Toxic Shock Syndrome in Plastic Surgery Patients: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rapidly developing disease, which may be lethal if not recognized and treated early. TSS unrelated to menstruation comprises an increasing proportion of the cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control during recent years, and a review of the literature reveals that TSS has is reported with increasing frequency in plastic surgical patients as well. The majority of reports relates to aesthetic plastic surgical procedures such as rhinoplasty, augmentation mammaplasty liposuction, and chemical peeling, but cases of TSS following reconstructive breast surgery with musculocutaneous flaps have also been reported. A common denominator seems to be that TSS occurs unexpectedly in healthy patients. Nonmenstrual TSS is apparently associated with a higher mortality rate than TSS associated with menstruation. We report on a case of TSS after exchange of silicone implants and resection of a siliconoma in a 59-year-old woman. Details of the case and a review of the literature are presented.     

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.     

Submuscular Periareolar Approach to Augmentation Mammoplasty in Korean Women

Augmentation mammoplasty can be approached by various methods according to the type of implant and implantation site depending on the status of the patient or surgeon's preference. The advantage for submuscular placement is based on problems associated with subglandular placement, especially capsular contracture and sensory changes in the nipple, and interference with the interpretation of mammograms is avoided. There are fewer complications such as hematoma, infection, and extrusion of the implant with submuscular dissection and relatively avascular, minimal sensory changes in the nipple compared with subglandular approach. The submuscular periareolar approach to augmentation mammoplasty was first described in the 1970s. This approach provides easy access to both the subglandular and subpectoral planes. It also provides a central point of access for creation of the implant pocket, which allows for easier and more accurate dissection in all diameters. The resultant periareolar scar is usually minimal with less injury to breast parenchyme and eventual biopsy or mastectomy incision to be performed through or around the areola. During the period of March 1999 to January 2000, 19 cases of who received submuscular periareolar augmentation mammoplasty under general anesthesia resulted in favorable scars with accurate access to pocket margin, easier dissection, and less bleeding compared with submuscular transaxillary augmentation mammoplasty. In our experience with the submuscular periareolar approach to breast augmentation it was highly versatile, safe, and less painful; postoperative hematoma incidence was greatly reduced and breast tissue injury was minimized.     

External Ultrasonic Treatment of Capsular Contractures in Breast Implants

The authors report their experience on the nonsurgical treatment of capsular contractures due to breast implant augmentation mammaplasty. External ultrasonic repeated applications have been applied to 24 patients after closed capsulotomy procedures in order to reduce the recurrency rate. The new ultrasonic device used was based on a 2-MHz generator with a timing adjustable power emission connected to eight transducers designed for breast anatomy. The authors report significant improvement of the closed capsulotomy technique demonstrating a persistent stability of the achieved results in 82% of the treated contractures, even in severe cases (Baker's IV), after a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Methods of application, technical features of the ultrasonic device, experimental charts, and results obtained on 34 breast implant capsular contractures are reported and discussed.     

Late Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection Following Breast Augmentation: Case Report

A case is reported of late infection in a breast implant, in a 35-year-old female who underwent breast augmentation with a double-lumen silicone prosthesis combined with abdominoplasty. After 8 uneventful postoperative months, untoward and poorly defined symptoms occurred and further exploratory surgery became necessary. Due to a subacute inflammatory process in the entire pocket of the left breast, the implants were removed. Culture demonstrated Klebsiella pneumoniae. After complete healing, a pair of texturized moderate profile implants was placed above the muscle through an areolar access. The clinical history and management of this unusual case are described.     

Measuring Alterations in Intra-Abdominal Pressure During Abdominoplasty as a Predictive Value for Possible Postoperative Complications

The purpose of this study was to measure the changes in Intra-Abdominal Pressure (IAP) during abdominoplasty and the relevance of these changes to the immediate postoperative recovery period. Eighteen patients (17 females and one male) who underwent abdominoplasty for aesthetic reasons participated in the study. The data collected included measurements of height, weight, and measurements of the intra-urinary bladder pressure prior to surgery, immediately post operative, and 18–24 hours postoperative. Changes in tidal volume and ventilation pressures were also measured prior to surgery and immediately postoperative. The weight of the excised tissue ranged between 1150 g–6500 g with an average of 2700 g. Three patients had significant diasthesis recti repair during surgery. In these patients the measured intra-vesicular pressure was above 24 cm of H₂O by the end of the operation and above 20 cm of H₂O the day following surgery. Two out of the three patients were treated with anticoagulants and the symptoms subsided within a week. The third patient recovered spontaneously by the third day. In conclusion, patients with an intra-urinary bladder pressure above 20 cm of H₂O following abdominoplasty were felt to be at significant risk for development of respiratory distress in the immediate postoperative period.     

Pain Reduction in Breast Augmentation Using Methocarbamol

Submuscular placement of breast implants produces significant postoperative pain and discomfort. The standard use of narcotics alone does not optimize pain reduction. Methocarbamol was used intraoperatively and postoperatively in 62 patients undergoing manipulation of the pectoralis major associated with breast implant surgery. Significant pain relief was achieved.     

Late and Long-Standing Capsular Hematoma After Aesthetic Breast Augmentation with a Saline-Filled Silicone Prosthesis: A Case Report

Late capsular hematoma is an extremely rare complication after the implantation of silicone breast prostheses for aesthetic or reconstructive objectives. We present a unique case of late capsular hematoma in an aesthetic breast augmentation with a saline-filled, textured silicone implant, which remained for a year after formation.     

Duration of postlaparoscopic pneumoperitoneum

Background: Patients who present with abdominal pain after recent laparoscopic surgery present a diagnostic dilemma when pneumoperitoneum is present. Previous studies do not define the duration of postlaparoscopic pneumoperitoneum. In this study, we attempted to define the duration of laparoscopic pneumoperitoneum and to identify factors which affect resolution time. Methods: We followed 57 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (34), inguinal herniorraphy (20), or appendectomy (three). Serial abdominal films were taken until all residual gas was resolved. Results: Thirty patients resolved their pneumoperitoneum within 24 h; 16 patients resolved between 24 h and 3 days; nine patients resolved between 3 and 7 days; two patients resolved between 7 and 9 days. Mean resolution time for all patients was 2.6 ± 2.1 days. There was no apparent difference in resolution time between the three types of procedures; however, the sample size may be insufficient. Duration of the pneumoperitoneum did not correlate with gender, age, weight, initial volume of CO₂ used, length of time for the procedure, or postoperative complications. Sixteen patients had bile spillage during cholecystectomy which significantly reduced the duration of postoperative pneumoperitoneum (p < 0.008), resulting in a mean resolution time of 1.3 ± 0.9 days. While 14 patients reported postoperative shoulder pain, no correlation was found between the presence or duration of shoulder pain and the extent or duration of pneumoperitoneum. Conclusions: We conclude that the residual pneumoperitoneum following laparoscopic surgery resolves within 3 days in 81% of patients and within 7 days in 96% of patients. The resolution time was significantly less in patients sustaining intraoperative bile spillage during cholecystectomy. There was no correlation found between postoperative shoulder pain and the presence or duration of the pneumoperitoneum. Received: 22 March 1996/Accepted: 12 July 1996     

Breast Implantation and the Incidence of Upper Extremity Somatic Complaints

Attention has been drawn to elevated laboratory tests of inflammation as indicators of a possible reaction to silicone breast implants. These patients have complaints of joint pain, pain, and myalgia that were possibly caused by a reaction to silicone. This study is a retrospective review of 100 consecutive patients (79 female, 21 male) who were evaluated because of a purported industrial injury to the upper extremity. Patients were examined by a single examiner and all had laboratory screening for indicators of inflammation (sedimentation rate, anti-nuclear antibody levels, C-reactive protein, anti-streptolysin, rheumatic factor), endocrine abnormalities (thyroid panel), and serum glucose. None of the patients had any history of breast augmentation with any implant. Of the 79 female patients, 50 had an identifiable clinical diagnosis and 18 of them had elevation of at least one of the indicators of inflammation. The remaining 29 did not have an identifiable diagnosis and 21 of them had elevation of at least one indicator of inflammation (P < 0.01). There were 74 out of 79 females with subjective complaints of upper extremity pain, joint pain, and aching. Forty-five of these patients had an identifiable diagnosis and 17 of them had elevation of at least one inflammatory indicator. Of the 74 female patients, 29 had no identifiable diagnosis and 21 of them had elevation of at least one inflammatory indicator (P < 0.01). In summary, there were a high number of female patients with complaints of upper extremity symptoms with no prior exposure to silicone from breast implantation. There was a statistically significant correlation in these patients who had no identifiable diagnosis and elevated indicators in inflammation. This study suggests these markers of inflammation should not be used as indicators of a reaction to silicone from breast implantation in patients with upper extremity subjective complaints.     

Gluteus Augmentation with Fat Grafting

This study presents the authors' experience with gluteus augmentation with autologus fat grafts and liposuction methods, having recorded the evolution of gluteus reshaping with autologus intramuscular fat graft injections for the past 5 years. Preoperative shape is discussed and patient evaluations, operative techniques, postoperative management, and long-term results are emphasized.     

Partial Myotomy of the Pectoralis Major in Submuscular Breast Implants

Several authors report that retropectoral or submuscular placing for prostheses reduces the incidence of capsular contracture, preserves the sensitivity of the areola, and gives the breast a more natural look; however, displacement of the prosthesis when contracting the arm, shoulders, and thorax muscles is often observed. In order to prevent this deficiency, partial thickness myotomy was performed in the pectoralis major muscle. Since 1987, our team has carried out 120 subpectoral augmentation mammoplasties by submammary approaches using this procedure. The ages of the patients ranged from 19 to 44 years old. In all cases, physiological saline microtextured prostheses were used. Volumes were between 225 and 275 cc. The results were satisfactory in all cases, with no hematomas, infections or capsular contractures. The main advantage of this technique is that it prevents displacement of the prostheses after movements of the arms or shoulders.     

Modification of Vertical Scar in Vertical Mammaplasty Technique

Vertical mammaplasty is a simple and safe procedure that relies on an upper pedicle to the areola with lower central breast reduction and glandular shaping. We applied this technique to six patients adding a modification of the vertical scar which distributed skin tension both to the areola and vertical suture line. It prevented an unacceptable puckering vertical scar and enlargement of areola. This modification also provided satisfactory breast shape with a good vertical scar especially at the early postoperative period.     

Postoperative pain and fatigue after laparoscopic or conventional colorectal resections

Background: Conventional colorectal resections are associated with severe postoperative pain and prolonged fatigue. The laparoscopic approach to colorectal tumors may result in less pain as well as less fatigue, and may improve postoperative recovery after colorectal resections. Methods: Sixty patients were included into a prospective randomized trial to determine the influence of laparoscopic (n= 30) or conventional (n= 30) resection of colorectal tumors on postoperative pain and fatigue. Major endpoints of the study were dose of morphine sulfate during patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), visual analog scale for pain while coughing (VASC), and visual analogue scale for fatigue (VASF). Efficacy of pain medication was assessed by visual analogue score at rest (VASR). Results: Preoperative age, sex, stage, and localization of tumors were comparable in both groups. The PCA dose of morphine given immediately after surgery until postoperative day 4 was higher in the conventional group (median, 1.37 mg/kg; 5–95 percentile 0.71–2.46 mg/kg) than the laparoscopic group (0.78 mg/kg; 0.24–2.38 mg/kg, p < 0.01). Postoperative VASR was comparable between both groups, but VASC was higher from the first to the seventh postoperative day (p < 0.01). Postoperative fatigue was higher after conventional than after laparoscopic surgery from the second to the seventh day (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study confirms that analgetic requirements are lower and pain is less intense after laparoscopic than after conventional colorectal resection. Patients also experience less fatigue after minimal invasive surgery. Because of these differences, the duration of recovery is shortened, and the postoperative quality of life is improved after laparoscopic colorectal resections. Received: 4 July 1997/Accepted: 16 November 1997     

Randomized comparison between low-pressure laparoscopic cholecystectomy and gasless laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy using low-pressure pneumoperitoneum (8 mmHg) minimizes adverse hemodynamic effects, reduces postoperative pain, and accelerates recovery. Similar claims are made for gasless laparoscopy using abdominal wall lifting. The aim of this study was to compare gasless laparoscopic cholecystectomy to low-pressure cholecystectomy with respect to postoperative pain and recovery. Methods: Thirty-six patients were randomized to low-pressure or gasless laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a subcutaneous lifting system (Laparotenser). Results: The characteristics of the patients were similar in the two groups. The procedure was completed in all patients in the low-pressure group, but two patients in the gasless group were converted to pneumoperitoneum. There were no significant differences in postoperative pain and analgesic consumption, but patients in the gasless group developed shoulder pain more frequently (50% vs 11%, p < 0.05). Gasless operation took longer to perform (95 vs 72.5 min, p= 0.01). Conclusions: Gasless and low-pressure laparoscopic cholecystectomy were similar with respect to postoperative pain and recovery. The gasless technique provided inferior exposure and the operation took longer, but the technique may still have value in high-risk patients with cardiorespiratory disease. Received: 10 August 1998/Accepted: 12 February 1999     

Subfascial Endoscopic Transaxillary Augmentation Mammaplasty

Video endoscopy for breast hypoplasia and glabellar frown lines has been used since 1996 at our private clinic. Breast augmentation with an S-shape incision for transaxillary access is utilized to introduce the implant, in a submuscular or subglandular and, recently (since October 1998), in a subfascial location. From August 1998 through January 1999, 62 patients underwent endoscopic surgeries; 49 were submuscular, 5 subglandular, and 8 subfascial. McGhan 410, anatomical biodimensional implants 155 to 235 g, were used. We observed three cases of complications, two of them malpositioning (rotation), needing reoperation, and one hematoma, treated with drainage. Patient satisfaction was high, especially regarding the axillary incision. There have been no capsular contractions to date.     

Factors predictive of dysphagia after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Background: Persistent postoperative dysphagia occurs in up to 24% of patients who undergo a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for reflux disease [7]. We hypothesized that patient history, pH testing, and esophageal manometry could be used to preoperatively identify patients at risk for this complication. Methods: Of 156 laparoscopic Nissen fundoplications performed over a 27-month period, we identified 19 patients (12%) who suffered from postoperative dysphagia longer than 3 months. The presenting complaint of preoperative swallowing difficulty was noted as was the presence of a known esophageal stricture. Preoperative pH testing and esophageal manometry were performed for all subjects. We compared the following parameters to an age and gender-matched control group: history of esophageal stricture, presence of preoperative dysphagia, DeMeester reflux score, upper esophageal sphincter pressure and relaxation, esophageal body motility, location of respiratory inversion point, and lower esophageal sphincter length, resting pressure, and relaxation. Data were compared via t-test and Fisher's exact test. Results: Patients who presented before surgery with complaints of difficulty swallowing were more likely to suffer from postoperative dysphagia (p= 0.029). Incidence of stricture, DeMeester score, and manometric measurements did not differ between the dysphagia and control groups (p > 0.05 for all parameters). Conclusions: Although preoperative studies are not helpful in identifying patients at risk for persistent dysphagia after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, patients presenting with the preoperative complaint of difficulty swallowing are at increased risk for this complication. Received: 1 April 1999/Accepted: 22 July 1999     

Aesthetic Breast Augmentation: The Double Implant

The objectives of the augmentation prostheses are to increase the volume, enhance the shape, and improve the projection of the breast. Since 1962, plastic surgeons have used the silicone gel-filled breast implant created by Cronin and Gerow [6]. The contents of the standard implant have been modified: silicone gel-filled, PVP, dextran, oil, saline hydrogel, etc. The shell of the prostheses had been made with a smooth surface, textured silicone, and polyurethane-covered silicone. The shape has been modified: In 1993, A. Miller patented the stacked breast implant used in breast reconstruction [7]. This contribution tends to improve the projection of the breast. In 1994, the authors [1,3,4] described a new surgical procedure for locating the standard implants named the double pocket technique. Simultaneously, the authors [2–5] modified the shape of the prosthesis creating the double implant prostheses.     

Simultaneous Breast Augmentation and Lift

Often, both augmentation and mastopexy are necessary to solve the problems of breast ptosis with hypoplasia. These two procedures can be done simultaneously with no increased risks. Patients who have any degree of ptosis may benefit from some lifting of the nipple areola complex if the nipple is not in the central portion of the general contour of the breast mound when seen in the upright position. A simple crescent or eccentric excision in the upper quadrant may be sufficient to lift the nipple–areola complex 1–2 cm. If the nipple needs to be moved more than a couple of centimeters, or if the distance between the nipple and the inframammary crease is already excessive, an inframammary skin excision and redraping will be necessary. We have been using these combined techniques for 20 years with universal patient satisfaction.     

Lip Augmentation with AlloDerm Acellular Allogenic Dermal Graft and Fat Autograft: A Comparison with Autologous Fat Injection Alone

Many surgical options exist for lip augmentation, none of which consistently provide safe, lasting, and predictable volume gains. We describe and evaluate the use of AlloDerm acellular allogenic dermal graft in combination with fat autograft and compare the postoperative results with those of autologous fat injection alone. Analysis of the preoperative and 1- and 3-month postoperative photographs was done using digital imaging software. Outcome measures included vermilion show and horizontal lip projection from the soft tissue pogonion–subnasale plane. A 61% mean increase in vermilion show was observed in lips augmented with AlloDerm/fat injection, in comparison to a mean increase of 13% in lips augmented with fat injection alone. Lip projection demonstrated a mean increase of 1 mm in AlloDerm/fat lips at 3 months. Postoperatively, no evidence of resorption was seen in lips augmented with AlloDerm/fat between the 1- and the 3-month follow-ups, however, a 9% decrease in vermilion show occurred in lips augmented with fat injection over the same period. No complications occurred in either group. We conclude that AlloDerm in conjunction with autologous fat injection constitutes a safe, reliable, and lasting method of lip augmentation providing increased vermilion show compared to that with autologous fat injection alone.