Suction Device for Epidermal Grafting in Vitiligo: Employing a Syringe and a Manometer to Provide an Adequate Negative Pressure

BACKGROUND: Suction devices for epidermal grafting need a suction pump to provide a negative pressure. The authors have developed a suction device in which a syringe and a manometer are employed to provide a negative pressure. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of our suction device in vitiligo patients. METHODS: The suction device was used to obtain epidermal blisters from the donor site. A CO2 laser was employed to remove the depigmented epidermis. The blister roofs of the donor site were harvested and were placed onto the recipient area. Ten patients with stable vitiligo were treated by epidermal grafting. RESULTS: Epidermal blisters were produced by suction in all patients. Also, all 10 patients regained repigmentation. CONCLUSION: Our suction blister device is simple and inexpensive to make, and it may become an alternative to the other suction devices.     

Epidermal Grafting After Chemical Epilation in the Treatment of Vitiligo

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo on hairy areas like the scalp and eyebrows is frequently associated with leukotrichia and repigmentation by photochemotherapy is usually difficult because of a deficient melanocyte reservoir. Although epidermal grafting to supply melanocytes is very effective for stable vitiligo, hair growth inhibits successful transfer of melanocytes from grafted epidermis in dense hair-bearing regions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of preoperative chemical epilation to improve the results of epidermal graft by suction blister on hairy areas. METHODS: Two patients who had vitiligo with leukotrichia on the face and scalp were treated with epidermal grafting using suction blister after chemical epilation. Two weeks after the graft they were treated with topical psolaren plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy. RESULTS: Epidermal grafting was performed successfully, and successful repigmentation of the skin with significant improvement of leukotrichia was observed in each of two patients. CONCLUSION: Chemical epilation followed by epidermal grafting is a safe, easy, and effective treatment for vitiligo affecting hairy regions.     

Autologous Cultured Melanocytes in Vitiligo Treatment

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of vitiligo is indicated when lesions are localized in poorly responding areas. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were: (1) to establish the melanocyte culture obtained from the epidermis of vitiligo patients for future treatment; (2) to estimate the influence of selected factors on the formation of suction blisters and the results of culture; and (3) to compare the results of treatment of vitiliginous macules localized in the dorsum of the hands and lower limbs by transplantation of cultured autologous melanocytes plus psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy (CMP), suction blister transplantation plus PUVA therapy (SBP), cryotherapy plus PUVA-therapy (CP), and only PUVA therapy (OP). METHODS: Forty patients were qualified for the study. The roofs of the suction blisters were used as a melanocyte source for culture establishment or were directly transplanted. RESULTS: The CMP procedure was successfully performed on only 10 of 20 patients because of the difficulties in cell culture establishment. The SBP method was carried out on all 20 patients. A total lack of effectiveness was found in CP and OP methods. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of culture depends on time of suction blister forming, phototype, and previous PUVA therapy. This study demonstrated the advantage of the SBP over the CMP method.     

Total upper and lower eyelid reconstruction using deltopectoral flap

Total upper and lower eyelid unilateral full thickness reconstruction is a surgical challenge. A case of right orbital haemangioma with unilateral complete defect of total upper and lower eyelids with right orbital exenteration is reported, together with the surgical technique of reconstruction. Patient was a 24-year-old female who underwent right orbital exenteration with total upper and lower eyelid excision for orbital haemangioma presented after 3 weeks of the above procedure. In the first stage split thickness skin grafting is used to resurface orbital cavity raw area followed by staged reconstruction of total upper and lower eyelid reconstruction using pedicle deltopectoral flap. This reconstruction provided stable eyelid reconstruction to retain ocular prosthesis with concealed and minimal donor area. After reconstruction patient underwent rehabilitation with ocular prosthesis, now the patient is satisfied with cosmetically acceptable results.KEY WORDS: Deltopectoral flap, total eyelid reconstruction, total upper and lower eyelid reconstruction with DP flap     

Comparison of Melanocytes Transplantation Methods for the Treatment of Vitiligo

BACKGROUND: Surgical therapy of vitiligo is indicated when depigmented macules are localized in areas that are known to respond poorly. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to compare the results of treatment of vitiliginous macules localized in the dorsum of the hands and lower limbs by transplantation of cultured autologous melanocytes plus PUVA therapy (CMP), suction blister transplantation plus PUVA therapy (SBP), cryotherapy plus PUVA therapy (CP), and only PUVA therapy (OP). METHODS: Twenty patients qualified for the study. The patients were split into two groups of 10 patients. In the first group, the CMP procedure was performed on one limb and OP on the other. In the second group, SBP and CP were used, respectively. RESULTS: The CMP procedure was successfully performed on only 6 of 10 patients, whereas SBP was carried out on all 10 patients. No significant difference was found between the number of successful transplants in both groups of patients. A total lack of effectiveness was found in CP and OP methods. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the advantage of the suction blister transplantation method over the autologous cultured melanocytes transplantation method because of the difficulties in cell culture establishment in some cases.     

Suction Blister Epidermal Grafting Versus Punch Skin Grafting in Recalcitrant and Stable Vitiligo

BACKGROUND: Among various surgical therapies for replenishment of melanocytes in recalcitrant and stable vitiligo, punch skin grafting (PSG) and suction blister epidermal grafting (SBEG) are the simplest ones. Literature is lacking on a comparison of both. OBJECTIVE: We compared the results of both techniques in small patches of vitiligo. METHODS: Fifty stable vitiligo (focal, segmental, and generalized) patients were selected for study. One patient was lost to follow-up and excluded. PSG was done in 48 patches of 25 patients and SBEG was done in 38 patches of 24 patients. All patients were kept on psoralen ultraviolet-A (PUVA)/psoralen sunrays (PUVASOL). Results were evaluated after a follow-up of 4-7 months. RESULTS: Thirty-two (67%) patches of the PSG group and 31 (82%) patches of the SBEG group showed greater than 75% pigmentation. The difference in both groups was not statistically significant. Cobblestone appearance (23%) over the recipient area (RA) and superficial scarring of the donor area (DA) (100%) were seen in PSG. No serious complications were seen in both groups. CONCLUSION: Both techniques are simple and effective, however, SBEG gives cosmetically better and rapid results.     

Correction of postoperative eyelid retraction with a simplified levator palpebrae superioris (LPS) muscle recession: analysis of a 10-year experience

A simplified levator palpebrae superioris (LPS) muscle recession was performed to correct eyelid retraction in 56 eyelids of 48 patients. Improvement of preoperative keratopathy and cosmetically acceptable results were achieved in 93% of the eyelids. Based on preoperative surgical intervention, eyelids were divided into four groups: levator resection, levator aponeurosis advancement, surgery associated with dysthyroid ophthalmopathy, and miscellaneous reconstructive eyelid procedures. For each group the mean preoperative and postoperative eyelid levels, the mean change in eyelid level following surgery, and the mean amount of surgery performed were analyzed statistically with the two-tailed student's t-test. Linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between the change in eyelid level and the amount of levator recession performed. No significant relationship was demonstrated between eyelid retraction and dysthyroid ophthalmopathy or reconstructive eyelid surgery. However, a significant relationship was demonstrated between the amount of recession and the eyelid level change for eyelids retracted following levator resection (P less than .01) and levator aponeurosis surgery (P less than .05). This may indicate that the change in eyelid level following a simplified LPS recession in these two groups is predictable. However, additional prospective studies are required to further assess the clinical applicability and use of this finding.     

自体颗粒脂肪注射修复眼睑内陷畸形

目的:通过抽吸自体的脂肪颗粒填充于眼睑的凹陷处,用来修复眼睑的内陷畸形.方法:用普通的注射器抽吸大腿的前侧面,抽取需要量的脂肪颗粒注射于眼睑内陷处.结果:报告26例眼睑内陷通过脂肪颗粒注射后,随访2年,均收到了满意的疗效.结论:此种方法操作简单,对组织的创伤性小,手术中出血很少,填充眼睑改善内陷效果好,手术安全有效,且无一例并发症发生.     

Reconstruction of seventeen full-thickness defects of the eyelids with twenty-two Hübner tarsomarginal grafts.

In 1976, Hübner described a new technique to repair full-thickness defects of the eyelids. In 1993, we decided to adopt this simple and easily reproducible technique that guarantees restoration of the normal aspect of the margin. Subsequently, 17 eyelid reconstructions were performed on 13 patients, requiring the harvesting of 22 tarsomarginal grafts. No cosmetic or functional sequelae in the donor eyelids were observed. One or several functional complications were present in seven out of 17 reconstructed eyelids, including two cases of epiphora, one case of lagophtalmos and two cases of lid notch. Loss of the eyelids was observed in three cases out of six upper eyelid reconstructions and in nine cases out of 11 lower eyelid reconstructions. In all cases, the margin integrity was otherwise preserved. Very few simple techniques achieve that level of quality in the eyelid reconstruction process.     

SUSPENSION OF THE EYELID TO THE CHECK LIGAMENT OF THE SUPERIOR FORNIX FOR CONGENITAL BLEPHAROPTOSIS

A new surgical procedure for the treatment of all types of congenital blepharoptosis is described: suspension of the eyelid to the check ligament of the superior fornix. This is a dynamic suspension technique by which the check ligament, which is an extension of Tenon's capsule and normally inserts into the superior conjunctival fornix, is brought forward and sutured to the tarsus, which raises the eyelid. This technique does not sacrifice or add any tissue and is simple to repeat if necessary. Sixty-two patients were operated on using the technique and followed up for a mean of 23 months (range 3 months to 9.6 years). In a group of patients not operated on before for ptosis, 50 eyelids were raised with 74% normalisation, 22% improvement, and one eyelid each that showed only slight change or overcorrection. In a group of patients with 27 eyelids operated on before using other techniques, 67% of the eyelids were normalised, 30% were improved, and only one eyelid showed no change. In conclusion, this new technique has proved to be quite successful in raising the level of the upper eyelid in congenital blepharoptosis, with results at least comparable to those of most other techniques. The advantages with the check ligament over other techniques are the minimal trauma of the surgery, its simplicity, and its repeatability.     

Upper eyelid gold weight implants in patients with facial nerve palsy. Surgical technique

Facial nerve injuries produce lagophthalmos and consequent ocular disease caused by corneal exposure. The management of the affected eye in patients with facial palsy has been improved. Previously ointment, eye drops, taping, partial or complete tarsorrhaphy was the primary treatment of the inability to close the eyelid. Other mechanical techniques for reanimating lid closure, including palpebral springs, encircling the upper and lower eyelids with silicone or fascia lata, and temporalis muscle transfer. The most popular and widely used static procedure in facial nerve palsy is the upper eyelid gold weight implant. This procedure is the goal of the treatment for the restoration of function and cosmesis to the paralyzed eyelids. The surgical technique used for lid load insertion are described below.     

An alternative frontalis suspension technique: triband suspension--a modified Garcia's procedure

Blepharoptosis surgery is one of the most common oculoplastic procedures, and the aim is to clear the visual axis. Many surgical techniques for the correction of ptosis have been described and performed, but the operative approach is based on the extent of eyelid excursion, the amount of levator function, and the degree of ptosis.In this study, the frontalis sling procedure with triband suspension was performed on 32 eyelids of 23 patients. All the patients had visual loss because of blepharoptosis with only 0 to 3 mm of measurable levator function. Postoperatively, the palpebral fissure was increased in all the patients. The purpose of this study was to report the use of a modified frontalis sling procedure for congenital ptosis patients with minimal to no levator function. In conclusion, this modified frontalis sling technique if used maximizes the frontalis muscle, creating sufficient eyelid elevation, with stable effect over time.     

Precaruncular medial canthopexy

OBJECTIVES: To describe a new 3-dimensional technique for medial canthal repositioning, precaruncular medial canthopexy (PMC), and to present an outcome study demonstrating its efficacy. METHODS: Data (age, sex, cause, and initial symptoms) were collected prospectively on patients with malposition of the lower eyelid. All patients were photographed before and after surgery in a set protocol. The type and severity of eyelid malposition were documented using the Ectropion Grading Scale (EGS) before and after each procedure. Surgical outcome was evaluated by objective improvement of ectropion grading and subjective resolution of symptoms. RESULTS: Precaruncular medial canthopexy was performed on 30 eyelids of 27 consecutive patients (10 were revisions) for correction of medial eyelid laxity or malposition. Twenty-six patients had ectropion, and 1 had bilateral entropion. The most common cause of eyelid malposition was facial paralysis (n = 21). Ancillary procedures, most commonly lateral transorbital canthopexy (for correction of lateral ectropion), were performed on 60% of the eyelids at the time of PMC. Twenty-eight procedures resulted in complete restoration of the medial canthus to a normal position (EGS grade I). Two patients had minimal residual medial scleral show after surgery (EGS grade II) but experienced symptom relief. There were no wound infections or perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Precaruncular medial canthopexy rapidly and safely restores support in all 3 dimensions without blocking the visual field or damaging the lacrimal system, with minimal morbidity and excellent wound healing. In addition to being a primary technique for correcting medial eyelid malposition, PMC should be routinely considered as an adjunct procedure when correcting lateral eyelid malposition.     

Suspension of the eyelid to the check ligament of the superior fornix for congenital blepharoptosis.

A new surgical procedure for the treatment of all types of congenital blepharoptosis is described: suspension of the eyelid to the check ligament of the superior fornix. This is a dynamic suspension technique by which the check ligament, which is an extension of Tenon's capsule and normally inserts into the superior conjunctival fornix, is brought forward and sutured to the tarsus, which raises the eyelid. This technique does not sacrifice or add any tissue and is simple to repeat if necessary. Sixty-two patients were operated on using the technique and followed up for a mean of 23 months (range 3 months to 9.6 years). In a group of patients not operated on before for ptosis, 50 eyelids were raised with 74% normalisation, 22% improvement, and one eyelid each that showed only slight change or overcorrection. In a group of patients with 27 eyelids operated on before using other techniques, 67% of the eyelids were normalised, 30% were improved, and only one eyelid showed no change. In conclusion, this new technique has proved to be quite successful in raising the level of the upper eyelid in congenital blepharoptosis, with results at least comparable to those of most other techniques. The advantages with the check ligament over other techniques are the minimal trauma of the surgery, its simplicity, and its repeatability.     

外眦锚着术在瘢痕挛缩性下睑外翻中的应用

目的：探讨外眦锚着术在瘢痕挛缩性下睑外翻修复中应用的适应证及远期效果。方法：对瘢痕挛缩性下睑外翻29例患者（42只眼）,予瘢痕彻底松解后应用外眦睑板条式锚着术固定外眦角、下睑创面植皮进行治疗。结果：26例（38只眼）术后6～12个月随访,无需要再次手术的病例,无明显的并发症发生。结论：外眦锚着术是修复下睑退缩的一种有效方法,可应用于长期或多次复发的、瘢痕挛缩性下睑外翻的松解植皮治疗,能明显减少术后复发的可能性,获得持久可靠的手术效果。     

Extended preseptal fat resection in Asian blepharoplasty

The thickness of the upper eyelid is a bothersome condition that can be alleviated by blepharoplasty in Asians. Preseptal fat lies widely deep to the orbicularis oculi in the lower part of the upper eyelid, and the retro-orbicularis oculus fat (ROOF) pad lies in the lateral supraorbital area. We demonstrate the effectiveness of preseptal fat resection (PSFR) extended with ROOF resection in Asian patients. Three levels of PSFR were carried out in 258 eyelids of 129 Asian patients in conjunction with bilateral blepharoplasty: partial PSFR in 84 eyelids, total PSFR in 86, and extended PSFR that included ROOF resection in 68. The series revealed that PSFR was effective in reducing the thickness and heaviness of the eyelid, without major complications. PSFR including ROOF resection is an optional adjunct for Asian patients undergoing blepharoplasty. Nonetheless, the function of the grinding structures in the upper eyelid should be appropriately preserved.     

Stable Vitiligo Treated by a Combination of Low-Dose Oral Pulse Betamethasone and Autologous, Noncultured Melanocyte-Keratinocyte Cell Transplantation

BACKGROUND: Various surgical procedures are in use to treat stable vitiligo. The possibility of Koebner phenomenon always exists with surgical treatment. Partial or complete failure to repigment is observed in spite of clinical stability. AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of a combination treatment of low-dose oral betamethasone and melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation. METHODS: Oral betamethasone was given to patients who failed to respond either completely or partially to melanocyte-keratinocyte cell transplantation, and the procedure was repeated for previously treated and nontreated area. A simpler and modified method described by Mulekar was performed. RESULTS: Seventeen patients with vitiligo vulgaris and eight patients with segmental vitiligo were retransplanted after giving oral betamethasone for 2 to 10 months after the initial procedure. Two patients of vitiligo vulgaris and one of segmental vitiligo failed to respond completely even after repeat transplantation. Fifteen vulgaris and seven segmental patients showed excellent to good repigmentation after repeat transplantation. CONCLUSION: Combined treatment of oral betamethasone and melanocyte cell transplantation has a potential to produce complete repigmentation in patients with large vitiliginous areas.     

Orbital Septorhaphy for the Correction of Baggy Upper and Lower Eyelids

Eyelid bags are the result of relaxation of lid structures like the skin, the orbicularis muscle, and mainly the septum, with subsequent protrusion or pseudo herniation of intraorbital fat contents. The logical treatment of baggy upper and lower eyelids should therefore include repositioning the herniated fat into the orbit and strengthening the attenuated septum in the form of a septorhaphy as a hernia repair. The preservation of orbital fat results in a more youthful appearance. The operative technique of the orbital septorhaphy is demonstrated for the upper and lower eyelid. A prospective series of 60 patients (50 upper and 90 lower blepharoplasties) with a maximum follow-up of 17 months were analyzed. Pleasing results were achieved in 56 patients. A partial recurrence was noted in 3 patients and widening of the palpebral fissure in 1 patient. Orbital septorhaphy for baggy eyelids is a rational, reliable procedure to correct the herniation of orbital fat in the upper and lower eyelids. Tightening of the orbicularis muscle and skin may be added as usual. The procedure is technically simple and without trauma to the orbital contents. The morbidity is minimal, the rate of complications is low, and the results are pleasing and reliable.     

Lower eyelid retraction: a minimal incision surgical approach to retractor lysis

Lower eyelid retraction associated with prior blepharoplasty, trauma, or other conditions is a challenging problem for the ophthalmic surgeon. We describe a procedure involving tightening the lower eyelid and supraplacing the lateral canthus in combination with in-glove lysis of the lower eyelid retractors and scar tissue. This is accomplished through a small lateral incision. To date, we have treated over 200 eyelids using this technique with excellent results. We recommend this technique for the treatment of mild to moderate degrees of lower eyelid retraction.     

自体表皮移植联合窄谱中波紫外线照射治疗稳定期白癜风的疗效观察

目的探讨自体表皮移植联合窄谱中波紫外线（narrow band ultraviolet B,NB－UVB）照射治疗稳定期白癜风的临床效果。方法对35例稳定期白癜风患者采用负压吸疱自体表皮移植治疗后受皮区给予NB-UVB照射（治疗组）,观察受皮区起效时间,3个月后评价受皮区每块皮片的色素恢复面积（治疗前后数码图像对比）,并与37例单纯接受负压吸疱自体表皮移植治疗患者的起效时间以及受皮区每块皮片的色素恢复面积对照（对照组）。结果联合治疗组起效时间和痊愈率与对照组相比,差异有统计学意义（P〈O．05）。结论负压吸疱自体表皮移植联合NB-UVB照射治疗白癜风起效时间较快,并能促进移植皮片的色素面积扩展,使受皮区色素恢复均匀,更大程度地提高治疗效果。