Clinical Features and Treatment of Intra-Tendinous Suture Reaction Following Achilles Tendon Repair Using Nonabsorbable Suture Material: A Retrospective Case Series Study

We aimed to investigate the clinical manifestations, radiological findings, and therapeutic outcome of treatment for patients with surgically confirmed foreign body reaction following an Achilles tendon repair using non-absorbable suture material. Eight consecutive patients who were confirmed as having an intra-tendinous suture foreign body reaction in the histopathological report were enrolled in this study. Medical records of all patients in terms of clinical and radiological features were retrieved. Also, the outcome of treatment was evaluated at a follow-up of at least 12 months. All the patients complained of pain and a palpable mass around a previous surgical site at mean 25.1 months (range, 4-72 months) after the initial surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound were used to detect the lesion. All the patients underwent surgical excision of foreign body reaction tissue and primary repair using absorbable suture material. After the treatment, the wounds were healed completely in all, and the average FAOS (foot and ankle outcome score) was 91.32 at mean follow-up for 22.4 months. In conclusion, intra-tendinous suture reaction is a rare complication following an Achilles tendon repair using nonabsorbable suture material, but it can be treated adequately with only surgical excision of foreign body reaction tissue and primary repair using absorbable suture material.

Rectal Perforation by an Intrauterine Device Leading to Fatal Intra-Abdominal Sepsis and Necrotizing Fasciitis

BACKGROUND

Colorectal injury from an intrauterine device (IUD) is rare but may lead to major complications.

CASE

A 55-year-old woman presented to a tertiary care hospital with 4 days of generalized weakness, confusion, dysuria, and lower back pain. She provided a vague history of an unsuccessful attempt to remove an IUD 30 years prior. A computed tomography scan demonstrated an IUD in the rectal lumen, with gluteal and pelvic gas and fluid collections. Emergency surgery found necrotizing fasciitis. Despite multiple debridements, sigmoidoscopic IUD removal, and long-term intravenous antibiotics, the patient died from sepsis and multiorgan failure.

CONCLUSION

IUDs require proper monitoring and timely removal to prevent potential complications associated with organ perforation.

Breast reconstruction after complications following breast augmentation with massive filler injections

INTRODUCTION

Breast filler injections are less commonly used due to their associated complications, such as pain and foreign body reactions. Yet, these fillers are often administered illegally, resulting in aesthetic or life-threatening complications. These are treated by removing the foreign material, and the breasts are reconstructed using silicone implants or autologous tissue/fat injection.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Case 1. A 45-year-old woman with polyacrylamide gel injections in both breasts visited our clinic for breast pain and tenderness. Grade I ptosis was observed in each breast, without skin necrosis and discoloration. Case 2. A 51-year-old woman, with unknown breast filler injections, visited our clinic for painful masses. Intraoperatively, massive amounts of foreign material had severely infiltrated the nearby tissues; thus, an immediate breast reconstruction could not be performed. Three months later, severe deformities including shrinkage and irregular breast skin surfaces were observed.

DIAGNOSIS

Case 1. Multiple cystic lesions, fluid collection in the retromammary spaces, and diffuse infiltration were observed on mammography, computed tomography, and ultrasonography. Case 2. Multiple cystic lesions, calcified areas, and diffuse infiltrations in the axillae and retromammary spaces were observed on mammography, computed tomography, and ultrasonography.

INTERVENTIONS

Case 1. The foreign material was removed and the breasts were reconstructed using silicone implants into subpectoral pocket with acellular dermal matrices (Alloderm, Lipocell Corporation). Case 2. A delayed reconstruction was undertaken using silicone implants covered by latissimus dorsi muscle flaps, 3 months after the foreign material removal.

OUTCOMES

Case 1. The foreign material was removed and there were no complications such as foreign body reaction, capsular contracture. Ptosis was corrected and both breasts were symmetric with proper projection. Case 2. Residual foreign material was removed and there were no complications such capsular contracture, implant malposition.

CONCLUSION

Massive injections of foreign materials into the breast can cause severe infiltration and associated foreign body reactions. By a near-complete removal of the foreign materials and breast reconstruction using silicone implants, we achieved satisfactory results, without complications such as wound disruption, capsular contracture, and implant malposition.

Case report: inflammatory pseudotumor in the lung parenchyma caused by a medical suture originating from a cardiac surgery 35 years ago

BACKGROUND

The incidence of the iatrogenic foreign body retained after surgery is extremely low. Iatrogenic foreign body retained is surrounded by normal tissue, which responds to foreign matter to form inflammatory pseudotumors. Surgical sponge or swap is the most common type of foreign body. There were no reports of medical sutures remaining as foreign bodies in the lung parenchyma to form inflammatory pseudotumors.

CASE PRESENTATION

A CT scan of a 50-year-old female showed an irregular soft tissue mass in the left upper lobe with rough edge and spiculation. After 20 months, the size increased from 2.8 × 1.9 cm to 3.2 × 2.2 cm. The patient underwent a ventricular septal repair surgery for congenital Fallot tetralogy 35 years ago and a left breast surgery for breast cancer. She had a family history of lung cancer. Evaluation of this mass highly suggested a lung malignant lesion. The patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy and her pathology revealed an intrapulmonary inflammatory pseudotumor caused by a medical prolene suture. Based on her medical history and other reports of iatrogenic foreign bodies, we believe that this suture retained from the heart surgery 35 years ago entered the pulmonary artery, moved to the distal branch, and eventually formed an inflammatory pseudotumor in the lung parenchyma. Here we reported and analyze this rare case.

CONCLUSION

We reported a rare case of inflammatory pseudotumor in the lung parenchyma caused by a medical suture, and determined it was a prolene suture retained in the body during a cardiac surgery 35 years ago. Diagnosis of this rare disease required sufficient imaging experience. Besides, appropriate surgical exploration can help with the diagnosis and treatment.

Laparoscopic management of enterohepatic migrated fish bone mimicking liver neoplasm: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Accidental ingestion of a foreign body is common in daily life. But the hepatic migration of perforated foreign body is rather rare.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 37-year-old man presented with a history of vague epigastric discomfort for about 2 months.

DIAGNOSIS

A diagnosis of the foreign body induced hepatic inflammatory mass was made based on abdominal computed tomographic scan and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent laparoscopic laparotomy. During the operation, inflammatory signs were seen in the lesser omentum and segment 3 of liver. B- Ultrasound guided excision of the mass (in segment 3) was performed. Dissecting the specimen revealed a fish bone measuring 1.7 cm in length.

OUTCOMES

The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on day 5 after surgery.

LESSONS

This study shows the usefulness of endoscopy for final diagnosis and treatment in foreign body ingestion. Early diagnosis and decisive treatment in time are lifesaving for patients with this potentially lethal condition.

Buried umbilicus with inflammation due to retained rubber foreign body after liposuction: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Liposuction is one of the most widely performed aesthetic surgeries. It is mainly used for the correction of deep and superficial fat accumulations and remodeling of the body contour.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a rare case of unusual rubber foreign body found within the periumbilical area during the reconstruction of buried umbilicus after liposuction.A 61-year-old female had undergone a liposuction surgery 10 years ago. Last year, she experienced signs of inflammation around the periumbilical area. The patient was treated with antibiotics and daily dressing at a local clinic. However, her symptoms did not improve with treatment.After admission, we decided to reconstruct the umbilicus and explore the previous operative site. During reconstruction of umbilicus, we finally discovered a rubber foreign body in the periumbilical area and buried umbilicus.

CONCLUSION

Retained surgical foreign body can clinically manifest as acute reaction, such as an inflammatory response, infection, or abscess within days or weeks after the operation. Patients may complain of pain and discomfort, even months or years after the procedure.Our patient had suffered from delayed inflammation due to retained surgical foreign body after liposuction surgery. We emphasize the need for excellent communication within the surgical team to prevent the incidence of retained surgical bodies.

Adverse Local Tissue Reaction After a Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Prosthesis Without Elevated Serum Metal Ion Levels

In the 1990s, metal-on-metal (MoM) bearings were reintroduced in total hip arthroplasty (THA), having the proposed advantages of decreased wear and improved stability. However, catastrophic adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) secondary to metal debris from both the bearing surface and the head-neck junction is a well-recognized complication. The measurement of metal ion levels in the serum is often a first-line test to identify failure of a MoM bearing. The authors describe a 70-year-old man who presented with a multiply revised MoM THA and a large periprosthetic fluid collection incidentally seen during computed tomography for renal nephrolithiasis. The patient reported painless, progressive swelling over the lateral aspect of the hip. An infectious workup including serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and intraarticular hip aspiration yielded negative results. Metal ion levels in the serum, including a minimally elevated cobalt level, were unremarkable, and metal-lymphocyte transformation testing yielded negative results. Radiographic imaging revealed progressive osteolysis around the proximal femur, and magnetic resonance imaging showed large fluid collections with irregular wall thickening surrounding the gluteal and iliopsoas musculature. At revision surgery, a large fluid collection and corrosion at the head-neck junction were present. Pathology specimens confirmed the presence of an ALTR. This report presents a previously undescribed case of an ALTR secondary to MoM THA in the absence of elevated serum metal ion levels. This indicates the necessity of considering all aspects of a patient's clinical presentation, imaging modalities, and laboratory testing in the evaluation and diagnosis of a symptomatic MoM THA. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(3):e438-e441.].

[Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) a success story in apical surgery]

The objective of apical surgery is to retain teeth with persistent apical pathosis following orthograde root canal treatment if endodontic non-surgical revision is difficult or associated with risks, or is even declined by the patient. Since the most frequent cause of recurrent apical disease is bacterial reinfection from the (remaining) root canal system, the bacteria-tight root-end filling is the most important step in apical surgery. In the early 1990s, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was developed at the Loma Linda University in California/USA. Preclinical studies clearly showed that MTA has a high sealing capability, a good material stability and an excellent biocompatbility. Multiple experimental studies in animals highlighted the mild tissue reactions observed adjacent to this material. Furthermore, histological analysis of the periapical regions demonstrated a frequent deposition of new cementum not only onto the resection plane (cut dentinal surface), but also directly onto MTA. For these reasons, MTA is considered a bioactive material. In 1997 MTA was cleared for clinical use in patients. Multiple prospective clinical and randomized studies have documented high and constant success rates of MTA-treated teeth in apical surgery. A recently published longitudinal study showed that MTA-treated teeth remained stable over five years; hence the high healed rates documented after one year are maintained during long-term observation.

Evaluation of p53 Polymorphism in Patients with Pannus-Derived Prosthetic Dysfunction

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

Prosthetic valve dysfunction (PVD) due to pannus formation is considered to occur due to a bioreaction to prosthetic material. The p53 gene plays a critical role in apoptosis and cell proliferation. p53 Arg72Pro polymorphism has been found to be associated with coronary stent restenosis, but has not yet been studied in prosthetic heart valve dysfunction. The study aim was to evaluate the association between pannus-derived PVD and p53 G72C(Arg72Pro) polymorphism.

METHODS

This single-center, prospective study included 25 patients (20 females, five males; mean age 45.6 +/- 12.5 years; group 1) who underwent redo valve surgery due to PVD, and 49 age- and gender-matched control patients (44 females, five males; mean age 47.3 +/- 12.2 years; group 2) with normofunctional prostheses. The prostheses were examined using transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. Analyses of p53 G72C(Arg72Pro) polymorphism were performed using Roche LightCyler 2.0 Real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The most common location of replaced valves was the mitral position in both groups (88% and 89.8%, respectively). In group 1, normal alleles (GG) were observed in 12 patients (48%), while one patient (4%) showed a homozygous mutation (GC) and 12 patients (48%) showed a heterozygous mutation (CC). In group 2, 21 patients (42.9%) had normal alleles (GG), while four (8.2%) had a homozygous mutation (CC) and 24 (48.9%) had a heterozygous mutation (GC). No significant difference was observed between the groups with regards to p53 Arg72Pro polymorphism (p = 0.769).

CONCLUSION

In patients with prosthetic valves, the underlying mechanism behind pannus formation is unrelated to p53 Arg72Pro polymorphism.

Breast implant capsule flaps and grafts: a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

A breast implant capsule forms as a physiological response to the foreign material. Over the past decades, authors started to consider the breast implant capsule as a new source of tissue, thus describing several capsular flaps and grafts. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the applications and indications for the use of capsular tissue flaps and grafts in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.

METHODS

A review of the literature on breast implant capsule grafts and flaps was conducted. The reported surgical techniques were described and compared for indications and complications. The studies were evaluated and compared for number of patients and follow-up.

RESULTS

The search yielded a total of 21 citations. Patient population was reported in 11 studies for capsular flaps and 2 articles for capsular grafts. Between 1997 and 2012, a total of 74 patients underwent surgery with the use of capsular tissue. Among these, 60 patients had a capsular flap (81 %) and 14 (19 %) had a capsular graft. Complications were experienced in 5 patients (6.7 %).

CONCLUSIONS

Capsular flaps and grafts are indicated mainly to address breast implant-related problems. The breast implant capsule represents a versatile and reliable source of tissue for both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.

NO LEVEL ASSIGNED

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266.

[Radiofrequency coblation for treatment of abnormal sensation of throat induced by the hypertrophy of lingual tonsil]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of radiofrequency coblation surgery for treatment of abnormal sensation of throat induced by the hypertrophy of lingual tonsil.

METHOD

Three hundred and seven patients affected by abnormal sensation of throat induced by the hypertrophy of lingual tonsil were enrolled. Radiofrequency coblation was performed on all patients under nasal endoscopy. A comprehensive statistics were obtained from all the participants regarding the recovery of wound surface, postoperative pain, intra and postoperative bleeding and the effects of the procedure.

RESULT

The VAS score of abnormal sensation of throat was reduced from (9.3 +/- 0.6) to (3.7 +/- 2.4) (P<0.05) after the operation. 84.4% of the abnormal sensation dis appeared, no recurrence within six month; 6.8% of the abnormal sensation largely reduced within six month; 4.6% of the abnormal sensation reduced within six month. There was no significant postoperative pain. 3.6% (11/307) of patients experienced postoperative hemorrhage. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 36 months, there was no recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Radiofrequency coblation is a useful surgical technique, as effective as,or even superior to,other surgical techniques when dealing with patients suffering from abnormal sensation of throat induced by the hypertrophy of lingual tonsil with potentially fewer adverse effects and subsequently improved quality of life for patients.

Open inguinal hernia repair with the use of polyglycolic acid/trimethylene carbonate mesh: gross and pathologic assessment of the inguinal area at reoperation for recurrence

PURPOSE

Our group tried to test the hypothesis of using a totally absorbable material for open inguinal hernia repair. However, the increased incidence of recurrences alleviated our initial enthusiasm regarding the technique. The purpose of the present study was to attain both gross and microscopic data that could at least in part justify the hernia repair failure from a patient included in our initial pilot study and was re-operated for recurrence.

METHODS

A 65-year-old male patient was diagnosed clinically with a recurrence 24 months after open inguinal hernia repair with the use of polyglycolic acid/trimethylene carbonate mesh. The patient was operated for the recurrence upon our group on July 2012. The gross appearance of the inguinal area as well as the degree of chronic inflammation provoked by the used mesh as depicted by the pathologic analysis of specimens obtained intraoperatively were assessed.

RESULTS

An open tension-free repair with the use of a non-absorbable mesh under spinal anesthetic was undertaken. Intraoperatively, after the division of the external oblique aponeurosis, only minor fibrotic reaction was observed a finding that was additionally confirmed pathologically.

CONCLUSION

Polyglycolic acid/trimethylene carbonate mesh used for inguinal hernia repair was associated with a minimal inflammatory host reaction in the inguinal area at 3 years verified both grossly and microscopically.

[Pseudotumour in metal-on-metal hip arthroplasty]

Pseudotumours are sterile inflammatory lesions that can be found in soft tissues surrounding metal-on-metal and more rare metal-on-polyethylene hip arthroplasties. They may cause local tissue and bone destruction and necessitate revision surgery. The pathogenesis of these lesions remain unclear; however, cups in an adverse position lead to high metal ion levels which is associated with pseudotumours. The prodromal symptom of pseudotumour is persistent inguinal pain, but lesions may also be silent. All patients with MoM hip arthroplasties should be monitored according to the national recommendations.

Current concepts review: revision rotator cuff repair

Failed rotator cuff repair may be caused by surgical complications, diagnostic errors, technical errors, failure to heal, and traumatic failure. Revision rotator cuff repair is made technically more difficult by poor tissue quality, tissue adhesions, and retained suture and suture anchor material. Historically, open revision rotator cuff repair yields inferior results compared with primary rotator cuff repair; however, more recent studies show 52% to 69% satisfactory results in small-sized or medium-sized tears. Arthroscopic revision rotator cuff repair yields greater than 60% good or excellent results. Poor tissue quality, detachment of the deltoid origin, and multiple previous surgeries are risk factors for poor results in revision rotator cuff repair.

[Classification and clinical observation of rhinoliths in the adult patients]

This paper reports 3 cases of rhinoliths 20, 14, and 45 years in duration respectively observed during the last 3 years. Rhinoliths caused difficulty of nasal breathing on the side of their localization accompanied by serous discharge from the nose and atrophy of turbinate bones; moreover, they provoked the development of maxilloethmoidal sinusitis, nasal polyps, and deviation of the nasal septum. The surgical removal of the rhinoliths promoted elimination of these complications. A new classification of rhinoliths distinguishing between 4 groups of these stone-like structures is proposed.

Aseptic polyurethane carotid patch rejection: complication, allergy or miraculous healing?

Carotid endarterectomy plays an important role in the prevention of ischemic stroke; patching could reduce the risk of intra- and postoperative complications and late restenosis among primary closure. Materials actually available for the patch tailoring are synthetic or biological: which is the best is still debated. We present the case of a polyurethane (PU) carotid patch rejection three years after its implant, with no evident arterial discontinuity and no sign of infection. Histopathological analysis on hematoxylin-eosin stained sections of the regenerated arterial wall tissue removed revealed plasma cell infiltration and clusters of foreign body giant cells. PU patch rejection has been seldom described in literature. This is an unusual late complication that should be considered at long-term follow-up evaluation of these patients.

"A dropped call"

We present an interesting case of tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration. A 29-year-old healthy female, with no history of pulmonary disease, presented on multiple occasions to healthcare providers with wheezing and cough. She was repeatedly diagnosed and treated for asthma with acute exacerbations. Upon further evaluation, the patient was subsequently found to have a tracheobronchial foreign body causing her symptoms. This case report highlights a clinical approach to wheezing illnesses and reviews the diagnosis and management of tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration.

A 57-year-old man with diabetes and a toe infection

Foot infections are common complications in the diabetic population resulting in significant associated morbidity. Several risk factors predispose these individuals to foot infections including, but not limited to, sensory neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, motor neuropathy, atherosclerotic disease, hyperglycemia, and immune dysfunction.5 Medical work-up and treatment of diabetic foot infections depends on the extent and severity of the infection. An organized and practical approach based on an understanding of the pathophysiology and microbiology is helpful in the evaluation and treatment of these infections. 2

Esophageal fish bone migration induced thyroid abscess: case report and review of the literature

A thyroid abscess is a rare condition, and it is so infrequently encountered. A migrated fish bone is a rare otolaryngologic emergency indicated when the foreign body penetrates through the esophageal mucosa into the thyroid gland space of the neck after several weeks of swallowing. We present the case of a 50-year-old woman who had fever and anterior neck painful mass. An intrathyroid abscess was diagnosed; and she underwent thyrotomy with transcervical approach. A foreign body, which proved to be a fish bone and which fortunately did not cause any adverse effects, was removed.

Large foreign body reaction to tension-free vaginal tape masquerading as inguinal hernia

We report a case of a 73-year-old woman who presented to general surgery with a tender lump in the groin 5 years after insertion of a tension-free vaginal tape. The lesion was thought to be an incarcerated inguinal hernia. Emergency surgical exploration revealed a 7 × 5 × 4 cm soft tissue mass which was adherent to the external inguinal ring, emanating from the end of the tension-free vaginal tape at the level of the symphysis pubis. Resection and histological examination revealed a central track of granulation tissue with a surrounding foreign body inflammatory response. The surgery was complicated by an infected seroma requiring surgical drainage and antibiotic therapy, following which the patient made a full recovery. Large foreign body reaction is a rare but an important complication of tension-free vaginal tapes and may be mistaken for a groin hernia or lymphadenopathy.

Stuck long-term indwelling central venous catheters in adolescents: three cases and a short topical review

We present three cases of fixated vascular injection ports. Two patients had cystic fibrosis and one had an immunological defect. All catheters were made from polyurethane and implanted in adolescent patients. Indwelling time were 6-8 years. One patient's catheter was entirely integrated in the vessel wall and impossible to remove. In the other two cases, catheters were removed with great difficulty by the interventional radiologists. These cases raise important questions concerning the maximum indwelling time and the choice of catheter material when implanting permanent central venous catheters (CVCs) in adolescents. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of not breaking a CVC in the attempt to remove it.

Tissue restoration after implantation of polyglycolide, polydioxanone, polylevolactide, and metallic pins in cortical bone: an experimental study in rabbits

We performed qualitative and histoquantitative investigations of tissue restoration after implanting polyglycolide (PGA), polydioxanone (PDS), polylevolactide (PLLA), and stainless steel pins in the intramedullary canal of rabbit femurs. The effect of bioabsorbable devices on healing of a cortical bone defect was also assessed. The cortical bone defect was created in the right femur of 80 rabbits. Bioabsorbable and metallic pins in 60 and two metallic pins alone were implanted in 20 intramedullary canals; 80 left femurs served as intact controls. Follow-up times were 3, 6, 12, 24, and 52 weeks. At all time points, collagenous connective tissue, including bone trabeculae, surrounded the implant at the tissue-implant interface, replacing hematopoiesis and fat of the intramedullary canal. The groups did not differ in the area and trabecular bone area fraction of the resulting callus. Residual fragments of PGA and PDS were observed at 24 weeks, and complete degradation occurred within 52 weeks. PGA, PDS, PLLA, and metallic implants induced a bony and fibrous walling-off response in the intramedullary cavity. No inflammation was observed. Complete tissue restoration did not occur within the follow-up, even after complete degradation of PGA and PDS, which had shorter degradation times than PLLA. The cortical bone healing effect was not different between bioabsorbable pins and metallic wires. Thus, these polymers had no specific osteostimulatory or osteoinhibitory properties compared to stainless steel. Within the follow-up period, there were no significant differences in biocompatibility between the implants and no adverse inflammatory foreign-body reactions.

Intra-abdominal gossypiboma: a report of two cases and a review of literature

Post operative foreign body in the abdominal cavily, though rare continues to occur in surgical practice. Symptoms may start early with abdominal pain but usually have a varying course, ofter leading 10 the formation of gossypiboma. This is usually a great source of embarrassment to the surgeon and the centre, and of serious detrimental effect to the patient. A case report of a 27-year-old trader with intra-abdominal foreign body is presented to highlig at the similarity in presentation with abdominal lymphoma and the need to explore carefully masses in the abdominal cavity especially in patients who have had surgery in the past. A high index of suspicious is required on the part of the clinician in addition to appropriate radiological and sonologic assessment. Prompt diagnosis and treatment ameliorates the patients suffering and brings them back to life.

Inguinal vasal obstruction following polypropylene mesh repair

Inguinal vasal obstruction following hernia repair is related to either direct injury to vas or ischemic injury leading to delay stricture. Not much has been described regarding the long term impact of synthetic mesh as far as integrity of the cord structure is concerned. Here, we report a case that underwent mesh explantation for posthernioplasty inguinodynia as well as recurrence and found to have total occlusion of the lumen of vas segment adherent to the explanted mesh on microscopic examination.

Drop weld thermal injuries to the middle ear

Drop weld injuries to the tympanic membrane and middle ear caused by hot sparks or molten slag are a rare but significant injury. Steel workers and welders who are regularly exposed to flying sparks and molten metal slag are predisposed. This type of transtympanic thermal injury occurs when the slag literally drops into the external auditory canal and burns through the tympanic membrane. A spectrum of severity of injury occurs which includes chronic tympanic membrane perforation, chronic otorrhoea, facial nerve injury and deafness. Chronic tympanic membrane perforation is the most common sequelae and is perhaps one of the most challenging of all perforations to repair The combination of direct thermal injury and foreign body reaction results in continuing or recurrent suppuration. The foreign body reaction is due to the embedding of metal slag in the promontorial mucosa. We present a case of drop weld injury to the left tympanic membrane, resulting in chronic middle ear inflammation, otorrhoea and tympanic perforation. CAT scan clearly demonstrated a metallic promontorial foreign body with localised bone erosion. We emphasise the importance of removing these foreign bodies and recommend a cartilage reinforced underlay tympanoplasty technique to repair these perforations. Transtympanic thermal trauma is a preventable occupational injury, which is best, avoided by earplugs and increased awareness.

[Mediastinal abdominal wall fistula due to ePTFE membrane]

A 78-year-old woman who had undergone double valve replacement 13 years before was referred to our department because of postoperative wound dehiscence and exudate. Although the result of exudate culture was negative, the wound was disinfected continuously for 4 weeks and showed a transient remission. However, the exudate was observed again 3 weeks later. By chest computed tomography (CT), a highly bright shadow was revealed in the mediastinum, which was suspected to be a foreign body and, therefore, the cause of the exudate. Considering the possibility of infection, the patient underwent an operation. Following incision of the epigastric region and the resection of the xiphoid process, ePTFE membrane with poor granulation tissue was found. The membrane was removed, the lesion was washed with warm saline, and then the wound was closed. The postoperative course was uneventful without recurrence. This complication was considered to be caused by biological reaction to a foreign body.

[Foreign body-induced angiosarcoma 60 years after a shell splinter injury]

An 84-year-old gentleman developed an angiosarcoma in the lateral temporal fossa 60 years after a World War II injury. The tumour resection confirmed the close spatial relationship of the tumour and a shell splinter. Analysis of the metallic composition showed no clear carcinogenic potential of the ingredients; an inflammation-related carcinogenesis seems more probable. A review of the literature revealed two similar cases.