Braces for postoperative bandage after otoplasty

Postoperative bandaging following otoplasty is commonly used. It is also frequently perceived as cumbersome and often lost by patients. Simple splinting potentially offers a less obtrusive postoperative ear fixation. Braces consisting of silicone-coated steel wire have been designed for simpler and lighter postoperative fixation. The braces replaced conventional bandaging. The initial favorable experience with the ear braces is described following the otoplasty of 17 ears. It is suggested that the use of splints may improve the immediate postoperative appearance, and subsequently compliance for patients. However, the long-term effect of postoperative bandaging remains unknown.     

Helical Advancement with a Posterior Auricular Pull-Through Flap: A Technique for Reconstruction of Combined Helical and Scaphal Defects

Ear reconstruction after skin cancer resection has traditionally challenged the reconstructive surgeon and many techniques of reconstruction have been published as a testiment to this. With the widespread use of Moh's technique for resection, more tissues are now available after resection, and this has created a new challenge for the reconstructive surgeon—to use creatively all the remaining tissues and maximize the aesthetics of the ear reconstruction. This paper demonstrates a one-stage technique for reconstruction of a combined helical and scaphal Moh's defect which utilizes helical advancement with a posterior auricular skin flap.     

Successful treatment of earlobe keloids in the pediatric population

Background

Keloid scars present a difficult treatment challenge. Recently, intralesional steroid injection has become a common treatment modality [Akoz et al. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2002;6:184-188; Studdiford et al. JABFM. 2008;21:149-152]. Although this has become a proven treatment technique, there is no standard injection protocol to which treating physicians commonly adhere. We hypothesize that timing of steroid injection may improve outcomes using this treatment technique in combination with lesion excision.

Methods

Fifteen patients with 16 earlobe keloids were treated using a standard steroid injection protocol with Kenalog (Bristol-Myers Squibb, New York, NY), in combination with lesion excision. Strict follow-up was enforced, with repeat injections as needed at any sign of abnormal scar formation postoperatively.

Results

Of 16 lesions, 15 (94%) were treated successfully with no sign of lesion recurrence at 6 months of follow-up. A single lesion was lost to follow-up and presented 18 months postoperatively with recurrence. This lesion was subsequently retreated successfully.

Conclusions

Kenalog injection in combination with excision is a well-tolerated and effective treatment of earlobe keloids in the pediatric population. We feel that timing of injection and adherence to a strict follow-up regimen is crucial to success.     

Otoplasty: A Graduated Approach

Numerous otoplastic techniques have been described for the correction of protruding ears. Technique selection in otoplasty should be done only after careful analysis of the abnormal anatomy responsible for the protruding ear deformity. A graduated surgical approach is presented which is designed to address all contributing factors to the presenting auricular deformity. The approach starts with the more conservative cartilage-sparing suturing techniques, then proceeds to incorporate other more aggressive cartilage weakening maneuvers. Applying this approach resulted in better long-term results with less postoperative lateralization than that encountered on using the cartilage-sparing techniques alone.     

Gasless vs gaseous laparoscopy in the treatment of hepatic hydatid disease

Background: Despite the reduced rate of occurrence, the hydatidosis of the liver is still taking an important place in surgical practice in Asia Minor and the Middle East. Traditional techniques for performing liver cyst surgery seem to be comparatively traumatic. In this clinical study, we present our experience with laparoscopic treatment of hydatid cyst of the liver and discuss the validity of the gasless technique as a solution to carbon dioxide (CO₂) ensufflation problems. Methods: All patients were prepared by administrating albendazole for 21 days preoperatively. Surgery was performed on 87 patients under general anesthesia. Working space was obtained in 51 operations by using an abdominal wall lifting device, Laparolift™ (Origin Med Systems, Menlo Park, California, USA) (group 1). In 36 patients, the abdominal cavity was insufflated with CO₂ gas (group 2). In all cases, hydatid cysts were identified, and gauses soaked in germicide solution were placed around them. The cysts were punctured and aspirated. Then germisid solution was injected into the cysts. The cysts walls were opened, and germinative membranes were evacuated. Results: The median operation time was 50.49 ± 10.9 min (range, 30–75 min) in group 1 and 70.8 ± 16 min (ranges 40–120 min) in group 2. The difference in the operative times of the two groups was significant (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the minor complications of the two groups. There were no deaths and no major complications or conversions to open surgery in any of the groups. There were no recurrences during follow-up time. Conclusions: The use of gasless technique for the laparoscopic treatment of liver cyst is a safe, time-saving, and promising procedure that can be applied in selected cases. Received: 1 March 1999/Accepted: 1 July 1999     

Endoscopic sphincterotomy for the treatment of gallstone pancreatitis during pregnancy

Background: Gallstones are the most common cause of acute pancreatitis during pregnancy. Without intervention, gallstone pancreatitis during pregnancy is associated with an antepartum recurrence rate of 70%, which exposes the mother and fetus to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. A safe, effective means to prevent recurrent gallstone pancreatitis during pregnancy is desirable. Methods: Since 1991, we have managed gallstone pancreatitis in three pregnant patients with endoscopic retrograde cholangiogram (ERC), followed by spincterotomy, despite the absence of common bile duct stones. Results: All patients were judged to have mild pancreatitis by modified Ranson criteria and the Multiorgan System Failure criteria. During cholangiogram, fetal shielding was employed and fluoroscopy times ranged from 36 s to 7.2 min. One patient experienced postprocedure pancreatitis of 48-h duration. None of the patients experienced further episodes of pancreatitis and none underwent predelivery cholecystectomy. Conclusions: In pregnancy-associated gallstone pancreatitis, endoscopic sphincterotomy prevents recurrence of pancreatitis and the need for cholecystectomy during gestation. We believe endoscopic sphincterotomy represents a promising management alternative for gallstone pancreatitis during pregnancy. Further investigation is warranted. Received: 30 December 1996/Accepted: 12 September 1997     

Laparoscopic treatment of colonic perforations related to colonoscopy

Background: Colonic perforations associated with colonoscopy are rare but major complications. Conservative treatment is less invasive than major surgery, but any case of failure leads to more extensive surgical procedures with a higher morbidity and mortality than the immediate operative repair. To reduce the invasiveness of major surgery and avoid the risk of failure, we introduced laparoscopic techniques to deal with iatrogenic colonic perforations. Methods: Each colonic perforation was identified by diagnostic laparoscopy. The perforation was then characterized by size and extent of thermal damage into one of three types, followed by type-dependent treatment (suture, tangential resection, segmental resection, or open procedure). Operative time, complications, clinical outcome, and patient satisfaction were recorded. Results: Seven patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy for colonic perforations. Laparoscopic treatment was performed on five patients (one simple closure by suture, three tangential resections, and one segmental resection). Two cases required open procedures. There was one intraoperative complication that necessitated conversion. There were no postoperative complications. All laparoscopically treated patients were satisfied with their clinical outcome and cosmetic results. Conclusions: Laparoscopic treatment seems to reduce the invasiveness and morbidity of major surgery. At the same time, it is more definitive than conservative treatment, so that we now prefer to use laparoscopic techniques to treat colonic perforations related to colonoscopy. Received: 25 February 1998/Accepted: 22 June 1998     

Ultrasound-directed percutaneous endoscopic cyst-gastrostomy for the treatment of a pancreatic pseudocyst

The incidence of pseudocysts in patients with chronic pancreatitis ranges from 20–40%. Unlike pseudocysts associated with acute pancreatitis, these do not usually resolve spontaneously. Traditionally, these cysts were drained surgically. More recently, however, they have been successfully managed with endoscopic drainage. This report reviews the history and results of nonsurgical pseudocyst management and describes a case of drainage obtained using an alternative method of ultrasound-directed percutaneous endoscopic cyst-gastrostomy. Received: 22 August 1997/Accepted 20 November 1997     

Subdermabrasion in the treatment of post-burn facial hypertrophic scars

Hypertrophic scars cause great discomfort to the patient and pose a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. This is particularly true in the facial area. Optimal function and aesthetic appearance are the main goals of reconstruction. We suggest an adjunct to the surgical management of facial hypertrophic scars which involves abrasion of the subdermal plane. The technique consists of removal of all scarred skin from the aesthetic unit, dermabrasion of subcutaneous tissues, including the muscular surface (subdermabrasion), and a full thickness skin grafting. This technique was applied in a young patient with hypertrophic burn scars of the chin. Biopsy confirmed our basic assumption that hypertrophic scars extend into the muscular plane.     

Laparoscopic appendectomy is an acceptable alternative for the treatment of perforated appendicitis

Background: Ever since laparoscopy was first applied to the treatment of appendicitis, a controversy has existed as to whether the acknowledged benefits of a minimally invasive approach warrant its preference over the conventional treatment, which historically has had relatively low morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine if laparoscopic appendectomy should be performed preferentially in cases where surgeons are not limited by technical constraints. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of 112 patients operated on for suspected appendicitis from June 1995 to July 1996. Forty-eight patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy, and 64 had conventional open appendectomy. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed using a three-trocar technique and the endoscopic stapler. Results: The histopathological diagnosis of appendicitis was confirmed in 82.6% of cases. Overall, laparoscopic appendectomy reduced length of hospital stay (1.54 versus 4.09 days; p < 0.0001) compared to conventional open appendectomy, with no significant difference in hospital cost ($6430 versus $6669; p= ns). Although the total OR time was longer in the laparoscopic group (75.8 versus 60.2 min; p < 0.0001), laparoscopy resulted in both a reduction in length of stay (2.17 versus 6.27 days; p < 0.0001) and hospital cost ($7506 versus $10,504; p < 0.02) for cases of perforated appendicitis. Conversion to open appendectomy was performed in 6% of patients, all of whom had perforated appendicitis. Conclusions: Our data suggest that most cases of acute appendicitis with suspected perforation could be managed laparoscopically. Laparoscopic appendectomy significantly reduces length of stay and hospital costs in patients with perforated appendicitis. Received: 3 April 1997/Accepted: 19 August 1997     

The Emerging Role of Laser Resurfacing in Combination with Traditional Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery

Traditional aesthetic plastic surgery procedures (facelift, browlift, blepharoplasty, etc.) can make dramatic improvement in the facial appearance by removing excess skin and fat and tightening and repositioning the soft tissues of the face, but make no improvement in the quality of the skin. Laser resurfacing is the safest, most predictable method for improving facial wrinkles and actinic damage. This paper discusses the combination of these techniques in pursuit of optimal rejuvenation of the face.     

Combined endoscopic and surgical treatment for the polyposis of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Repeated laparotomy with extensive small bowel resectioning and eventual short-bowel syndrome is a major problem in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) patients. This problem is caused by gastrointestinal polyposis with intussusception. A combined surgical and endoscopic approach can assess the extent of the polyposis, and small polyps can be removed by snare polypectomy. This can avert multiple enterotomies and decrease bowel resection segments. We applied an intraoperative colonscope via the enterotomy route in an 20-year-old PJS woman, and successfully removed the other 10 polyps distributed in the whole small bowel. As part of an aggressive approach to the management of polyposis in PJS, complete polypectomy can provide a longer symptom-free interval and remove potentially premaligment polyps. Received: 9 September 1999/Accepted: 9 November 1999/Online publication: 22 August 2000     

Gavello's Procedure: An Old Earlobe Reconstruction Method, Revisited and Touched Up

Earlobe reconstruction following traumatic damage is a challenge for most of the plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Several methods developed for reconstruction of this deformity have shown to bear various advantages and disadvantages. Our modified Gavello's procedure, without using skin grafting in resurfacing the flap donor site, has shown to be satisfactory. This paper describes our modified operative procedure as well as a case resulting in a good looking earlobe and fine scars in flap donor site.     

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Background: A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the physiologic and clinical consequences of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF), using strict indications for surgery. Methods: From 1992 to 1997, 50 patients underwent LNF. Indications for operative treatment were either failure of conservative treatment or foresight to see long-term use of strong acid suppressive therapy. Patients were evaluated by barium esophagogastric study (BES), esophagoscopy, 24-h pH monitoring (pHM), stationary esophageal manometry, gastric-emptying studies (GES), pancreatic polypeptide stimulation test (PPT) and clinical evaluation using questionnaires. Results: Perioperative complications necessitated conversion to laparatomy in two cases, and there was no mortality. Severe dysphagia resulted in reoperation in two patients. The average maximum lower esophageal sphincter pressure (MLESP) increased from 6.1 mmHg to 12.7 mmHg. Endoscopy showed improved grading of the esophagitis, and the total percentage of pH less than 4 during 24 h decreased from a mean of 9.2 to 0.95. Three patients demonstrated impaired PPTs postoperatively; two had (mild) diarrhea. The overall success rate after the operation was 90%. Conclusions: The results of LNF in a limited number of patients with severe and/or resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) receiving continuous medical treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on a maintenance base are comparable with LNF results in centers with a more liberal policy concerning indications for LNF surgery. Received: 15 September 1997/Accepted: 12 October 1997     

A cost-effective thoracoscopic treatment strategy for pediatric spontaneous pneumothorax

Background: Recent data suggest that children have a higher incidence of recurrence than adults after nonoperative treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) allows efficacious therapy with significantly less morbidity. We attempt to define the most cost-effective clinically efficacious strategy using VATS to manage pediatric PSP. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all admissions to a tertiary care children's hospital for PSP between January 1, 1991 and June 30, 1996. Results: Fifteen children had 29 primary or recurrent PSPs. Mean patient age was 14.8 ± 1.1 years, boy–girl ratio 4:1, median body mass index 18 (normal, 20–25), and 67% of pneumothoraces left sided. All patients were managed initially nonoperatively: 14 with tube thoracostomy drainage and 1 with oxygen alone. Of the children initially managed nonoperatively, 57% had a recurrent pneumothorax, and 50% of these patients eventually developed contralateral pneumothoraces. Nonoperative treatment for recurrence resulted in a 75% second recurrence rate. In contrast, eight children who underwent operative management had a 9% incidence of recurrence. The total for charges accrued in treating 29 pneumothoraces in these 15 patients was approximately $315,000. In the same population, the estimated charges for initial nonoperative therapy followed by bilateral thoracoscopy after a single recurrence would be $230,000. Conclusions: A cost-effective treatment strategy for pediatric primary spontaneous pneumothorax is tube thoracostomy at first presentation, followed by VATS with thoracoscopic bleb resection and pleurodesis for patients who experience recurrent pneumothorax. Received: 15 May 1998/Accepted: 15 January 1999     

Case Report of Phototherapy for a Clinical Port Wine Lesion

Port wine lesions have been a difficult problem for plastic surgeons to treat effectively. This article will offer a new way to treat the port wine lesion with intense pulse light, and will give an example of a very difficult port wine lesion and the results that this particular method can achieve. A 39-year-old, with a lesion along the V1, V2 trigeminal distribution, was treated with eight treatments over a span of ten months. The patient was never treated before for this lesion and now desired treatment due to nodularity and bleeding. This patient had a very good response to therapy and had no side effects. He had minimal difficulty tolerating the treatment as time went on, although he originally needed local anesthetic for pain control around the treatment area.     

Surgical treatment of pheochromocytomas

Background: The use of minimally invasive techniques in the surgical treatment of pheochromocytoma is controversial because of possible intraoperative excessive hormone release resulting in cardiovascular instabilities. Methods: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed in nine patients with a total of 10 pheochromocytomas. Conversion was required in two cases. The relevant data were prospectively documented and compared with a historical group of nine patients who had undergone conventional transabdominal adrenalectomy for unilateral pheochromocytoma. Results: The laparoscopic operations lasted significantly longer than the conventional procedures (median 243 min vs. 100 min, p < 0.01). Intraoperative cardiovascular instabilities (tachycardia, hypertension) occurred in seven laparoscopically and eight conventionally treated patients. All were easily controlled. Blood transfusions were necessary in four patients in the conventional and one patient in the laparoscopic group. Postoperative hospital stay and duration of analgetic treatment were significantly shorter after laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Conclusions: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe procedure for patients with pheochromocytoma. Received: 11 May 1997/Accepted: 20 March 1998     

Impact of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on indications for surgical treatment of gallstones

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the histology of gallbladders removed prior to the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with that found after the introduction of the laparoscopic technique to determine if there has been a change in the indications for surgical treatment of gallbladder disease. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing cholecystectomy during 1989, 1992, and 1993 was completed at two large community teaching hospitals in two different geographic regions of the United States. Patients who underwent cholecystectomy as the primary procedure were studied. A total of 1,815 cases met the criteria for analysis. Histological diagnoses were categorized as acute cholecystitis with or without cholelithiasis, or chronic cholecystitis with cholelithiasis. Results: The number of cholecystectomies performed increased by 58% from 1989 to 1993 (p < 0.05). The number of cholecystectomies for acute cholecystitis did not change. Conclusions: With the advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the number of cholecystectomies significantly increased and the proportion of cholecystectomies performed for chronic disease also increased. There has been a significant change in the surgical management of gallbladder disease with increased willingness to recommend elective cholecystectomy. Further study is needed to determine if there is real benefit from earlier elective cholecystectomy. Received: 25 September 1996/Accepted: 14 March 1997     

Laparoscopic treatment of ventral hernia

Laparoscopic repair of abdominal wall hernias has been introduced recently to treat both spontaneous and incisional hernias with reported good results. In the Mafraq and Al Jaziera Hospitals in the United Arab Emirates, 18 patients have been treated using the laparoscopic technique. These cases included 11 incisional hernias, 5 spontaneous paraumbilical hernias, and 2 combined incisional and paraumbilical hernias. A bilayer repair was performed in all cases using a layer of polyester mesh to bridge the defect and a sheet of Gore-Tex (W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) to prevent adhesions between first layer and the bowel. Seroma at the hernia site was the most frequent postoperative complication. Hospital stay ranged from 2 to 7 days (mean, 3.2 days). Recurrent hernia developed in one patient after a mean follow up of 22.3 months. This technique is in its evolution. Long follow-up evaluation is required before the effect on recurrence is known, and further development regarding the composition of prosthetic biomaterials and the methods of its fixation is expected. Received: 4 February 2000/Accepted: 11 May 2000/Online publication: 28 September 2000     

The efficacy of laparoscopic surgery in the diagnosis and treatment of peritonitis

Background: Peritonitis continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality and often an etiologic diagnosis is unclear. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopy the authors analyzed their 5-year experience with this modality of treatment. Methods: A review was made of 107 consecutive nonselected laparoscopic procedures performed between October 1990 and November 1995. The diagnosis was established by clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings and confirmed by laparoscopy and/or laparotomy. Results: An etiologic diagnosis was unclear in 35% of the cases and was established in all by laparoscopy; 94 patients (87.9%) were successfully treated by laparoscopy while 13 (12.1%) required conversion. Mortality was 4.6%; 14% had postoperative complications and 7.4% had reoperations. Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery is safe and very efficient in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with peritonitis. In most instances a definitive treatment can be carried out without conversion and has the additional and well-known advantages of minimally invasive surgery. Received: 15 March 1996/Accepted: 29 August 1996