METHODS: Patients with hand amputation who underwent replantation or revascularization from 2005 to 2012 were identified and reviewed for patient characteristics, amputation characteristics and survival rates. Successfully treated patients were interviewed to assess the functional outcome using Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH) questionnaire and Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire (MHQ). Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate outcome and elicit predictive factors.
RESULTS: Fifty-five patients were enrolled: 37 (67.3%) underwent replantation and 18 (32.7%) underwent revascularization. The overall success rate of 78% ( n = 43) was within the range of previously reported data (61.6% to 96.0%). Ischaemic time <6 h provided significantly better survival rates ( p < 0.05). Functional outcomes were successfully assessed in 34 patients (79%), at a mean follow-up of 40 months (range 11-93 months). The overall Quick-DASH and MHQ scores were 42.82 ± 23.69 and 60.94 ± 12.82, respectively. No previous reports of functional outcome were available for comparison. Both Quick-DASH ( p = 0.001) and MHQ scores ( p < 0.001) were significantly higher for finger injuries, followed by thumb, wrist and palm injuries.
CONCLUSION: Ischaemic time and level of injury are important predictors of success rate of replantation and revascularization of amputated upper limb appendages.
METHODS: This is a retrospective study done in neonates and infants up to 3 months of age with duct-dependent pulmonary circulation who underwent DS from January 2014 to December 2015. Post-stenting PA growth, surgical outcomes of PA reconstruction, post-surgical re-interventions, morbidity and mortality were analysed.
RESULTS: During the study period, 46 patients underwent successful DS, of whom 38 underwent presurgery catheterization and definite surgery. There was significant growth of PAs in these patients. Biventricular repair was done in 31 patients while 7 had univentricular palliation. Left PA augmentation was required in 13 patients, and 10 required central PA augmentation during surgery. The mean follow-up period post-surgery was 4.5 ± 1.5 years. No significant postoperative complications were seen. No early or follow-up post-surgery mortality was seen. Four patients required re-interventions in the form of left PA stenting based on the echocardiography or computed tomography evidence of significant stenosis.
CONCLUSIONS: DS provides good short-term palliation and the growth of PAs. However, a significant number of stented patients require reparative procedure on PAs at the time of surgical intervention. Acquired changes in the PAs following DS may be the reason for reintervention following PA reconstruction.
STUDY DESIGN: Clinical audit report.
PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru, Malaysia, from March 2016 to May 2017.
METHODOLOGY: Data were collected retrospectively from all 127 patients who underwent CABG with saphenous vein grafts, either with CVH technique (n=68), or MIVH technique (n=59) performed with Vasoview system. The rate of wound dehiscence was evaluated. Patients with severe wound dehiscence that required readmission and surgical intervention were identified for further evaluation.
RESULTS: There was total 26.8% of wound dehiscence in our study, which was not appreciably different between two groups (p=0.092). Patient with severe wound breakdown that required surgical intervention was significantly less in MIVH group (1/59, 1.7%) compared to CVH group (8/68, 11.8%, p=0.037). There was no significant difference in readmission rate between MIVH and CVH group (p=0.574).
CONCLUSION: There is significant reduction in severity of wound dehiscence post-saphenous vein harvesting among CABG patients with MIVH technique. However, there is no statistical difference in wound dehiscence and readmission rate between MIVH and CVH technique.