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Biomedical subjects

N W Bulstrode

Publications and source records attributed to N W Bulstrode.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

Free tensor fasciae latae musculofasciocutaneous flap in reconstructive surgery: a series of 85 cases.

The use of tensor fasciae latae was first described as a rotation or island flap and evolved into a free flap in the late 1970s. This series of 85 patients undergoing free tensor fasciae latae transfer includes complex head and neck, abdominal wall and lower limb reconstruction. The overall success rate was 93% (79 patients), partial flap loss, 5% (four cases), and flap failure, 2% (two patients). Twelve patients (14%) required unplanned return to theatre for exploration resulting in a 75% salvage rate. We believe this series demonstrates the great versatility of this flap and highlights particular indications for its use.

Abdominal Wall↗

The use of the Siamese combined free flap to reconstruct challenging defects: twin and triplet variants.

The reconstruction of large and intricate defects may need the use of combined flaps due to either the size or requirement for multiple surfaces. The combination may be between free and pedicled tissue transfer, and combined or connected free flaps classified by Koshima. We will discuss the use of the Siamese combined free flap as a method of the reconstructing challenging cases, including one of the largest free tissue transfer reported.

Adult↗

Extensor tendon rehabilitation a prospective trial comparing three rehabilitation regimes.

Forty-two patients with 46 complete extensor tendon injuries were prospectively allocated to one of three rehabilitation regimes: static splintage; interphalangeal joint mobilization with metacarpophalangeal joint immobilization or; the "Norwich" regime. All 42 patients were operated on by one surgeon and assessed by one hand therapist. At 4 weeks the total active motion in the static splintage group was significantly reduced but by 12 weeks there was no difference between the regimes. There was no difference in total active motion between the repaired and uninjured hand at 12 weeks, with all patients achieving good or excellent results. However, grip strength at 12 weeks was significantly reduced compared to the uninjured hand after static splintage. There was no difference in hand therapy input between the regimes.

Adolescent↗

Granular cell tumour of the glans penis.

Granular cell tumour of the glans penis is a rare finding with only two other cases reported. This case highlights the importance of achieving the correct diagnosis, as differing excision margins are critical, particularly in this site.

Adolescent↗

A prospective randomised clinical trial of the intra-operative use of 5-fluorouracil on the outcome of dupuytren's disease.

5-Fluorouracil reduces proliferation rates of fibroblasts, myofibroblast differentiation and contractility of ocular fibroblasts in vitro. This double-blind randomized clinical trial assesses whether intra-operative topical treatment with 5-fluorouracil reduces the recurrence rate after limited excision of Dupuytren's tissue. Patients with two-digit disease were randomized to having 5-fluorouracil (25mg/ml) treatment for 5 minutes on one digit and placebo on the other. Fifteen patients were enrolled with 18 months follow-up. There were no peri-operative complications. Wound healing was not delayed and there was no deterioration in the flexion deformity of the 5-fluorouracil treated digits. Patients were subsequently assessed by joint angle measurement at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. There was no significant difference between control and 5-fluorouracil treated digits.

Antimetabolites↗

Otoplasty by percutaneous anterior scoring. Another twist to the story: a long-term study of 114 patients.

A large number of techniques have been described for the correction of prominent ears to improve the cosmetic outcome and reduce the complication rates. The procedure favoured by the senior author brings together a number of refinements, notably, percutaneous anterior scoring using a modified green needle, control over the degree of fold created and a simple but effective dressing. 114 consecutive patients underwent the correction of 214 ears, with a mean follow up of 3 years and 11 months (9 months to 9 years and 6 months). The senior author performed 100 of these procedures and supervised a senior trainee for the remainder. The mean patient age was 18 years 3 months (3 to 66 years). 57 males and 57 females. 56 general anaesthetic and 58 local anaesthetic. Post-operative complications were; haemorrhage, one ear (required a dressing change); infection, four ears (treated with antibiotics); hypertrophic scarring, two ears which settled (no keloid); recurrence one ear (repeated surgery); continued prominence six ears (two had repeated surgery). No prominent sutures, no anterior skin necrosis, no visible irregularity of the anterior surface of the cartilage and no haematoma occurred. We feel that the low complication rate is due to maximising the advantages and minimising the disadvantages of the different techniques and refinements. We recommend this technique for the routine correction of prominent ears due to a poorly formed antihelical fold or deep conchal bowl.

Adolescent↗

Prediction of cosmetic outcome following conservative breast surgery using breast volume measurements.

This study was undertaken to examine the feasibility of breast volume estimation as a predictor of cosmetic outcome. We looked at the cosmetic result of conservative surgery related to the percentage of breast tissue removed. The breast tissue excised was calculated by comparing the breast volume, calculated from the mammogram, and the specimen volume. A total of 24 patients were recalled to a special clinic and were assessed for their cosmetic result by the clinician, independent observer and the patient. The assessment was based on a scale of 1 to 4 (poor to excellent). Our results show that if less than 20% of the breast was removed, all assessors felt that the cosmetic result was at least fair. If more than 20% of the breast was removed, the cosmetic score was poor as assessed by the clinician and independent observer. When excision of greater than 20% of breast tissue is anticipated, then a breast reconstruction procedure should be considered, if cosmetic outcome is to be enhanced.

Journal Article↗

Repair of ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is worthwhile in selected cases.

INTRODUCTION: The risks and benefits of operating on patients with ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) have not been defined. The aim of the present study is to report this unit's experience with operations performed for ruptured TAAA over a 10-year period. METHODS: Interrogation of a prospectively gathered computerised database. PATIENTS: Between 1 January 1983 and 30 June 1996, 188 consecutive patients with TAAA were operated on, of whom 23 (12%) were operated for rupture. RESULTS: There were nine survivors (40%). Patients whose preoperative systolic blood pressure remained above 100 mmHg were significantly more likely to survive (4/8 vs. 13/15, p = 0.03 by Fisher's exact test). Survival was also related to Crawford type: type I (two of three survived); II (none of six); III (two of six); and IV (five of eight). All non-type II, non-shocked patients survived operation. Survivors spent a median of 28 (range 10-66) postoperative days in hospital, of which a median of 6 (range 2-24) days were spent in the intensive care unit. Survivor morbidity comprised prolonged ventilation (> 5 days) (n = 3); tracheostomy (n = 1); and temporary haemofiltration (n = 2). No survivor developed paraplegia or required permanent dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in shock with a Crawford type II aneurysm have such a poor prognosis that intervention has to be questioned except in the most favourable of circumstances. However, patients with types I, III and IV who are not shocked on presentation can be salvaged and, where possible, should be transferred to a unit where appropriate expertise and facilities are available.

Aged↗

Neonatal gastrointestinal pseudohaemorrhage.

Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract is uncommon in the first few hours of life. On rare occasions swallowed maternal blood mimics gastrointestinal haemorrhage and causes concern in an otherwise healthy infant. We present a case and discuss how we arrived at the diagnosis, through a careful history and the use of a simple laboratory test.

Diagnostic Errors↗

Clostridium difficile colitis after aortic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and outcome of Clostridium difficile colitis (CDC) following aortic surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study, and case-note review. PATIENTS: Of 180 patients undergoing aortic surgery for either aneurysmal or occlusive disease between 1 September 1994 and 31 August 1996 (24 months), 15 (8.4%) developed CDC. There were 12 male and three female patients of median age 65 (range 46-84). RESULTS: Two patients died from multiple organ failure in association with CDC, one of whom underwent negative relaparotomy for suspected ischaemic bowel because the diagnosis of CDC had not been entertained. Previously identified risk factors for CDC comprised: age > 65 (eight); renal impairment (four); chronic obstructive airways disease (seven); coexistent malignancy (three); admission from another hospital (four); H2 antagonist therapy (13); ITU (nine); and/or HDU care (14). Diarrhoea commenced a median of 9 (range 5-26) days, and CDC, was diagnosed a median of 14 (range 10-26) days after operation. All patients received intravenous Cefuroxime, originally prescribed as prophylaxis, for a median of 6 (range 3-16) days prior to onset of CDC. Two patients received 1 additional antibiotic; one received 2; two received 3; and one received 4 prior to onset of CDC. CONCLUSIONS: CDC is a common and potentially serious complication of vascular, and in particular, aortic surgery. Although such patients often possess several risk factors for CDC, colitis frequently follows prolonged 'prophylactic' cephalosporin administration, which should therefore be avoided.

Aged↗

Long-term prospective follow-up of botulinum toxin treatment for facial rhytides.

Some wrinkles and unsightly facial expressions are due to hyperactivity of the underlying facial musculature. Clostridium botulinum type A exotoxin reversibly paralyzes selected muscles and is a safe, helpful adjunct to many other treatments for facial rejuvenation. Fifty-two patients were treated and all data recorded in a prospective fashion. Only areas requested by the patient were treated. The dosage and dilution given in each area were carefully noted and all patients had pretreatment and posttreatment photographs. The effect of botulinum toxin injections on the horizontal brow rhytides was recorded by measuring the distance from the frontal hairline to the superior edge of the eyebrow in the mid-pupillary line. Patients were followed for one to three years (mean 16.3 months). One patient was not responsive to botulinum toxin in spite of repeated injections. Three further patients required touch-up injections two weeks after the initial treatment due to a weak initial response. Repeat injections were required every three to six months (mean 4.05) to maintain the desired improvement. Asymmetry of the brow was seen in two patients and corrected with further administration of botulinum toxin. Twenty-five patients had their forehead rhytides injected and the appropriate measurements taken. Brow ptosis occurred in 22 of the 25 patients and varied 1-6 mm with a mean value of 2.3 mm. This difference was statistically significant (paired t-test p <0.001). Two patients reported dryness and flakiness of the frontal area after injections. No cases of eyelid ptosis or hypersensitivity were seen. Botulinum toxin injections are safe and all undesired effects are reversible. Great care has to be taken not to aggravate the degree of brow ptosis. Injection of the forehead depressors minimizes the risk of brow ptosis. Careful planning of injection sites and doses avoids a mask-like upper face. The use of botulinum toxin provides a useful adjunct to laser and surgical procedures for facial rejuvenation.

Adult↗