Flap techniques as an adjunct in vaginal fistulectomy

This paper reviews the method of vaginal fistulectomy as currently practiced worldwide. In addition, the tissue flap techniques available for repair of extensive injuries not amenable to primary multilayer closure are presented. Specific optional flap procedures proposed in fistula closure include: random tissue flaps, the labial fat pad (Martius graft), the bulbocavernosus muscle flap and the gracilis or rectus abdominis myocutaneous tissue flaps. The uses and advantages of each procedure and a comparison with split-thickness skin grafts are discussed.The opinions and assertions contained herein are those of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as representing the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.     

Disruptive visions: a robot is not a machine... systems integration for surgeons

The discipline of surgery has become even more complex with the rapid introduction of revolutionary technologies. Laparoscopic surgery is just the simplest and first of these new directions. Robotic surgery and image-guided therapy are the next generation. As biosurgery and other modalities are introduced, the complexity will increase exponentially. In order to understand and utilize the new technologies, surgeons need to be grounded in the science of systems integration. The pervasive influence of this new requirement, as well as the skills, education, training, and assessment needs, are defined. The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official, or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), or the Department of Defense.     

Repair of a wide lower extremity defect with cross-leg free transfer of latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior combined flap: a case report

Composite tissue loss in extremities involving neurovascular structures has been a major challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Reconstruction of large defects can only be achieved with microsurgical procedures. The success of free flap operations depends on the presence of healthy recipient vessels. In cases with no suitable donor artery and vein or in which even the use of vein grafts would not be feasible, the lower limb can be salvaged with a cross-leg free flap procedure. We present a case with a large composite tissue loss that was reconstructed with cross-leg free transfer of a combined latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior muscle flap. This case indicates that this large muscle flap can survive with the cross-leg free flap method and this technique may be a viable alternative for large lower extremity defects that have no reliable recipient artery.     

The two-handed template for planning fibular free flap reconstruction of the head and neck

Fibular free flap reconstruction of head and neck defects is complex, and the anatomic relationships among components of the fibular flap pose challenges to reconstructive surgeons. Various techniques have been employed in planning for fibular free flap procedures, but these are often cumbersome and difficult to implement in clinically. We devised a simplistic tool for pre-operative leg selection, wherein the surgeon uses two hands to represent the various components of the fibular flap. The senior author has used this method to aid in leg selection for fibular free flaps. In all cases, utilization of this technique allowed for appropriate leg selection relative to the location of the vascular pedicle and posterior crural septum. The two-handed template for fibular free flap reconstruction is a simple, reproducible, and affordable tool that can aid reconstructive surgeons when they are planning to use a fibular flap.     

Accuracy of Posterior Subtalar Joint Injection Without Fluoroscopy

Injection into the posterior subtalar joint has not been validated for accuracy using radiographic end points. We asked whether needle placement into a normal posterior subtalar joint could be performed accurately and selectively by experienced surgeons without fluoroscopic guidance. Three fellowship-trained orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons each injected the posterior subtalar joint of 20 cadaveric specimens using an anterolateral approach. Fluoroscopic images were obtained by an independent investigator and blinded. A separate fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon interpreted the images. Of 60 injections, 58 were accurate and two were extraarticular based on interpretation by an independent foot and ankle surgeon. Extravasation into the ankle occurred in 14 samples and into the peroneal sheath in two samples. Experienced surgeons can place intraarticular injections into a radiographically normal posterior subtalar joint without fluoroscopy with a high degree of accuracy. However, extravasation into the ankle or peroneal tendon sheath occurred in an unpredictable fashion, suggesting selectivity of injection placement is relatively limited without the use of fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy may not be necessary for injections used solely for therapeutic purposes. However, if the injection is intended for diagnostic purposes or to assist in surgical decision-making or if the joint is abnormal, we recommend fluoroscopy to ensure the subtalar joint is the only anatomic structure impacted by the injection. One or more of the authors (K.K., J.C., G.G., and L.S.) have received funding from a nondirected Zimmer research grant. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.     

Reconstruction Using Locoregional Flaps for Large Skull Base Defects

We present a modified locoregional flap for the reconstruction of large anterior skull base defects that should be reconstructed with a free flap according to Yano''s algorithm. No classification of skull base defects had been proposed for a long time. Yano et al suggested a new classification in 2012. The lb defect of Yano''s classification extends horizontally from the cribriform plate to the orbital roof. According to Yano''s algorithm for subsequent skull base reconstructive procedures, a lb defect should be reconstructed with a free flap such as an anterolateral thigh free flap or rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flap. However, our modified locoregional flap has also enabled reconstruction of lb defects. In this case series, we used a locoregional flap for lb defects. No major postoperative complications occurred. We present our modified locoregional flap that enables reconstruction of lb defects.     

Aesthetic units in skin grafting of the face

In patients with difficult facial reconstructions, one of the most important requirements is to plan well, before beginning treatment. It is known that it is important to consider the aesthetic unit of the face. Each cutaneous area is to be reconstructed by a single, separate graft or flap. We present 4 patients illustrating difficult situations. Special attention has been drawn to the choices for each separate graft or flap. This study was made possible with the aid of a medical illustrator who prepared a real dissection of our final reconstruction. In fact, after these difficult operations, we often forget exactly what was previously done and we believe that a good catamnesis of our surgical adventure can be useful to share with other surgeons who deal with the same difficult procedures.     

Visual subunits of the hand: proposed guidelines for revision surgery after flap reconstruction of the traumatized hand

The posttraumatic hand deformity remains a difficult challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Much has been written about the relative benefits of fasciocutaneous, fascial, and muscle flap reconstruction; however, the literature is devoid of guidelines for secondary surgery after flap reconstruction to improve the appearance of the hand. We introduce the concept of visual subunits of the hand in an effort to better guide restoration of natural hand form; thenar, hypothenar, midpalm, distal palm, dorsal hand, volar forearm, and dorsal forearm subunits are proposed. The visual subunit principle has been implemented in reconstruction of posttraumatic hand deformities. Management initially focused on reestablishment of hand function and provision of soft tissue coverage via local and free tissue transfer. Secondary procedures involved partial flap elevation, targeted debulking, and redefining topographic regions where possible. By designing asymmetric skin excision patterns, the resultant length and width discrepancies can be used to purposefully enhance topographic features while re-creating the appearance of natural crease lines bordering adjacent subterritories. No complications related to partial or complete flap loss were encountered.     

Vacuum-assisted closure for the treatment of complex breast wounds

Complex breast wounds are a constant problem for surgeons. Wound vacuum-assisted closure therapy (VAC) has been shown to be effective for a variety of complex wounds. Our goal was to evaluate our experience with the (VAC) device in the treatment of open breast wounds. We retrospectively identified 18 patients with complex breast wounds treated with the VAC. We analyzed the data regarding the nature and management of these wounds using the VAC device. Fifteen of 18 patients were treated effectively using the VAC. Two patients required muscle flap coverage. One patient had the VAC dressing discontinued secondary to a denial by an insurance company for VAC in the home setting. VAC therapy is an effective treatment for complex wounds. Specifically, our experience shows it to be effective in the treatment of complex breast wounds. Utilization of VAC therapy should be considered for the management of these challenging wounds.     

The Cook-Swartz venous Doppler probe for the post-operative monitoring of free tissue transfers in the United Kingdom: a preliminary report.

Accurate assessment of the perfusion of free tissue transfers has always been a challenge for surgeons undertaking microvascular reconstructive procedures. The complexities of flap microcirculation are often difficult to assess despite all the subjective and objective examination techniques available today, particularly when the free tissue transfer is buried, and not visible for monitoring. The Cook-Swartz venous Doppler system is a technique for monitoring venous flow in free tissue transfer consisting of an implantable, removable, 20 MHz ultrasonic probe around the venous pedicle and a battery operated portable monitor. We perceive it as a quick and easy to use system, which in our study was well received by both medical and nursing staff. It can be used in conjunction with other monitoring techniques and we found it of value following revascularisation, during inset and in post-operative monitoring of free flaps particularly when operating outside our base hospital. We believe our initial experiences, on 24 patients, with the device, supports the use of a Cook-Swartz probe as an adjunct to traditional clinical monitoring techniques. We have had no technical difficulties with its application, use and removal, so far and we plan to continue with its use when it becomes available outside of a clinical trial.     

Operation Iraqi freedom: A report on a series of soldiers treated with free tissue transfer by a plastic surgery service

Free flaps in combat wounds are predisposed to failure. Few reports are available on their use in American military combat wounds. We present our experience with free flaps during Operation Iraqi Freedom. This is a retrospective review of soldiers treated by plastic surgeons at Brooke Army Medical Center. Eight free flaps were for soft tissue coverage in which local tissue was not available. Causes of the wounds: 2 from a rocket-propelled grenade, 4 from explosive devices, 1 from a fall, and 1 from a helicopter crash. Indications for the flaps were 2 exposed calvaria, 3 lower-extremity fractures, 2 upper-extremity wounds, and 1 exposed Achilles tendon. Four latissimus dorsi muscle flaps and 4 radial forearm fasciocutaneous flaps were used. All flaps were successful. Three flap-related complications required operative intervention. Free flaps can be used successfully in combat wounds, with minimal morbidity, and should be considered in American soldiers with complex wounds.     

Free flaps for pressure sore coverage

Management of pressure sores still represents a major challenge in plastic surgery practice due to recurrence. The surgeon may have to face multiple or recurrent pressure ulcerations without any local flap left. In this very limited indication, free flap surgery appears to be a useful adjunct in the surgical treatment. We reviewed our charts looking for patients operated for a pressure sore of the sacral, ischial, or trochanteric region. We found 88 consecutive patients representing 108 different pressure sores and 141 flap procedures. Among these patients, 6 presented large sores that could not be covered with a pedicled flap and benefited from free flap surgery (4.2% of all procedures). Stable coverage was achieved in 80% of these patients after a mean follow-up of 32 months. Comparison between pedicled and free flaps groups showed a trend in the latest concerning the presence of diabetes, incontinence, paraplegia, and male sex.     

Virtual reality surgical simulator

Summary The virtual-reality surgical simulator signals the beginning of an era of computer simulation for surgery. The surgical resident of the future will learn new perspectives on surgical anatomy and repeatedly practice surgical procedures until they are perfect before performing surgery on patients. Primitive though these initial steps are, they represent the foundation for an educational base that will be as important to surgery as the flight simulator is to aviation. It is anticipated that the full development of the surgical simulator will take less than the 40 years which was required for flight simulators to become an indispensable ingredient of pilot training. As the system evolves, many new and yet-to-be-imagined applications will arise, but we must have understanding and patience as we wait for computer power to improve to a point where VR surgical simulation can emerge from its PacMan era.The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the author and are not to be construed as official, or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense     

An alternative use for a nasotracheal tube

The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.     

Secondary burn reconstruction: recent advances with microvascular free flaps, regional flaps, and specialized grafts

A representative series of cases are presented which demonstrate secondary reconstructive plastic surgery procedures for the burn victim utilizing microvascular free flaps, regional flaps, and specialized skin grafts. The unstable burn scar of the lower extremity could be managed either by a microvascular free-flap transfer, a muscle transfer, a myocutaneous flap transfer, or a reverse dermis graft, or overgrafting. In the present day, there are many treatment modalities available to us. Long-term wearing of the Jobst pressure stocking is essential in many cases to minimize the hypertrophic burn scar. In our experience, Kenalog injection into a hypertrophic burn scar always has resulted in improvement of the condition although it is usually necessary to give multiple injections into the hypertrophic burn scar at eight week intervals. We have never known Kenalog to fail to improve a hypertrophic scar by flattening it out to a significant extent, but it may take a year or more of injections to accomplish this goal. Microvascular surgery is most definitely a team effort requiring at least two fully trained microvascular surgeons, plus experienced operating room personnel. One microvascular surgeon harvests the free flap, and the other microvascular surgeons prepares the recipient area. Both microvascular surgeons participate in the multiple anastomoses that are required. A microvascular laboratory is essential to the success of a microvascular team, and constant practice is mandatory to maintain and enhance these precision skills. The primary burn surgeon ideally must always keep in mind ways to minimize functional and aesthetic deformity and to continue to improve the quality of life of the burn victim.     

Orthopaedic manpower: an overview

What constitutes orthopaedic practice and how many orthopaedic surgeons are desirable for a given population has been discussed since the specialty was founded. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons began addressing this issue in January 1937. Extensive studies were done in the early 1970s with sponsorship from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, the American Surgical Association, and the Division of Manpower Intelligence of the Department of Health Education and Welfare. These studies involved questionnaire surveys, Delphi panel modeling, and direct observation in a three-day time and motion study of a statistical sample of 150 practices. At the conclusion of these studies, it was observed that orthopaedics was largely a male specialty, practitioners preferred the surgical aspect of their practices to their office practices, that there was no type of practice that was more efficient than another, that the more orthopaedic surgeons there were in a population the more operative procedures were being done, and the character of the practice changes with the ratio of orthopaedist to population drops below 1 to 15,000. After 30 years involvement in health manpower issues the author concludes that there is no substitute for developing a solid database and analyzing trends, that the predictions have been remarkably accurate and although honorable men and women may disagree on the interpretation of data, few will argue that there is a limit on the number of orthopaedic procedures that can be justified in the diagnosis and treatment of a population. The essence of professionalism is self regulation and doing first and foremost what is in the best interest of the patient and society whether there necessitates an increase or a decrease in the number of orthopaedic surgeons being trained or practicing in a given population.     

Trauma experience comparison of army forward surgical team surgeons at Ben Taub Hospital and Madigan Army Medical Center(2)(2)

Far forward life-saving surgical care is the mission of an army forward surgical team (FST). Trauma skill maintenance is necessary to complete that mission. A new program has been developed for FST training using the resources of a Level 1 trauma center. We sought to compare the experience of FST surgeons at a major urban trauma center with the yearly trauma experience at an army Level 2 trauma center.General surgeons of the 250th FST prospectively tabulated data for trauma patients during a September 1999 unit deployment to Ben Taub Hospital (Houston, Texas). Data collected included nature and location of injury, hospital admission, and surgical intervention. During 1999, similar data were collected at Madigan Army Medical Center (MAMC) (Ft. Lewis, Washington), home station of the 250th and Level 2 trauma center since November 1998.The FST general surgeons observed 319 injuries. Of those injured, 104 were admitted and 19 underwent urgent operation. Direct participation by FST general surgeons in the operative procedures varied. In 1999, MAMC general surgeons treated 455 trauma victims in direct supervision of Army general surgery residents. Madigan Army Medical Center general surgeons admitted 304 and urgently operated on 57 trauma patients, while 107 patients were transferred to another institution for definitive management of orthopedic and nonoperative neurosurgical injuries.CONCLUSIONS:The volume of trauma surgical cases at MAMC during 1999 was 3 times that seen in the 1-month rotation at Ben Taub. General surgeons performed more trauma and abdominal surgery at MAMC with significantly more direct involvement in patient care and operative procedures. The experience of the 250th FST does not justify trauma sustainment deployments for surgeons from military trauma centers.     

Hyperthermia after cardiopulmonary bypass in a child

The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as reflecting the view of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense     

The application of laser-assisted indocyanine green fluorescent dye angiography in microsurgical breast reconstruction

The benefits of laser-assisted indocyanine green fluorescence angiography have previously been demonstrated in cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the value of this technology in microsurgical breast reconstruction. Intraoperative laser-assisted indocyanine green fluorescence angiography was performed on all microsurgical breast reconstruction cases (deep inferior epigastric perforator flap or free transverse rectus abdominus muscle flap) during the study period. Ten consecutive free tissue transfer autologous breast reconstructions were performed on 8 women. In four cases, imaging demonstrated flow or perfusion deemed "marginal" or "poor" by the operating surgeons. In three of these cases, one involving poor arterial inflow, one of poor venous outflow, and one of poor perfusion of a mastectomy flap, the intraoperative plan was adjusted accordingly and follow-up imaging demonstrated improvement. In the fourth case, no adjustment was made at operation. However this patient required a return to the operating room for venous congestion of the flap, which was corrected without sequela. Overall flap survival was 100%. We concluded that laser-assisted indocyanine green fluorescence angiography appears to provide important information that has helped guide intraoperative decision making in our series.     

Disruptive visions: Biosurgery

There are a number of new therapeutic options generated by the biotechnology, bioengineering, and bioimaging revolutions in terms of organ-specific designer drugs, genetically engineered cells, cell-specific proteins and drugs, directed energy instruments, therapeutic microdevices, etc. Many of these new therapies need to be placed exactly on, within, or adjacent to an organ, and many others are delivered by endoluminal or endovascular approaches. The common requirements are (1) the accurate delivery of the modality and (2) the functional importance of targeting the biologic basis rather than the anatomic structure—hence the term biosurgery. As more of these therapies achieve clinical applicability and FDA approval, there will be the need for the precision of delivery to be at the micro- and nanoscale, which is well beyond human physical limitations. The surgeon of the future must be able to identify those therapeutic modalities that would benefit from such exact placement or implantation and acquire the skills, training, and equipment to use surgical expertise to deliver these new modalities. A review of some of the emerging opportunities is presented. Ignoring these challenges will relinquish these new procedures to other nonsurgical interventionalists, perhaps to the detriment of patient safety. The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official, or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, the Advanced Research Projects Agency, or the Department of Defense.