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N Jallali

Publications and source records attributed to N Jallali.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

The use of dextran post free tissue transfer.

Dextran has been used in microsurgery to reduce the risk of free tissue transfer loss. A number of regimens which vary considerably in dosage and timing have been published in the literature. Using a postal questionnaire, a survey was conducted to delineate the current practise of UK plastic surgeons. Data were received from 161 plastic surgeons in 51 units (response rate of 61%). Forty-five percent of microsurgeons routinely use dextran post-operatively whilst 29% use alternative thromboprophylaxis. The indications, post-operative regimes and duration of administration of dextran vary significantly amongst surgeons and units. The reported success rates of free tissue transfer and digital replants were 97 and 85.1%, respectively, and was not significantly affected by the use of dextran. We conclude that there is considerable variation amongst UK plastic surgeons regarding thromboprophylaxis post microsurgery. Our data suggest that the use of dextrans does not affect free tissue transfer success rates.

Anticoagulants↗

Postoperative monitoring of free flaps in UK plastic surgery units.

Monitoring free-tissue transfers in the postoperative period is valuable for detection of failing flaps. As well as conventional methods, a myriad of sophisticated techniques have been reported in the literature. Using a postal questionnaire, a survey was conducted to delineate current protocols employed in UK plastic surgery units. Data were received from 148 plastic surgeons in 51 units. All surgeons used clinical assessment, although there was significant disparity in the duration and frequency of postoperative monitoring. Adjuvant techniques such as laser Doppler flowmetry were routinely used by less than 20% of surgeons. We conclude that there is considerable variation in postoperative monitoring of free flaps, with significant clinical and resource implications. A protocol based on robust evidence is thus recommended.

Graft Survival↗

Hyperbaric oxygen as adjuvant therapy in the management of necrotizing fasciitis.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an uncommon but serious infection of fascia and skin associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. One modality proposed for improving the outcome of this condition is hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy. This is a form of medical treatment that involves intermittent inhalation of 100% oxygen under pressures exceeding the atmosphere. The aim of this article is to review current practice and evidence for the use of HBO as adjunctive therapy in the management of NF. METHODS: A survey of published English literature through searches of Medline and PubMed was carried out using the following key words: "necrotizing fasciitis," "Fournier's gangrene," "necrotizing soft tissue infections," "hyperbaric oxygen therapy," "and hyperbaric oxygen chambers." RESULTS: The results of studies on the use of HBO therapy in NF are inconsistent. Some studies have demonstrated that HBO can improve patient survival and decrease the number of debridements required to achieve wound control, whereas others have failed to show any beneficial effect. CONCLUSIONS: Encouraging results have been achieved with the addition of HBO therapy to standard treatment regimes, thus justifying further research in this field. More robust evidence by way of a prospective randomized trial is necessary before widespread and routine use of HBO in the management of NF can be recommended.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Vulnerability to ROS-induced cell death in ageing articular cartilage: the role of antioxidant enzyme activity.

OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that age-related loss of chondrocytes in cartilage is associated with impaired reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis resulting from reduced antioxidant defence. METHODS: Cell numbers: The total number of chondrocytes in the articular cartilage of the femoral head of young, mature and old rats was estimated using an unbiased stereological method. ROS quantification: Fluorescence intensity in chondrocytes was quantified using the oxygen free radical sensing probe dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR 123), confocal laser scanning microscopy and densitometric image analysis. In order to delineate the reactive species, explants were pre-treated with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) prior to ROS quantification. Induction of intracellular ROS: Explants were incubated in the redox-cycling drug menadione after which they underwent ROS quantification and cell-viability assay. Antioxidant enzyme activity: The activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) was measured. RESULTS: Chondrocyte numbers: A significant and progressive loss of chondrocytes was observed with ageing. Cellular ROS levels: A significant age-related increase in cellular ROS-induced fluorescence was demonstrated. NAC significantly reduced ROS levels in old chondrocytes only. Induction of intracellular ROS: Menadione increased cellular ROS levels dose-dependently in young and old chondrocytes, with a greater effect in the latter. Old chondrocytes were more vulnerable to menadione-induced cytotoxicity. Antioxidant enzymes: Catalase activity declined significantly in aged cartilage whilst SOD and GPX activities were unaltered. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial loss of chondrocytes occurs in rat articular cartilage which may result from increased vulnerability to elevated intracellular ROS levels, consequent upon a decline in antioxidant defence.

Animals↗

Dextrans in microsurgery: A review.

This articles reviews the use of dextrans in free tissue transfer. Current recommended regimes, indications, and complications are discussed. In conclusion, dextrans cannot be used as a substitute for good surgical technique, and should be utilized cautiously, especially in the elderly.

Adult↗

Cemented or uncemented hemiarthroplasty for displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures.

The aim of this study was to establish whether or not to cement the hemiarthroplasty for displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures in the elderly. Consecutive patients treated by hemiarthroplasty in adjacent hospitals were reviewed. The same monoblock prosthesis was used; in hospital A they were uncemented (121 patients), and in hospital B they were cemented (123 patients). Notes were reviewed retrospectively. Surviving patients (50 and 56 respectively) were assessed prospectively for pain and functional ability using validated scoring systems. Follow-up was 32-36 months. Patient demographics were similar. Fewer of the cemented group had been revised or were awaiting revision ( P=0.036). There was no difference in general complication or mortality rates. There was a highly statistically significant greater deterioration in pain ( P=0.003), walking ability ( P=0.002), use of walking aids ( P=0.003) and activities of daily living ( P=0.009) in the uncemented group. Our findings support the use of cemented hemiarthroplasty in the elderly.

Aged↗