Pre-expanded epigastric flap cover for ventral hernia following fungal necrotizing fascitis of caesarian section wound: An unusual complication

Introduction

Reconstruction of anterior abdominal wall after necrotizing abdominal wall infections is a challenge.

Material and methods

A 35-year-old lady presented with 20 × 18 cm sized defect of the anterior abdominal wall following fungal necrotizing fascitis. The defect was covered by an overlay prolene mesh and the soft tissue deficit was corrected by pre-expanded epigastric flap based on the superior epigastric artery.

Conclusion

A concerted multi-specialty effort is needed to correct these defects.

     

Versatility of lateral arm flap for hand reconstruction—a clinical experience

Background

The lateral arm free flap (LAFF) has several advantages in hand reconstruction due to multiple factors. We aimed to show the versatility of LAFF in treating hand defects.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all LAAF for hand reconstruction carried out at our institutions between August 2006 and August 2012 was undertaken. Clinical records were reviewed with respect to patients’ age and gender, size and location of defect, type and size of flaps, and complications.

Results

Twenty-four hand defects were reconstructed using LAFF. These included 15 cutaneous flaps, 8 fascial flaps, and 1 osteocutaneous flap. All flaps survived well except for one case that developed arterial insufficiency and required anastomotic revision. Primary closure of the donor site was possible in all patients. No complications occurred during the healing procedure.

Conclusions

The free lateral arm flap is a versatile and reliable option for defect coverage at the hand for small- and medium-size defects. It can be raised as a cutaneous, fascial, or osteocutaneous flap. Several advantages favor the use of lateral arm flap in hand reconstruction. These include preservation of major arm blood vessels, its constant vascular anatomy, long pedicle, and low donor site morbidity.Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

     

Inferiorly based nasolabial flap for reconstruction of the moderate to large defects of lips following cancer resection

Background

Reconstruction of the lip defects following wide excision of the squamous cell cancer is challenging for the surgeon. Our aim was to define the role of the inferiorly based nasolabial flap for lip reconstruction in such cases with moderate to large size defects.

Methods

Lip defects were reconstructed with a unilateral or bilateral subcutaneous nasolabial flaps depending on the size of the defect following wide resection of their lip cancers.

Results

All the defects were reconstructed in a single stage. We achieved good lip seal and at least good function in eating and speaking. There was no entropion of the lip, and all the reconstructed lips preserved their height.

Conclusion

Simplicity of dissection, robust blood supply, best color match, short procedure time, and minimal donor site morbidity reinforce this flap as a useful adjunct in lip reconstruction.Level of Evidence: IV, therapeutic study.

     

Anteriorly based pudendal thigh flap for scrotal reconstruction based on the deep external pudendal artery (DEPA) flap

Background

Major scrotal skin loss represents a significant challenge for reconstructive surgeons. Although many therapeutic methods have been established for the treatment of such defects, each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. A posteriorly based pudendal thigh fasciocutaneous flap at the perianal region has been described for reconstruction of genital organs, but an anteriorly based pudendal thigh fasciocutaneous flap has not been described for scrotal reconstruction.

Aim

The aim of this study was to introduce and evaluate the use of an anteriorly based pudendal thigh flap for scrotal reconstruction.

Methods

Twenty flaps in 15 patients with major scrotal defects were subjected to reconstruction using this flap. The etiology of scrotal loss was Fournier gangrene in all cases. Five patients each underwent bilateral and ten patient unilateral reconstructions, by the anteriorly based pudendal thigh flap, based on the deep external pudendal artery (DEPA).

Results

All 20 flaps survived completely. Additionally, the donor site was closed directly, and the scar was hidden in the perineal crease. The donor site healed uneventfully, as one patient required a secondary procedure for healing.

Conclusion

An anteriorly based pudendal thigh flap is highly reliable for coverage of major scrotal defects. This flap allows adequate coverage with excellent aesthetic appearance of the scrotum.Level of Evidence: Level II, therapeutic study.

     

A New Oval Advancement Flap Design for Reconstruction of Pilonidal Sinus Defect

Backgrounds

Pilonidal sinus is a common chronic disease of the sacrococcygeal region. Although many surgical methods have been described for treating pilonidal sinus disease, controversy still exists as to the best surgical technique. The aim of this study is to present a new modified advancement flap technique named “omega flap” for the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease.

Materials and methods

This study included 18 patients with pilonidal sinus who were treated between March 2012 and August 2014. All cases underwent oval excision and omega advancement flap reconstruction. Defect size, postoperative complications, postoperative pain, painless sitting time, patient satisfaction and recurrence were evaluated retrospectively.

Results

All patients were discharged on the first postoperative day. There was no flap necrosis. No recurrence and no major complication were observed during follow-up period. The outcomes were also satisfactory regarding functionally and aesthetically, and the patients were satisfied with the results.

Conclusions

Presented method has a different geometry than classical advancement flap methods. Our technique provides two-layered repair with minimal tension and off-midline closure for the reconstruction of pilonidal sinus defect. It is easily performed, reliable, associated with no recurrens and good aesthetic results.

     

Laterodorsaler Transpositionslappen zum Verschluss eines Weichteildefekts am palmaren Kleinfingergrundglied nach Auflösung einer Dupuytren-Rezidivbeugekontraktur

Objective

Closure of a palmar soft tissue defect of the proximal phalanx after limited fasciectomy in recurrent Dupuytren’s contracture.

Indications

A palmar soft tissue defect between the distal flexion crease of the palm and the flexion crease of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP) after limited fasciectomy in Dupuytren’s contracture.

Contraindications

Scars at the lateral–dorsal portion of the proximal phalanx (e.g., after burns).

Surgical technique

Modified incision after Bruner (“mini-Bruner”). Removal of the involved fascial cord. If necessary, arthrolysis of the PIP. Raising the lateral–dorsal transposition flap from distal to proximal and rotating it into the palmar soft tissue defect of the proximal phalanx. Closure of the donor site with a skin transplant.

Postoperative management

Dorsal plaster of Paris with extended fingers and compressive dressing in the palm for 2 days. Afterwards static dorsal splint and daily physiotherapy.

Results

Between 2002 and 2007, a total of 32 lateral–dorsal transposition flaps in 30 patients with recurrent Dupuytren’s disease of the little finger underwent surgery. In a retrospective study, 19 patients with 20 flaps were available for follow-up evaluation after a mean of 6 years. All flaps had healed. The median flexion contracture of the metacarpophalangeal joint was 0° (preoperatively, 20°), and of the PIP 20° (preoperatively, 85°) according to Tubiana stage 1 (preoperatively, Tubiana stage 3). The median grip strength of both the operated and the contralateral hand was 39 kg. The DASH score averaged 11 points. Overall, 11 patients were very satisfied, 6 patients were satisfied, 1 patient was less satisfied, and 1 patient was unsatisfied.

     

Is there a place for a biological mesh in perineal hernia repair?

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the outcome of perineal hernia repair with a biological mesh after abdominoperineal resection (APR).

Method

All consecutive patients who underwent perineal hernia repair with a porcine acellular dermal mesh between 2010 and 2014 were included. Follow-up was performed by clinical examination and MRI.

Results

Fifteen patients underwent perineal hernia repair after a median of 25 months from APR. Four patients had a concomitant contaminated perineal defect, for which a gluteal fasciocutaneous flap was added in three patients. Wound infection occurred in three patients. After a median follow-up of 17 months (IQR 12–24), a clinically recurrent perineal hernia developed in 7 patients (47 %): 6 of 11 patients after a non-cross-linked mesh and 1 of 4 patients after a cross-linked mesh (p = 0.57). Routine MRI at a median of 17 months revealed a recurrent perineal hernia in 7 of 10 evaluable patients, with clinical confirmation of recurrence in 5 of these 7 patients. No recurrent hernia was observed in the three patients with combined flap reconstruction for contaminated perineal defects.

Conclusion

A high recurrence rate was observed after biological mesh repair of a perineal hernia following APR.

     

The Utility of Local Anesthesia for Neurosurgical Interventions in a Low-Resource Setting: A Case Series

Introduction

Trauma is a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality, and injury to the central nervous system is the most common cause of death in these patients. While the provision of surgical services is being recognized as essential to global public health efforts, specialty areas such as neurosurgery remain overlooked.

Method

This is a retrospective case review of patients with operable lesions, such as extra-axial hematomas and unstable depressed skull fractures that underwent neurosurgical interventions under local anesthesia.

Results

A total of 13 patients underwent neurosurgical intervention under local anesthesia. Two and three patients with burr hole decompression of epidural and subdural hematomas, respectively; seven patients had elevation of depressed skull fractures and lastly one patient had an aspiration of a brain abscess. All patients survived with and without residual neurological deficits.

Conclusion

Access to resources and staff required to deliver general anesthesia is challenging in resource-poor settings. We have therefore begun performing emergent interventions under local anesthesia, with or without conscious sedation. While some patients had some minor residual weakness after the procedure, the degree of neurological deficit was improved from that observed before the procedure in all patients.

     

Successful Surgical Treatment of Intractable Chylous Ascites Using the Lymphatic Cable Flap: A Retrospective Review Study

Objective

For evaluation of a novel surgical procedure for the treatment of chylous ascites.

Summary background data

Chylous ascites is a debilitating condition associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. At least one-third of patients are refractory to medical therapy and may warrant further treatment. Traditional methods involving ligation of lymphatic fistulas or small bowel resection do not address the basic pathophysiologic mechanism of the underlying obstruction, and identification of chyloperitoneal fistulas may be challenging.

Methods

A novel flap based on deep inferior epigastric vessels with its surrounding lymphatic fatty tissue was designed in this study and transferred into abdominal cavity, with anastomosis to the fourth jejunal vessels. Three consecutive cases with chylous ascites treated by this vascularized lymphatic cable transfer were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

All three patients recovered from chylous ascites after the lymphatic cable transfer and tolerated regular diet well, with follow-up of 3 years at least.

Conclusions

Lymphatic cable flap based on the deep inferior epigastric vessels could be a potential option for treatment of intractable chylous ascites, with safe and successful long-term outcomes in three consecutive patients. The proposed functional mechanism of the flap is bypass of the obstructed intra-abdominal lymphatics to an extraperitoneal route as well as local lymphangiogenesis.

     

Aesthetic rhinoplasty as the final step of nasal reconstruction with a forehead flap

Background

The reconstruction of nasal defects represents a difficult challenge for a plastic surgeon as it can be actually difficult to obtain good aesthetic and functional results. Reconstruction needs the use of several complex flaps, including the forehead flap. However, the use of the forehead flap does not give always the optimal aesthetic result. In our opinion, rhinoplasty can optimize the aesthetic outcome and can be used as the last step in nasal reconstruction.

Methods

From the patients admitted to our department, resulting in full thickness nasal defects and reconstructed using the forehead flap, ten were selected to perform rhinoplasty after passing the inclusion criteria.

Results

In the patients where rhinoplasty was performed we obtained aesthetic and functional improvement. The patients referred better acceptance of the residual surgical stigmata and improvement of social acceptance.

Conclusions

Optimizing the aesthetic appearance of the nose, making it look better than before surgery, is fundamental to improve patient’s life quality and better acceptance of the demolition or trauma.Level of Evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.

     

Efficacy of an additional flap operation in bladder-preserving surgery with radical prostatectomy and cystourethral anastomosis for rectal cancer involving the prostate

Purpose

Sphincter-preserving operations performed with bladder-preserving surgery and a cystourethral anastomosis (CUA) do not require a urinary stoma, but leakage from the CUA may develop. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of performing an additional flap operation.

Methods

The subjects were 39 patients who underwent bladder-preserving surgery for advanced rectal cancer involving the prostate, between 2001 and 2015.32 of whom had a CUA and one of whom had a neobladder. Five of these 32 patients underwent an ileal flap operation, 2 underwent an omental flap operation, and 3 underwent an operation using both flaps.

Results

Leakage developed in 3 (30%) of the 10 patients who underwent additional flap operations, but in 14 (60.9%) of the 23 patients who did not undergo a flap operation. The mean periods of catheterization for the patients who suffered leakage were 31 weeks (8–108 weeks) in those without a flap and 16 weeks (8–20 weeks) in those with a flap. Four (33.3%) of the 12 patients with leakage after surgery without a flap had a period of urinary catheterization >30 weeks, and 2 (16.7%) had leakage of CTCAE grade 3. There were no cases of leakage after flap surgery.

Conclusion

An additional flap operation may decrease the risk of leakage from a CUA.

     

Anatomische Rekonstruktion nach weiblicher Genitalbeschneidung

Background

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a worldwide problem affecting millions and millions of women and is especially common in Africa and Arabic countries. Affected women suffer from severe physical and psychological problems. Anatomic reconstruction is therefore an important and life-changing option for many affected women.

Objective

This article gives an overview of specialized techniques developed by the author for functional and aesthetic vulvar reconstruction following FGM/C, in addition to some basic background problems of FGM/C.

Material and methods

The anterior obturator artery perforator flap (aOAP flap), the omega domed flap (OD flap), and a microsurgical procedure called neurotizing and molding of the clitoral stump (NMCS procedure) are described.

Results

The aOAP flap for vulvar reconstruction, the OD flap for clitoral prepuce reconstruction and the NMCS procedure for reconstruction of the glans of the clitoris showed natural, reliable and long-lasting results, all of which normalize the anatomy of the mutilated external female genitalia.

Conclusion

The reconstruction options presented contribute to re-establish normal anatomy and therefore support women’s health and likewise relieve the burden enforced upon them by FGM/C.

     

Use of a Purse-String Suture to Reduce Skin Graft Requirements

Background

When a wound cannot be closed in a linear fashion and either a local flap or skin graft is needed, a purse-string suture can be a useful adjunct to wound closure. Local tissue architecture is maintained in cases where clear surgical margins have not been achieved at the time of extirpative skin cancer surgery. We hypothesized that this technique could be applied to a range of wound sizes and locations to avoid or reduce the need for skin grafting.

Methods

We applied a non-absorbable purse-string suture to wounds in 18 patients over a 15-month period and measured the defect size before and after application of the suture intraoperatively. Residual defects were covered with full- or split-thickness skin grafts. Postoperative wound area, scar hypertrophy, partial graft loss and dehiscence following suture removal were additional outcomes.

Results

Ten patients achieved primary wound closure with the purse-string suture, while additional skin grafting was required in eight patients. Wounds closed primarily did not re-expand. Skin-grafted subjects had a 53.8% intraoperative wound area reduction but the skin grafts expanded during recovery, and ultimate reduction diminished to 11% on late follow-up. Wounds accounting for this late re-expansion were located on the extremities.

Conclusions

Purse-string sutures are helpful for wound closure in wounds that cannot be closed primarily. They can decrease the size of a skin graft if the wound cannot be closed completely. Wound re-expansion, particularly in extremity defects, may occur following early removal of the tension-bearing purse string.

     

Lappenplastiken bei fortgeschrittenem Morbus Dupuytren

Objective

Tension-free skin closure after partial aponeurectomy of fingers in Dupuytren’s disease with flexion contracture.

Indications

Contractures of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint >30° in Dupuytren’s disease cannot sufficiently treated by Z-plasty due to the contracted skin conditions.

Contraindications

Preoperative scar tissue or impaired circulation in the operation region and infections.

Surgical technique

The primary plan is to place a sliding flap into the incision line with the PIP joint in a flexed position, under regional anesthesia and temporary arrest of the blood supply of the upper arm by cuffing. Definitive incising round the sliding flap after achieving a PIP extension position and covering of the sliding flap either by another dorsal side flap or by full thickness skin graft.

Postoperative management

Immobilization in a palmar splint, hand physiotherapy and massaging of the scar.

Results

In the time period June 2008 to December 2010 a total of 40 patients were surgically treated. The preoperative angle of contracture in the PIP joint was 30–60° in 25 patients (group 1), 60–90° in 10 patients (group 2) and > 90° in 5 patients (group 3). The angle of contracture 12 months postoperatively was 10–15° in group 1, 20–30° in group 2 and 30–40° in group 3 and after 24 months 15–20° in group 1, 30–45° in group 2 and 40–60° in group 3 . The angle of contracture of the PIP joint was greatest for digit 5. Revision surgery resulted in a poorer outcome. Recovery of sensation lasted up to 2 years after surgery. Complications which occurred were problems in wound healing (4), loss of a flap (1), partial loss of the skin transplant without revision (3), arthrodesis (1) and amputation of digit 5 (1).

     

Transvaginal repair of a urethrovaginal fistula using the Latzko technique with a bulbocavernosus (Martius) flap

Introduction and hypothesis

Urethrovaginal fistula is a rare disorder that may occur following sling procedures for stress urinary incontinence, excision of a urethral diverticulum, anterior vaginal wall repair, radiation therapy, and prolonged indwelling urethral catheter. The most common clinical manifestation is continuous urinary leakage through the vagina, aggravated by an increase in the intra-abdominal pressure. Appropriate management, including timing of the surgical intervention and the preferred technique, remains controversial.

Methods

This video presentation describes the transvaginal repair of a urethrovaginal fistula using the Latzko technique and a bulbocavernosus (Martius) flap.

Results

The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. At her follow-up visit 2 months later, she was free of urinary leakage, and a pelvic examination revealed excellent healing, with complete closure of the fistula.

Conclusions

Transvaginal repair using the Latzko technique with a vascular bulbocavernosus (Martius) flap is an effective and safe mode of treatment.

     

Komplikationsmanagement im Internet Marketing

Background

New patients come more and more often over the internet; therefore internet marketing plays an increasingly important role.

Question

How can physicians build an effective internet marketing strategy and avoid complications?

Method

Selection and authorization of a reputable agency.

Results

New customer acquisition through high visibility in the internet, at the same time increasing the image and awareness.

Conclusions

In the overall “marketing mix” internet marketing has become indispensable to physicians who want to be successful. Those who are well positioned in Google are well known by their target audience and thus receive a higher response.

     

Offene Double-row-Rotatorenmanschettenrekonstruktion mit der LASA-DR-Screw

Objective

Safe and cost-effective rotator-cuff repair.

Indication

All types of rotator cuff lesions.

Contraindications

Frozen shoulder, rotator cuff mass defect, defect arthropathy.

Surgical technique

Extensive four-point fixation on the bony footprint is performed using the double-row lateral augmentation screw anchor (LASA-DR) with high biomechanical stability. Following mobilization of the tendons, these are refixed in the desired configuration first medially and then laterally. To this end, two drilling channels (footprint and lateral tubercle) are created for each screw. Using the shuttle technique, a suture anchor screw is reinforced with up to four pairs of threads. The medial row is then pierced and tied, and the sutures that have been left long are tied laterally around the screw heads (double row).

Postoperative management

4 Weeks abduction pillow, resulting in passive physiotherapy, followed by initiation of active assisted physiotherapy. Full weight-bearing after 4–6 months.

Results

Prospective analysis of 35 consecutive Bateman-III lesions with excellent results and low rerupture rate (6?%).