Notes on Erb’s and Klumpke’s palsy

Erb’s Palsy:

Table of Contents (toc)
erbs palsy


Question 

a. Occurs typically usually after breech delivery of smaller babies
b. Is due to injury of C5 and C6 nerve roots
c. All fingers muscles are paralysed
d. There may be unilateral Horner’s syndrome
Ans: ‘b’

Solution

Injury to upper trunk of Brachial plexus (C5, C6, C7) leads t60 Erb’s palsy.

Erb’s palsy

Brachial plexus may be injured when person falls from a height on the side of
head and shoulder whereby the nerves of the plexus are violently stretched.
(upper trunk of the plexus injured).
Paralysis of Ms Deltoid, biceps, brachialis, intraspinatus and spinator.
The position of limb is characteristic i.e., the arm hanges by the side
medially rotated and the forearm is extended and pronated (Policeman’s lip).

Klumpke’s paralysis

Caused by injury in lower trunk of brachial plexus (CB, T₁) characterized by
paralysis of intrinsic hand Ms & CB/T1 dermatome distribution numbness.

Comparing Erb’s Palsy and Klumpke’s Palsy

Here’s a table comparing Erb’s Palsy and Klumpke’s Palsy
Feature Erb’s Palsy Klumpke’s Palsy
Nerve Roots Affected C5-C6 (sometimes C7) C8-T1
Cause Excessive traction on the neck during delivery or trauma (e.g., shoulder
dystocia, fall on the shoulder)
Hyperabduction of the arm (e.g., breech delivery, catching oneself while
falling from a height)
Paralyzed Muscles Deltoid, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, biceps brachii, brachialis Intrinsic muscles of the hand (lumbricals, interossei), flexors of the
wrist and fingers
Clinical Presentation “Waiter’s Tip” posture (arm adducted, internally rotated, elbow
extended, forearm pronated, wrist flexed)
“Claw Hand” deformity (hyperextension at MCP joints, flexion at PIP &
DIP joints)
Sensory Loss Lateral arm and forearm (C5-C6 dermatome) Medial forearm and hand (C8-T1 dermatome)
Reflexes Affected Absent biceps and brachioradialis reflex Intact biceps reflex, but absent grasp reflex
Associated Syndrome Horner’s Syndrome (if sympathetic fibers of T1 are affected: ptosis,
miosis, anhidrosis)
Prognosis Good with early physiotherapy, mild cases recover within months Poorer prognosis if there is nerve root avulsion; may require nerve
grafting

Vitamins and their deficiencies detailed

Vitamins, Sources, Deficiency Diseases, Symptoms, and Signs

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Vitamins, Sources, Deficiency Diseases, Symptoms, and Signs
Vitamin Sources Deficiency Disease Symptoms Signs
Vitamin A Liver, carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens Night Blindness Poor vision in dim light Dry eyes, Bitot’s spots, keratomalacia
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Whole grains, pork, legumes, seeds Beriberi Fatigue, irritability, confusion Muscle weakness, peripheral neuropathy, heart failure
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Dairy, eggs, lean meats, green vegetables Ariboflavinosis Sore throat, swollen tongue Cracks in lips, angular cheilitis, glossitis
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Poultry, fish, whole grains, peanuts Pellagra Diarrhea, dementia, dermatitis Scaly skin, inflamed mucous membranes
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) Eggs, avocado, whole grains Burning Feet Syndrome Fatigue, depression Numbness, burning sensation in feet
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Poultry, bananas, potatoes, fortified cereals Neuropathy, Anemia Depression, irritability, confusion Seizures, cracks in the lips, swollen tongue
Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Egg yolks, nuts, seeds, liver Biotin Deficiency Fatigue, thinning hair Scaly rash, brittle nails
Vitamin B9 (Folate) Leafy greens, legumes, fortified cereals Megaloblastic Anemia Fatigue, irritability Pale skin, tongue swelling
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Meat, dairy, fortified cereals Pernicious Anemia Memory loss, fatigue Pale skin, shortness of breath, neurological issues
Vitamin C Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers Scurvy Fatigue, depression Swollen gums, bruising, poor wound healing
Vitamin D Fatty fish, fortified dairy, sunlight Rickets (Children), Osteomalacia (Adults) Bone pain, muscle weakness Bowed legs, skeletal deformities
Vitamin E Nuts, seeds, spinach, sunflower oil Neuromuscular Disorders Weakness, coordination problems Loss of reflexes, muscle deterioration
Vitamin K Leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts Bleeding Diathesis Easy bruising, excessive bleeding Prolonged clotting time

Sources and references:

  • Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Vitamins and their functions
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Vitamin deficiency and symptoms
  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Micronutrient deficiencies

Questions:

The triad of glossitis, angular fissure, and corneal vascularization is due to deficiency of:

a. Riboflavin
b. Thiamine
c. Niacin
d. Pantothenic acid

Ans: (a) Riboflavin

Solution and facts about Vitamins:

  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) deficiency causes:

    • Cheilosis (inflammation of lips, scaling, and fissures at the corners of the mouth)
    • Corneal vascularization
  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) deficiency causes:

    • Dry Beriberi – Wasting, polyneuritis, symmetrical muscle weakness
    • Wet Beriberi – High-output cardiac failure (dilated cardiomyopathy), edema
    • Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome – Confusion, ophthalmoplegia, ataxia (classic triad), confabulation, personality changes, memory loss (permanent)
  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin) deficiency causes:

    • Glossitis
    • Pellagra (3Ds) – Diarrhea, Dermatitis, Dementia
  • Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) deficiency causes:

    • Dermatitis
    • Enteritis
    • Alopecia
    • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) deficiency causes:

    • Convulsions
    • Hyperirritability
    • Peripheral neuropathy
    • Sideroblastic anemia
  • Vitamin B7 (Biotin) deficiency causes:

    • Dermatitis
    • Alopecia
    • Enteritis
  • Vitamin B9 (Folate) deficiency causes:

    • Macrocytic megaloblastic anemia
    • Glossitis
    • No neurologic symptoms
  • Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) deficiency causes:

    • Macrocytic megaloblastic anemia
    • Subacute combined degeneration

ESR Vs CRP Video


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Most Common Complication of High Myopia

Most Common Complication of High Myopia

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Most Common Complication of High Myopia





The Most Common Eye Problem Is





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Myopia, or nearsightedness, and hyperopia, or farsightedness, are both common refractive eye conditions that blur vision. 

Complications of Myopia:

  • Myopic crescents (on the temporal side)
  • Posterior staphyloma
  • Patchy choroidal atrophy within the posterior pole
  • Vitreous syneresis
  • Breaks in Bruch’s membrane with accompanying choroidal atrophy (lacquer
    cracks)
  • Subretinal neovascular membrane with overlying retinal pigment epithelial
    hyperplasia (Foster-Fuchs spot)
  • Retinal detachment

Key Concepts on vision:

  • Physiological myopia is the
    most common eye disorder worldwide.
  • In myopia, parallel rays of
    light focus
    in front of the retina.
  • In hypermetropia, parallel
    rays of light focus
    behind the retina.
  • A 1 mm change in axial
    length leads to a
    3D change in refraction.
    • Shortening causes
      hypermetropia
    • Lengthening causes
      myopia
  • A 1 mm change in corneal
    curvature can lead to
    6D hypermetropia.
  • At birth, the eye is normally hypermetropic.
  • Optical treatment:
    • Myopia → Concave lens
    • Hypermetropia →
      Convex lens
  • Presbyopia: Physiological
    insufficiency of accommodation due to loss of elasticity of the lens capsule
    (age-related).
  • Astigmatism: Unequal
    refractive error in two eyes.
  • Aniseikonia: Unequal
    image shape/size in the visual cortex.
  • Aphakia: Absence of the
    crystalline lens.
    Treatment of choice
    Posterior chamber IOL implantation.
  • The most common eye disorder worldwide is physiological myopia, a refractive error.
  • The most common cause of blindness worldwide: Cataract (more than refractive error and aphakia blindness).
  • The most common cause of irreversible blindness worldwide: Glaucoma.

Differences : Papillitis and Papilledema

Differences Between Papillitis and Papilledema

Table of Contents(toc)
Papillitis Vs Papilledema


Papillitis Vs Papilledema

Here is a detailed table comparing
Papillitis (Optic Neuritis) and
Papilledema:


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Feature Papillitis (Optic Neuritis) Papilledema
Usually Affects Unilateral (U/L) Bilateral (B/L)
Onset Sudden Insidious/Chronic
Loss of Vision Marked, painful Negligible, gradual
Pain with Eye Movement Present Absent
Tenderness Present at the insertion of MR & SR Absent
Other Symptoms Usually not seen Headache, nausea, vomiting (↑ ICP)
Swelling (Edema) of Disc 2-3D swelling >3D swelling, marked blind spot enlargement
Visual Field Defect Centrocecal scotoma Enlarged blind spot
Color Vision Reduced (Dyschromatopsia) Normal
Pupillary Reflex (RAPD) Present (Positive) Absent
Posterior Vitreous Fine opacities present Clear
Cause Optic neuritis, Multiple sclerosis, infections Increased intracranial pressure (tumor, hydrocephalus, meningitis)
Management Steroids (IV Methylprednisolone) Treat underlying cause (reduce ICP)

Papillitis Vs Papilledema


MCQs on Vision and Optic Pathology

  1. What is the most common cause of papilledema?
    a) Optic neuritis
    b) Increased intracranial pressure
    c) Glaucoma
    d) Retinal detachment

  2. Which of the following is NOT a feature of papilledema?
    a) Bilateral involvement
    b) Enlarged blind spot
    c) Sudden painful vision loss
    d) Absence of RAPD

  3. A patient with optic neuritis is likely to have which of the following?
    a) Unilateral sudden vision loss
    b) Marked papilledema
    c) Gradual vision loss
    d) Normal pupillary reflexes

  4. The presence of a relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) suggests:
    a) Glaucoma
    b) Optic neuritis
    c) Retinal detachment
    d) Conjunctivitis

  5. What is the primary treatment for optic neuritis?
    a) Acetazolamide
    b) Intravenous steroids
    c) Antibiotics
    d) Antihypertensives

  6. Which condition is associated with a centrocecal scotoma?
    a) Papilledema
    b) Papillitis
    c) Retinitis pigmentosa
    d) Diabetic retinopathy

  7. Which of the following is NOT a common cause of increased intracranial pressure?
    a) Brain tumor
    b) Hydrocephalus
    c) Optic neuritis
    d) Meningitis

  8. What visual defect is classically seen in papilledema?
    a) Central vision loss
    b) Enlarged blind spot
    c) Peripheral scotoma
    d) Homonymous hemianopia

  9. A 25-year-old female with multiple sclerosis presents with unilateral painful vision loss. What is the most likely diagnosis?
    a) Glaucoma
    b) Papilledema
    c) Papillitis (Optic neuritis)
    d) Retinal detachment

  10. The presence of dyschromatopsia (impaired color vision) is most commonly associated with:
    a) Papillitis
    b) Papilledema
    c) Cataract
    d) Age-related macular degeneration


Answer Key:

  1. b
  2. c
  3. a
  4. b
  5. b
  6. b
  7. c
  8. b
  9. c
  10. a

Trachoma – Key Points

Trachoma – Key Points

Table of Contents(toc)


Introduction

  • Definition: A chronic
    infectious eye disease caused by
    Chlamydia trachomatis.
  • Transmission: Spread
    through direct contact with infected secretions, contaminated objects, and
    flies.
  • Symptoms: Eye redness,
    irritation, discharge, photophobia, and progressive corneal scarring.
  • Complications: Corneal
    opacity, trichiasis (inward-growing eyelashes), and blindness.
  • Epidemiology: Leading cause
    of infectious blindness globally, prevalent in poor hygiene and low-income
    regions.

Stages of Trachoma (WHO Grading System)

  1. TF (Trachomatous Inflammation – Follicular): Presence of five or more follicles (>0.5 mm) in the upper tarsal
    conjunctiva.
  2. TI (Trachomatous Inflammation – Intense): Thickened, inflamed upper tarsal conjunctiva with pronounced redness.
  3. TS (Trachomatous Scarring):
    Visible scarring of the tarsal conjunctiva.
  4. TT (Trachomatous Trichiasis): Inturned eyelashes rubbing against the eyeball.
  5. CO (Corneal Opacity):
    Opacity leading to significant visual impairment or blindness.

SAFE Strategy for Trachoma Control
(WHO)

  1. S – Surgery: For
    trichiasis to prevent corneal damage.
  2. A – Antibiotics: To treat
    active infection and reduce transmission.
  3. F – Facial cleanliness:
    Encouraging hygiene to prevent spread.
  4. E – Environmental improvement: Ensuring clean water supply and sanitation.

Antibiotics for Trachoma

  1. Azithromycin (preferred
    drug)

    • Dose:
      • Adults: 1 g orally, single dose
      • Children: 20 mg/kg (maximum 1 g), single dose
    • Duration: Single-dose treatment, repeated annually in endemic areas.
  2. Tetracycline (1%) ophthalmic ointment

    • Dose: Apply to both eyes twice daily
    • Duration: 6 weeks
  3. Erythromycin
    (alternative to azithromycin)

    • Dose:
      • Adults: 500 mg orally twice daily
      • Children: 12.5 mg/kg orally four times daily
    • Duration: 14 days

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TS (Trachomatous Scarring): Visible scarring of the tarsal conjunctiva.
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Contraindications of Tooth Extraction

Contraindications of Tooth Extraction

Table of Contents(toc)


Introduction

Tooth extraction is a medical procedure that may not be suitable for all patients, especially those with certain health conditions. Below is a categorized list of general, local, absolute, and relative contraindications.

1. General Contraindications

These are conditions where tooth extraction should be avoided due to overall health concerns:

  • Cardiac Diseases:

    • Valvular, Rheumatic, or Ischemic heart disease
    • Congestive heart failure
    • Hypertension
    • Patients on anticoagulation therapy
  • Blood Diseases:

    • Severe anemia
    • Leukemia
    • Hemophilia
    • Agranulocytosis
  • Addison’s Disease

  • Patients on Corticosteroids:

    • Requires dose adjustment
  • Liver Diseases:

    • Jaundice and liver disease
    • Vitamin K deficiency
    • Blood clotting factor deficiencies (Prothrombin, Fibrinogen)
  • Diabetes Mellitus:

    • Poor wound healing due to decayed healing processes
  • Thyrotoxicosis

  • Pregnancy:

    • Especially during the first and third trimesters
    • Risks of abortion, premature delivery
    • Gravid uterus causing discomfort
    • Reduced stamina for opening the mouth
  • Very Old Age:

    • Decreased physiological response
    • Non-healing tissues and increased risk of infection
  • Epileptic Patients

  • Presence of Fever:

    • Infections can complicate healing
  • Debilitating Diseases:

  • Psychosis/Neurosis:

    • Mental health conditions affecting cooperation
  • Allergy to Local Anesthetics (LA)

  • Incorporative Patients:

    • Conditions where patient cooperation is compromised
  • During Menstruation:

    • Hormonal changes may affect healing and tolerance

2. Local Contraindications

These are conditions that affect the immediate area of the tooth that may cause complications:

  • Acute Infections:

    • Presence of infection at the extraction site
  • Malignancy:

    • Growth may spread rapidly after the procedure
  • Irradiated Jaw:

    • Risk of acute osteoradionecrosis due to lack of blood supply (endarteritis obliterans)

3. Absolute Contraindications

Certain conditions make tooth extraction entirely inappropriate:

  • Hemangioma:

    • Increased risk of bleeding
  • Arteriovenous Malformation (AV Malformation):

    • Bleeding that cannot be controlled
  • In the case of such conditions, if extraction is necessary:

    • Place the tooth back in the socket and apply pressure to control bleeding

4. Relative Contraindications

These are conditions where tooth extraction may be performed with caution or special consideration:

  • Diabetes Mellitus:

    • May require special management due to healing concerns
  • Valvular Heart Disease:

    • And other similar conditions where dental management requires careful planning and monitoring

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

 Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) : Note For Doctors

Table of Contents(toc)
 Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)


Definition:

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): The formation of a thrombus (blood clot) within the deep veins, most commonly in the lower extremities. If untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as pulmonary embolism (PE).

Pathophysiology:

  • Virchow’s Triad: Three key factors contributing to thrombogenesis:
    • Stasis of blood flow (e.g., immobility, prolonged sitting, heart failure)
    • Endothelial injury (e.g., trauma, surgery, catheter insertion)
    • Hypercoagulability (e.g., genetic disorders like Factor V Leiden, malignancy, pregnancy)
  • Clot formation begins when platelets adhere to the endothelial surface, followed by fibrin deposition and aggregation of blood cells. The clot can extend, causing venous obstruction.
virchows triad

Etiology and Risk Factors:

  • Primary Risk Factors:
    • Prolonged immobility (post-surgery, prolonged bed rest, long-duration travel)
    • Surgical procedures (especially orthopedic surgeries: hip, knee)
    • Trauma (fractures, surgery, etc.)
    • Malignancy (increased clotting tendency due to tumor-derived procoagulants)
    • Pregnancy and postpartum (due to increased estrogen levels and venous stasis)
    • Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy (estrogen increases clotting risk)
    • Genetic thrombophilia (e.g., Factor V Leiden mutation, Prothrombin gene mutation)
  • Secondary Risk Factors:
    • Age > 60 years
    • Obesity
    • Family history of DVT or PE
    • Smoking
    • Chronic conditions like heart failure, varicose veins, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Clinical Presentation:

  • Common Symptoms:
    • Unilateral leg swelling: Most common clinical feature, often with a sense of heaviness.
    • Pain: Deep, aching pain in the affected leg, aggravated by standing or walking.
    • Erythema: Redness and warmth over the affected area.
    • Palpable cord: The thrombus may feel like a firm, rope-like structure along the affected vein.
  • Classic Signs:
    • Homan’s sign: Pain on dorsiflexion of the foot (not highly sensitive or specific).
    • Positive Homans or Lowenberg test: Pain with calf compression, though less commonly used in modern clinical practice.

Complications:

  • Pulmonary Embolism (PE): The most serious complication. Clots from DVT may dislodge and travel to the pulmonary circulation, causing a blockage.
  • Post-thrombotic Syndrome (PTS): Chronic condition resulting from long-term venous hypertension, causing pain, swelling, and skin changes.
  • Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Due to damage to venous valves, leading to chronic swelling and skin changes.

Diagnosis:

  1. Clinical Assessment:

    • Clinical probability can be assessed using the Wells score (for DVT and PE), which factors in risk factors and clinical presentation.
  2. Ultrasound (Doppler):

    • The gold standard for diagnosing DVT. High-frequency ultrasound assesses for the presence of a thrombus, venous compression, and blood flow.
  3. D-dimer:

    • Elevated D-dimer levels indicate fibrin degradation products, suggesting clot formation. However, it lacks specificity, and can be raised in other conditions (e.g., infection, cancer).
    • Sensitivity >95%, but specificity is low, especially in low-risk patients.
  4. CT Venography/Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV):

    • Used in selected cases when ultrasound is inconclusive or inaccessible.
  5. Contrast Venography:

    • The gold standard historically but is less commonly used today due to its invasiveness and the rise of ultrasound.

Management:

  1. Anticoagulation Therapy:

    • Initial Treatment:
      • Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) (e.g., enoxaparin) or unfractionated heparin (UH) for immediate anticoagulation.
      • Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) (e.g., rivaroxaban, apixaban) as an alternative to LMWH.
    • Long-term Management:
      • Warfarin (Coumadin), INR monitored (goal INR 2.0-3.0), or continued use of DOACs for 3-6 months based on risk factors and the nature of the clot.
  2. Thrombolysis:

    • Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) or urokinase for large, symptomatic clots or in cases with life-threatening PE. Reserved for severe cases.
  3. Thrombectomy or Catheter-directed Thrombolysis:

    • Surgical intervention or catheter-based removal may be considered in patients with massive DVT or failure of anticoagulation therapy.
  4. Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filter:

  • Used in patients with contraindications to anticoagulation (e.g., active bleeding) or recurrent PE despite anticoagulation therapy.
  • Compression Stockings:

    • Used to reduce swelling, prevent post-thrombotic syndrome, and improve venous return in chronic cases.
  • Prevention:

    • Prophylaxis:
      • Early mobilization and exercises for hospitalized patients.
      • Low-dose heparin or LMWH for high-risk surgical patients.
      • Intermittent pneumatic compression devices for critically ill patients.
      • Compression stockings for those at risk, especially post-operatively.

    Follow-up and Monitoring:

    • Regular monitoring of anticoagulation levels, especially for warfarin (INR monitoring), and for signs of bleeding complications.
    • For patients on DOACs, renal function should be monitored periodically.

    Tip of the day

    Casoni’s Test : Notes (Echinococcus)

    Casoni’s Test : Notes for Doctors

    Table of Contents(toc)
    E granulosus lifecycle Souce and Copyright: CDC


    Lets atart with a questin
     Casoni’s test is done to diagnose …
        a. Fascioliasis
        c. Hookworm
        b. Hydatid cyst
        d. Schistoomiasis

    Solution

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    Ans: ‘b’
    Casoni’s test (intradermal skin test) is an immediate hypersensitivity skin
    test used in the diagnosis of hydatid cyst.
    Echinococcus cyst cross section

    Hydatid cyst

    • Pathogenesis infection is acquired by grass/vegetables contaminated with
      dog feces containing larval cyst of E. granulosus.
    • Man is dead end host & accidental host
    • Dog is definitive host
    • Cyst may occur in liver (m/c site in adults); lung (m/c site in
      children)

    USG Finding in Hydatid Cyst

    • USG is diagnostic (multiloculated cyst)

    PAIR procedure for Hydatid cyst: 

    Percutaneous puncture (P) of cyst under USG guidance, aspiration (A) of its
    content, injection (I) of scolicidal agent & reaspiration (R). (for
    small size < 5-6 cm).

    Scolicidal agents for Hydatid Cyst

    hypertonic 2% saline, sodium hypochloride, cetrimide, chlorhexidine

    Common postoperative complications

    Common postoperative complications

    Table of Contents(toc)


    Lets start with a MCQ

    Question

    All of the following are immediate post operative complications except
    a. Aspiration
    b. Myocardial infarction
    c. Deep vein thrombosis
    d. Neurogenic shock
    Ans: ‘c’ deep vein thrombosis

    Explanation and comments

    General postoperative complications

    Immediate:

    • Primary haemorrhage
    • Basal atelectasis
    • Shock: blood loss, acute MI
    • Low urine output: inadequate fluid replacement
    • Neurogenic shock
    • Aspiration

     Early 

    • Pain
    • Acute confusion
    • Nausea & vomiting: analgesia or related, paralytic
    • ileus
    • Fever
    • Secondary haemorrhage (d/t infection)
    • DVT Pneumonia
    • Acute urinary retention
    • UTI
    • Paralytic ileus
    •  Pressure sore

    Late

    • Bowel obstruction d/t fibrous adhesions
    • Incisional hernia
    • Persistent sinus
    • Recurrence of reason for surgery eg – malignancy
    • Keloid formation
    • Cosmetic appearance
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