LEGAL ASPECTS OF AMBULATORY CARE
PHLEBOLOGY
Phlebotropic therapy is an important component of the pathogenetic treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) of the lower extremities. Venoactive drugs, which have proven their effectiveness and safety in a variety of studies, are widely represented in international and Russian clinical guidelines and standards. However, there is no consensus on the regulation of phlebotropic therapy and, above all, its duration in different clinical classes of CVI. In addition, there are no clear indications on the methods of treatment efficacy monitoring, which can be used in real clinical practice. The presented systematized review of the literature data on micronized purified flavonoid fraction not only reveals the possibilities of phlebotropic therapy of different clinical classes and forms of CVI, but also suggests effective regulations for the use of this drug in specific situations. The data concerning the efficacy of phlebotropic therapy in real clinical practice at the initial stages of CVI (C0s-C1s), in the treatment of C2s (varicose superficial veins with venospecific symptoms), C3 (chronic venous edema), C4 (trophic skin disorders), as well as in stages C5-C6 and C6r (venous trophic ulcers) are presented in details. In addition, the results of studies on the use of micronized purified flavonoid fraction in phlebosclerosing treatment are presented. The duration of phlebotropic therapy is in direct relation to the severity of the disease and the response to the ongoing treatment. The important role is played not only by personalization of treatment according to specific symptoms and syndromes, but also, if possible, by objective control of their dynamics.
Introduction. In recent years, phlebology centers have experienced an increasing inflow of patients presenting with a cosmetic issue related to bulging enlarged veins of the upper extremities. This issue especially affects people, whose jobs are associated with increased physical workloads to hands. A microfoam sclerobliteration procedure for eliminating hand veins has been performed in the phlebology center of the Medical Innovative Phlebological Center (MIPC, Moscow) since 2015. This procedure is indicated for patients with enlarged hand veins, which worsen the psycho-emotional condition of the patients. This study was aimed at developing the optimal method for conducting sclerotherapy of unaesthetic hand veins.
Materials and methods. 38 patients (36 women and 2 men) have received sclerotherapy at the clinics of the Medical Innovative Phlebological Center from September 2015 to February 2020. The procedure was conducted using 1.5% to 2.5% lauromacrogol 400 microfoam. Each patient received 1 to 3 sclerotherapy sessions per hand with an interval of 3 to 7 days, the number of injections ranged from 1 to 5 per session.
Results. All patients were followed over a period of 1 month to 1 year. Target veins were occluded in 100% of cases. Moderate hyperpigmentation in the projection of obliterated veins was observe in seven patients, after which it disappeared within 3 to 6 months.
Conclusion. The aesthetic sclerotherapy of upper limbs is a safe and effective cosmetic procedure. After it is completed, the patients do not have any cicatrices, scars or stitches. Sclerotherapy provides demonstrates high cosmetic efficacy with minimal trauma. The procedure results in selective occlusion of targeted venous segments and makes it possible to preserve the cubital veins.
Introduction. Chronic venous insufficiency is one of the most common diseases, so finding the best treatment options is one of the most urgent tasks of surgery. One of the methods of implementing this direction is to apply a personalized approach. The aim of the study is to improve surgical care for patients with VVPC by introducing a personalized approach.
Materials and methods. The study was based on clinical observations and special studies in 428 patients with uBVNC in outpatient settings. All of those surveyed were women. The average age of the patients was 42.3 ± 15.5 years. All patients were operated on — endovasal laser coagulation (EVLk) was performed in the traditional way. Clinical examination of patients, as well as special methods of research was carried out. A questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life of patients. The peculiarity of the study was the use of social and hygienic methods: survey, psychological testing, expert. Statistical analysis and mathematical processing of results were carried out with the help of modern computer technologies based on the Statisticala 6 application package.
Results. It has been established that over the past five years in the Ivanovo region there has been an increase in the incidence of vessels of the lower extremities. The frequency of varicose veins exceeds 47 per 100 patients examined. The desire to perform surgery in the nonstate health sector is observed in 9.8 cases. In 85.0% of patients with VBNC, received for surgical treatment, have a lack of preparedness. Their information, clinical and psychological level is 65.0–89.0% of the due and direct influence on the formation of an unfavorable result.
Conclusion. Thus, the implementation of a personalized approach to the surgical treatment of patients with chronic venous insufficiency by laser coagulation provides on a par with the reliable obliteration of altered veins the fastest clinical recovery of patients, improvement of their quality of life, satisfaction with results, good hemodynamic and cosmetic effects.
Introduction. Medical compression stockings are one of the main methods in a conservative strategy for the treatment of chronic vein diseases as well as for adjuvant treatment after superficial venous interventions. however, compliance to this treatment is low.
Objective. To evaluate patient satisfaction with medical compression knitwear therapy in a short-term follow-up.
Materials and мethods. The study included 150 patients of both sexes aged 42 ± 8.3 years. Endovenous laser obliteration combined with mini-phlebectomy and/or sclerotherapy for varicose veins was performed. All patients after the surgery wore compression stockings of compression class 2 with a recommended wearing period of 14 days. At the control visit at the end of the follow-up period all patients were asked to complete a satisfaction survey with a specially prepared questionnaire including 7 questions.
Results and discussion. No significant adverse events and complications related to either the invasive intervention or the compression therapy were observed during the follow-up period. There were no abnormalities such as compression sensations or changes in blood flow under the knitwear. The compression was totally adequate, with no areas of over- and/or under-compression. All respondents felt that the knitwear was well anchored to the leg and no slipping or twisting due to the wide elastic band with droplet silicone. In addition to all of the above, the patients noted that the knitwear offered to them in the study had good tactile properties: it was soft and pleasant to the skin. According to the survey, the average score for all questions was 9.5 (QR 8-10).
Conclusion. Elastic compression is an effective and safe means of preventing adverse events, complications and pain in patients after superficial varicose veins surgery. Additional consumer properties of medical compression knitwear can significantly influence patients’ compliance and therefore the effectiveness of treatment.
ANGIOLOGY
Introduction. Chronic venous disease significantly reduces quality of life and often leads to complications. The only way to eliminate hemodynamically significant blood flow disorders is the surgical method, incl. its latest modification is the VenaSeal.
Objective of the study. To study the immediate and long-term results of the use of VenaSeal adhesive technology to obliterate the incompetent major saphenous veins, as well as the potential benefits in special groups of patients based on three-year experience in using VenaSeal Glue Procedure.
Materials and methods. Over a 3-year period, we have treated 104 patients with VenaSeal. The average age was 59.6 ± 14.97 years, the CEAP class was 3.2 ± 1.09. 101 patients had varicose veins, in three cases - post-thrombotic. The intervention was performed on 117 incompetent main veins: GSV – 107, SSV – 10.
Results and discussion. Clinical evaluation and ultrasound imaging of veins immediately after the intervention of vein occlusion throughout the intervention. There was no pronounced pain syndrome after surgery. Complications occurred in 3 patients in the form of chemical phlebitis. Long-term results up to 3 years were studied clinically and using ultrasound in 72 patients (76 veins): recanalization was noted in 2 GSV (2.6%), which in one case was accompanied by the formation of a recurrent varicose veins. To study the effect of VenaSeal on the quality of life in a comparative aspect, a non-randomized, single-center, open-label study was carried out; it included patients, incl. with GSV occlusion using RFA and EVLT. In the group of patients after VenaSeal, the quality of life indicators were better values. In addition, the absence of the need for elastic compression made the surgical treatment of patients with chronic venous disease and concomitant lesions of the peripheral arterial bed. In groups of elderly and senile patients, patients with weeping eczema, with obesity, additional advantages were found in the form of a decrease in the invasiveness of the intervention and the possibility of correcting reflux as a hemodynamic basis for the development of trophic disorders with the aim of their faster and more effective relief.
Conclusions. Non-thermal obliteration of incompetent major saphenous veins using VenaSeal in varicose veins and post-thrombotic disease is highly effective: the immediate results assessed with clinical methods and using ultrasound duplex scanning confirmed the occlusion of the target vein in all cases. The study of long-term results revealed recanalization of two veins out of 76, which accounted for 2.6%.
PURULENT AND TROPHIC LESIONS
Introduction. Martorell’s ulcer is a rather rare pathology that occurs exclusively in patients with long-term and poorly controlled arterial hypertension and continues to be one of the poorly studied areas of modern surgery. There are few reports on the occurrence of this pathology in the medical literature and, as a rule, describe extremely rare clinical cases. The issues of etiology, pathogenesis and differential diagnosis of this disease continue to cause debate. The article provides a review of the literature on this rare surgical pathology, presents its own clinical observation, discusses the issues of diagnosis and treatment options for this disease.
Clinical case. A 56-year-old patient was admitted with complaints of a non-healing trophic ulcer on the lateral surface in the lower third of the right leg since one year ago with severe pain syndrome not adequately controlled with non-narcotic analgesics. he received treatment in an outpatient department and in the hospital, underwent courses of rheological therapy to the ulcer region as a local therapy, used a wide range of dressings of domestic and foreign origin. No positive effect was reported on the top of already administered combination therapy, the ulcer continued to increase in size. A Martorell’s ulcer was diagnosed, and a decision was made to provide a course of presurgical conservative rheological therapy with PGE1 (VAP 20 mg), antibiotic therapy, and local therapy aimed at maximal ulcer necrotic tissue clearance before the forthcoming planned surgical treatment. The patient underwent the surgery – autodermatoplasty of the trophic ulcer of the right leg with a mesh graft, continued local treatment of the ulcer using dressings with peruvian balsam and other medications on an outpatient basis without chemical and biological components from the antiseptics and healing stimulants group. Two months after the surgery, the patient had no complaints, the pain syndrome in the ulcer region completely regressed, no edema occurred in the lower operated leg, the right let ulcer completely healed with the formation of a permanent scar.
Conclusion. Surgical management is the final and definitive treatment for Martorell’s chronic hypertensive ulcer and should be carried out promptly to minimize the spread of the ulcer and minimize a pain syndrome.
PROCTOLOGY
Real clinical practice is currently characterized by a significant increase in clinical situations, when it is already difficult to talk about the presence of only one disease in a patient, and in most clinical cases the patient has a combined or concomitant pathology.
Hemorrhoidal disease has been known since ancient times and remains one of the most common human diseases. In the acute and initial stages of chronic hemorrhoids, conservative treatment is carried out. Its main goal is to relieve pain and inflammation, normalize blood circulation in the rectum. Given the high prevalence of hemorrhoids and the main risk factors for its development, which are simultaneously important in the development of other diseases and pathological conditions, a patient with hemorrhoids should be considered as a comorbid patient. Drug therapy for a comorbid patient always carries the risk of harm to the patient’s health by the drug itself, designed to resist the disease.
Homeopathic medicines should be considered as a drug of choice for topical therapy in the management of uncomplicated forms of external haemorrhoids. In the presented review, the effects of the main components (Calendula officinalis, hamamelis virginiana, Aesculus hippocastanum, Mentholum, Zinci oxydum) of the ointment are considered and it is noted that the main medicinal properties of the combined preparation are anti-inflammatory, regenerating, disinfecting, drying effects. In conclusion, 2 clinical examples are given, indicating the effectiveness of the ointment in comorbid patients in acute and early stages of chronic hemorrhoids.
Introduction. Treatment of post-radiation damage to the rectum is a complex medical problem. The search for new methods of treatment for this category of patients based on modern achievements in regenerative surgery is urgent.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the immediate and long-term results of treatment of post-radiation lesions of the rectum using microfat grafting.
Materials and methods. The study involved 66 patients — women aged 28 to 83 years inclusive with complications of radiation therapy (rectovaginal fistulas, radiation proctitis, radiation ulcers).
Results and discussion. After the treatment, there is a tendency to improve the condition. So, if before the procedure the average sizes of fistulas and ulcers were 1.67 ± 0.54 cm in diameter, then after 3 months these indicators were 1.39 ± 0.54, and after 6 months — 1.1 ± 0.56 cm Complete epithelialization of the defect was observed in all patients. The period for which it was possible to achieve complete epithelialization varies from 6 months to 2 years. On average, to achieve complete epithelialization of post-radiation damage to the rectum, most patients required 3 injections of autologous adipose tissue. Also, all patients showed an improvement in elastometry indices over time. As a result of treatment, there is a tendency to improve the quality of life of patients.
Conclutions. The study allows us to conclude about the effectiveness of the treatment, as well as that in the long term, the treatment will also be effective, the likelihood of relapse is minimal.
INSTRUMENTAL DIAGNOSTICS
A review is presented to summarize data on intestinal preparation approaches and methods for research. The historical background and main stages in the development of the intestinal lavage method are highlighted, and traditional and modern methods of evaluating its effectiveness are characterized. Dietary recommendations and information about the basic drugs used nowadays in preparation of the intestine for instrumental research are adduced. Clinical aspects of different types of osmotic action of drugs are considered. The composition of laxatives for salt and electrolyte components in terms of potential benefit and risk in patients is analyzed. The main positions of the current recommendations of domestic, European and American expert communities concerning the discussed topic are taken into account. Demonstrated “no less efficacy” of sulfate solution compared with macrogol in adult patients. Clinical case is presented: patient A., 22 years old, admitted to the clinic with complaints of recurrent pain in the left abdomen, frequent stools, sometimes with blood, loss of hair, flaky spots on the skin of the upper extremities. The patient was prepared for the examination – colon cleansing with a sulfate drug, endoscopic examination of the colon - colonoscopy was performed. Diagnosis: nonspecific ulcerative colitis. The treatment scheme is presented, clinical remission of the disease is achieved.
Introduction. A literature review on the use of plethysmographic methods for studying the features of venous blood flow in lower extremities under physiological conditions and for global assessment of venous hemodynamics in chronic venous diseases urges to conduct further studies.
The aim of the study was to carrying off a detailed statistical analysis of the value of the refilling time (RT) obtained during a photoplethysmographic study (PPG) to evaluate the degree of effectiveness of the calf muscle-venous pump in normal and in patients of different clinical classes according to CEAR.
Materials and methods. For the period from 2002 to 2012, 116 healthy individuals with no symptoms of chronic venous diseases and 530 patients with CVD were examined with the use of PPG, with their distribution in accordance with the CEAR international classification as follows: C0-C1 – 140 people (26.42%), C2-C3 – 218 people (41.13%) and 172 persons (32.45%) had trophic disorders, that is, they belonged to the C4-C6 clinical classes. The analysis of the statistical significance of the obtained mathematical characteristics in groups by conducting a t-test for two independent samples calculated by the program and the student’s criterion Z-statistics, to conduct a correlation analysis.
Results and discussion. Statistical comparative analysis of the RT value as a result of the t-test at the significance level p < 0,05 showed statistically significant differences between С0-С1, С2-С3 and С4-С6 groups with test with (or no) compression cuff. A stable correlation of average strength was observed between the groups in all cases. The differences were not statistically significant between the Norm and C0-C1 groups. The testing hypotheses for adequacy using linear regression methods allowed us to conclude that conducting a photoplethysmographic examination of patients with CVD of different clinical classes as part of the venous reflux test can provide objective information about the effectiveness of the calf muscle - venous pump. A comparative analysis in groups using the criteria RT > 20 sec and 10 < RT < 20 sec showed that there was no correlation between many groups.
Conclusion. PPG is not a universal tool for diagnosing disorders of venous hemodynamics in the lower extremities. The value of RT > 20 seconds can be used as a criterion for evaluating the effectiveness of the calf muscle-venous pump, since more than 70% of cases occur in norm and in patients with C0-C1 clinical classes.
EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCE | PRACTICE
Introduction. Secondary upper-extremity lymphedema is most commonly caused by lymphadenectomy and radiotherapy (RT) of regional lymph nodes. Lymphatic edema differ in the fact that they lead to fibrotic changes in tissues, as the lymph contains up to 2–4% of protein, which causes a specific histopathological response. Proteins, as well as tissue protein-polysaccharide complexes, undergo transformations leading to pathological collagenization, and then to hyalinization and sclerosis. A vicious circle of pathological processes stemming from biophysical and chemical changes in proteins and polysaccharides with metabolic disorders occurs. Compression therapy is the most important component of the fight against both upper- and lower-extremity edema of various origins at any stage of the disease.
The aim is to assess the postoperative stabilization of the upper-extremity edema state due to the patient’s self-bandaging using inelastic bandages and the possibility of personalized adjustment of pressure to be applied at the required level. The article provides indications for the use of an adjustable inelastic compression bandage to stabilize edema, and reviews a clinical example of its postoperative use in a patient with grade 4 secondary right upper-extremity lymphedema. Particular emphasis is placed on the versatility of adjustable inelastic compression bandage and the expediency of its widespread use in clinical practice.
Conclusion. Simplicity and ease of use with an option to self-adjust and maintain the stable level of therapeutic pressure throughout the entire period of medical rehabilitation, as well as minimization of doctor’s involvement, allow us to recommend the adjustable inelastic compression bandage for effective use in wide clinical practice.
Introduction. Vascular access complications are associated with about 30% of patient hospitalizations, and annual costs of vascular access maintenance account for 14–20% of total healthcare costs for dialysis patients. At the same time, current international clinical guidelines emphasize the need to implement a patient-centered approach with planning of possible vascular access complications and selection of optimal surgical interventions (risk/benefit balance) for correction of compromised access.
Aim. To present the first experience of endovasal laser obliteration of arteriovenous fistulas for correction of venous hypertension syndrome.
Materials and methods. The first experience of complicated arteriovenous fistulas liquidation using endovasal laser obliteration in 6 patients receiving hemodialysis replacement therapy for stage 5 chronic kidney disease (National kidney Foundation (NkF) classification) is presented. In 5 patients due to the presence of venous hypertension of the upper extremity, where the arteriovenous fistula functioned, open intervention was unacceptable because of the high risk of bleeding. In one patient the arteriovenous fistula was closed due to its aneurysmatic transformation. we performed endovasal laser obliteration of four Cimino-type radial artery-cephalic arteriovenous fistulas, one brachial-basilar arteriovenous fistula, and one brachial-cubital arteriovenous fistula. Endovasal laser obliteration was performed with an endovascular light guide under ultrasound navigation using tumescent anesthesia. we used a laser device with a wavelength of 1.56 µm and power of 15 w, working in continuous mode (time 2–4 min, energy density 500 to 1,000 J/cm). The average diameter (Me) of the fistula vein was 8 mm.
Results. The course of the early postoperative period in all patients was uncomplicated. The follow-up period was 30 days. Symptoms of venous hypertension were eliminated in all patients, the pain syndrome disappeared completely, there were slight feelings of heaviness and fullness of the limb.
Discussion. Experience has shown that standard modes used for varicose vein obliteration for elimination of arteriovenous fistulas in chronic renal failure are ineffective: under conditions of blood flow in the area of arteriovenous anastomosis the energy density is almost 10 times higher. Therefore, other modes were used in our study: energy density from 500 to 1,000 J/cm. This was due to the lack of coagulation of the fistula vein when using standard parameters due to high blood flow rate, despite the use of proximal and distal vascular compression. In all cases we obtained positive results (obliteration of arteriovenous fistulas) without complications along with the correction of venous hypertension within 1 month after the intervention.
Conclusion. The advantages of this method are technical simplicity and minimal blood loss, which is especially important for this cohort of patients with initial anemia against chronic renal failure.
Introduction. The recurrent course of an ingrown toenail remains a serious problem to this day, despite the centuries-old history of its study. Among outpatient patients, the incidence of this disease reaches 10% and does not tend to decrease, and among the population, the incidence of ingrown toenail is 3.4%. The aim of the work was to study the causes of recurrent ingrown toenail and the effectiveness of using a laser beam in the treatment of this pathology.
Material and methods. The authors analyzed the causes of recurrent ingrown toenail in 66 patients after various surgical interventions for the period from 1990 to 2020.
Results and discussion. The following causes of relapse of the disease were identified: removal of the entire nail plate not according to indications, carrying out marginal resection of the nail on the affected side with the preservation of the nail plate matrix, performing removal of granulations in the nail roller area with the preservation of the nail, underestimating the importance of anti-inflammatory drug treatment in the postoperative period, as well as the importance of correcting metabolic processes in patients with concomitant pathology. A clinical case is presented: a patient with a non-healing wound after four surgeries due to an ingrown toenail with a recurrent course. The patient underwent a Schmiden surgery with resection of the “ingrown edge” of the right first toe nail and removal of infected granulations using laser irradiation of the wound and careful treatment of the matrix area in the projection of the removed part of the nail. In the postoperative period, bandages with ointment based on chloramphenicol and methyluracil were used for local treatment. Recovery occurred on the fourteenth day.
Conclusion. In order to reduce the number of relapses of the disease, it is recommended to perform a matrixectomy of the bed of the removed nail plate using laser or radio wave radiation.
Introduction. Granular cell tumor (GCT, synonym – Abrikossoff’s tumor) is a benign neoplasm of neuroectodermal differentiation from epithelioid cells originating from Schwann’s cells, with a characteristic sign of the presence of lysosomal granules in the cytoplasm. 5–10% of GCTs are found in the gastrointestinal tract, with the most frequent localization in the esophagus, large intestine (the right colon) and perianal zone. Most often, the tumor occurs at the age of 40–60 years, in women. As a rule, the tumor is single, but it can be multiple and associated with various hereditary syndromes, in particular, type 1 neurofibromatosis. A rare malignant variant of GCT with local spread and the possibility of metastasis has been described. At the moment, less than 100 clinical cases with tumor localization in the cecum have been described.
Clinical case. A 36-year-old patient with nonspecific complaints of constipation and recurrent abdominal pain during diagnostic colonoscopy a submucosal formation in the cecum up to 1 cm in diameter, dense, fixed in the submucosa, with an unchanged mucous membrane above it was revealed. A biopsy was taken, in which a granular cell tumor was suspected. The tumor was removed by the endoscopic submucosal dissection, and the subsequent morphological and immunohistochemical studies, which confirmed a granular cell tumor (Abrikossoff’s tumor).
Conclusion. Granular cell tumor of the colon is a rare, non-specific tumor that can be detected during routine diagnostic endoscopic examination. The diagnosis of GCT is established by morphological examination and immunophenotyping of the removed neoplasm. Removal of the tumor by the endoscopic submucosal dissection can be a radical method of treatment for patients with GCT in the colon.
The authors analyzed their 25-year experience in organizing obstetric and gynecological care in outpatient settings of the branch clinical and diagnostic center of PJSC Gazprom using inpatient replacement technologies. Effective use of modern clinical, laboratory and instrumental methods of examination allows at the stage of primary treatment in the shortest possible time to establish a clinical diagnosis and determine the plan of invasive diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Cost-effectiveness of hospital-replacing forms of care delivery involves a significantly lower cost of services in day hospital, as well as a shorter average length of treatment in comparison with a day and night facility. Social efficiency is determined by the fact that treatment in a day hospital has a significant “deontological” advantage, most of the time the patient is at home, in a familiar comfortable environment, surrounded by the family which increases satisfaction with health care. Medical effectiveness of hospital-replacing forms of care delivery is determined by continuity of inpatient and outpatient care, ensuring continuity of the entire treatment process. Reduction of temporary disability in the patient, reduction of postoperative complications, nosocominal infections are high efficiency of the developed model of organization. The experience accumulated over 25 years in the organization of surgical gynecological care allowed us to reach the level when the patient’s age, the presence of several concomitant chronic diseases, compensated diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity of any degree, cicatricial adhesion of any prevalence have ceased to be absolute and relative contraindications for laparoscopic benefits under general anesthesia and sling operations for genital prolapse under general or regional anesthesia in the surgical day care center of the clinic of high medical technologies of the clinical diagnostic center.
OFFICIAL DOCUMENT
Many phlebologists today work in ambulatory settings, using both local anesthetics and sclerosants. Cases of anaphylactic shock are rare, but its consequences can be catastrophic. At the request of the self-regulatory organization of the “National College of Phlebologists” Association with the support of “Servier” company, the legal partner of the LLC “Faculty of Medical Law” board, together with leading anesthesiologists-resuscitators, has developed an easy-to-understand and easy-to-deliver information Algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of anaphylactic shock. This algorithm will not only reduce the risks of adverse effects of anaphylaxis for the patient, but will also protect the physician in case of litigation, as it is prepared with references to current sources of evidence-based medical practice and regulations.

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