A new technique for esophageal reconstruction by combined skin and muscle flaps after failure in primary colonic interposition

A new procedure is presented for esophageal reconstruction using the skin flap combined with the overlying muscle flap in a situation in which preceding cervical esophagostomy and antesternal colostomy have been performed. A conventional musculocutaneous flap may be used for the second stage of the operation. However, our method has several advantages. The skin canal, which is the most important part of this reconstruction, is created using the skin of the anterior chest wall without transferring cutaneous tissue from other places. Therefore, the operative procedure becomes simpler and the blood supply to the skin canal is more assured. While blood of the wall of the canal is supposed to be supplied initially from internal mammary and intercostal arteries, the muscle flap over the canal may subsequently provide more blood to the skin canal. In addition to sufficient blood supply, the length of a suture line for creating the skin canal is minimal, and, thereby, the possibility of postoperative leakage can be diminished. Because both esophagostoma and colostoma are not damaged in the second stage of the operation, strictures at these sites are not likely to occur. Furthermore, the muscle flap serves as a physical protector for the canal, and presents a suitable bed for the split thickness graft. Our two stage operation using combined skin and muscle flaps after antesternal colostomy is a safe, simple and assured technique for the compromised colonic segment at primary esophageal reconstruction. This procedure is also applicable to the patient in whom use of a stomach tube for esophageal replacement is attempted but primary cervical esophagogastrotomy is not possible.     

Use of the rhomboid flap after partial vulvectomy

Primary closure of vulvar excisions is usually satisfactory in the anterior vulva, where the skin is mobile. In the posterior and posterolateral areas, however, closure often must be accomplished under tension with resulting wound breakdown and scar formation that can be disfiguring and cause dyspareunia. The rhomboid skin flap was described as early as 1946. Initially described for closure of facial defects, the technique has found application in the closure of a variety of traumatic and surgical defects. The authors present eight patients who underwent closure of vulvar defects using single or multiple rhomboid flaps. The applicability of the procedure to vulvar surgery is discussed and the technique is described.     

A New Technique for Coronaplasty in Penile Reconstruction

Background

The coronaplasty is an important step of the phalloplasty procedure as it creates a prominent coronal ridge and a constricted coronal sulcus, resulting in the transformation of a regular skin flap into a flap resembling a circumcised penis.

Mediastinal tracheostomy using a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap after resection of carcinoma of the esophagus involving the proximal part of the trachea

An operative procedure of mediastinal tracheostomy using a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is presented. In this procedure, the terminal portion of the trachea penetrates through the center of a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap and the tracheal wall is completely wrapped with the muscular portion of the flap. Between 1981 and 1988, eight patients with carcinoma in the cervicothoracic segment of the esophagus underwent mediastinal tracheostomy after laryngoesophagectomy and extended resection of the proximal part of the trachea through sternal manubrectomy, because of invasion into the trachea. In five of eight patients, a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap was used to construct a tracheal stoma. A skin flap only, or both a skin flap and a muscle flap, was used in the other three. In four of eight patients, tracheal necrosis occurred, and rupture of the brachiocephalic artery occurred in one patient when the tracheal stoma had been constructed using both a skin flap and a muscle flap. However, neither skin breakdown nor bleeding from the major vessels occurred when using the myocutaneous flap. Therefore, it is concluded that the construction of the tracheal stoma using a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is recommended for mediastinal tracheostomy after laryngoesophagectomy with extended resection of the proximal part of the trachea.     

Long-acting progestogens

Steroids can be administered in at least five different ways: injectables; hormone-releasing intra-uterine devices (IUDs); implants; vaginal rings; and pills. Progestogens which are synthetic steroids, are used as the main bioactive substances. Different progestogens are effective for different periods of time. Progestins in daily oral pills are effective for 24 hours. The effectiveness of a progestogen can be prolonged by incorporating it in a sustained-release system that gradually releases the hormone; therefore they can be effective up to 5 years or more. Two progestogen-only injectables are widely available in the family planning programmes, (DMPA and NET-EN) and two combined injectables, Cyclofem (DMPA + EC), and Mesigyna (NET-EN + EV). The ring is placed by the woman in her vagina, where it gradually releases hormone. Implantable contraceptives are placed just under the skin on the inside of the woman's arm. Implant capsules release the progestogen at a slow, steady rate. There are three implantables available in the market: Implanon; Norplant; and Jadelle. They are effective for 1-5 years, but then must be replaced. Natural and synthetic progestogens were first added to IUDs in the early 1970s. The main problem of long-acting progestogens is the disruption of the menstrual cycle.     

Use of a versatile transpositional flap in the surgical treatment of axillary hidradenitis suppurativa.

Axillary hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic recurrent disorder characterized by abscessing inflammation, fistulating sinus tracts, and scarring. This is not only a medical disease, but also a complicated problem necessitating surgical intervention. While various management strategies have been reported, the results are frequently unsatisfactory. Primary closure of the defect after radical excision is often impossible and results in poor wound healing. Skin graft on the soft tissue defect often results in obvious scar contracture and limitation of movement. Local muscle flap can fill in the defect but the range of adduction of the arm will be limited by its muscle bulk. Free flap transfer is a choice of management but this technique calls for a trained team, laborious execution, expensive instruments and plenty of time. We describe the use of transpositional fasciocutaneous flap, which can provide a reliable flap of variable size of skin and soft tissue coverage with good elastic properties. The technique is easily adapted to the reconstruction of resultant defects. This technique was used to transfer 8 transpositional fasciocutaneous flaps in 7 patients for the closure of axillary defects resulting from radical excision of chronic hidradenitis suppurativa. No flap complication or disease recurrence was observed during 2 years of follow-up. The technique had satisfactory esthetic and functional results as well as low donor site morbidity.     

Autologous and alloplastic breast reconstruction--overview of techniques, indications and results

It is important for any woman undergoing mastectomy to make an informed decision about reconstruction and to be provided with information about the technique, advantages and disadvantages. There is a high degree of patient satisfaction with breast reconstruction, but high levels of preoperative information and psychological support are necessary. Close collaboration between oncological and reconstructive surgeons or management by an oncoplastic breast surgeon, careful patient selection and counseling, and refinements in surgical techniques can provide a range of safe and predictable techniques for breast reconstruction. After modified radical mastectomy breast reconstruction involves replacement of breast skin and breast volume; after skin-sparing mastectomy only the replacement of breast volume is necessary. The most commonly used surgical techniques are tissue expansion, latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap with or without implants, and the use of lower abdominal tissue. Until today, the pedicled TRAM flap is the standard method for autologous breast reconstruction.     

Aufkl?rung und Dokumentation

Documentation is an inherent component of the treatment contract and medical obligation. The documentation must not only be correct but also concrete and accurately describe the illness and treatment procedure in a manner understandable for a third party. The basic principle is that that which is not documented, never took place, irrespective of the possibility of providing evidence of correct documentation even with witness statements (caution!). It is not necessary to document actions which are taken for granted, such as disinfection of the skin before giving an injection. In particular all deviations from standard procedure must be documented. The documented organization and instruction of staff members is the duty of the head of the department or medical practice who must also observe the requirements of data protection and storage limits as well as the digital documentation.?     

Connective tissue and dermatological conditions in pregnancy

Connective tissue disorders are common in women of reproductive age, and hence are seen frequently in maternal medicine clinics. The disorders, and their treatments, may have significant adverse effects on fertility, the developing fetus, and on pregnancy outcomes. In turn pregnancy may affect the natural course of the illness. Pre-pregnancy planning and multidisciplinary management are vital to optimise maternal and fetal outcomes. This review will cover a general approach and specific management points of common autoimmune and genetic conditions.Alterations in the maternal immune system affect the disease course of pre-existing skin conditions during pregnancy, and pharmacotherapy may be limited due to effects on the fetus. Some dermatological conditions arise de novo during pregnancy. Women may present to maternity services directly; therefore obstetricians must be able to diagnose, investigate and initiate management of pregnancy dermatoses, with input from dermatologists where available.     

Power and politics in international funding for reproductive health: the US Global Gag Rule

Since 2001, the US government has used its power as a leading donor to family planning programmes to pursue policies in conflict with global agreements on reproductive rights. Prominent among these policies is the Mexico City Policy (or Global Gag Rule), which restricts non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in developing countries that receive USAID family planning funding from engaging in most abortion-related activities, even with their own funds. This paper reviews the history and political origins of the Gag Rule under several Republican party presidents. The Gag Rule has not achieved an overall reduction in abortions; rather, where it has disrupted family planning services, the policy is more likely to have increased the number of abortions. This paper concludes that the Gag Rule is a radical intrusion on the rights and autonomy of recipients of US funding. Regardless of whether or not it is rescinded in future, the underlying issues in the politics of US reproductive health assistance are likely to persist. NGOs that wish to free themselves from the constraints it imposes must find the means to end their dependence on USAID funding, including turning to other donors. NGOs should also take the lead in opposing policies such as the Gag Rule that violate global agreements.     

Reconstruction of an ablated breast

It is the aim of the reconstruction of an ablated breast to repair the woman's integrity. The technique of this operation, according to Bomert, is the sliding of a flap of skin in the case of a horizontal breast scar. For the reconstruction, a silicone prosthesis is implanted which in most cases is prepectoral.     

Novel modification of the vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap for neovagina creation

OBJECTIVE: We describe a modification of the traditional vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap for neovagina creation and our experience to date. METHODS: Our modified vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap uses a smaller flap size with a full-thickness skin graft posteriorly to decrease the size of the abdominal wall defect. We have used the modified vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in 18 patients between March 1998 and March 2004 to create a neovagina after exenterative surgery. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 54 years, and the mean body mass index was 27 (range 18-44). Twelve patients underwent a total pelvic, 5 anterior, and 1 posterior exenteration. Among the 13 patients requiring a colostomy, the vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was taken from the contralateral side. In these patients, the urostomy was brought out on the vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap donor side. There has been only 1 partial flap loss, which eventually resulted in a fully epithelialized neovagina. Eight patients at last follow-up were sexually active. Two other patients have died from recurrent disease, and 2 are alive with recurrence. The other 6 patients have no evidence of recurrent disease and, although not sexually active at the time of this report, have a viable and adequate neovagina. All patients had a successful primary closure of the abdominal wound in a vertical fashion. Three patients had superficial abdominal wound breakdown, which healed by secondary intention. CONCLUSION: The modified vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap allows for creation of an adequate neovagina with a smaller abdominal wall defect.     

Important conclusions from abortion studies

In general, it can be concluded that the initiative on the determinants and consequences of induced abortion has shown some important patterns. For example, induced abortion is not restricted to adolescents but occurs also within marriage to limit family size. Induced abortion is prevalent both where family planning services are available and contraceptive prevalence is high as well as where family planning is not common, but for different reasons. In the former, motivation to limit family size is high and women would use any option if contraception fails or an unwanted pregnancy occurs. In the latter case, induced abortion forms part of a mix of incipient fertility regulation alternatives, most of which are traditional and of little effectiveness but including some use or improper use of modern methods. Few abortion seekers, and among them even fewer adolescents, were using a modern contraceptive at the time the pregnancy started. High use of traditional methods in some countries leads to abortion as women/couples fail to follow proper instructions with regards to the safe period. Unsafe clandestine abortions are more likely to be sought by poorer women and by adolescents. The findings of this research are increasingly being used to question the legal status of abortion in countries where the law is restrictive, or to strengthen family planning efforts in order to reduce abortion incidence.     

Distally based rectus abdominis flap for reconstruction in radical gynecologic procedures

The distally based rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap is an important adjunct to radical pelvic surgery. It can be used to fashion a functional neovagina or to create a patch to cover perineal defects created by exenterative surgery. This report reviews the technical aspects of the creation of this flap and our experience with 22 patients who have undergone this procedure. The flap has been found to be technically easy to create. It is reliable with little tissue loss, and donor site complications are acceptable. Healing is aided by filling the pelvic dead space, thereby decreasing bowel complications, and by bringing a new blood supply into the operative site which has often been heavily irradiated. Operative time is minimized since the procedure requires only unilateral mobilization. Subsequent abdominal surgery has been performed without fascial complications.     

Why family planning involves every GP

Although some general practitioners within Britain's National Health Service (NHS) will not participate directly in family planning, their practice will certainly involve some counseling and follow-up of contraceptive side effects. These physicians must be alert to elevations in blood pressure and other indications that a contraceptive method may be inappropriate for a given client. In cases where the family physician is prescribing a family planning method, careful thought must be given to what comprises a reliable and acceptable contraceptive for a client. Case assessment and supervision during the early months of treatment are especially important with oral contraceptives, given the potential for side effects and the need for counseling on consistent use. If the pill is contraindicated, a Copper 7 IUD may be an alternative choice. General practitioners who insert IUDs should gain initial experience under supervision and have sterile equipment, lithotomy stirrups, a good light, and a bivalve speculum available. Finally, general practitioners within the NHS system are performing a growing proportion of male and female sterilizations. Again, both technical skill and counseling aimed at conveying the likelihood of irreversible sterility are necessary.     

外阴癌广泛切除术后患者外阴重建术的临床分析

目的探讨外阴癌广泛切除术后创面修复、外阴重建的手术治疗方法。方法回顾性分析2003年3月—2005年10月北京协和医院收治的14例外阴癌患者的临床资料,14例患者均行外阴广泛性局部扩大切除术,采用带蒂股前外侧皮瓣或下蒂腹直肌肌皮瓣修复外阴缺损创面,并行外阴重建术。结果14例行外阴重建术的患者中,有13例患者的皮瓣全部成活,于术后12～14 d切口拆线,切口Ⅰ期愈合,其中1例行股前外侧皮瓣转移修复术的患者腹股沟区手术切口发生感染,但其皮瓣及供区植皮Ⅰ期愈合;1例行股前外侧皮瓣转移修复术的患者皮瓣发生部分坏死,面积约4 cm×6 cm,经局部换药、创面植皮治疗,术后36 d完全愈合。14例患者接受了2～20个月的术后随访,重建后的外阴形态丰满,富有弹性,阴道口无狭窄,疤痕无明显挛缩。结论应用股前外侧皮瓣或腹直肌肌皮瓣转移修复外阴癌广泛切除术后的皮肤软组织缺损,进行外阴重建,可使患者在手术切除肿瘤后获得外阴解剖外观及部分功能的恢复,具有临床应用价值。     

Surgical Solutions for the Complications of the Vaseline Self‐Injection of the Penis

IntroductionPenile girth enhancement by the injection of Vaseline is an existing practice. Many cases develop severe complications that need surgery.AimTo report on the reconstructive surgical solutions of the complications of Vaseline self‐injection and the outcomes. To develop a modification of a one‐step reconstruction method involving the use of pedicled scrotal flaps.Main Outcome MeasuresThe complications and their surgical solutions were classified as regards severity and difficulty. The outcomes were observed and a newly introduced one‐step surgical method was investigated.MethodsSeventy‐eight consecutive patients (87.2% of them with a history of imprisonment) were divided into three groups. In group A, aesthetic penile defects or phimosis caused by the Vaseline necessitated circumcision or local excision. In group B, the whole penile skin was involved, and total skin removal and two‐ or (a newly modified) one‐step reconstructive surgery were performed. In group C, both the whole penile skin and the scrotum were involved: complete skin removal and skin grafting or skin pedicled flap transplantation were carried out.ResultsIn five cases in group B, postoperative skin necrosis made a second operation necessary. There was one intraoperative urethral injury, where a urethral fistula developed and a second urethral reconstruction was performed. There was no major complication with the newly developed one‐stage pedicled flap procedure. At the end of the therapy, all the cases were healed. All of the patients reported successful sexual intercourse after the operations and 91% were satisfied with the result.ConclusionsThe complications depend mainly on the amount of Vaseline injected, the hygienic circumstances, and the personal tolerability. In the worst cases, only radical skin removal and skin transplantation can solve the problem. The newly developed one‐step arterial branch‐preserving scrotal skin flap reconstruction appears to be a suitable and cost‐effective solution for these patients.     

An upper extremity skin flap for coverage of thoracic defects.

A skin flap based on the medical surface of the upper extremity can be effectively used to close large defects of the chest wall when other lesser procedures prove to be ineffective or inappropriate.     

Condoms: the contraceptive whose time has come -- again

Both the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic and the removal of the IUD from the marketplace have contributed to renewed interest in the condom as a contraceptive method. These 2 events have further coincided with increased emphasis on the part of family planning programs in male involvement. Today condoms are used by an estimated 40 million couples throughout the world and are the 2nd most widely used form of contraception. Active promotion of condom use by family planning practitioners requires the belief that this is indeed a positive, viable method. The myths that condoms are unnatural, insensitive, and unreliable are widespread even among family planning workers and must be addressed directly. Condom educators must be able to confront clients about the need either to accept that they are sexual beings and plan to be prepared for sexual encounters or to choose not to engage in unprotected sex. The concern that condom use decreases sensitivity is to a certain extent valid, but it is important to note that this decreased sensitivity occurs only after the condom is put on and many enjoyable sexual experiences take place before this point. In terms of reliability, most breakage is due to improper use. Addressing such myths through counseling an education will begin to break down some of the barriers to condom comfort among users.