A prospective randomized controlled trial of simple Bascom's technique versus Bascom's cleft closure for the treatment of chronic pilonidal disease

Background

The aim of this study was to determine which of Bascom's simple techniques, Bascom's simple surgery or Bascom's cleft closure, is preferred in the management of moderate-severity pilonidal disease.

Methods

Fifty-five patients with chronic pilonidal disease were randomized to receive Bascom's simple surgery (n = 29) or cleft closure (n = 26) under local anesthetic. The primary end point was time to healing. Patients were followed up for a median of 3 years (range, .7-4 y).

Results

After Bascom's simple surgery, 5 of 29 patients did not heal and proceeded to cleft closure. The remaining patients healed at a median of 4 weeks (range, 3-35 wk). After cleft closure, 21 of 26 wounds healed primarily on removal of sutures at 10 to 13 days. The remaining 5 wounds healed at a median of 4.5 weeks (range, 2-5 wk). Fifty of 55 (91%) patients were contacted for follow-up evaluation, disease recurrence occurred in 2 of 24 after Bascom's simple surgery and in 0 of 26 after cleft closure.

Conclusions

Cleft closure offers more predictable healing than Bascom's simple surgery, with less need for re-operation. Disease recurrence is more prevalent after Bascom's simple surgery.     

Elliptical rotation flap for pilonidal sinus

Background

The treatment of the symptomatic pilonidal sinus is surgical with one of the most extensive being excision of the diseased tissue down to the sacral fascia. The closure of the defect is the matter of debate. An elliptical rotation flap has been used for pilonidal sinus treatment with no recurrence rate.

Methods

From April 1996 to June 2001, 20 patients were treated with this technique. The surgical procedure is a vertical elliptical excision of the diseased tissue and an elliptical cutaneous rotation flap to close the defect.

Results

Twenty patients underwent with this technique, mean age 23.4 years (range 18 to 34). Mean follow-up was 42 months. All patients were discharged on the first postoperative day. Primary healing was achieved in all of the patients in 2 weeks. No recurrence was observed.

Conclusions

Elliptical rotation flap is recommended for patients selected for defect closure. It offers improved patient comfort, shorter hospital stay, and no recurrence rate.     

Early experience with the use of rhomboid excision and Limberg flap in 16 adolescents with pilonidal disease

Background

Rhomboid excision with Limberg flap (RELF) repair has been shown to be effective in the management of pilonidal disease (PD) in adults. Wide excision allows complete removal of diseased tissue, and the rotational flap allows tensionless coverage as well as helps flatten the natal crease, which is believed to contribute to the recurrence of PD.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of all adolescents who underwent excision of pilonidal disease using RELF at a single institution for a period of 18 months.

Results

Sixteen adolescents with PD were treated with RELF during this period. All procedures were completed with no intraoperative complications. Mean operative time and hospital stay were 92 ± 30 minutes and 1.8 ± 0.29 days, respectively. Mean follow-up was 11 ± 6.0 months. One patient had recurrence of his disease, and one needed prolonged wound care after wound breakdown. Six others had minor complications including 4 patients (25%) who had superficial wound separation that resolved promptly with dressing change. One patient had a superficial wound infection. One patient had residual pain.

Conclusion

Rhomboid excision with Limberg flap is effective in the management of PD in adolescents. The 6% recurrence rate is similar to that reported in the adult literature. Despite the limitations of this study, the low morbidity, hospital stay, and recurrence rate noted with our initial experience are very encouraging.     

Current management of adolescent pilonidal disease

Background

Controversy persists regarding the optimal management for adolescent pilonidal disease. We reviewed the outcome of wide local excision (WLE) vs unroofing and marsupialization (UM) for pilonidal disease.

Methods

A retrospective review 2002 to 2007 of adolescents undergoing surgical treatment of pilonidal disease was performed. Data were analyzed using Student's t test.

Results

Twenty-six patients were treated for pilonidal disease during this period. Average age was 16.7 years (range, 14-19 years) with 50% males. Nine patients underwent WLE and 17 had UM. Before initial evaluation, 44% of patients in the WLE group had drainage of acute abscess compared to 59% in the UM group (P > .05). Postoperative complications in the WLE group (78%) were significantly higher compared to the UM group (0%). Median time for final healing was significantly higher in the WLE group (32 weeks) compared to the UM group (6 weeks). The reoperative rate was also significantly higher in the WLE group (56%) compared to the UM group (0%). No patient had recurrent disease after complete healing in either group.

Conclusion

Unroofing and marsupialization for primary pilonidal disease has a shorter time to heal and carries a lower complication and reoperative rate compared to WLE.     

High-dose salvage intensity-modulated radiotherapy with or without androgen deprivation after radical prostatectomy for rising or persisting prostate-specific antigen: 5-year results

Background

Long-term results with salvage radiotherapy (SRT) for a biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP) are poor. It has been suggested that radiotherapy doses >70 Gy might result in improved outcome.

Objective

To report on the late toxicity profile and outcome of patients treated with high-dose salvage intensity-modulated radiotherapy (HD-SIMRT) with or without androgen deprivation (AD).

Design, setting, and participants

Between 1999 and 2008, 136 patients were referred for HD-SIMRT with or without AD. The median follow-up was 5 yr. Indications for HD-SIMRT were persisting prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or a rising PSA following RP. All patients were irradiated at a single, tertiary, academic centre. AD was initiated on the basis of seminal vesicle invasion, preprostatectomy PSA >20 ng/ml, Gleason score ≥4 + 3 (n = 43), or personal preference of the referring urologist (n = 54).

Intervention

A median 76-Gy dose was prescribed to the RP bed using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in all patients. AD consisted of a luteinising hormone-releasing hormone analogue for 6 mo.

Measurements

Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine the influence of patient- and treatment-related factors on late toxicity, biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS), and clinical relapse-free survival (cRFS).

Results and limitations

The 5-yr actuarial bRFS and cRFS were 56% and 86%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, the presence of perineural invasion at RP (hazard ratio [HR]: 6.19, p = 0.001) and an increasing pre-SRT PSA (PSA 0.5 ng/ml: HR: 1; PSA 1-1.5 ng/ml: HR: 1.60, p = 0.30; and PSA >1 ng/ml: HR: 2.70, p = 0.02) were independent factors for a decreased bRFS. The addition of AD improved bRFS (HR: 0.33, p = 0.005). On multivariate analysis, none of the variables was a predictor of cRFS. The 5-yr risk of grade 2-3 toxicity was 22% and 8% for genitourinary and gastrointestinal symptoms, respectively.

Conclusions

IMRT allows for safe dose escalation to 76 Gy with good bRFS.     

Prospective randomized controlled trial comparing V-Y advancement flap with primary suture methods in pilonidal disease

Background

An ideal treatment method for the widely prevalent pilonidal sinus disease is not yet available. The most commonly practiced technique is simple closure following resection of the effected tissue. However, high recurrence rates in some series have led to the search for other methods. One of these methods is the V-Y advancement flap (VYAF), which in theory results in the flattening of the natal cleft without tension in the suture line.

Methods

In this prospective randomized controlled study, the VYAF method was compared to 2 simple primary closure techniques. In 238 patients, following resection, in the AL (all layers) group, all layers were closed with polypropylene sutures. In the SS (subcutaneous suture) group, polyglactin subcutaneous sutures were used to approximate the wound edges. Skin was closed separately in the SS group. In addition, demographic variables, past history, physical examination findings, defect dimensions, and wound tension were recorded.

Results

Surgical site infection was observed in 23.9%, 17.4%, and 10.2% of the patients in AL, SS, and VYAF groups, respectively (P = .129). Early wound dehiscence without infection was detected in 11.9%, 7.4%, and 10.2% of the patients in groups AL, SS, and VYAF, respectively (P = .665). Mean follow-up was 29.7 ± 15.6 months. Survival (time without recurrence) was not significantly different between groups (P = .648). In the whole group, independent predictors of recurrence according to logistic regression analysis were younger age, recurrent disease, presence of discharge on physical examination, and development of postoperative surgical site infection.

Conclusions

VYAF is not superior to simple primary closure techniques in terms of postoperative complications, recurrence, and patient satisfaction. For most cases, simple primary closure would suffice. Patients should be informed of the increased risk of recurrence if any of the independent predictors (being a recurrent case, presence of discharge, development of postoperative infection) are present.     

Multicenter prospective randomized trial comparing modified Limberg flap transposition and Karydakis flap reconstruction in patients with sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease

Background

There is still no consensus as to the optimal treatment for sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease (SPD). Many recommend off-midline closure, if any excisional procedure is to be selected.

Methods

The authors prospectively studied 145 patients with SPD who presented at 3 hospitals. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo either modified Limberg flap (MLF) transposition (n = 72) or Karydakis flap reconstruction (n = 73). Surgical findings, complications, recurrence rates, and degree of patient satisfaction, evaluated via a standardized telephone interview, were compared.

Results

Operation time was longer in the MLF group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of complication rate, length of stay, or recurrence rate. Patients in the Karydakis group reported feeling completely healed more quickly postoperatively. The two groups reported similar rates of satisfaction. Mandatory patient withdrawal from a given study arm because of the orifice straying from the midline occurred more frequently in the Karydakis group.

Conclusions

The MLF technique and the Karydakis procedure appear to generate comparable outcomes. With laterally situated orifices, however, the applicability of the Karydakis method may be limited.     

Randomized comparison of Limberg flap versus modified primary closure for the treatment of pilonidal disease

Background

The best surgical technique for sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease is still controversial. The aim of this randomized prospective trial was to compare both the results of Limberg flap procedure and primary closure.

Methods

A total of 260 patients with sacrococcygeal pilonidal disease were assigned randomly to undergo Limberg flap procedure or tension-free primary closure.

Results

Success of surgery was achieved in 84.62% of Limberg flap patients versus 77.69% of primary closure (P = .0793). Surgical time for primary closure was shorter. Wound infection was more frequent in the primary closure group (P = .0254), which experienced less postoperative pain (P < .0001). No significant difference was found in time off from work (P = .672) and wound dehiscence. Recurrence was observed in 3.84% versus 0% in the primary closure versus Limberg flap group (P = .153).

Conclusions

Our results do not show a clear benefit for surgical management by Limberg flap or primary closure. Limberg flap showed less convalescence and wound infection; our technique of tension-free primary closure was a day case procedure, less painful, and shorter than Limberg flap.     

Portal vein thrombosis in children and adolescents: the low prevalence of hereditary thrombophilic disorders

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of thrombophilic disorders in children and adolescents with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) as well as assessing the hereditary character of this disorder.

Methods

A 2-year prospective study was carried out in pediatric PVT patients (n = 14), their parents (n = 25), and an age-matched control group free of liver disease (n = 28). The presence of PVT was assessed by means of Doppler ultrasound scan or angiography. None of the PVT patients presented biochemical or histologic signs of liver disease.

Results

The frequency in PVT patients of protein C (PC), protein S (PS) and antithrombin (AT) deficiency was 42.9% (P < .05 v controls), 21.4% (P > .05) and 7.1% (P > .05), respectively. None of the controls or parents of PVT patients presented hereditary PC, PS, or AT deficiency. One PVT patient and one control (P = .999) presented prothrombin G20210A mutation. Homozygous methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T genotype was observed in 3 of 14 (21.4%) PVT patients and in 5 of 28 (17.9%; P = .356) controls. None of these patients presented factor V G1691A mutation.

Conclusions

PC deficiency was frequent in pediatric PVT patients and does not seem to be an inherited condition. The hereditary prothrombotic disorders do not seem to play a vital role in thrombosis in children and adolescents with PVT.     

Treatment and outcomes of patients with primary breast sarcoma

Background

Surgery is the main treatment for primary breast sarcoma (PBS). Here we characterize this disease and determine factors associated with use of adjuvant therapy.

Methods

Records of patients with PBS from 1986 to 2006 were reviewed. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier. Relationships between patient variables and OS were determined using univariate Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Thirteen patients with PBS were identified; 10 patients underwent mastectomy, and 3 underwent partial mastectomy. Six patients underwent axillary staging; none were positive. Patients with tumors >5 cm were more likely to undergo radiation therapy (P <.05). Local recurrence occurred in 7 patients. Metastatic disease was present in 2 patients at diagnosis, and 6 patients developed metastatic disease; all 8 patients died from their disease. Five patients remained disease free. Five-year OS was 67% (83% for tumors <5 cm and 42% for tumors >5 cm). Tumor size was significantly associated with OS (relative risk = 1.1/1 cm increase in size > 5 cm).

Conclusions

Treatment for PBS is excision to clear margins. Axillary staging is not indicated. Tumor size >5 cm is the only significant prognostic indicator of overall survival.     

Successful treatment of earlobe keloids in the pediatric population

Background

Keloid scars present a difficult treatment challenge. Recently, intralesional steroid injection has become a common treatment modality [Akoz et al. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2002;6:184-188; Studdiford et al. JABFM. 2008;21:149-152]. Although this has become a proven treatment technique, there is no standard injection protocol to which treating physicians commonly adhere. We hypothesize that timing of steroid injection may improve outcomes using this treatment technique in combination with lesion excision.

Methods

Fifteen patients with 16 earlobe keloids were treated using a standard steroid injection protocol with Kenalog (Bristol-Myers Squibb, New York, NY), in combination with lesion excision. Strict follow-up was enforced, with repeat injections as needed at any sign of abnormal scar formation postoperatively.

Results

Of 16 lesions, 15 (94%) were treated successfully with no sign of lesion recurrence at 6 months of follow-up. A single lesion was lost to follow-up and presented 18 months postoperatively with recurrence. This lesion was subsequently retreated successfully.

Conclusions

Kenalog injection in combination with excision is a well-tolerated and effective treatment of earlobe keloids in the pediatric population. We feel that timing of injection and adherence to a strict follow-up regimen is crucial to success.     

Long term outcome of the Bascom cleft lift procedure for adolescent pilonidal sinus

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess whether adolescent patients who heal their pilonidal sinus disease with the Bascom cleft lift have a sustained result, or if younger age puts them at increased risk of relapse.

Adhesive small bowel obstruction after appendectomy in children: comparison between the laparoscopic and open approach

Introduction

Adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common postoperative complication. Published data in the pediatric literature characterizing SBO are scant. Furthermore, the relationship between the risk of SBO for a given procedure is not well described. To evaluate these parameters, we reviewed the incidence of SBO after laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) and open appendectomy (OA) performed at our institution.

Methods

With institutional review board approval, all patients that developed SBO after appendectomy for appendicitis from January 1998 to June 2005 were investigated. Hospital records were reviewed to identify the details of their postappendectomy SBO. The incidences of SBO after LA and OA were compared with χ² analysis using Yates correction.

Results

During the study period, 1105 appendectomies were performed: 477 OAs (8 converted to OA during laparoscopy) and 628 LAs. After OA, 7 (6 perforated appendicitis) patients later developed SBO of which 6 required adhesiolysis. In contrast, a patient with perforated appendicitis developed SBO after LA requiring adhesiolysis (P = .01). The mean time from appendectomy to the development of intestinal obstruction for the entire group was 46 ± 32 days.

Conclusions

The overall risk of SBO after appendectomy in children is low (0.7%) and is significantly related to perforated appendicitis. Small bowel obstruction after LA appears statistically less common than OA. Laparoscopic appendectomy remains our preferred approach for both perforated and nonperforated appendectomy.     

Sinogenic orbital and subperiosteal abscesses: Microbiology and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus incidence

Objective

To assess the current bacteriology and the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in orbital and subperiosteal abscesses of paranasal sinus disease origin.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

An otolaryngology and ophthalmology specialty hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Fifty-three patients were treated between 1994 and 2008 for orbital or subperiosteal abscess and paranasal sinusitis, confirmed by imaging and surgical intervention; 46 had operative culture specimens and comprise the study cohort.

Results

The mean patient age was 28 years; one third were younger than 18. Nearly twice as many patients had subperiosteal (n = 30) as had orbital abscesses (n = 16). In 12 patients (26%), cultures were negative or grew only skin flora contaminants (coagulase-negative staphylococci, diphtheroids, and Propionibacterium acnes). Fifteen patients (33%) grew more than one pathogen. Streptococci were isolated in 17 of the 46 cases (37%), S. aureus in 13 (28.3%), gram-negative bacilli in eight (17.4%), and anaerobes in nine (19.6%). Methicillin-resistant S. aureus accounted for three (23.1%) of the S. aureus isolates and 6.5 percent of the total cases.

Conclusion

Abscess cultures grew a mixture of bacteria, including gram-positive cocci, gram-negative bacilli, and anaerobes. Although streptococci were the most common genus of bacteria isolated, S. aureus was the single most common pathogen recovered and one fourth of these cases were methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Given the significant morbidity that may result from inadequate treatment, an antibiotic active against methicillin-resistant S. aureus should be included in the initial broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatment regimen of orbital and subperiosteal abscesses of sinusitis origin until culture results are available.     

Sinus excision, release of coccycutaneous attachments and dermal-subcuticular closure (XRD procedure): a novel technique in flattening the natal cleft in pilonidal sinus treatment

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to analyse, prospectively, the outcome of a new technique – excision of pilonidal sinus and flattening the natal cleft by division of the coccycutaneous attachments at the lower end of the incision.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-six consecutive patients with chronic pilonidal sinuses were treated between 1995 and 2001. The procedure consisted of an elliptical, wide, local excision, release of the coccycutaneous attachments and primary closure using dermal-subcuticular closure (XRD). Suction drains were used until drainage was minimal. The height of skin level at the lower angle of the wound from the coccyx was measured intra-operatively before and after division of the coccycutaneous attachments. Postoperatively, patients were assessed for hospital stay, return to normal activity, complications and recurrence.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients (97%) were males, median age 27 years. The height of skin level rose from a mean of 1.8 cm (95% CI, 1.78–1.85) to a mean of 3.8 cm (95% CI, 3.77–3.88; P < 0.001). Morbidity affected 12 patients (18%), epidermal separation of the lower wound angles (6 patients), seromas (5 patients) and 1 wound dehiscence at 2 weeks. All other wounds healed primarily without dehiscence. There were no recurrences after a median follow-up of 22.5 months (range, 12–38 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Release of the coccycutaneous attachments is an easy technique to learn, which seems to be an effective way of flattening the natal cleft and may result in lower recurrence rate. This technique should be tried in uncomplicated pilonidal sinus disease before more complex procedures are attempted.     

The impact of surgical excision in chest wall rhabdomyosarcoma: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

Aims

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue tumor of childhood. Patient age, size, histologic finding, and site of the tumor are primary determinants of prognosis in RMS. Chest wall RMS is a site in which the limitations of surgical excision are realized. We aim to determine the impact of surgical excision in chest wall RMS.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted of all 130 pediatric patients enrolled in the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS) with chest wall rhabdomyosarcoma from the first (I) through fourth (IV) IRS with follow-up to June 2005. Median follow-up was 12.1 years (4.6-27.2 years).

Results

There was a significant improvement in failure-free survival (FFS) and overall survival (OS) between the first IRS study, I, and IRS-IV. The estimated FFS and OS at 5 years in IRS I was 30% and 40%, respectively, compared to 68% and 78%, respectively, in IRS-IV (P = .03 and P = .05, respectively). There was no association between histologic finding or size and FFS or OS. However, all patients who presented without metastasis had an FFS and OS of 49% and 61%, respectively, compared with metastatic patients, 7% and 7%, respectively (P < .001). Five-year FFS of group I, II, and III patients was 52%, 52%, and 45%, respectively, and OS was 65%, 60%, and 59%, respectively. There was no significant difference in 5-year FFS or OS in patients who had a complete resection (group I), complete resection with positive microscopic margins (group II), or biopsy or partial resection only (group III). In groups I to III patients, the local and regional failure rate at 5 years is 25% and 6%, respectively.

Conclusions

The most significant impact on outcome in chest wall RMS patients is metastatic disease at diagnosis. The locoregional failure rate is high but does not appear to impact survival. Alternative treatment strategies are needed for chest wall RMS, but aggressive surgical excision may not be necessary.     

改良臀沟抬高术治疗骶尾部藏毛疾病的临床研究(附42例报告)

目的探讨改良臀沟抬高术在骶尾部藏毛疾病手术中的应用。方法共治疗42例骶尾部藏毛疾病患者,病灶采用完整切除、改良臀沟抬高术,随诊1年。结果 1例术后第6天出现皮下积液感染,经切开引流后缓解,创口延期愈合。5例皮瓣尾侧因扭转张力,臀沟处裂开,经换药引流后缓解,部分创口延期愈合。3例部分创口桥型愈合,经引流、换药后延期愈合。其他病例一期愈合。结论改良臀沟抬高术治疗骶尾部藏毛疾病,疗效显著,住院时间短,复发率低,患者舒适度高,是一种较佳的手术方法。     

Comparison of bacteria isolated from urinary tract infections in patients on transplant versus urologic wards

Objective

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most common hospital infections. Complications include sepsis and shock. Immunosuppressed transplant surgery patients may experience loss of the graft due to UTI. The purpose of this study was to determine the main microorganisms responsible for UTIs among patients of transplant wards compared to urologic wards. Additionally, drug susceptibility profiles of the most frequent microorganisms were analyzed.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed the results of positive urine cultures from patients on 2 transplant versus 1 urologic ward in 2010.

Results

The most common pathogen in urine samples from all 3 wards was Escherichia coli. Often, other Gram-negative bacilli of the genus Klebsiella spp, were cultured as well as Gram-positive cocci (Enterococcus spp). Yeasts of the genus Candida were only found in urine of patients of transplant wards. The percentage of resistant bacteria was much higher among bacteria from transplant patients.

Conclusions

The high level of antimicrobial resistance of microorganisms isolated from the urine of transplant patients and the relatively high incidence of fungal infections, demand an especially quick, accurate microbiological diagnosis for this group of patients.     

Outcomes in the repair of pilonidal sinus disease excision wounds using a parasacral perforator flap

INTRODUCTION

The ideal treatment for pilonidal sinus disease has yet to be defined. There are many approaches described in the literature.

METHODS

Thirty-five consecutive patients who underwent wide excision of pilonidal sinus disease had the wound repaired using a parasacral perforator flap. Outcomes were assessed by case notes analysis and follow-up telephone and postal questionnaires.

RESULTS

There were ten minor complications including six minor wound edge dehiscences. There were two ischaemic complications, with one flap loss. There were 3 recurrences of pilonidal disease at a mean follow-up of 33 months, giving a 5-year recurrence free rate of 86%. Of the patients questioned, all would recommend the procedure to someone else despite 69% being dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

This series indicates that the parasacral perforator flap technique is able to repair pilonidal sinus excision wounds successfully with minimal morbidity and a low recurrence rate at a mean of follow-up of 33 months. The study suggests that it may be a technique best reserved for recurrent cases of pilonidal sinus disease. Patients feel the procedure is successful despite reservations regarding the cosmetic outcome.