Faculty of Medicine

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://repository.ukim.mk/handle/20.500.12188/14

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 10
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Methods for tissue perfusion assessment after Dellon decompression of tarsal tunnels in diabetic neuropathy: key to effective management—a narrative review
    (Wolters Kluwer Health, 2025-01-02)
    ;
    ;
    Tusheva, Sofija
    ;
    ;
    Background and Objective Diabetic neuropathy significantly elevates the risk of foot ulceration and lower-limb amputation, underscoring the need for precise assessment of tissue perfusion to optimize management. This narrative review explores the intricate relationship between sympathetic nerves and tissue perfusion in diabetic neuropathy, highlighting the important role of autonomic neuropathy in blood flow dynamics and subsequent compromises in tissue perfusion. The consequences extend to the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and related foot complications. By analyzing both non-invasive diagnostic methods and surgical interventions, such as tarsal tunnel decompression, the paper seeks to highlight their effectiveness in improving tissue perfusion, preventing ulcers, and reducing the risk of amputations in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Methods We reviewed current literature on both non-invasive diagnostic tools and surgical techniques for assessing and improving tissue perfusion in diabetic neuropathy. Methods discussed include transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2), Doppler ultrasound, Tissue-Muscle Perfusion Scintigraphy with 99mTc-MIBI, and the SPY Laser Angiographic System. Key Content and Findings Emphasizing the critical importance of surgical interventions, such as tarsal tunnel decompression and neurolysis of the posterior tibial nerve, the article underscores their efficacy in enhancing tissue perfusion and preventing ulcers and amputations. Additionally, it addresses the significance of precise blood flow measurement and timely intervention in the management of diabetic neuropathy and foot ulcers. The non-invasive techniques for assessing tissue perfusion and blood flow in diabetic neuropathy such as TcPO2, Doppler ultrasound and Tissue-Muscle Perfusion Scintigraphy with 99mTc-MIBI are explained. Also, this review introduces the SPY Laser Angiographic System, which employs near-infrared fluorescence imaging to assess blood flow and perfusion in tissues. This advanced tool generates real-time microvascular blood flow images and proves instrumental in diagnosing and monitoring diabetic foot ulcers. Conclusions In conclusion, surgical interventions, both vascular and peripheral nerve are pivotal for optimizing patient care. Early identification of foot ulcers and peripheral arterial disease is imperative, and an understanding of blood flow dynamics, combined with effective surgical techniques, constitutes key elements in managing diabetic neuropathy, healing and preventing ulcers, and limb salvage.
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Dellon Decompression Using WALANT: A Safe and Effective Approach for Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease
    (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (Switzerland), 2025-02-12)
    Tusheva, Sofija
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    Jovanovska, Katerina
    Background: Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) is revolutionizing surgery by providing a bloodless field without tourniquet use, reducing risks, costs, and enhancing patient comfort. While extensively used in hand surgery, its application in foot and ankle procedures, particularly for high-risk patients with diabetic neuropathy and peripheral artery disease (PAD), remains underexplored. This study evaluates the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of WALANT for tarsal tunnel decompression in such patients. Methods: Between March 2022 and April 2024, 32 patients with diabetic neuropathy and PAD underwent Dellon decompression of the tarsal tunnel. Five received spinal anesthesia with a tourniquet, while 27 underwent WALANT. Outcomes assessed included operative time, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores, posterior tibial artery blood flow (via Doppler ultrasonography), and complications. Data were collected preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at six and nine months. Results: WALANT reduced operative time (40 ± 8 min vs. 65 ± 10 min) and required fewer personnel (four vs. six). VAS scores improved significantly in the WALANT group (from 8.65 ± 0.84 preoperatively to 1.21 ± 0.24 at nine months). Posterior tibial artery blood flow also showed superior improvements with WALANT (5.30 ± 0.65 cm3/s vs. 2.50 ± 0.45 cm3/s). Minor wound healing delays were noted in two WALANT cases; no major complications occurred. Conclusion: WALANT offers a safe, efficient alternative to spinal anesthesia for tarsal tunnel decompression in high-risk patients, minimizing ischemic risks, enhancing vascular outcomes, and reducing postoperative pain.
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Platelet-rich plasma as a promising bioscaffold for enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration: An experimental study in a rat sciatic nerve model
    (Journal of Biological Methods, 2025)
    ;
    ;
    ;
    Aleksovski, Boris
    ;
    Tusheva, Sofija
    Despite advancements in surgical treatments, impairments persist after peripheral nerve injuries, prompting a shift in research toward the microenvironment of injured axons. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), rich in growth factors and derived from autologous blood, emerges as a potential candidate to accelerate nerve healing.
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Clinical Applications of Keystone Design Perforator Island Flap: A Single-Center Experience
    (SciTeMed Publishing Group, 2023)
    ;
    Tusheva, Sofija
    ;
    ;
    ;
    Objective: The field of microsurgery is constantly striving for innovative reconstructive techniques that offer optimal outcomes. Among these techniques, the keystone design perforator island flap (KDPIF) has emerged as a prominent solution, garnering substantial attention from surgeons worldwide. Its versatility and simplicity make it a preferred choice for soft tissue reconstruction, regardless of the underlying etiology. In this study, we aimed to share our clinical experience and report on the outcomes of the KDPIF reconstruction process, thereby contributing valuable insights to the existing knowledge base. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 115 adult patients who underwent KDPIF reconstruction at our clinic over a 40-month period. Patients included elective cases of soft tissue malignancies and chronic wounds, as well as emergency cases due to trauma-inflicted wounds. The surgical technique involved meticulous flap planning based on the defect's orientation, adhering to relaxed skin tension lines. Outcome measures included flap survival rate, postoperative complications, donor site morbidity, and scar assessment using the Manchester scar scale. By evaluating these parameters, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety profile of the KDPIF technique, providing valuable insights into its clinical utility and outcomes. Results: In our study cohort of 115 patients, male individuals constituted 73% of the participants, with an average age of 55.7 years. Notably, our findings unveiled skin malignancies as the prevailing etiology for soft tissue defects. Localization analysis revealed that most defects were situated on the trunk (49.6%), followed by the lower extremity (23.5%). Among the various reconstructive options available, Type II KDPIF emerged as the predominant choice, employed in most cases (n=85), while type IV reconstruction was only required by two patients. Medium-sized defects, ranging from 16 to 50 cm², represented a significant proportion, accounting for 47.8% of cases. Operative procedures exhibited an average duration of 56 minutes, with no significant increase observed for larger defects. Postoperative complications occurred in 13.04% of patients, primarily manifesting as infections and partial flap necrosis, which were predominantly managed conservatively. The average hospital stay was 4.7 days, and at the 6-month follow-up, patients reported no incidences of flap sensitivity issues. Additionally, a mean Manchester scar scale score of 7.8 signified favorable results for the patient cohort. Conclusion: The KDPIF stands out as an efficient reconstructive technique, capable of addressing soft tissue defects in a single surgical procedure. Notably, its simplicity and expediency contribute to its widespread adoption. Our study reinforces the expanding indications for the use of the KDPIF, further emphasizing its clinical significance. The insights garnered from our clinical experience underscore the favorable outcomes associated with this versatile flap, establishing it as a reliable tool in the armamentarium of soft tissue reconstruction. Future research endeavors are warranted to explore and refine the application of the KDPIF in diverse clinical scenarios.
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    IMPACT OF AWARENESS-RAISING CAMPAIGN ON PREVENTION OF PYROTECHNIC-RELATED HAND INJURIES IN NORTH MACEDONIA DURING CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
    (Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 2023-04)
    ;
    Kochoska, Renata
    ;
    ;
    Aleksovski, Darko
    ;
    Hadzitrifon, Sara
    Firecrackers and other pyrotechnic materials are used worldwide to celebrate national, religious, cultural festivals and holidays. In our country the use of firecrackers is usually during the holiday season, particularly during New Year's and Christmas days. The majority of users of firecrackers are adolescents who want to make the celebration more exciting, not being aware of the harmful effects and severe injures they can get by using pyrotechnics. The injuries caused by using pyrotechnics can vary from moderate such as first or second-degree burns to severe injuries like traumatic amputation of the fingers and hand, resulting in life-long mutilation. These injuries are expected to have long-term functional and psychological sequalae. Precisely because of that, our clinic started an awareness-raising campaign on prevention of pyrotechnic-hand injuries (PPH campaign) named "Don't let the firecrackers ruin your holidays”. The aim of this article is to present the impact of our PPH campaign in awareness raising against the use of pyrotechnic explosives and prevention of severe hand injuries by educating 15-16-year-old students about the dangers of using pyrotechnics and emphasizing the complexity of the hand and its importance in everyday life. In our study we used an anonymous questionnaire in order to see what was the impact of our presentation and discussions on students during the PPH campaign. From our 5-year experience with this type of campaign, we can see that awareness campaigns gave excellent results in decreasing the number of hand injuries. Therefore, our goal is this PPH awareness–raising campaign to be organized every year for generations to come.
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    SAVING A HAND WHILE FIGHTING THE TICKING CLOCK – A REPLANTATION STORY
    (2023-11)
    Aleksovski, Darko
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    Jovanovska, K.
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Paget Schroetter syndrome
    (2023)
    Aleksovski, Darko
    ;
    ;
    Hadjitrifon, Sara
    ;
    Tusheva, Sofija
    ;
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    WALANT as an Optimal Approach in Hand Surgery during Pandemics
    (Charles University in Prague, Karolinum Press, 2022-01)
    Georgieva, Gordana
    ;
    Srbov, Blagoja
    ;
    ;
    Tusheva, Sofija
    ;
    Jovanovska, Katerina
    The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic imposed fundamental changes in the field of surgery. Reorganization was made in order to adequately treat the patients during the pandemic. WALANT (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet) approach was found to be a very convenient method in facilitating continuity in hand surgery with limited staff. A retrospective comparative study was performed between period of April 2020 till September 2021 at our clinic to evaluate advantages of WALANT approach. This study included 136 patients, from which 72 (53%) were operated with WALANT, compared to the control group of 64 (47%) patients without WALANT. Average hospital stay for the WALANT group was 2.2 days vs. 4.7 days for the control group. Average operating room personnel were 3.8 for WALANT and 6.2 for the control non-WALANT group. Intraoperative and postoperative VAS (visual analogue scale) score was evaluated. Due to its diversity, low cost and low complication rate, we recommend WALANT approach in acute and elective hand surgery.
  • Some of the metrics are blocked by your 
    Item type:Publication,
    Prophylactic Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interfaces in Elective Lower Limb Amputations
    (Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts / Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2022-04-22)
    ;
    ;
    Srbov, Blagoja
    ;
    Tusheva, Sofija
    ;
    Jovanoski, Tomislav
    Regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) is a relatively new surgical technique to manage neuromas and phantom pain after limb amputation. This study evaluates prophylactic RPNI efficacy in managing post-amputation pain and neuroma formation in amputees compared with patients in which lower limb amputation was performed without this procedure. We included 28 patients who underwent above the knee amputation (AKA) or below the knee amputation (BKA) for severe soft tissue infection from July 2019 till December 2020. All patients had insulin-dependent diabetes. The patients were divided into two groups, 14 patients with primary RPNI and 14 patients without. We analyzed the demographic data, level of amputation, number of RPNIs, operative time, postoperative complications and functional outcome on the defined follow up period. The mean patient age was 68.6 years (range 49-85), 19 (67.9 %) male and 9 (32.1 %) female patients. In this study 11 (39.3 %) AKA and 17 (60.7 %) BKA were performed. Overall, 37 RPNIs were made. The mean follow-up period was 49 weeks. PROMIS T-score decreased by 15.9 points in favor for the patients with RPNI. The VAS score showed that, in the RPNI group, all 14 patients were without pain compared to the group of patients without RPNI, where the 11 (78.6 %) patients described their pain as severe. Patients with RPNI used prosthesis significantly more (p < 0.005). Data showed significant reduction in pain and high patient satisfaction after amputation with RPNIs. This technique is oriented as to prevent neuroma formation with RPNI surgery, performed at the time of amputation. RPNI surgery did not provoke complications or significant lengthening of operative time and it should be furthermore exploited as a surgical technique.