No abstract

Precise calculation of total body surface area (TBSA) or premarked surface areas (P-MSAs) is of great importance in many biomedical applications. The aim of the paper was to present a simple procedure of measurement of P-MSAs in small animals and to determine a more accurate Meeh's constant (k), for a commonly used weight range of laboratory rats. A series of 30 Wistar rats, weighing 195 -240 g, were anaesthetized and weighted. The TBSA of each animal was measured using a clear pocket and a planimeter. The data obtained were entered into the Meeh's formula (TBSA ¼ kW 2/3 ), the most commonly used for small experimental animals, so that a k value for each animal as well as a mean k value (9.83) were obtained. The TBSA of the animals was also calculated using the aforementioned mean k value and compared with that obtained using k values reported in previous studies. According to our findings, the new mean k value, determined with the use of our procedure of surface area measurement, ensured greater accuracy in the determination of the TBSA of experimental rats of a specific weight range. We also suggest a new procedure of surface area measurement which is easy, accurate and does not require animal sacrifice.

A variety of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) have already been experimentally used, in an effort to promote wound healing. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of short duration PEMF on secondary healing of full thickness skin wounds in a rat model. Full thickness skin wounds, 2 by 2 cm, were surgically inflicted in two groups of male Wistar rats, 24 animals each. In the first group (experimental group - EG), the animals were placed and immobilized in a special constructed cage. Then the animals were exposed to a short duration PEMF for 20 min daily. In the second group (control group - CG), the animals were also placed and immobilized in the same cage for the same time, but not exposed to PEMF. On days 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 22, following the infliction of skin wounds, the size and healing progress of each wound were recorded and evaluated by means of planimetry and histological examination. According to our findings with the planimetry, there was a statistically significant acceleration of the healing rate for the first 9 days in EG, whereas a qualitative improvement of healing progress was identified by histological examination at all time points, compared to the control group.

Extracranial involvement of the recurrent laryngeal and hypoglossal nerves, also known as Tapia's syndrome, is a rare complication of airway management under general anesthesia. We report such a case after an otherwise uncomplicated rhinoplasty. After reviewing the other nine reported cases of Tapia's syndrome, we found that half of the patients had undergone rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty. The risk factors, etiology, clinical course, recovery potential, and preventive measures are analyzed and discussed. Although Tapia's syndrome after rhinoplasty/septorhinoplasty appears to be rare, it should be considered by both the anesthetist and the plastic surgeon, and most importantly, special attention should be paid to preventive strategies.