• 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.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.305-313
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• 2007

Purpose: Wound healing is a result of complex processes whose components, such as cells, extracellular matrix, proteolytic enzymes, and their inhibitors receive effects from immune compartments, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. Impairment of normal physiologic response to wounding makes nonhealing chronic wounds. Wound infection and exacerbated proteolytic process may induce uncontrolled tissue degradation or exudates formation, which may result in the development of a nonhealing chronic wound. Thus proper management of wound infection and exudates is critical to prevent and treat nonhealing wound. The aim of this study is to evaluate effects of Aquacel AG, silver-containing carboxymethylcellulose dressing on treatment for exudative infected wound. Methods: The study included 31 patients with nonhealing wound. Wound was dressed with Aquacel AG. The effect of dressing was investigated by serial bacterial culture and wound exudates assessment. Each infection and exudates control time was determined and statistically analyzed. Results: Wound infection and exudates were effectively managed using Aquacel AG dressing. Mean infection and exudates control time were $3.4{\pm}1.2$ and $5.7{\pm}1.4$ weeks, respectively. Statistical analysis of the data indicated that infection control time correlated positively to age and exudates control time (p<0.05). Conclusion: There is as yet no ideal dressing for the topical treatment of chronic nonhealing wound. But silver-containing carboxymethylcellulose dressing can be used effectively for exudative, infected nonhealing wound.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.227-232
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• 2010

Purpose: Continuous irrigation method is an important step in managing wound infection. V.A.C. devices have been used in intractable wounds for reducing discharge, improving local blood flow, and promoting healthy granulation tissue. We expect synergistic effects of reduced infection and more satisfactory, accelerated wound healing when using both methods simultaneously. This study evaluated continuous irrigation combined with V.A.C. appliance for treatment of infected chronic wounds. Methods: We reviewed data from 17 patients with infected intractable chronic wounds. V.A.C. device (Group A) was used in 9 patients, and V.A.C. with antibiotics irrigation (Group B) was used in 8 patients. We placed Mepitel$^{(R)}$ on the surface of wound and placed an irrigation and aspiration tube on each side. A sponge was placed on the Mepitel$^{(R)}$ and covered with film dressing. The wound was irrigated continuously with mixed antibiotics solution at the speed of 200 cc/hr and aspirated through the wall suction at the pressure of -125 mmHg. V.A.C. applied time, wound culture and wound size were compared between the two groups. Results: No complication were seen in two groups. Compared with Group A, in the Group B, V.A.C. applied time was shortened from 32.7 days to 25.6 days and showed efficacy in the reduction rate of wound size. No statistical differences were shown in bacterial reversion. Conclusion: V.A.C. appliance with continuous irrigation is an effective new method of managing infected chronic wounds and useful to reduce treatment duration and decrease wound size. Moreover it could be applied more widely to infected wound.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.136-143
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• 2004

Purpose : We analyse retrospectively the clinical result of consecutive free flap and osteocutaneous flap transfer in the chronic osteomyelitis, nonunion combined with infection and soft tissue defect with infection. Materials and Methods : From December 1989 to Jun 2003, free flap and osteocutaneous flap transfer was performed in 225 patients with osteomyelitis or infected non-union. 44 cases of these patients had revealed antibitotics resistant organism in wound culture, and these 44 cases were investigated in the mechanism of the injury, recurrence of infection, radiographic union, follow-up clincal results, and postoperative complications. Results : Among the 44 cases, consecutive procedures of osteocutaneous flap transfers(26 cases) and free flaps(18 cases) were performed. Causative organisms were MRSA(20 cases), Pseudomonas aeruginosa(18 cases), acinetobacter(2 cases), and so forth. Initial bony union was obtained in the average 6.3 months. Recurrence of infection in free flap and osteocutaneous free flap were occurred in 3 and 4 cases respectively. Eventually, all the cases attained successful subsidence of the inflammation. Conclusion : Free flap and osteocutaneousflap transfer have provided the greatest improvement of surgical results in infected non-union, chronic osteomyelitis and soft tissue defect with infection. Further clincal studies maybe required to minimize failure rate.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.691-696
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• 2007

Purpose: The emergency of multi-drug resistant stains of bacteria represents a challenge in the field of plastic surgery. Especially, MRSA(methycillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa have strong pathogenicity as well as multi-drug resistance so that they have become a lot more problematic strains. This study has been planned to reduce the bacterial burden by applying $Acticoat^{(R)}$(Smith & Nephew Healthcare, Hull, England)dressing into the chronic wounds infected by multi-drug resistant strains and to facilitate their healing. Methods: Nanocrystalline silver dressings($Acticoat^{(R)}$) were applied to chronic wound infected by MRSA or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Multi-drug resistant bacteria were smeared over a slide glass using sterilized cotton swabs and gram stains were performed directly before and after applying $Acticoat^{(R)}$ dressings at 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours. The gram-stained slides were observed using an optical microscope magnified 1000 times(${\times}1000$). The bacterial counts of the control group(0 hour) were compared to those of the experimental groups(1, 24, 48, and 72 hour). Paired T-test was used to assess a statistical significance. MRSA was cultured in two BAPs(blood agar plate) and two MacConkey plates with streak plate method. None were interventions on one culture plate, while on the other culture plate, $Acticoat^{(R)}$ was placed in a square shape and cultured for 72 hours at $37^{\circ}C$, then plates were examined. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was cultured in the same manner as MRSA. Results: There are the large amount of declination of bacterial counts with statistical significance after $Acticoat^{(R)}$ dressing. The bacteria grew in culture plate without specific intervention, but no bacteria grew in culture plate with applying of $Acticoat^{(R)}$ dressing. Conclusion: We believe that $Acticoat^{(R)}$ dressing could be used as an effective method of treating chronic wounds which are infected by multi-drug resistant organisms.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.59-67
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• 2015

Background Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) induces angiogenesis and collagen synthesis to promote tissue healing. Although acetic acid soaks normalize alkali wound conditions to raise tissue oxygen saturation and deconstruct the biofilms of chronic wounds, frequent dressing changes are required. Methods Combined use of NPWT and acetic acid irrigation was assessed in the treatment of chronic wounds, instilling acetic acid solution (1%) beneath polyurethane membranes twice daily for three weeks under continuous pressure (125 mm Hg). Clinical photographs, pH levels, cultures, and debrided fragments of wounds were obtained pre- and posttreatment. Tissue immunostaining (CD31, Ki-67, and CD45) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], vascular endothelial growth factor receptor [VEGFR]; procollagen; hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha [HIF-1-alpha]; matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-1,-3,-9; and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase [TIMP]) were also performed. Results Wound sizes tended to diminish with the combined therapy, accompanied by drops in wound pH (weakly acidic or neutral) and less evidence of infection. CD31 and Ki-67 immunostaining increased (P<0.05) post-treatment, as did the levels of VEGFR, procollagen, and MMP-1 (P<0.05), whereas the VEGF, HIF-1-alpha, and MMP-9/TIMP levels declined (P<0.05). Conclusions By combining acetic acid irrigation with negative-pressure dressings, both the pH and the size of chronic wounds can be reduced and infections be controlled. This approach may enhance angiogenesis and collagen synthesis in wounds, restoring the extracellular matrix.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.61-67
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• 1995

The silver cation has broad-spectrum antibiotic activity toward Gram-positive, Gram-negative, fungal. aerobic and anerobic micro-organisms. Silver has been used to care of infected wound. pyogenic arthritis, and chronic osteomyelitis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether pure silver wire iontophoresis using milliamperage direct current has an inhibitory effect on growth in vitro of 3 different species of bacteria-Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using agarose based media, silver iontophoresis performed at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 mA for 15 minutes. All experiments were performed in triplicate. Following iontophoresis, inhibition zone width of bacterial growth was measured with calliper. The inhibition of bacterial growth occured at the anodal silver electrode. Inhibition zone width of bacterial growth was significantly increased in all three bacterial species (p<0.05). Between bacterial species, inhibition zone width was not significantly different. Inhibition gone and amperage showed a highly significant positive linear relationship (p<0.001). The result of this study showed that pure silver wire iontophoresis with milliamperage direct current, as well as microamperage direct current, can inhibit bacterial growth in vivo.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.672-676
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• 2000

One of the current treatment methods for chronic osteomyelitis is removal of the infected and necrotic tissue to reduce the bacterial concentration as much as possible. This is performed concomitantly with antibiotic therapy. Chronic osteomyelitis(C.O.) implies chronic ischemia of the diseased bone. Thus, the treatment for C.O. requires high systemic level of antibiotics. In some cases, however, inherent undesirable adverse effects(for example, nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, and others) may render this course of treatment difficult. Knowing that residual monomers are released from hardened bone cement, installation of antibiotic-impregnated PMMA(polymethyl-methacrylate) beads in situ have been one of treatment methods of C.O. When introduced into the wound, they established an exceedingly high level of local antibiotics for prolonged period without high systemic level of antibiotics. We experienced favorable results with vancomycin-impregnated PMMA beads for the treatment of C.O. of the mandible. So, we report it with literature reviews.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2010

Purpose: Diabetic foot infection is one of the most common and severe complications of diabetes mellitus that delays healing of the wound. Deep tissue biopsy is considered to be the gold standard method for antibiotic selection in treating infected chronic diabetic ulcers. However, swab culture or superficial tissue biopsy is often performed for a microbiologic test since deep tissue biopsy has limitations in application. The purpose of this study is to find out whether microbiologic results of swab culture or superficial tissue biopsy could be used for selection of antibiotics in treating diabetic ulcers. Methods: This study involved 42 patients with diabetic foot ulcers with negative results in bone probing test. Tissue samples for microbiologic tests were collected from all the patients by using superficial cotton swab, superficial tissue, and deep tissue. The microbiologic results of deep tissue biopsy were compared with swab culture and superficial tissue biopsy statistically. Results: Microbiology of the deep tissue showed the same results with those of the swab culture and superficial tissue in 67% and 71%, respectively. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the microbiology of the swab culture and superficial tissue does not coincide with that of the deep tissue. Conclusion: These results suggest that the microbiology of the swab culture and superficial tissue is not concordant with that of the deep tissue in infected chronic diabetic ulcers. To select appropriate antibiotic regimen, the speci specimen for the microbiologic test should be obtained from deep tissue.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.544-549
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• 2009

Failure to use effective methods of reduction, fixation and immobilization may lead to osteomyelitis with the exposed necrotic bone, as the overzealous use of transosseous wires & plates that devascularizes bone segments in the compound comminuted fractures of mandible. Once osteomyelitis secondary to fractures has become established, intermaxillary fixation should be instituted as early as possible. Fixation enhances patient comfort and hinders ingress of microorganisms and debris by movement of bone fragments. Teeth and foreign materials that are in the line of fracture should be removed and initial debridement performed at the earliest possible time. Grossly necrotic bone should be excised as early as possible ; no attempt should be made to create soft tissue flaps to achieve closure over exposed bone. The key to treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible is adequate and prolonged soft tissue drainage. If good soft tissue drainage is provided over a long period, sequestration of infected bone followed by regeneration or fibrous tissue replacement will occur so that appearance and function are not seriously altered. Localization and sequestration of infected mandible are far better performed by natural mechanism of homeostasis than by cutting across involved bone with a cosmetic or functional defect. As natural host defenses and conservative therapy begin to be effective, the process may become chronic, inflammation regresses, granulation tissue is formed, and new blood vessels cause lysis of bone, thus separating fragments of necrotic bone(sequestra) from viable bone. The sequestra may be isolated by a bed of granulation tissue, encased in a sheath of new bone(involucrum), and removed easily with pincettes. This is a case report of the long-term conservative drainage care in osteomyelitis associated with mandibular fractures.