Objective To investigate effects of pedicle processing methods on the survival and appearance of the pedicle flaps. Methods The study involved 17 patients with soft tissue defects of extremities treated with the “exclamation mark” shaped pedicle flaps from October 2009 to January 2011.The traditional pedicled rotation flaps was designed to be a tennis racket-like shape,then the rotational pedicle was designed to small round tension reduction flap and pedicled rotation flaps,which contributed to formation of the “exclamation mark” shaped pedicle flaps.The soft tissue defects was located at the upper extremity in three patients and at lower extremity in 14,with defect areas of 4.0 cm× 7.2 cm-5.8 cm × 14.0 cm.There used two superficial radial nerve vasotrophic flaps,one ulnar artery supra-carpal cutaneous flap,eight sural neurocutaneous vasotrophic flaps and six saphenous nerve vasotrophic flaps.Results All flaps survived at Ⅰ stage except that one flap had partial distal necrosis postoperatively,which was cured after dress change.The follow-up ranged from six months to one year,which showed unobvious swelling of the survived flaps and good appearance of the rotation point of the pedicle. Conclusion The “ex(c)lamation mark” shaped pedicle flaps can reduce entrapment of the distal pedicle,promote venous drainage,improve survival and modify the appearance of the flaps.

Objective To understand the current situation of patients with advanced schistosomiasis in Suzhou, and to provide a basis for scientific management, medical assistance, and improvement of patients' quality of life. Methods Questionnaire survey, physical examination and B-ultrasound examination were performed on the registered patients with advanced schistosomiasis. The diagnosis and classification were carried out according to the “Schistosomiasis Control Manual”. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics, disease classification, and medical and financial assistance of all existing patients were analyzed. Results There were 2 420 cases of advanced schistosomiasis in Suzhou. Their distribution was highly correlated with the cumulative area of oncomelania snails and the cumulative number of schistosomiasis patients in each district (county) (r=0.949, P<0.01; r=0.946, P<0.01). There were 845 males and 1 575 females. The highest proportion of male patients was found in Suzhou Industrial Park and the lowest in Kunshan (χ²=26.591, P<0.001). The average age of patients was (76.80±7.55) years old, and the age of female patients were higher that of male patients (F=72.01, P<0.001). The splenomegaly type was the most common (2 165), ascites type was the second (198), colonic proliferative type was the third (55), and pygmy type was the least (2). A total of 895 patients were cured and 1 337 patients were improved, while 188 patients were not cured. The condition of advanced schistosomiasis patients with different clinical types was different (χ² =226.034, P<0.001), and the condition of patients with ascites was the worst. 1 438 patients' labor level was reduced, and 540 patients lost their labor ability, while only 442 patients were normal. Age increase (β=0.012，P<0.001), clinical classification being ascites type (β=0.346，P<0.001) and need for treatment (β=0.298，P<0.001) were risk factors for the loss of labor ability in patients with late schistosomiasis. The stable condition of the disease (β= -0.089，P=0.001) was a protective factor. Conclusion There are a large number of advanced schistosomiasis cases in Suzhou, and the epidemiological characteristics of advanced schistosomiasis patients in different districts (cities) are different. The relief work of advanced schistosomiasis in Suzhou should focus on the historical heavy epidemic areas, strengthen the nursing care of the elderly patients, and pay attention to the quality of life of patients with ascites. It is also important to strengthen the follow-up nursing of patients with splenomegaly to avoid turning into ascites. All districts and counties should be guided by the characteristics of local patients and formulate targeted scientific management methods and rescue policies to improve the quality of life of patients.