Expanded Median Forehead Flap and Abbé Flap for Nasal and Upper Lip Reconstruction After Complications of Polymethylmethacrylate

Despite the benefits from the minimally invasive technique, complications may occur, raising doubts about the safety of polymethylmethacrylate as an injectable filler material. The authors report their treatment of a patient from another institution with necrosis involving full-thickness nasal skin and upper lip after injection of polymethylmethacrylate in the nasolabial folds and nose for augmentation. An expanded median forehead flap was used to reconstruct the nose, and an Abbé flap was used for the upper lip. The flaps and the skin expander allowed reconstruction with correct texture, color, and dimensions, producing a good aesthetic and functional outcome.     

Omental Free-tissue Transfer for Coverage of Complex Upper Extremity and Hand Defects—The Forgotten Flap

Free omental tissue transfer is a versatile reconstructive option for trunk, head and neck, and extremity reconstruction. Its utility is due to the length and caliber of the vascular pedicle and the malleability and surface area of the flap. We report our experience with omental free flap coverage of complex upper-extremity defects. A retrospective analysis of eight omental free-tissue transfers in seven patients with complex upper-extremity defects between 1999 and 2008 was performed. Indications, operative technique, and outcome were evaluated. Patient age ranged from 12 to 59 years with five male and two female patients. Indications included tissue defects due to crush-degloving injuries, pitbull mauling, or necrotizing soft tissue infection. All patients had prior operations including: revascularization, debridement, tendon repair, skin grafts, and/or fixation of associated fractures. One patient sustained severe bilateral crush-degloving injuries requiring free omental hemiflap coverage of both hands. The mean defect size was 291 cm² with all patients achieving complete wound coverage. No flap loss or major complications were noted. Laparoscopic-assisted omental free flap harvest was performed in conjunction with the general surgery team in three cases. Mean follow-up was 2 years. The omental free flap is a valuable, often overlooked reconstructive option. The long vascular pedicle and large amount of pliable, well-vascularized tissue allow the flap to be aggressively contoured to meet the needs of complex three-dimensional defects. In addition, laparoscopic-assisted harvest may aid with flap dissection and may result in reduced donor-site morbidity.     

One-Stage Reconstruction of an Alar Defect Using a Bilobed Nasolabial–Nasal Tip Flap Based on the Aesthetic Subunits in Orientals: Case Report

The ala of the nose is difficult to repair for a variety of reasons, including the special texture of the skin, its shape, and the free margin. A method is reported for the one-stage reconstruction of a lateral nasal defect, including a full-thickness defect of the ala, using a bilobed flap composed of nasolabial and nasal tip skin. The flap was designed according to the aesthetic subunits principle, as modified for Orientals by Yotsuyanagi and colleagues in 2000. Satisfactory alar reconstruction was achieved, and good aesthetic and functional results were obtained. This flap is useful for restoring an alar defect.     

Algorithm for an Aesthetically Pleasing Nipple–Areola Complex with the Use of the C-V Flap in Cases of Skin-Sparing Mastectomy and Immediate Reconstruction

Background  This article provides an algorithm for achieving an aesthetically pleasing nipple–areola complex in cases of skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction Methods  If the contralateral nipple was big enough and the nipple-sharing technique could be used in the future for reconstruction, we left a round skin paddle at the time of the skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate flap reconstruction. The diameter of the round skin paddle was approximately the same as the contralateral areola. For nipple reconstruction we placed the graft from the contralateral nipple in the middle of the aforementioned skin paddle. If the contralateral nipple was not sufficiently large for use as a donor, then the C-V flap was used for nipple reconstruction. In these cases we deliberately left an oval skin paddle when the skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate flap reconstruction were performed. The short diameter of the oval skin paddle was approximately the same as the diameter of the contralateral areola. The position and the height of the C-V flap were marked in order to transform the oval skin paddle to a round one when the donor site of the C-V flap was closed. Results  Following this algorithm an optical illusion of a nipple–areola complex that is similar to the contralateral normal one is created. Conclusion  From our experience this algorithm can help create an aesthetically pleasing nipple–areola complex and also provides a ready pattern to our tattoing experts for the dermatography of the nipple–areola complex.     

Lower Urinary Tract Reconstruction for Ectopic Ureterocele: What Happens in the Long-term Follow-up?

BackgroundWe aimed to analyze the long-term clinical and lower urinary tract function outcomes in children with duplex system ectopic ureterocele who underwent ureteroneocystostomy and ureterocelectomy.MethodsFifty-one patients (28 females, 23 males) who underwent a series of surgical interventions including lower urinary tract reconstruction in childhood for duplex system ectopic ureterocele in our center between 1998 and 2019, were retrospectively reviewed. The demographic and clinical data, surgical history, and the indication for ureterocelectomy were noted. Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) status was assessed through dysfunctional voiding symptom scores (DVSS) and uroflowmetry in all patients at the last follow-up. The clinical outcomes, and LUTD were evaluated.ResultsAt the last visit at a mean follow-up of 117.18 ± 57.87 months after ureterocelectomy, ipsilateral persistent lower pole VUR was detected in 5.6% (3/54 renal units, 2 females and 1 male) of the cases, who were treated using the subureteric injection. Abnormal DVSS (median 11, range 9–15) was detected in 27.4% (14/51 pts) of the patients. Out of these, 57.1% (8/14 pts) had storage symptoms, 35.7% (5/14 pts) had voiding symptoms, and 7.1% (1/14 pts) had both storage and voiding symptoms while 71.4%(10/14 pts) had abnormal uroflowmetry findings (plateau shaped flow curve in 2, staccato shaped curve with sustained EMG activity in 3, tower shaped curve in 2, interrupted shaped curve in 3 patients). Five patients had elevated residual volume. Anticholinergics were administered to six patients who had overactive bladder symptoms. In addition, two girls required open bladder neck reconstruction due to stress incontinence caused by bladder neck insufficiency.ConclusionsOur findings showed that clinical success was achieved using the lower urinary tract reconstruction with no need for re-operation in 90.2% of patients with duplex system ectopic ureterocele. However, LUTD was present in 27.4% of our patients in the long-term follow-up. Therefore, LUTD should be carefully assessed in the long-term follow-up of these patients.     

RETRACTED ARTICLE:Correlation of hydromyelia with subarachnoid hemorrhage–related hydrocephalus: an experimental study

Neurosurgical Review - Although the central canal is an integral component of the cerebral ventricular system, central canal dilation has not been examined adequately during the progression of...     

Fascio-Adipo-Cutaneous Lateral Advancement Flap for Treatment of Pilonidal Sinus: A Modification of the Karydakis Operation—Cohort Study

Background

Pilonidal sinus is a common chronic disease affecting young adults. Many surgical procedures have been developed for its treatment, but an optimal one has still not been achieved. This study presents a modification to the Karydakis operation.

Methods

A total of 265 patients with chronic pilonidal sinus between May 2008 and May 2015 were included in this study and submitted to fascio-adipo-cutaneous lateral advancement flap as 1-day case surgery. Any Septic complication was treated firstly. Follow-up examinations were conducted during the first three postoperative months at the outpatient clinic at regular intervals and thereafter by phone calls or direct examination to check for recurrences.

Results

Males constituted 93.6% with a mean age of 21.6 ± 7.7 year. The median disease duration was 15 months. Twenty-eight patients had recurrent disease. The mean operative time was 41.4 ± 12.7 min. The mean time out of work was 11.6 ± 4.6 days. Complications occurred in 19 patients (7.1%) in the form of seroma in six patients (2.2%), superficial wound infection occurred in nine patients (3.3%), cuticular wound disruption occurred in four patients (1.5%). All patients completed 3-months follow-up, but 48 patients were lost at variable intervals with the remaining 217 patients completed follow-up throughout the period of the study with a median follow-up of 43 months. No reported recurrence and 96.7% of the patients were satisfied about their wound.

Conclusion

This modification is simple with low complication rate, no recurrence, and excellent patient satisfaction.

     

Lateral Ligament Reconstruction for Ball-and-Socket Ankle Accompanying Lateral Ankle Instability: A Case Report and Literature Review

The ball-and-socket ankle joint is a rare deformity characterized by the loss of concavity in the trochlear surface of the talus with rounding of the articular surfaces of the distal fibula and tibia. Frequently, tarsal coalitions, fibular hypoplasia, and shortening of the limb accompany this deformity. To date, no data have been reported on surgical treatment of lateral ankle joint instability and peroneal tendon dislocation concomitant with a ball-and-socket ankle joint. In the present study, we report the case of a 43-year-old male patient with right lateral ankle joint instability and peroneal tendon dislocation in a ball-and-socket ankle joint, with accompanying tarsal coalition. This was surgically treated by lateral ankle joint ligament reconstruction and tenodesis.     

Case Report: Late Reconstruction of the Land Mine–Injured Heel With an Osteomyocutaneous Composite Fibular Flap

The heel comprises the epidermis, minimal subcutaneous tissue, a dense septum, and the calcaneus. Injury to any of these structures can impair the ability to walk. The soft tissue or calcaneal bone can be injured by trauma. Injuries incurred in war are usually high-energy traumas caused by weapons such as rifles, rockets, and land mines. Such injuries can be life threatening and involve the loss of tissue, including skin, soft tissue, bone, and neurovascular tissue. Two main treatment protocols are used for such injuries with large tissue defects: amputation and reconstruction. We describe a reconstruction with an osteomyocutaneous fibular flap for a heel injury. At the 2-year follow-up point, the patient had 30% loss of ankle range of motion. The visual analog scale score had dramatically decreased from 8 to 1, and the patient was satisfied with the result. In conclusion, patients with significant problems such as infection, pain, and anatomic deterioration of the calcaneus can be successfully treated using an osteomyocutaneous fibular flap in a single surgery.     

Application of Split Gluteus Maximus Muscle–Adipofascial Turnover Flap and Subcutaneous Tension-Reducing Suture Technique in Repair of Decubitus Ulcers

The purpose of this study was to study the clinical effect of split gluteus maximus muscle–adipofascial turnover flap and tension-reducing suture in the treatment of decubitus ulcers. Thirty-one cases of sacrococcygeal decubitus ulcers were repaired by split gluteus maximus muscle–adipofascial turnover flap. The surface of flaps ranged from 5 × 6 cm to 7 × 8 cm. The skin was then closed, primarily using subcutaneous tension-reducing suture. Eighty-eight percent of the flaps (27 of 31) healed primarily. The split gluteus maximus muscle–adipofascial turnover flap and tension-reducing suture technique was found to be a highly efficient method of repairing decubitus ulcers with a relatively low ratio of recurrence.Key words: Split gluteus maximus muscle–adipofascial turnover flap, Subcutaneous tension-reducing suture, Decubitus ulcersDespite a wide variety of flap reconstruction options described, the ischium remains the most difficult pressure-sore site to treat because of large defect. Dead space after resection of decubitus ulcer easily causes serious postoperative complications such as infection, fistula formation, and bowel obstruction.^1–3 Coincidentally, patients with decubitus ulcers are usually more likely to suffer from poor health. A simple and reliable reconstructive technique to fill the defect is therefore preferable. In this article, we present the split gluteus maximus–adipofascial turnover flap and subcutaneous tension-reducing sutures as a method for immediate reconstruction of decubitus ulcers with dead space.     

Keystone flaps in coloured skin: Flap technology for the masses?

Introduction:

Viscoelastic properties of skin in coloured ethnic groups are less favourable compared to Caucasians for executing Keystone flaps. Keystone flaps have so far been evaluated and reported only in Caucasians. The potential of Keystone flaps in a coloured ethnic group is yet unknown.

Aim:

This article reviews the experience to reconstruct skin defects presenting in a coloured ethnic group, by using Keystone flaps, with a review of existing literature.

Design:

Uncontrolled case series.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective review involves 55 consecutive Keystone flaps used from 2009 to 2012, for skin defects in various locations. Patient demographic data, medical history, co-morbidity, surgical indication, defect features, complications, and clinical outcomes are evaluated and presented.

Results:

In this population group with Fitzpatrick type 4 and 5 skin, the average patient age was 35.73. Though 60% of flaps (33/55) in the series involved specific risk factors, only two flaps failed. Though seven flaps had complications, sound healing was achieved by suitable intervention giving a success rate of 96.36%. Skin grafts were needed in only four cases.

Conclusions:

Keystone flaps achieve primary wound healing for a wide spectrum of defects with an acceptable success rate in a coloured skin population with unfavorable biophysical properties. By avoiding conventional local flaps and at times even microsurgical flaps, good aesthetic outcome is achieved without additional skin grafts or extensive operative time. All advantages seen in previous studies were verified. These benefits can be most appreciated in coloured populations, with limited resources and higher proportion of younger patients and unfavorable defects.KEY WORDS: Skin ethnic variations, flap success rate, flap learning curve, flap resources, Keystone flap, skin extensibility