One-stage nose reconstruction using a forehead island flap

Only part of the nasal skeleton remains after resection of extensive tumours penetrating all layers of the nose. In most cases a multiple-stage procedure is necessary for reconstruction of subtotal and total nasal defects. However, a one-stage reconstruction is needed in old and physically disabled patients who cannot undergo multiple operations for medical or social reasons. Three cases of nasal reconstruction with an inverted forehead island flap are reported. The skin of the inferiorly transposed flap serves as an inner lining for the reconstructed nose; the outer layer of the flap, which forms the surface of the reconstructed nose, is covered by a split thickness skin graft. The advantages of the method are: (1) one-stage reconstruction of the nose after tumour resection without further operations; and (2) the relative stability of the reconstructed nose without cartilaginous or bony implants.     

One-stage breast reduction and nipple-areolar reconstruction

The authors present an easily designed and accomplished technique of one-stage reduction mammaplasty and nipple-areolar reconstruction for patients with large or medium-size breasts and for patients missing the nipple-areolar complex. The technique has low inherent risks, and the symmetry of the breast is maintained to the maximum. In addition to the cosmetic improvement, using this technique benefits the patient further by avoiding postoperative corrections or adjustments.     

Adventitial stripping of the radial and ulnar arteries in Raynaud's disease

Adventitial stripping of the palmar arch, the palmar common digital arteries, or the proper digital arteries is a last resort in the treatment of refractory primary or secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. Seven patients who had adventitial stripping of the ulnar and radial arteries proximal to the wrist and resection of the nerve of Henle, if identifiable, are presented. All of them were evaluated by telethermography, acral rheography, and a questionnaire before and after surgery. All were asymptomatic after surgery with satisfactory healing of the ulcers at the fingertips. None of them relapsed during the follow-up time of 1.5 years.     

Dupuytren's disease in children[mdash ]differential diagnosis

Background/Purpose: Dupuytren's disease in children is uncommon; only a few histologically confirmed diagnoses are found in literature. In its early, proliferative phase with many fibroblasts, it can resemble the early stadium of an epitheloid sarcoma, which also is a rare tumor. The purpose of this report is to show pediatric surgeons and pathologists the importance of differential diagnosis of nodules and fibrotic bands in children's hands, especially to exclude a malignancy. Methods: Between 1998 and 2000, 3 children at ages of 2[frac12] years, 9 years, and 10 years, respectively, presented with the clinical signs of Dupuytren's disease of the hand. Each of them had fibrous bands with a flexion contracture of the fingers. All of them underwent fasciectomy. Results: In patient 1, a 10[deg ] extension lag of the index finger resulted after 3 operations. Histology findings showed the typical features of Dupuytren's disease. In patient 2, histology findings showed a recurring digital fibroma of childhood. After consultation with the pathologist and reevaluation of the slides, the histologic diagnosis was corrected to Dupuytren's disease. Full extension and thumb abduction has been achieved. In patient 3, histology of the first and second operation was misdiagnosed as Dupuytren's disease. In the third operation 2[frac12] years later, the histologic diagnosis of epitheloid sarcoma was made. Amputation of the forearm was necessary. Conclusions: Exact anamnesis, location of the lesion, and suspicious diagnosis must be mentioned to the pathologist in the case of biopsy or excision of Dupuytrenlike lesions in children's hands. Awareness of the possibility of the epitheloid sarcoma may help prevent misdiagnosis.     

Analysis of complications in digital vein grafts

Summary Between 1975 and 1978, 49 interpositional vein grafts were used for vascular repair in replantations and compound hand injuries as well as for toe-to-thumb transfer (1 case). Of these, 34 were employed on primary management. Indications and operative techniques are discussed. Cases with incidents causing cessation of blood flow and requiring re-operation are analyzed.