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Biomedical subjects

M F Stranc

Publications and source records attributed to M F Stranc.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

Setting up an Nd:YAG laser training course.

We report our experience in developing a two-day training course for the Nd:YAG (Neodymium: Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet) laser and describe the curriculum. This project arose from an attempt to modify an existing course on the CO2 laser for a newly-acquired Nd:YAG laser in such a way as to adequately demonstrate the properties of the latter and to highlight dissimilarities with the CO2 laser. The course, which is taught on a 1:1 student to instructor basis, uses both videotapes and a series of locally developed exercises to appraise the trainee of the potential of this tool. Both inanimate objects and live subjects (anaesthetized rats) are used in the exercises. Examples of the exercises developed and the principles they demonstrate are given, as well as specific problems that were overcome in order to produce a course that adequately covered the subject whilst containing costs at a reasonable level. The need for extensive hands-on use of the laser is emphasised.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Effect of Nd:YAG laser on wound contraction and epithelial regeneration in rabbits.

This study was undertaken to objectively compare healing rates in wounds produced by the Nd:YAG (Neodymium:Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet) laser to those caused by steel scalpel, in rabbits. Rates of contraction and epithelialisation in standard wounds were determined by daily measurement of the wound area from the time of wounding until epithelialisation was complete. The wounds were of three types: superficial to the panniculus carnosus, deep to it and ear wounds. Significant delays in both wound contraction (p < 0.0001) and epithelialisation (p < 0.0001) were demonstrated in all Nd:YAG laser wounds. Normal epithelial regenerative capacities were observed. The final appearance of the healed areas was comparable across the laser and scalpel groups.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1992

Wound sterilisation: cautery vs CO2 laser.

Al-Qattan et al. (1989) demonstrated that for difficult infected surgical wounds the CO2 laser was a much more effective sterilising agent than a standard surgical scrub (P < 0.005). This study compares the effectiveness of a standard electrocautery unit against that of the CO2 laser for wound sterilisation. Cautery sterilisation of infected wounds was found to be significantly superior to that of the CO2 laser (P < 0.05). Infection was noted in 4% of the cautery sterilised wounds and 12% of the wounds treated with CO2 laser. Case reports are also presented to demonstrate the clinical applications and effectiveness of this technique.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Healing of infected wounds following iodine scrub or CO2 laser treatment.

This study compares CO2 laser sterilization with iodine surgical scrub in infected pseudomonas wounds in the rabbit, and on frequency of wound breakdown secondary to sepsis. Thirty-three New Zealand rabbits underwent bilateral flank incisions and infection with a standard solution of pseudomonas aeruginosa. After 4 days of incubation, the wounds were randomized to receive laser sterilization and routine iodine surgical scrub respectively. Following sterilization, excision of the wound, and suturing was carried out. After 12 days, the wounds were assessed for evidence of residual infection as well as wound breakdown in a double blind fashion. Clinical observation, qualitative microbiology, and in some cases histology, were used to document the presence of infection. Statistical analysis of wound breakdown secondary to infection revealed a significant difference in breakdown rates. Three laser and 12 iodine treated wounds displayed breakdown secondary to sepsis. We conclude that the CO2 laser sterilization technique is more effective than routine iodine surgical scrub.

Abscess↗
PubMed1991

Video assessment of surgical technique.

The surgical technique of nine trainee surgeons, as recorded on videotape, was evaluated under five headings using a scoring system and the results were discussed with them. Six of the trainees were assessed on more than one occasion during their training. All trainees felt that they had benefited from the assessment.

Canada↗
PubMed1990

The effect of carbon dioxide laser on wound contraction and epithelial regeneration in rabbits.

This study was undertaken to compare objectively healing rates (in rabbits) of wounds caused by CO2 laser with those caused by scalpel. The rates of contraction and epithelialisation of standard wounds were determined with daily measurement of wound area from the time of wounding until the wound had healed. Our results demonstrate significant delays in both wound contraction (p = 0.0001) and epithelialisation (p = 0.0001) for CO2 laser-created wounds when compared to those seen in scalpel-created wounds. Normal epithelial regenerative capacities were demonstrated in the laser group despite the slow onset of epithelial migration. The appearance of the healed areas appeared comparable for both modalities.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Wound sterilization: CO2 laser versus iodine.

Control of infection in a surgical wound remains a challenge, especially if further surgery in the area is needed. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of sterilization of a standard experimental infected wound by surgical skin preparation (Betadine) as compared to treatment with the CO2 laser. Standard wounds (5 x 6 cm) were created superficial to the panniculus carnosus on each flank of 37 adult male New Zealand rabbits. Each wound was infected with a standard dose of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All wounds became grossly infected. On the third day one flank wound was treated with the CO2 laser, the other with the Betadine solution, and a punch biopsy (4 mm) was taken from each wound for quantitative bacterial counts. Less than 10% of the laser-treated wounds grew Pseudomonas, whereas nearly 40% of the iodine-treated wounds remained infected (P less than 0.005). Our early clinical experience using the CO2 laser for the sterilization of infected wounds is also reported.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Accidental reinnervation as a complication of latissimus dorsi free flap to the face and scalp.

Although direct nerve neurotization is well known, accidental full reinnervation of a major muscle following microvascular transfer has not previously been reported. Our patient, who presented with total scalp loss, was initially treated with simple skin grafts. Repeated breakdowns over the years necessitated the use of more durable cover. A free latissimus dorsi muscle flap achieved this objective. Two years post-transfer it became evident that the whole of the latissimus dorsi had become innervated, producing facial and scalp distortion when the patient smiled. Formal exploration and section of both neural trunks to the latissimus dorsi was necessary to abolish this bizarre grimace.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Comparison of lip function: surgery vs radiotherapy.

This work was undertaken to compare lip function after surgery and after radiotherapy. In all, 37 patients were studied, 19 post-surgery and 18 after radiotherapy. Both physical lip parameters, such as intercommissural distance and soft tissue gape, as well as sensation and functional outcome, were assessed. The cure rates were found to be comparable in both groups. Our study shows functional benefits when radiotherapy is used as opposed to extensive surgery. This is due primarily to the loss of sensation and elasticity which follows surgery.

Aged↗
PubMed1984

Lip function: a study of normal lip parameters.

This paper presents a study of normal lip parameters in 500 individuals representing both sexes and all age groups. The parameters studied were intercommissural distance at rest and during activity, soft-tissue gape, oral access, elasticity of perioral tissues, and upper and lower sulcus depths as an indication of lip curtain height. The strength of the orbicularis oris was measured using the pommeter (Peri-Oral-Muscle-Meter). Lip sensation was studied by testing two-point discrimination in all four lip quadrants. Statistical analysis revealed results to be significant to a p value of 0.01.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Lip function: a study of oral continence.

Oral continence is achieved through the harmonious interplay of several factors of which the most important are the lip sensitivity, the strength of the orbicularis oris muscle and the height of the lip curtain. Forty-four persons with varying degrees of oral incontinence and diverse lip disorders were then examined and compared against the normal values. Significantly low values for all three factors found in the orally incontinent patients supported our hypothesis that the normality of these factors is essential for the maintenance of the oral seal. Central causes of dribbling, such as mental retardation and salivary over-secretion, irrespective of etiology, are not considered here.

Female↗
PubMed1983

Steeple flap reconstruction of the lower lip.

A new method of lower lip reconstruction using a full-thickness cheek island flap based on the facial vessels is described. The functional potential of the method is assessed in six patients. The technique outlined is simple in design and execution. It is capable of total lower lip reconstruction without appreciable microstomia. Other major techniques of lip reconstruction are briefly reviewed.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Normal lip function in adults.

A superficial review of the literature revealed numerous types of surgical corrections for lip defects, but an in-depth search turned up little information on lip dimensions and functions. In the absence of a range of normal lip values, assessment of postoperative results is limited to the subjective impression of surgeon and patient. Using simple measuring techniques, some of the surgically important aspects of lip anatomy and function have been recorded, analyzed statistically, and presented as a range of normal values to facilitate objective comparison with abnormal and postoperative lip states.

Adult↗