Cryosurgery in Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Cryosurgery has been used to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and it has many technical advantages over other methods. It is therefore important to establish its efficacy as a treatment for BCC. OBJECTIVE: To review systematically the body of literature reporting on the efficacy of cryosurgery of BCC in terms of recurrence rates and cosmetic results. METHODS: A review is given of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CancerLit, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for studies that examined cyosurgery in treatment of BCC patients. RESULTS: We found 13 noncontrolled prospective studies and 4 randomized clinical trials comparing cryosurgery to other methods of treatment for BCC. Because of the inability to double blind or placebo control treatment of BCC, none of the studies met criteria for A and B grade evidence, as defined by Sackett. Therefore, all studies were assigned grade C. CONCLUSIONS: According to the best evidence, recurrence rates of BCC treated with cryosurgery are low (less than 10%). Except in one study, recurrence rates are calculated based on clinical, rather than histologic diagnosis, which may cause the rates to appear somewhat lower than they actually are, especially with a short follow-up period. Cosmetic results of cryosurgery treatment reported in literature are described as good by most investigators. Overall, there are sufficient data to consider cryosurgery as a reasonable treatment for BCC. There are no good studies, however, comparing cryosurgery with other modalities, particularly with Mohs surgery, excision, or electrodessication and curretage so that no conclusion can be made whether cryosurgery is as efficacious as other methods. Also, there is no evidence on whether curetting the lesions before cryosurgery affects the efficacy of treatment.     

A reliable frozen section technique for basal cell carcinomas of the head and neck

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) of the head and neck treated by conventional techniques of surgical excision, curettage, cryotherapy and radiation therapy have recurrence rates of up to 42%. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) decreases the recurrence rate but can be expensive, delay definitive reconstruction and is limited in its availability.The authors report a series of 50 patients with head and neck BCCs treated by a surgeon-directed ‘en face’ frozen section technique that immediately evaluates the entire peripheral and deep margins during BCC resection, and potentially offers a more efficient and equally effective alternative to MMS.Patient demographics, pathology results, operative time, technique and outcomes are all reported. With a mean follow-up of three years, there was only one recurrence (1.7%). Mean total operative time was 1 h 47 min. The authors conclude that this surgeon-directed ‘en face’ frozen section technique does not require any specialized training, enables more rapid and reliable results than standard frozen section techniques that are currently used, and provides outcomes equivalent to MMS in the surgical treatment of head and neck BCCs.     

Cryosurgery in the treatment of giant cell tumor. A long-term followup study

Between 1983 and 1993, 102 patients with giant cell tumor of bone were treated at three institutions. Sixteen patients (15.9%) presented with already having had local recurrence. All patients were treated with thorough curettage of the tumor, burr drilling of the tumor inner walls, and cryotherapy by direct pour technique using liquid nitrogen. The average followup was 6.5 years (range, 4-15 years). The rate of local recurrence in the 86 patients treated primarily with cryosurgery was 2.3% (two patients), and the overall recurrence rate was 7.9% (eight patients). Six of these patients were cured by cryosurgery and two underwent resection. Overall, 100 of 102 patients were cured with cryosurgery. Complications associated with cryosurgery included six (5.9%) pathologic fractures, three (2.9%) cases of partial skin necrosis, and two (1.9%) significant degenerative changes. Overall function was good to excellent in 94 patients (92.2%), moderate in seven patients (6.9%), and poor in one patient (0.9%). Cryosurgery has the advantages of joint preservation, excellent functional outcome, and low recurrence rate when compared with other joint preservation procedures. For these reasons, it is recommended as an adjuvant to curettage for most giant cell tumors of bone.     

Prospective randomized clinical trial of the effect of needle size on pain, sample adequacy and accuracy in head and neck fine-needle aspiration cytology

BACKGROUND: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is useful in the diagnosis of many conditions of the head and neck. No reported studies have investigated the optimal needle gauge in the head and neck region. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized trial of 100 patients who required FNAC performed with either a 21G or 23G needle. Discomfort was scored by patients using a visual analogue scale. Sample accuracy was assessed in patients who subsequently had excision biopsy. RESULTS: FNAC performed with a 23G needle was less painful (mean +/- SE, 1.6 +/- 1.01) than FNAC with a 21G needle (3.3 +/- 1.94; p < .001). There was no difference in sample adequacy between the 2 needle sizes (p = .59). The sensitivities and specificities of both needles were similar. CONCLUSION: Head and neck FNAC should routinely be performed with a 23G needle, resulting in less patient discomfort, and giving sample adequacy comparable to a conventional 21G needle.     

Cosmetic Results of Cryosurgery Versus Surgical Excision for Primary Uncomplicated Basal Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck

BACKGROUND: The incidence of multiple facial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) is increasing. OBJECTIVE: Comparison of cosmetic results after cryosurgery and excision for primary BCCs. METHODS: Cosmetic results after cryosurgery and excision (prospective randomized study) of primary BCCs in the head/neck area were assessed by five independent professional observers and by the patients. RESULTS: Ninety-six BCCs were treated either with surgical excision (n = 48) or cryosurgery (n = 48). Clinical professionals evaluated the cosmetic results after surgery as significantly better. The beautician had no preference for either therapy. The patient had a significant preference for excision. Localization and size of the tumor did not modify this general preference for excision. The male dermatologist, however, had a tendency to evaluate results in the cheek, periauricular, and neck area as inferior to those in the rest of the face, regardless of which therapy was given. CONCLUSION: In general, cosmetic results after excision are better than after cryosurgery.     

Pilot Study of Imiquimod 5% Cream as Adjunctive Therapy to Curettage and Electrodesiccation for Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Curettage and electrodesiccation (C&D) is a widely used method to treat nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC). However, residual tumor is present immediately after the procedure in approximately 20 to 40% of cases. Imiquimod, a topical immune response modifier that targets Toll-like receptor 7, is currently approved for superficial BCC. OBJECTIVE: In a double-blind, vehicle-controlled study, the administration of imiquimod after C&D was investigated to determine if the combination regimen would reduce the frequency of residual tumor compared with C&D alone in patients with nodular BCC. METHODS: Twenty patients received three cycles of C&D followed by imiquimod 5% or vehicle cream once daily for 1 month as adjunctive therapy. The primary end point was the frequency of residual tumor. The secondary end points included the time to heal and cosmetic appearance. RESULTS : Twenty patients were randomized to the imiquimod (n = 10) or vehicle (n = 10) treatment group. At 8 weeks, the proportion of patients with residual tumor was substantially decreased with imiquimod therapy (10%) compared with vehicle (40%). Wounds in the vehicle group healed more quickly than those in the imiquimod group, although by 8 weeks, all excision sites were healed. The majority of scars in the control group were atrophic and hypopigmented, whereas most scars in the imiquimod group were flat and slightly pink. CONCLUSION: Imiquimod 5% cream once daily for 1 month as adjunctive therapy after C&D substantially reduced the frequency of residual tumor and improved the cosmetic appearance compared with C&D alone. These preliminary results suggest that further studies to investigate imiquimod adjunctive therapy are warranted.     

股骨头颈部肿瘤及瘤样病变的手术治疗

目的探讨股骨头颈部肿瘤及瘤样病变的手术治疗效果.方法对19例股骨头颈部瘤样病变及良性肿瘤患者行病灶刮除＋自体髂骨植骨术.结果 19例均获随访,时间1年3个月～4年,平均2.7年.患者术后6～9个月植骨融合,无股骨头坏死或塌陷,肿瘤无复发征象.结论对股骨头颈部良性肿瘤及瘤样病变采用病灶清除＋植骨可取得良好效果.     

Cryosurgery in the treatment of bone tumors

The concept and technique of cryosurgery in the treatment of benign and malignant bone tumors are presented Cryosurgery extends the margin of curettage and makes it equivalent to wide resection. Compared with other techniques, cryosurgery with composite fixation not only preserves joint function, but also significantly decreases the rate of local tumor recurrence. Although a relatively simple procedure, cryosurgery can cause a significant morbidity if performed inappropriately. Effective and safe procedures must follow these consecutive steps: (1) adequate exposure of the tumor cavity; (2) meticulous curettage and burr-drilling; (3) soft tissue mobilization and protection before introduction of liquid nitrogen to the tumor cavity; (4) internal fixation of the tumor cavity;' and (5) protection of the operated bone throughout the healing period.     

冷冻灭活皮质骨移植治疗股骨头颈部侵袭性肿瘤的疗效观察

目的 评估病灶刮除液氮冷冻灭活结合皮质骨支撑治疗股骨头颈部侵袭性骨肿瘤的疗效。方法 １１例患者在诊断明确后均采取病灶刮除加液氮注入法冷冻灭活,缺损处以自体（或异体）腓骨和自体髂骨填充修复,７例辅以内固定。结果 １１例随访３～１０年（平均６年６个月）。参照Ｅｎｎｅｋ－ｉｎｇ评定标准进行功能评估,优７例,良４例。结论 该疗法是治疗股骨头颈部侵袭性肿瘤的良好方法之一。     

Does Wound Healing Contribute to the Eradication of Basal Cell Carcinoma Following Curettage and Electrodessication?

Background.  Histologic studies indicate that C&D fails to mechanically remove all the tumor in a percentage of cases that far exceeds the 5-year recurrence rate. This raises the question that if C&D does not mechanically remove the tumor in a significant number of patients, why don't we observe tumor recurrence in most of these patients? Our previous study indicates that inflammation occurring over 1 month following C&D does not clear residual tumor. It may be some other process, requiring more time, that clears the residual tumor. Perhaps the proliferative or maturation phase of wound healing or, alternatively, a slow-acting process such as a low-grade immune response set in motion earlier, clears the residual tumor.
Objective.  To test the hypothesis that wound healing and maturation following C&D clear residual tumor that has not mechanically removed by the procedure.
Methods.  The frequency of residual BCC detected histologically immediately following C&D was compared with the frequency 3 months after the C&D, an amount of time in which the maturation phase of wound healing is well under way.
Results.  Twenty-two of 29 primary BCC less than 1 cm in size were tumor-free immediately following the procedure (clearance rate 75.9%). Twelve primary BCC <1 cm were treated by C&D, allowed to heal for 3 months, and then excised and checked histologically. Ten of the twelve BCC were free of tumor, for a clearance rate of 83.3%, which is not a statistically significant difference (p = 0.7187).
Conclusion.  By 3 months, the proliferative phase of wound healing is complete, and our study indicates that this phase has no effect on clearing the tumor. The maturation phase is well under way three months following C&D, and no statistically significant effect was observed.     

Long-Term Results of a Prospective Surgical Trial Comparing 2 cm vs. 4 cm Excision Margins for 740 Patients With 1–4 mm Melanomas

Background:The Intergroup Melanoma Surgical Trial began in 1983 to examine the optimal surgical margins of excision for primary melanomas of intermediate thickness (i.e., 1–4 mm). There is now a median 10-year follow-up.Methods:There were two cohorts entered into a prospective multi-institutional trial: (1) 468 patients with melanomas on the trunk or proximal extremity who randomly received a 2 cm or 4 cm radial excision margin and (2) 272 patients with melanomas on the head, neck, or distal extremities who received a 2 cm radial excision margin.Results:A local recurrence (LR) was associated with a high mortality rate, with a 5-year survival rate of only 9% (as a first relapse) or 11% (anytime) compared with an 86% survival for those patients who did not have a LR (P < .0001). The 10-year survival for all patients with a LR was 5%. The 10-year survival rates were not significantly different when comparing 2 cm vs. 4 cm margins of excision (70% vs. 77%) or comparing the management of the regional lymph nodes (observation vs. elective node dissection). The incidences of LR were the same for patients having a 2 cm vs. 4 cm excision margin regardless of whether the comparisons were made as first relapse (0.4% vs. 0.9%) or at anytime (2.1% vs. 2.6%). When analyzed by anatomic site, the LR rates were 1.1% for melanomas arising on the proximal extremity, 3.1% for the trunk, 5.3% for the distal extremities, and 9.4% for the head and neck. The most profound influence on LR rates was the presence or absence of ulceration; it was 6.6% vs. 1.1% in the randomized group involving the trunk and proximal extremity and was 16.2% vs. 2.1% in the non-randomized group involving the distal extremity and head and neck (P < .001). A multivariate (Cox) regression analysis showed that ulceration was an adverse and independent factor (P = .0001) as was head and neck melanoma site (P = .01), while the remaining factors were not significant (all with P > .12).Conclusion:For this group of melanoma patients, a local recurrence is associated with a high mortality rate, a 2-cm margin of excision is safe and ulceration of the primary melanoma is the most significant prognostic factor heralding an increased risk for a local recurrence.Presented at the 53rd Annual Cancer Symposium of the Society of Surgical Oncology at New Orleans, LA, on March 18, 2000     

19例股骨颈原发溶骨性损害的手术治疗

目的：总结股骨颈原发溶骨性损害的手术治疗结果。方法：自1973－1999年共收治股骨颈原发溶骨性病损19例,其中瘤样样病变11例,良性肿瘤4例,恶性骨肿瘤2例,骨梗死2例,采用瘤段切除,人工股骨头置换1例,肿瘤刮除,骨水泥和髓内钉填塞,接骨板固定2例,肿瘤刮除植骨16例。结果：随访6个月－20年,平均5．8年,骨肉瘤患者术后2年死于肿瘤肺转移,软骨肉瘤患者术后1．5年肿瘤局部复发,行股骨近端置换,1例骨水泥和三翼钉植入者8年后患侧股骨粗隆部骨折,再次手术安装接骨板,3个月后骨折愈合,余患者4－8个月植骨融合,无股骨头坏死或塌陷,肿瘤无复发征象,结论：原发股骨颈溶骨性损害以瘤样病变居多,良性病变无论病变范围的大小,采用病灶清除,腔内植骨骨或骨水泥填塞均取得良好效果。     

Metastatic Basal Cell Carcinoma Presenting as Unilateral Axillary Lymphadenopathy: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND: Although basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide, the incidence of metastatic basal cell carcinoma (MBCC) is exceedingly low. Of reported cases, it is estimated that up to 85% arise in the head and neck region. OBJECTIVE: Case presentation of a BCC measuring 1.1 cm arising in a nonfacial site that presented with unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy. METHODS: Case presentation with literature review. RESULTS: Risk factors which should lead to a higher index of suspicion among clinicians for identifying these patients include large tumor size, previous irradiation, local invasion, and recurrence. The lymph nodes, lungs, bones, and skin are among the most common sites in which metastases arise. CONCLUSION: We report an unusual case of MBCC arising from a small, nonfacial primary BCC that presented with unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy.     

Lip carcinoma: clinical presentation,surgical treatment,and outcome: a series of 108 cases from Denmark

Objective: Lip carcinomas are among the most common malignant tumours of the head and neck region but reports on the course and outcome of this disease are mainly based on Mediterranean, South American, and Oceanian populations. The aim of the study was to describe the treatment and outcome of patients with lip carcinoma at a Danish department of plastic surgery.

Method: We conducted a single institution retrospective cohort study including patients with primary cancer of the lips including squamous cell (SCC), basal cell (BCC), and basosquamous carcinomas (BSC) in a 5-year period.

Results: We included 108 consecutive patients. Median age was 72 years (range 28 -98) and 58% were male. Seventy patients (65%) were diagnosed with SCC, 36 (33%) BCC, and 2 (2%) BSC. The majority of lesions were stage T1 (84%) and T2 (11%). An unexpected total of 35 (32%) patients experienced wound healing problems; whereof 19 (54%) classified as mild (not demanding treatment), 10 (29%) as moderate (non-functional surgical corrections or medical treatment of infection needed) and 6 (17%) experienced severe dehiscence (requiring surgical intervention for functional improvement). Total defect size ≥20?mm and full thickness excision was directly correlated to the risk of early postoperative complications (p-value: 0.03 and 0.04). Three patients (2/36 with BCC; 6% and 1/70 with SCC; 1%) developed local recurrence and five patients with SCC (5/70; 7%) developed regional lymph node metastases. One patient (1%) died from metastatic SCC.

Conclusion: This study confirms that lip carcinoma is associated with a risk of recurrence and mortality. However, the risk of wound complications is notable compared to other series.     

Defects of the nasal internal lining: etiology and repair

OBJECTIVES: To analyze risk factors leading to full-thickness (FT) defects, to review methods of repair, and to present guidelines for management of aggressive basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) of the nose. DESIGN: Retrospective medical chart review of patients who underwent nasal reconstruction by the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery between 1996 and 2003. RESULTS: Two hundred ten patients underwent nasal reconstruction; 183 had complete medical records and were included in this study. There were 53 patients with FT nasal defects, 38 (71.7%) of which were due to BCC. Among all patients presenting with an aggressive histologic subtype of BCC, 30.1% (22/73) developed FT defects. In contrast, 14.5% (16/100) with a nonaggressive subtype had FT involvement (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Internal lining defects are more likely to occur from aggressive histologic subtypes of BCC (infiltrative, morpheaform, and micronodular) than nonaggressive subtypes (P < .05). For BCCs 1 to 2 cm2 located on the nasal ala, histologic subtype is a significant risk factor for resulting in a FT defect, which should influence the method of excision (direct vs Mohs micrographic surgery) and the anticipated reconstruction. Large lesions (> 2 cm2) involving the ala have a high rate of internal lining involvement independent of pathologic subtype.     

Hepatic cryosurgery for liver metastases. Long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the applicability of cryogenic and conventional surgery in treating liver metastases (LM) with respect to intraoperative tumor reduction and survival rate. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: As have been shown in animal experiments as well as in clinical investigations, cryosurgery has been used for the treatment of many benign and malignant conditions. For the first time, this report summarizes a 10-year follow-up clinical experience with cryosurgery for treatment of LM from 1983 to 1992. METHODS: One hundred twenty-three patients with LM (87 males and 36 females, a ratio 2.4:1.0; age, 41.3 +/- 12.1 years) were stratified and entered into a long-term prospective, randomized clinical trial for cryogenic surgery in group 1 (n = 63) and conventional surgical techniques in group 2 (control subjects, n = 60). Principally, a self-constructed cryogenic clamp was used for hepatic cryoresection with preliminary freezing of the margin resection by a cryosurgical system "Cryoelectronic-2" or "Cryoelectronic-4". Hepatic cryoextirpation (cryoablation) and hepatic cryodestruction were performed by means of probes of different roughly disk design from phi 5 mm to 55 mm by volume of frozen zone of 40 cm3 to 180 cm3 for approximately 7 to 32 minutes. RESULTS: In most cases in group 1 and group 2, LM were based on colorectal cancers (65% vs. 68%). The hepatic cryosurgical procedures in group 1 included cryoextirpation (29 patients, 46%), cryoresection (20 patients, 32%), and cryodestruction (14 patients, 22%) solely. Clinical and laboratory parameters showed that the curative effects were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2. The 3-year survival rate was in group 1 and group 2 (60% vs. 51%, respectively). The 5-year survival rate was 44% in group 1 and 36% in group 2. Twelve patients (19%) versus 5 patients (8%) in group 1 and group 2, respectively, survived 10 years. The disease-free survival was in group 1 and group 2 (30% vs. 18%, respectively). During a follow-up period, recurrence in the liver was observed in 54 patients (85%) in group 1 and in 57 patients (95%) in control subjects. After a 10-year follow-up period in group 1 and group 2, 9 patients (14%) versus 3 patients (5%) remained disease free, 3 patients (4%) versus 2 patients (3%) were surviving with disease, and 51 patients (81%) versus 55 patients (92%) died. CONCLUSIONS: The data of this 10-year prospective, randomized clinical trial suggest that hepatic cryosurgery is effective in the treatment of resectable and nonresectable LM. The results show intraoperative tumor reduction (> or = 90% < or = 97%) and extended higher survival in these patients. The study indicated a 5-year and 10-year survival rate of 44% and 19% after cryosurgery, respectively.     

Effect of Perilesional Injections of PEG-Interleukin-2 on Basal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Multiple modalities are available for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The most commonly used modalities include simple excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, curettage and electrodessication, cryosurgery, and irradiation therapy. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine produced chiefly by activated T lymphocytes and has effects on various components of the immune system. Until now the primary clinical use of IL-2 has been in advanced stages of metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. Systemic administration of IL-2 is known to cause significant toxicity. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of perilesional PEG-IL-2 injections in patients with BCC in an open label, uncontrolled pilot study. METHODS: Patients with histologically confirmed primary BCC over 18 years of age were included in the study. Lesions were treated by injecting a total volume of 0.5 cc of IL-2 in a radial fashion in the subcutaneous tissue. Injection dosages ranged from 3000 to 1,200, 000 IU in one to four weekly dosages. A total of 12 tumors were treated in eight patients. RESULTS: Overall response rates were as follows: complete response in 8 of 12 treated tumors (66.6% cure rate), partial response in 3 of 12 injected tumors (25% partial response rate), stable disease with no improvement in 1 treatment site (8.4%). Side effects included local pain, swelling, and erythema, and in one patient flulike symptoms. There were no significant changes of blood tests as compared to baseline levels. CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic response induced by perilesional PEG-IL-2 injections was found to be an encouraging, safe, and well-tolerated treatment of BCC. Further studies including a larger patient population and long-term follow-up are necessary in order to substantiate these findings.     

The Influence of Adjuvants on Local Recurrence Rate in Giant Cell Tumour of the Bone

Introduction: Intralesional surgery of giant cell tumour of the bone (GCT) may result in a high rate of local recurrence. The introduction of local adjuvants, such as cementation, cryosurgery or phenolization, has proved to be successful in the reduction of recurrence rates. This study presents the results of a single institution in surgery of GCT with an evolution in treatment strategies.

Material & Methods: Forty primary and 25 recurrent surgical procedures in 46 patients with GCT of the bone with a median follow-up of 72 months were reviewed retrospectively. The mean age was 32.6 years (range 13.6–57.9 years). Forty-seven curettages and 18 resections were performed. For the curettages, a large bone window was cut followed by high speed burring and bone grafting or cementation. In 34 of 47 curettages and 7 of 18 resections, phenol was additionally applied.

Results: Two patients showed pulmonary metastasis, one died due to metastatic disease. In total, a third of the patients developed local recurrence (32.3%). This was evenly spread among primary and recurrent diesease (32.5% vs. 32%). Seven of 13 curettages without adjuvant recurred (53.9%), compared to 11 of 34 curettages with adjuvant phenol (32.4%). Three of 18 resections developed a recurrence (16.7%). No complications in respect to the use of phenol were seen. Discussion: Phenolization is a safe local adjuvant therapy for GCT. Although the recurrence rate was lower with the use of phenol, this drop was not significant. The comparable high recurrence rate in our study, even if phenol was used, might be due to the fact that curettage was our favoured treatment, even in cases with an extensive juxta-articular tumour. We recommend adjuvant phenolization in the treatment of GCT of the bone after thorough curettage in applicable cases, including where cementation is used for defect filling.     

OPEN VERSUS CLOSED SURGICAL TREATMENT OF ABSCESSES: A CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL

Background : Conventional drainage, curettage and packing of acute superficial abscesses has been challenged and in some centres replaced by curettage and primary closure under antibiotic cover. This technique has not been used widely in Australasia or North America, probably because of the lack of reassurance from local randomized trials. Methods : A randomized trial was conducted to compare the primary closure of acute superficial abscesses to conventional packing. Abscesses requiring drainage under a general anaesthetic were considered for the study, excluding extensive, secondary and deep suppurations. In the ‘open’ group, the abscess was drained, curetted, irrigated, and then packed. Instead of packing, the cavity in the ‘closed’ group was obliterated using interrupted vertical mattress skin sutures with/without closed suction drainage. Other aspects of management were standardized. Results : Of the 32 abscesses treated using the closed technique, 25 (78%) healed by primary intention after 1 week (SE(p) = 7.3%; 95% CI = 63.7–92.4%). One of the 29 abscesses (3%) treated using the open technique healed by secondary intention in a similar period of time. The difference was statistically significant (Chi-squared test with Yates' continuity correction = 31.70; P < 0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference in the overall incidence of healing, 1 month after surgery (χ²₁= 0.07; P > 0.9). In the closed group, healing was obtained by primary intention, leaving a linear surgical scar in 84% of the cases (SE(p) = 5.7%; 95% CI = 72.8–95.2%). Hospitalization and the need for analgesia and dressing changes were reduced by 40–60%. Conclusions : Primary closure of acute superficial abscesses was associated with an improved outcome in terms of duration and quality of healing, postoperative pain, length of hospitalization, nursing care and, by implication, cost, and may be recommended as an alternative treatment that is superior to the orthodox technique.     

Early results of a modified technique of cryosurgery

The objective of this study was to present a simple, convenient, and reliable technique for the application of liquid nitrogen and to evaluate the effectiveness of curettage and cryosurgery. Between 1992 and 2002, 24 patients who had benign aggressive and low-grade malignant bone tumors were treated by curettage and cryosurgery. While cryosurgery was applied by the "direct pour" technique in the first seven patients, it was applied by the "pressurized spraying" technique in the others. Functional results were graded according to Enneking. The mean follow-up was 47 (range 9-131) months. There were no local recurrences. Three patients who underwent the direct pour technique developed partial skin necrosis. The functional results were excellent in 14 patients, good in six, and fair in four. When compared with previous reports on cryosurgery and its application techniques, we detected no tumor recurrence or complications, including soft-tissue injury, infection, and late fracture with liquid nitrogen applied by the pressurized spraying technique.