A prospective study of psychological adjustment during and after forehead flap nasal reconstruction.

The psychological effects of staged nasal reconstruction with a forehead flap were prospectively investigated. Thirty-three patients underwent nasal reconstruction with forehead flaps between March 2017 and July 2020. Three questionnaires were used to assess psychosocial functioning before surgery (time 1), 1 week after forehead flap transfer (time 2), 1 week after forehead flap division (time 3), and after refinement procedures (time 4). The patients were categorized into three groups according to the severity of nasal defects. Between- and within-group comparisons were conducted. All patients reported increased satisfaction with their appearance during nasal reconstruction. For most patients, levels of distress and social avoidance were highest before reconstruction (time 1). Both levels decreased as reconstruction advanced, and were significantly improved by times 3 and 4. The stage of reconstruction had a greater effect on these levels than did severity of nasal defect. Nasal reconstruction with forehead flap is beneficial physically and psychologically. Psychological evaluation before and after surgery facilitates patient-surgeon interactions and further enhances outcomes.

[Robotic-Assisted Lymphatic Surgery]. / Robotisch-assistierte Lymphchirurgie.

Surgical robotic systems specifically developed for microsurgery are increasingly being used in recent years, particularly in reconstructive lymphatic surgery. Currently, there are two robotic systems that are used in microsurgery. Both systems feature tremor reduction and motion scaling technologies, which are intended to optimise the surgeon's precision and dexterity. In the Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery at the University Hospital Zurich, the Symani Surgical System is used in many microsurgical and supermicrosurgical procedures. It is mainly used in reconstructive lymphatic surgery, especially for robotic-assisted lymphovenous anastomosis, microvascular anastomosis of lymph node flaps, and it is used in central lymphatic surgery. The robot enables smaller surgical approaches for deep anatomical structures with enhanced surgical precision. In combination with an exoscope, it can also improve the ergonomics of the microsurgeon.

A pedicled buccal periosteal flap for the closure of oro-antral fistula.

BACKGROUND: An oroantral fistula is a communication between the maxillary antrum and oral cavity. This pathological communication is formed mainly due to dental extraction of maxillary premolars and molars. Adequate management should include closing the oroantral fistula and eliminating sinus infections to prevent recurrence and sinusitis. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using the pedicled buccal periosteal flap for closing an oroantral fistula without changing the native intraoral structure. PATIENTS & METHODS: Patients with oroantral fistulas were included in this study. The patients were examined clinically by Valsalva test and cheek-blowing test, the hole was probed, and the extent of the underlying bone defect was determined radiographically using computed tomography preoperatively. All patients underwent surgical closure of oroantral fistula using a pedicled buccal periosteal flap. RESULTS: All 10 patients obtained satisfactory results with marked improvement in the function of the maxillary sinus and complete healing of oroantral fistula with no recurrence except in Case No. 5, who had a recurrence of the oroantral fistula, also there was no statistically significant difference between the vestibular depth preoperatively and postoperatively. CONCLUSION: A pedicled buccal periosteal flap is a novel technique for oroantral fistula closure as it preserves vestibular depth with a tension-free closure flap and harbors the advantages of the regenerative potential of the periosteum. REGISTRATION DATE: 14/8/2023 REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05987943.

Cross Lip Vermilion Flap and Traumatic Upper Lip Avulsion: Reducing Donor Site Morbidity.

Using a cross lip vermilion flap for upper red lip reconstruction in cases other than whistle deformity in patients with cleft lip can lead to donor site morbidity. If the practitioner performs primary closure of the mucosa in lower vermilion after flap harvesting, the width and height of lower lip are reduced, which results in an increased lower incisor tooth show. Using free fat grafting is an effective method for reducing donor site morbidity in the lower lip following cross lip vermilion flap harvest.

Occipito-Cervico-Dorsal Flap for Neck Reconstruction After Postburn Contractures: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Because the head and neck are one of the most frequent locations of burns, it is of paramount importance that plastic surgeons and plastic surgical nurses understand the most effective surgical methods for treating neck contractures and the reconstructive technique required for each case. We introduce the case of a 42-year-old woman who presented with a severe postburn neck contracture that was reconstructed with a pedicled occipito-cervico-dorsal flap. We closed the donor-site wound primarily and completely covered the defect with good results. In addition to conventional skin grafts, dermal matrices, and microsurgical techniques, using an occipito-cervico-dorsal flap should be considered for reconstructing postburn neck contractures as it offers good aesthetic and functional outcomes, provides enough tissue and pliable skin, and results in minimal donor-site morbidity.

[Clinical effects of early rehabilitation treatment after repair surgery of skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand].

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of early rehabilitation treatment after repair surgery of skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand. Methods: This study was a retrospective non-randomized controlled study. From February 2015 to February 2023, 24 patients (15 males and 9 females, aged 12-55 years) with skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand, who met the inclusion criteria and were repaired with flap transplantation and tendon grafting or tendon anastomosis, were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. According to different intervention time for postoperative rehabilitation treatment of patients, the patients were divided into conventional rehabilitation group and early rehabilitation group, with 12 cases in each group. Patients in early rehabilitation group received rehabilitation treatment immediately after surgery under the rehabilitation guidance of specialized rehabilitation physicians based on the characteristics of different postoperative periods. Patients in conventional rehabilitation group began rehabilitation treatment from the third week after surgery, and their rehabilitation treatment was the same as that of patients in early rehabilitation group from the second week after surgery. The patients in 2 groups were treated in the hospital until the sixth week after surgery. The occurrence of flap vascular crisis and tendon rupture were observed within 6 weeks after surgery. After 6 weeks of surgery, the manual muscle test was used to measure the pinching force between the index finger and thumb, lateral pinching force, three-point pinching force, and grip force of the affected hand; the total action motion method was used to evaluate the finger joint range of motion of the affected hand, and the excellent and good ratio was calculated; the Carroll upper extremity function test was used to score and rate the function of the affected hand. Results: Within 6 weeks after surgery, only 1 patient in conventional rehabilitation group suffered from venous crisis, and the flap survived after the second surgical exploration and anastomosis of blood vessels; there was no occurrence of tendon rupture in patients of 2 groups. After 6 weeks of surgery, there were no statistically significant differences in pinching force between the index finger and thumb, lateral pinching force, three-point pinching force, or grip force of the affected hand between the two groups of patients (P>0.05); the excellent and good ratio of the finger joint range of motion of the affected hand of patients in early rehabilitation group was 11/12, which was higher than 7/12 in conventional rehabilitation group, but there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05); the affected hand function score of patients in early rehabilitation group was 90±6, which was significantly higher than 83±8 in conventional rehabilitation group (t=2.41, P<0.05); the function rating of the affected hand of patients in early rehabilitation group was obviously better than that in conventional rehabilitation group (Z=2.04, P<0.05). Conclusions: Early rehabilitation treatment for patients with skin and soft tissue defects accompanied by extensor tendon injury on the back of hand after repair surgery can improve hand function, but it would not increase surgery related complications, which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Use of scapular tip flaps in the reconstruction of head and neck defects: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Scapular tip flaps (STF) may be used as an alternative to traditional methods of reconstruction of head and neck cancer (HNC) defects. This study aimed to establish the success and complication rates for STF in HNC reconstruction. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, BMJ Journals, DARE, EMBASE databases and Cochrane (CENTRAL) register. (Registry CRD42023428012). A total of 23 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria with 474 patients who underwent reconstructive procedures using the STF. 100% of STF used were free flaps (STFFs). The most common reason for reconstruction was following malignancy (81.4%, n = 386). The pooled success rates in all studies using scapular tip flaps in head and neck reconstruction was 99% (95% CI, 97 to 100, p = 1.00; I2 = 0). Pooled total complication rates were 38% (95% CI, 25 to 51, p < 0.01; I2 = 90%). 19.6% required return to theatre with only 1.5% being for repeat flap coverage. The STF demonstrated an overall success rate of 99%. This is higher than other documented success rates with mainstay flaps for HNC defect reconstruction. Complication and re-operation rates were also like recorded rates. This review demonstrates the advantage of STF as a safe and versatile reconstructive option for HNC related defects. Evaluation of the literature is limited by poor-quality studies and comparability bias.

Free Tissue Transfer for Reconstruction After Bilateral Skin Sparing Mastectomy-A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignant neoplasia in females worldwide. Overall survival and patients' choice for bilateral mastectomy have increased. It is therefore important to offer breast reconstructive procedures to improve patient quality of life and self-esteem. The aim of this systematic literature review is to quantify the outcome and sustainability of bilateral breast reconstruction using autologous, vascularized free tissue transfer. METHODS: A systematic literature review of PubMed, Cochrane, and the Web of Science databases was performed. A total of 5879 citations were identified, and 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 1316 patients were included, with a mean age of 47.2 years. Overall, 32.5% of patients experienced a complication after breast reconstruction. If reported, 7.45% of patients experienced major complications, while 20.7% had minor complications.The following flaps were used for breast reconstruction, in order of reducing frequency: DIEP (45.45%), TRAM (22.73%), SIEA (9.09%), SGAP (9.09%), TUG (4.55%), TMG (4.55%), and LD/MLD (4.55%). CONCLUSIONS: Current studies indicate that bilateral breast reconstruction using autologous, vascularized free tissue transfer is a safe procedure for postmastectomy reconstruction and offers stable long-term results. This is particularly in comparison to implant-based breast reconstruction.

Speech Outcomes After Palatal Lengthening Via Double Opposing Buccinator Myomucosal Flaps.

BACKGROUND: Palatal lengthening is becoming a first-line treatment choice for cleft patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). As cleft palate-related surgical outcomes are age dependent, speech outcomes may be similarly affected by patient age at the time of treatment. The primary goal of this study is to determine whether there are age-related speech outcome differences when double opposing buccinator myomucosal flaps are used as part of a palatal lengthening protocol and whether these outcome differences preclude utilization of this technique for specific patient age groups. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on consecutive nonsyndromic patients with VPI who underwent treatment using double opposing buccinator myomucosal flaps at our hospital between 2014 and 2021. Patients who completed the 15-month follow-up were stratified by age. Group A aged between 2 and 7 years (n = 14), group B aged 8 and 18 years (n = 23), and group C aged older than 18 years (n = 25) were included. Standardized perceptual speech evaluations and nasopharyngoscopy were performed. Hypernasality, soft palate mobility, and lateral palatal wall mobility were assessed both preoperatively and at a 15-month postoperative interval. Complications were also recorded. The χ2 test was used for statistical comparison. RESULTS: All of the age-stratified patient groups in this study showed significant improvement in hypernasality, soft palate mobility, and lateral wall mobility (P < 0.01), with no statistically significant differences between the different patient age groups. Overall speech success was achieved in 69.4% of patients. Patients in group A achieved 78.6% speech success, patients in group B achieved 78.3% speech success, and patients in group C achieved 56% speech success, with no statistically significant differences being shown regarding speech success between the different patient age groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of age, palatal lengthening via double opposing buccinator myomucosal flaps similarly improves speech outcomes.

An Analysis of the Efficacy of Multilayered Repair and Reconstruction Using Combined Tissue Pedicle Flaps for Abdominal Wall Defects in Adult Bladder Exstrophy Patients.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of cases involving adult classic bladder exstrophy (CBE) accompanied by the absence of the abdominal wall. Specifically, we focused on the utilization of multilayer flaps for reconstructive purposes. In addition, we aimed to share our clinical treatment experience pertaining to similar challenges, thereby providing valuable insights to complement the surgical management of this rare disease. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 12 adult patients diagnosed with CBE who underwent initial treatment between June 2013 and January 2020. All patients underwent multilayer reconstruction to address their abdominal wall defects. This involved utilizing shallow flaps derived from the superficial fascia of the abdomen and incorporating myofascial flaps composed of the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis and aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle. The flap sizes ranged from 9 × 11 cm to 13 × 15 cm. RESULTS: Abdominal wall reconstruction in the 12 patients with CBE resulted in an absence of wound dehiscence recurrence, urinary obstruction, or urinary tract infection. All patients expressed satisfaction with the aesthetic outcome of their abdominal wall based on self-evaluation. They reported a successful resumption of normal life and work activities without experiencing any restrictions. The married patients expressed contentment with their sexual function. CONCLUSION: The utilization of a multilayered reconstruction technique involving multiple flaps in adults with congenital CBE allows for successful restoration of urinary function, as well as the attainment of sufficient abdominal wall strength to support daily life and work activities, while preserving sexual function. However, it is important to approach the evaluation of surgical outcomes with caution because of the rarity of this condition and the lack of objective assessment measures.

Sphenoid Sinus Mucosal Flap after Transsphenoidal Surgery-A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: Skull base reconstruction is a crucial step during transsphenoidal surgery. Sphenoid mucosa is a mucosal membrane located in the sphenoid sinus. Preservation and lateral shifting of sphenoid mucosa as sphenoid mucosal flap (SMF) during the transsphenoidal exposure of the sella may be important for later closure. This is the first systematic review to evaluate the utility of sphenoid mucosal flap for sellar reconstruction after transsphenoidal surgery. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in January 2023: Cochrane, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The following keywords and their combinations were used: "sphenoid mucosa", "sphenoid sinus mucosa", "sphenoid mucosal flap", "sphenoid sinus mucosal flap". From a total number of 749 records, 10 articles involving 1671 patients were included in our systematic review. Results: Sphenoid sinus mucosa used to be applied for sellar reconstruction as either a vascularized pedicled flap or as a free flap. Three different types of mucosal flaps, an intersinus septal flap, a superiorly based flap and an inferiorly based flap, were described in the literature. Total SMF covering compared to partial or no SMF covering in sellar floor reconstruction resulted in fewer postoperative CSF leaks (p = 0.008) and a shorter duration of the postoperative lumbar drain (p = 0.003), if applied. Total or partial SMF resulted in fewer local complications (p = 0.012), such as fat graft necrosis, bone graft necrosis, sinusitis or fungal infection, in contrast to no SMF implementation. Conclusions: SMF seems to be an effective technique for skull base reconstruction after transsphenoidal surgery, as it can reduce the usage of avascular grafts such as fat along with the incidence of local complications, such as fat graft necrosis, bone graft necrosis, sinusitis and fungal infection, or it may improve the sinonasal quality of life by maintaining favorable wound healing through vascular flap and promote the normalization of the sphenoid sinus posterior wall. Further clinical studies evaluating sphenoid mucosal flap preservation and application in combination with other techniques, particularly for higher-grade CSF leaks, are required.

Rotation of a Part of the Composite Flap for Simultaneous Gonion Reduction and Malar Augmentation During Rhytidectomy in Asians.

BACKGROUND: The desired facial shape that Asians aim to achieve through plastic surgery differs from that of westerners. OBJECTIVES: The author facilitates facial volume deflation by using the rotation of a part of the composite flap to the malar area resulting in volumetric augmentation during rhytidectomy; simultaneously, a volumetric reduction was implemented in the gonion. METHODS: Extended deep plane rhytidectomy with the rotation of a part of the composite flap was performed in 49 patients, whereas extended deep plane rhytidectomy without the rotation of a part of the composite flap was performed in 20 patients. For the results, the satisfaction survey of the surgery was conducted in all patients and by 2 surgeons during a follow-up visit 12 months later. To assess the surgical outcome objectively, the author used the Allergan photometric midface volume deficit scale to measure the midface volume. The midface contour and degree of projection were analyzed using lateral view photographs of the patients. The measurement of segment CM (distance between the lateral canthus and mouth corner) and segment MA (distance from segment CM to the most protruding malar area) was performed. RESULTS: The patients who underwent extended deep plane rhytidectomy with the rotation of a part of the composite flap reported higher overall satisfaction and achieved more favorable results, as evaluated by the 2 aesthetic surgeons (P < 0.05). The scores on the Allergan photometric midface volume deficit scale showed a significant increase before and after the surgery in both groups (P < 0.05), also as evaluated by the 2 aesthetic surgeons. However, the change in scores was found to be higher in the extended deep plane rhytidectomy with the rotation of a part of the composite flap group. The midface contour and degree of projection showed an increase of 20.6% on the right face and 22.7% on the left face, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Using the rotation of a part of the composite flap during rhytidectomy resulted in overall satisfactory outcomes for all patients. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the use of this surgical method is beneficial and effective.

Early detection of aseptic bone necrosis post-cranioplasty: A retrospective CT analysis using Hounsfield units.

This study examined the efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-based Hounsfield units (HU) as early predictors of aseptic bone necrosis, a serious post-cranioplasty complication after autologous cranioplasty. In total, 100 patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy and subsequent autologous cranioplasty were included. The radiodensity of the bone flap was evaluated in HU from CT scans at five follow-up timepoints. HU thresholds were established to predict the development of aseptic bone necrosis. HU demonstrated a declining trend throughout the follow-up period in all patients. Necrosis type I patients showed significant differences at all timepoints from 3 months post-procedure onwards, while necrosis type II patients displayed a significant decline in HU at every follow-up. Optimal thresholds with cut-off A (91.23% of initial HU) and cut-off B (78.73% of initial HU) were established to predict the occurrence of bone necrosis and the need for artificial bone replacement, respectively. Our findings demonstrated the utility of CT-based HU measurements as a simple, non-invasive tool for the early prediction of aseptic bone necrosis following autologous cranioplasty. By delineating specific HU thresholds, our study offers a valuable guide for orchestrating timely follow-ups and advising patients on the necessity of proactive interventions.

Local flaps of the hand.

Hand injuries are common, and due to the complex functions of the hand, soft tissue defects present a surgical challenge in reconstruction. Hand defects exposing deeper structures warrant reconstruction with local flaps, but in Denmark, reconstruction surgery of the hand is routinely managed within the orthopaedic specialty alone with no plastic surgical involvement. This review aims at describing the most common local flaps of the hand and forearm and encourage to stronger collaboration between hand- and plastic surgeons in Denmark.

Did temporomandibular gap arthroplasty with temporalis interpositional flap improve function and pain in patients with end-stage joint disease? A 5-year retrospective follow-up.

The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether patients with end-stage temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease treated with gap arthroplasty with temporalis interpositional flap (GAT) had improved maximal interincisal opening (MIO) and TMJ pain in a long-term perspective. All patients with severe osteoarthritis, or fibrous or bony ankyloses, and subjected to GAT between 2008 and 2015 were included. The criteria of treatment success were TMJ pain VAS score ≤4 and MIO ≥30 mm. Reoperation was considered as a failure. Forty-four patients (mean age 47 years) were included in this retrospective descriptive case series and followed up for up to 7 years (mean 4.5). Comorbidities were frequent (n = 34) and most commonly rheumatic disease (n = 17). The indications for surgery were ankylosis (n = 32) or severe osteoarthritis (n = 12). Of the 44 included patients, 84% (n = 37) had a history of earlier TMJ surgery. The preoperative mean values for TMJ pain and MIO (VAS 7 and 23 mm, respectively) changed significantly (p < 0.001) to postoperative means of VAS 3 and 34 mm, respecitvely. The success rate was 59% (n = 26). When compared with a previous 2-year follow-up, the success rate was found to have decreased over time (p = 0.0097). The rate of successful treatment outcome in terms of MIO alone was 82% (n = 36). The most common reason for treatment failure was residual pain. In conclusion, the success-rate after GAT did not show long-term stability and continued to drop over time in this patient cohort. TMJ pain seems to be the main reason for failure.