A biological or a synthetic mesh in immediate breast reconstruction? A cohort-study of long-term Health related Quality of Life (HrQoL)

ObjectivesMeshes/matrices are commonly used in immediate breast reconstruction. There are few studies comparing biological and synthetic meshes and it is unknown what type of mesh gives the best long-term results. The aim of this study was to compare long-term health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and patient satisfaction in implant-based immediate breast reconstruction with a biological mesh (Surgisis®) with that of patients reconstructed with a synthetic mesh (TIGR ® Matrix Surgical Mesh).Material and methodsBoth cohorts were prospectively included and consecutively operated. Clinical data was collected. HrQoL was evaluated with EuroQoL-5 dimension – 3 levels questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Breast-Q.Results and conclusionSeventy-one patients were operated on in the biological group and 49 in the synthetic group. The response rates were 75 and 84 per cent, respectively. Mean follow-up time was 74 months and 23 months, respectively. There were no statistical differences in satisfaction and quality of life between the two groups. Complications and radiation seem to lead to a lower satisfaction. Our findings could indicate that biological and synthetic meshes give an equal long-term result as regards patients’ perceived quality of life.     

The effect of immediate postpartum levonorgestrel contraceptive implant use on breastfeeding and infant growth: a randomized controlled trial

Objective

This study assessed whether immediate postpartum insertion of levonorgestrel contraceptive implants is associated with a difference in infant growth from birth to 6 months, onset of lactogenesis, or breastfeeding continuation at 3 and 6 months postpartum compared to delayed insertion at 6 to 8 weeks postpartum.

Comparison between conventional CT and grayscale inversion CT images in the assessment of the post-operative spinal orthopaedic implants

AimTo compare the accuracy of the inverted greyscale CT versus the conventional CT in the assessment of post-operative spinal orthopaedic implants and osseous fusion.Methods50 patients who had CT as part of their routine spinal implant follow up were evaluated for the presence of fusion, fracture and loosening with conventional CT and with greyscale inverted CT images. 3 independent observers assessed the images 2 months apart. Diagnostic performance (sensitivity and specificity) of the conventional and greyscale inversion images relative to the reference standard were calculated. Agreement with the reference standard was assessed using Cohen's kappa for conventional and greyscale inversion images.ResultsCorrect classifications increased when using the greyscale inverted CT images for each reader compared to conventional CT images (40–46, 39 to 42 and 41 to 44 (out of 50)). Inverted images demonstrated better agreement with the reference standard than conventional grayscale images for assessment of fusion (kappa of 0.588 for inverted CT versus 0.484 for conventional CT) and loosening (kappa 0.386 for inverted versus 0.293 for conventional). Sensitivity was increased for assessment of fusion and loosening. McNemar's test performed for assessment of sensitivity differences showed statistical significance (p = 0.038 for fusion and p = 0.0313 for loosening).ConclusionGreyscale inversion CT is a useful adjunct which has advantages (improved sensitivity and better agreement) over conventional CT imaging in cases of fusion and loosening of metallic implants following spinal instrumentation. We recommend the use of both the greyscale inversion CT images and conventional CT imaging when assessing post-operative spinal orthopaedic implants.     

后牙两段式可摘局部义齿的设计与制作

目的:改进常规可摘局部义齿设计的不足,增进固位、稳定。方法:采用两段式义齿结构、两个就位方向和插销锁连接固定。结果:义齿的固位、稳定效果明显提高。结论:插销式分段义齿是对常规可摘局部义齿的一种补充,对主基牙过度倾斜、固位要求高的患者,能够明显改善修复效果。     

Development of a Device for Removing a Partial Denture in a Patient with Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a chronic disease that has been associated with immune dysfunction. One of the oral manifestations is microsomia, a result of collagen deposition in the perioral tissues. The complexity of treating these patients includes limited mouth opening ability, and difficulty inserting and removing dentures due to finger deformity. This article will describe an appliance specially designed especially for scleroderma patients, which facilitates treatment of the patient with removable partial dentures (RPD).     

Malodour in denture wearers: an ill-defined problem

Denture plaque has not been studied to the same extent as dental plaque, and although there are many similarities in microbial composition, there are some significant differences. Denture-induced stomatitis is associated with poor denture hygiene, a more acidogenic plaque and the presence of Candida albicans . Obligate Gram-negative anaerobic micro-organisms, although present in denture plaque, have rarely been specifically investigated. Opportunist pathogens including coliforms and staphylococci have been isolated from dentures. Teeth adjacent to partial dentures are more susceptible to caries and periodontal diseases, perhaps due to an increased plaque buildup at the prosthesis/tooth interface. Little work has been published on malodour associated with dentures. The inert material provides a substratum for the plaque biofilm, which encompasses a range of odour-producing species. The microbiology of the tongue in denture wearers has not been specifically studied. Thus the nature, origin and extent of malodour in denture wearers is ill-defined, but many species capable of producing malodorous compounds are present. The wide age and health range presented by denture wearers further confounds investigation. There is a need for further work in the area, both for cosmetic- and health-associated reasons in the increasing elderly population.