• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.393-399
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• 2008

Purpose: Chronic infected wounds sustained over 4 weeks with exposed tendon or bone are difficult challenges to plastic surgeons. Vacuum assisted closure (VAC) device has been well used for the management of chronic wounds diminishing wound edema, reducing bacterial colonization, promoting formation of granulation tissue and local blood flow by negative pressure to wounds. But Commercial ready-made VAC device might have some difficulties to use because of its high expenses and heavy weight. So we modified traditional VAC device with silver dressing materials as topical therapeutic agents for control of superimposed bacterial wound infection such as MRSA, MRSE and peudomonas. Methods: We designed the modified VAC device using wall suction, 400 cc Hemovac and combined slow release silver dressing materials. We compared 5 consecutive patients' data treated by commercial ready-made VAC device(Group A) with 11 consecutive patients' data treated by modified VAC device combined with silver dressing materials(group B) from September 2004 to June 2007. Granulation tissue growth, wound discharge, wound culture and wound dressing expenses were compared between the two groups. Results: In comparison of results, no statistical differences were identified in reducing rate of wound size between group A and B. Wound discharge was significantly decreased in both groups. Modified VAC device with silver dressing materials showed advantages of convenience, cost effectiveness and bacterial reversion. Conclusion: In combination of modified VAC device and silver dressing materials, our results demonstrated the usefulness of managing chronic open wounds superimposed bacterial infection, cost effectiveness compared with traditional VAC device and improvement of patient mobility.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.303-308
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• 2010

Excessive oral and maxillofacial bleeding causes upper airway obstruction, bronchotracheal and gastric aspiration and hypovolemic shock. Therefore, the rapid and correct bleeding control is very important for saving lives in the emergency room. Despite the conventional bleeding control methods of wiring (jaw fracture, wound suture and direct pressure), continuous bleeding can occur due to the presence of various bleeding disorders. There are five main causes for excessive bleeding disorders in the clinical phase; (1) vascular wall alteration (infection, scurvy etc.), (2) disorders of platelet function (3) thrombocytopenic purpura (4) inherited disorders of coagulation, and (5) acquired disorders of coagulation (liver disease, anticoagulant drug etc.). In particular, infections can alter the structure and function of the vascular wall to a point at which the patient may have a clinical bleeding problem due to vessel engorgement and erosion. Wound infection is a frequent cause of postoperative active bleeding. To prevent postoperative bleeding, early infection control using a wound suture with proper drainage establishment is very important, particularly in the active bleeding sites in a contaminated emergency room. This is a case report of a rational bleeding control method by rapid wiring, wound suture with drainage of a rubber strip & iodoform gauze and wet gauze packing, in a 26-year-old male cerebral palsy patient with active oral and maxillofacial bleeding injuries caused by a traffic accident.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.83-93
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• 2021

Purpose: This study tested the effectiveness of brochure- and video-based education on managing surgical site infections by operating room health personnel. Methods: From April 20 to May 4, 2021, 34 operating room health personnel were subjected to training on surgical site infection management using brochures and educational videos. A survey was then conducted on knowledge, perception, and adherence regarding surgical site infection management. Results: After receiving training on surgical site infection management, the knowledge score increased significantly (15.15±2.09 vs.19.70±1.96, p<.001). However, the perception and adherence scores were already near perfect before the intervention and did not further increase after the intervention. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop and utilize continuous and substantive educational programs to improve perception and adherence of surgical site infection management.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.372-379
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect on antibacterial activities and wound healing effect of silver containing dressings with which of Betadine against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: One full thickness skin defects in rats(n=72) were developed on the back and were given rise to infection with S. aureus(n=36) and P. aeruginosa(n=36). The 72 mice were divided into 6 groups : Acticoat$^{(R)}$, Aquacel$^{(R)}$-Ag, Medifoam silver$^{(R)}$, Polymen silver$^{(R)}$, Ilvadon$^{(R)}$ and Betadine(control group) dressing groups. Five silver containing dressings and Betadine were assesed on infected wound. Measurement of wound size change, bacterial colonies count and histologic findings was applied. Antibacterial activity was analyzed with bacterial restricted zone in Mueller Hinton agar. Results: On S. aureus, wound size was more decreased in all treated groups as compared with betadine, however Ilvadon$^{(R)}$ was less decreased on P. aeruginosa. In histologic findings, experimental group showed more effective findings than others on S. aureus, however on P. aeruginosa, which was showed similar. Acticoat$^{(R)}$ was best effective in wound healing against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The bacterial colonies count was increased in all treated groups except Acticoat$^{(R)}$ as compared with the control group on S. aureus, which was decreased in Acticoat$^{(R)}$ and Ilvadon$^{(R)}$ group on P. aeruginosa. There were not statistical differences. The restricted zone was shown in Mueller - Hinton agar of all groups except Medifoam silver$^{(R)}$ group on S. aureus, which was shown of all groups on P. aeruginosa. There were statistical differences. Conclusion: This study suggests that silver containing dressings may have not better potential than Betadine in assisting management of wounds at risk of infection on S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. However, which have better antibacterial activity on S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.227-240
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• 1987

Infection has assumed increased importance as a cause of death among thermally injured individuals. Decreased treatment effectiveness and an increase in mortality are the hallmarks of nosocomial infection. Infection control is a monumental task that must be achieved to reduce mortalities. This was a retrospective study to survey the epidemiological features of nosocomial infections in a burn unit and to identify the possibilities for infection control. During the past 6 year 2 month period from July, 1981 to August, 1987, 306 burn patients were treated in the burn unit of university hospital. Among of these, 290 cases were the subjects of this study. The data were collected from the patients' records after discharge. All data collected were analyzed using percent, x$^2$-test, t-test with SPSS program. The results of this study are summariged as follows: 1) Infection rate was 40%. According to site, there were 67 cases of wound infection, 60 cases of post-operative skin graft infection, 20 cases of septicemia and 20 cases of donor site infection. As far as the burn size was concerned, the infection rate for patients whose burn size ranged 61 to 70%, was shown to be 100%, followed by the infection rate of 93.8%, for patients whose burn size ranged from 41~50%. As far as the period of time over which the infection developed, 5 to 7 days showed the highest frequency. Further infection was the main cause of deaths and complications. 2) Based upon the results obained by comparing the general characteristics, between a hospital infection-group and non-hospital infection group, there was a significant defference according to age, the time of the year when the accident happened, the place of accident or length of hospital-admission. And according to the result obtained by comparing the general characteristics of the burn, there was a significant difference according to burn size, burn depth, burn type, and burn site. And also based upon the result obtained by comparing the two groups according to method of treatment, there was a significant difference according to the use of antibiotics and to the type of wound-treatment, and for the 8 different binds of treatment related to infection, there was a significant difference for all. In conclusion, age, length of hospital-admission, burn size, burn type, burn site, burn depth, type of woundtreatment and the 8 different binds of treatment, which are related to burns, were shown to be the factors which affect the infection rate in burn patients.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.74-77
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• 2021

Lymphorrhea is a rare but potentially severe complication that occurs after various surgical procedures. Untreated lymphorrhea may lead to wound dehiscence, infection, and prolonged hospital stay. Currently, there is no standard effective treatment. Early management usually includes leg elevation, drainage, and pressure dressing. However, these methods are associated with prolonged recovery and high recurrence rates. We report a case of lymphorrhea from a calf wound after endoscopic great saphenous vein (GSV) harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The patient presented with intractable oozing from the postoperative wound on the right calf. Lymphorrhea persisted for 6 weeks despite negative-pressure wound therapy with a long-acting somatostatin. We performed unilateral pedal lymphangiography that confirmed wound lymphorrhea, followed by glue embolization. No recurrence was observed after 8 months of follow-up. This case report demonstrates the successful use of lymphangiography with glue embolization in the control of lymphorrhea after GSV harvesting for CABG.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.383-389
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• 2002

This is a retrospective study on emergency patients with active oral bleeding. The study was based on a series of 135 patients treated as emergency patients at Wonju Christian Hospital, from Jan. 1, 1997, to Dec. 31, 2001. The postoperative bleeding was the most frequent cause of active oral bleeding in emergency room and bleeding from trauma and medically compromised (bleeding disorders) patients were next in order of frequency. In the injury of maxillofacial vessels, peak incidence was occurred in the inferior alveolar vessel (42.9%), followed by the submucosal vessel of lip & cheek, the superior alveolar vessel, and sublingual vessels. The most common disease of bleeding disorders was vascular wall alteration (infection, etc), followed by liver disease, thrombocytopenic purpura, anti-coagulation drugs in order. In the characteristics of dental diseases on bleeding disorders, periodontal disease and alveolar osteitis (osteomyelitis) were more common. The hemostasis was most obtained by use of wound suture, simple pressure dressing, drainage for infection control and primary interdental wiring of fracture. In the complication group, the infrequent incidence was showed in vomiting, hypovolemic shock, syncope, recurred bleeding & aspiration pneumonia. In the uncontrolled oral bleeding, the injured vessels were suspected as skull base & ethmoidal vessels. In this study, authors found that the close cooperation between the dentistry (Oral and maxillofacial surgery) and the medicine (emergency & internal medicine) was the most important for early proper control of active oral bleeding. And then post-operative wound closure, drainage for infection control and previous systemic evaluation of bleeding disorders were critical for the prevention of postoperative bleeding in the local dental clinic.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.1-4
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• 2016

Absorbable plates are used widely for fixation of facial bone fractures. Compared to conventional titanium plating systems, absorbable plates have many favorable traits. They are not palpable after plate absorption, which obviates the need for plate removal. Absorbable plate-related infections are relatively uncommon at less than 5% of patients undergoing fixation of facial bone fractures. The plates are made from a mixture of poly-L-lactic acid and poly-DL-lactic acid or poly-DL-lactic acid and polyglycolic acid, and the ratio of these biodegradable polymers is used to control the longevity of the plates. Degradation rate of absorbable plate is closely related to the chance of infection. Low degradation is associated with increased accumulation of plate debris, which in turn can increase the chance of infection. Predisposing factors for absorbable plate-related infection include the presence of maxillary sinusitis, plate proximity to incision site, and use of tobacco and significant amount of alcohol. Using short screws in fixating maxillary fracture accompanied maxillary sinusitis will increase the rate of infection. Avoiding fixating plates near the incision site will also minimize infection. Close observation until complete absorption of the plate is crucial, especially those who are smokers or heavy alcoholics. The management of plate infection is varied depending on the clinical situation. Severe infections require plate removal. Wound culture and radiologic exam are essential in treatment planning.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.638-646
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• 2014

Background The combination of polycaprolactone and hyaluronic acid creates an ideal environment for wound healing. Hyaluronic acid maintains a moist wound environment and accelerates the in-growth of granulation tissue. Polycaprolactone has excellent mechanical strength, limits inflammation and is biocompatible. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of bio-conjugated polycaprolactone membranes (BPM) as a wound dressing. Methods 16 New Zealand white rabbits were sedated and local anaesthesia was administered. Two $3.0{\times}3.0cm$ full-thickness wounds were created on the dorsum of each rabbit, between the lowest rib and the pelvic bone. The wounds were dressed with either BPM (n=12) or Mepitel (n=12) (control), a polyamide-silicon wound dressing. These were evaluated macroscopically on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th postoperative days for granulation, re-epithelialization, infection, and wound size, and histologically for epidermal and dermal regeneration. Results Both groups showed a comparable extent of granulation and re-epithelialization. No signs of infection were observed. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in wound size between the two groups. BPM (n=6): $8.33cm^2$, $4.90cm^2$, $3.12cm^2$, $1.84cm^2$; Mepitel (n=6): $10.29cm^2$, $5.53cm^2$, $3.63cm^2$, $2.02cm^2$; at the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th postoperative days. The extents of epidermal and dermal regeneration were comparable between the two groups. Conclusions BPM is comparable to Mepitel as a safe and efficacious wound dressing.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.28-35
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to present the clinical analysis of the results of lateral arm free flap for small sized and infected diabetic foot ulcer around toes. From May 2006 to December 2007, Seven patients were included in our study. Average age was 52.8 years, six were males and one was female. All had infected diabetic foot ulcer and had exposures of bone or tendon structures. Ulcers were located around great toe in four patients, 4th toe in one and 5th toe in two. Three patients had osteomyelitis of metatarsal or phalanx. After appropriate control of infection by serial wound debridement and intravenous antibiotics, lateral arm flap was applied to cover remained soft tissue defects. Posterior radial collateral artery of lateral arm flap was reanastomosed to dorsalis pedis artery of recipient foot by end to side technique in all cases in order to preserve already compromised artery of diabetic foot. All flaps were designed over lateral epicondyle to get longer pedicle and averaged pedicle length was 8 cm. Two cases were used as a sensate flap to achieve protective sensation of foot. All flaps survived and provided satisfactory coverage of soft tissue defects on diabetc foot ulcers. All patients could achieve full weight-bearing ambulation. No patients has had recurrence of infection, ulceration and further toe amputations. There were three complications, a delayed wound healing of flap with surrounding tissue, a partial peripheral loss of flap and a numbness of forearm below donor site. All patients were satisfied with their clinical results, especially preserving their toes and could return to the previous activity levels. Lateral arm free flap could be recommend for infected diabetic foot ulcers around toes, to preserve toes, coverage of soft tissue defect and control of infection with low donor site morbidity.