First Composite Woman-to-Woman Facial Transplantation in Turkey: Challenges and Lessons to Be Learned.

ABSTRACT: After the first face transplantation from woman to woman we performed in our clinic, it was aimed to eliminate the lack of knowledge about the subject in the literature by transferring our experiences and long-term results to the problems we had with the patient. A 20-year-old patient underwent partial osteomyocutaneous facial transplant (22nd facial transplant), which included 2 functional units of the face. The patient had no major problems in the early period and had a good aesthetic appearance. In the postoperative period, the patient ended her social isolation and adopted the transplanted face.In the late period, secondary surgical interventions, management of the problems caused by immunosuppression, and the patient's living in a remote location to our clinic were the difficulties encountered. Six revision surgeries were performed after the transplantation. Due to immunosuppression, opportunistic infections and metabolic problems required intermittent hospitalization. The patient died at the end of 56 months because of complications secondary to immunosuppression.A successful transplant involves the management of long-term problems rather than a successful tissue transfer in the early period. In today's conditions, long-term success can be achieved with a good patient compliance, as well as each team member should take an active role in the team at the transplantation centers. More case series are needed to adapt the standard treatment and follow-up protocols for solid organ transplantations for composite tissue allotransplantations. This will be possible by sharing the results and experiences transparently in the centers where face transplantation is performed worldwide.

Effect of Flap Selection on the Postoperative Success of Sacral Pressure Injuries: A Retrospective Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Pressure injuries (PIs) continue to be a substantial problem and burden for the present-day health care system and are the leading cause of chronic wounds worldwide. There is no current consensus on the long-term results of the use of flaps in sacral PI reconstruction and optimal flap choice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether flap selection influences postoperative results in sacral PI reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery for PIs in the authors' clinic between 2002 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 63 patients with stage 3/stage 4 sacral PIs and who underwent reconstruction with fasciocutaneous (FC) flaps (group 1), musculocutaneous (MC) flaps (group 2), or perforator (P) flaps (group 3) were included in the study. The mean duration of the follow-up period was 14.4 months, and patients were evaluated in terms of their demographic data, length of hospital stay, complications, and recurrence. RESULTS: The mean age, sex distribution, and ambulatory status were similar between the groups. In group 2 (MC), the mean length of hospital stay and mean drain removal time were significantly longer. The mean daily drainage amount was significantly higher in group 2 (MC) than in the other groups, and long-term relapses were less frequently observed in group 3 (P). A significant difference was observed between groups 2 (FC) and 3 (MC) in terms of wound dehiscence. The authors determined that P flaps were associated with a reduced mean length of hospital stay and daily drainage. CONCLUSIONS: For these patients, P flaps appear to be the optimal flap choice for sacral area reconstruction. However, new prospective randomized studies are needed to support these findings.

An algorithmic approach for the management of hand deformities in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

Treatment of hand deformities in epidermolysis bullosa patients represents a challenging field in hand surgery practice, thus a systematic approach by a team is mandatory for a successful result. A simple and practical algorithm for the surgical treatment of hand deformities in EB was employed by the authors where the deformities of each digit in EB patients was categorized according to pseudosyndactyly and interphalangeal joint contracture severity for guidance during the surgical treatment. The current study retrospectively reviewed the medical records and photographic data of 13 EB patients followed in our department, for whom a systematic approach to the management and treatment was used. Mild cases were treated by surgical release and secondary healing with non-adhesive dressing while moderate cases were treated with autologous dermal grafts harvested with a special technique that were fixed on denuded areas on the proximal interphalageal joints after release. The remaining areas were treated similarly to the mild group. Additional K-wires were applied for two weeks in severe cases. A total of 21 procedures were performed on 13 EB patients with hand deformities according to the proposed treatment strategy. Functional recovery was satisfactory for each patient and the outcomes were dependent upon the severity of deformity. A multidisciplinary and conscious approach followed by an algorithmic surgical treatment protocol described in the study has been beneficial in providing consistent and successful long-term results for these patients.

The Effect of Thrombolytic, Anticoagulant, and Vasodilator Agents on the Survival of Random Pattern Skin Flap.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of subcutaneously applied thrombolytic, anticoagulant, and vasodilator agents on the survival of random-pattern skin flap. METHODS: A caudally based dorsal flap model was used in 24 rats in four groups. In group 1 (n = 6), flap was elevated and sutured. In group 2 (n = 6), enoxaparin sodium was injected subcutaneously immediately after surgery, on days 1 and 2. In group 3 (n = 6), a transdermal nitroglycerin was applied directly following surgery, on days 1 and 2. In group 4 (n = 6), alteplase was injected subcutaneously immediately after surgery, on days 1 and 2. Blood flow was measured with laser Doppler flowmetry at the proximal and distal halves of flap before, immediately after surgery, and on days 3 and 7. Histologic samples were taken from the same locations on day 3 and day 7 postoperatively. Vessel and lymphocyte count was obtained. Photographs were taken to determine flap necrosis areas at day 7 postoperatively. RESULTS: Area of skin necrosis was found to be less in all medication groups. But only enoxaparin sodium group showed significant decrease in skin necrosis (p < 0.05). Laser Doppler flowmetry showed a gradual decrease in all groups over time, with no statistically significant result. The histologic findings revealed the induction of angiogenesis in all experimental groups. CONCLUSION: Subcutaneously applied thrombolytic, anticoagulant, and vasodilator agents increase random-pattern skin flap survival with only enoxaparin sodium showing significant decrease in flap necrosis.

The Effect of Subcutaneous Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection on Viability of Auricular Cartilage Grafts.

INTRODUCTION: Although cartilage grafts are frequently used for structural integrity and volume restoration, one of the main concerns dealing with cartilage grafting is gradual volume loss and unpredictable viability rates of cartilage grafts. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a well known platelet concentrate reported to enhance cartilage repair and stimulates chondrocyte proliferation and matrix biosynthesis. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of subcutaneous PRP injection on improving the viability of cartilage grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six circular cartilage grafts were obtained from auricular cartilages of 6 New Zealand white rabbits. Cartilage grafts were prepared in 3 forms: block, crushed, and crushed/wrapped with Surgicel (Surgical, Ethicon, Somerville, NJ). Grafts were placed to 6 dorsal subcutaneous pockets and pockets were closed. Autologous PRP was prepared and injected subcutaneously into the pockets of experiment groups. At the end of 8 weeks, cartilage grafts were removed. Cartilage mass reduction rates were measured. Resorption rates of cartilage grafts and formation of fibroelastic and bone tissue were microscopically evaluated. RESULTS: All of the cartilage grafts lost significant weight. Viability scores of block cartilages were higher than crushed cartilages. Although less weight loss rates and higher histopathologic scores were obtained in subcutaneously PRP injected cartilage graft groups, these results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Although our study gives a new insight about increasing the viability of cartilage grafts, the subcutaneous PRP injection did not result in improving the viability of cartilage grafts in this experimental design.

The Inhibitory Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Botulinum Toxin Type-A: An Experimental Study in Rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Combination treatments of botulinum toxin type-A and other rejuvenation agents or instruments are gradually becoming more popular. After observing a high incidence of therapy failure following simultaneous applications of botulinum toxin type-A and platelet-rich plasma mesotherapy, we aimed to investigate whether PRP has an inhibitory effect on botulinum toxin type-A. METHODS: Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 4 groups, and the anterior auricular muscle and overlying skin were used for injections. Groups I and II both received onabotulinumtoxinA intramuscular injections. In addition, autologous platelet-rich plasma mesotherapy was performed in Group I while Group II received saline mesotherapy. Group III was designed as the in vitro mixture group in which onabotulinumtoxinA and platelet-rich plasma were mixed and then administered intramuscularly. Group IV received saline within the mixture instead of platelet-rich plasma. The contralateral ears of all the rabbits served as control and were only treated with onabotulinumtoxinA. Visual evaluation of ear positions and electroneuromyographic studies were done prior to all procedures and at day 14. Anterior auricular muscles were harvested at day 14 and were evaluated with quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS: Visual and electroneuromyographic studies revealed less onabotulinumtoxinA activity in Groups I and III. When platelet-rich plasma was administered through skin mesotherapy, onabotulinumtoxinA activity failure was more severe in comparison with direct contact. No significant difference in SNAP-25 mRNA expression through quantitative real-time PCR was observed between groups. CONCLUSION: Although we could not explain the exact mechanism underlying this interaction, platelet-rich plasma applications result in less onabotulinumtoxinA muscle paralysis activity.

The effect of regional block over pain levels during vacuum-assisted wound closure.

Despite being a wound treatment method with a broad spectrum of indications, vacuum-assisted wound closure (VAWC) can be a painful treatment modality which may even result with patient unwillingness for the continuation of treatment. A prospective study was undertaken to determine the effect of regional pain blocks (RPB) for patients who wanted to abandon treatment due to pain after the first application. Patients were asked to score their pain using a visual analogue scale for two different time frames (i) during dressing changes and (ii) while daytime treatment. This evaluation was carried out for conventional wound dressings, VAWC before RPB and finally for VAWC after RPB. The pain experienced with blocks was significantly lesser than conventional and VAWC dressing changes that were applied without pain blocks. Also, the pain was significantly lesser under pain blocks for daytime treatment. For patients with refractory pain where VAWC would prove to be of most benefit, RPB can be discussed with the patient and used. This study has shown that effective pain control can be obtained through regional blocks for patients with excruciating pain undergoing VAWC treatment.

Reconstruction of the left thumb with a second toe transfer in a musician's hand.

The free microvascular transfer of toes for reconstruction of the thumb remains to be an area of interest in microsurgery. The goal of reconstruction is to restore the prehensile abilities of the thumb, while achieving acceptable appearance and minimizing morbidity at the donor site. We report the case of a 21-year-old man who had second toe-to-thumb reconstruction after post-traumatic amputation of his left thumb at the metacarpophalangeal level. Before the accident, he played a musical string instrument, the "Saz", regularly. The traditional method of playing the Saz is to pluck the strings with the fingers of the right hand and pick the strings with the thumb and fingers of the left hand. Three months after the operation, he was playing the saz again, proving that he had sufficient strength in opposition, adduction, and flexion force in the transferred toe.

Hypercoagulability in microvascular breast reconstruction: an algorithmic approach for an underestimated situation.

Despite appropriate surgical technique and follow-up, flap failures can be encountered for which no valid reason is evident. Current literature states that these unpredictable flap failures can be caused by unknown patient factors, such as undiagnosed hypercoagulability. Our approach and experience utilizing an algorithm to minimize unpredictable failures in microvascular breast reconstruction by predetermining hypercoagulation risk factors in preoperative patients is presented. A prospective assessment of microsurgical breast reconstruction candidates between October 2007 and December 2010 was conducted. Patients were questioned about their tendency toward hypercoagulation. A thrombophilia panel was requested for patients confirming any risk factors. Appropriate surgical planning was conducted according to results of the panel. Of the 60 patients thoroughly questioned about hypercoagulation tendency, 21 (35%) confirmed having prothrombotic tendency and were referred to the thrombophilia testing. The results indicated hypercoagulation in 9 (15%) patients. The primary reconstruction plan of utilizing free flaps was abandoned for these patients and pedicled flaps or implants were preferred for reconstruction. These percentages emphasize the value of questioning risk factors and testing for hypercoagulation in patients seeking microsurgical breast reconstruction. We believe that detailed preoperative questioning of risk factors and appropriate testing according to prothrombotic tendency is beneficial in minimizing unpredictable flap failures and increasing rates of success.

The effect of surgical and chemical denervation on ischaemia/reperfusion injury of skeletal muscle.

INTRODUCTION: Denervation decreases skeletal muscle's energy needs and alters its metabolism and circulation. Our study was designed in two stages to investigate the effects of surgical and chemical denervation on the ischaemia/reperfusion injury of skeletal muscle. Degenerative histological analysis, apoptosis scoring and tissue levels of malonyl-di-aldehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide end products (NOx) were studied to understand the extent of ischaemia/reperfusion injury of skeletal muscles. MATERIALS-METHODS: In the first stage, the effect of surgical denervation was investigated in four groups each containing six rats. The right biceps femoris muscle was used as the experimental muscle flap model. In the control group, only the ischaemia/reperfusion cycle was applied. Ischaemia was created by a tourniquet strictly wrapping the right lower extremity for 4 h. After ischaemia, the tourniquet was cut, and the extremity was reperfused for another 4 h. In the experimental groups, surgical denervation was applied 1 day, 7 days and 30 days before the ischaemia/reperfusion cycle. On the second stage, the effect of chemical denervation with botulinum toxin type-A (BoNT-A) was investigated in three groups, each containing six rats. In the experimental groups, BoNT-A was applied 1 day, 7 days and 30 days before the ischaemia/reperfusion cycle. RESULTS: The control group had the worst scores in all experiment parameters. Degenerative histology and apoptosis scores were significantly better in groups to which BoNT-A and SD were applied 1 or 7 days before the ischaemia/reperfusion cycle. Regarding tissue levels of MDA and NOx, the experiment groups had significantly better scores comparing to the control group. CONCLUSION: Both surgical and chemical denervation applied before muscle transfer increased muscle ischaemia tolerance. With similar experimental outcomes, denervation with BoNT-A can be preferred to surgical denervation because of its abundant clinical availability and it can be applied without any secondary surgery.

Feasibility of demineralized bone matrix for craniomaxillofacial contour restoration.

Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) could be a good alternative for craniomaxillofacial contour restoration, especially in perialar, malar, temporal, and frontal regions. In this study, the histologic behavior of DBM was investigated in different tissue planes to determine its proper application plane for restoration of craniomaxillofacial contour deformities and defects.Forty Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups: (1) 0.3 mL of 0.9% saline was injected into the subperiosteal plane of the cranium, (2) 0.3 mL of DBM was implanted into the subperiosteal plane of the cranium, (3) 0.3 mL of 0.9% saline was injected into the subdermal plane on the left inguinal region, (4) 0.3 mL of DBM was implanted into the subdermal plane on the right inguinal region, (5) 0.3 mL of 0.9% saline was injected between the left external and internal oblique muscles, and (6) 0.3 mL of DBM was implanted between the right external and internal oblique muscles. At the 8th week half of the rats and at 16th week the remaining rats were killed in each group, and tissue samples were harvested. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation revealed new bone tissue and bone marrow formation in all planes that DBM was given.Demineralized bone matrix can provide satisfactory results in craniomaxillofacial contour deformities including forehead, temporal, and malar augmentations, as well as mental and perialar augmentations and saddle nose corrections, with supraperiosteal or deep subcutaneous applications. However, superficial applications must be avoided because of the possibility of palpation, because it induces hard bone tissue formation in all tissue planes.

Effect of systemic piracetam treatment on flap survival and vascular endothelial growth factor expression after ischemia-reperfusion injury.

The effects of piracetam on flap survival, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression were evaluated in this study. Unipedicled epigastric flap model was used in 36 rats and was evaluated within 4 groups. The flap was elevated and untreated in Group 1. Postoperative piracetam treatment was given for 7 days in Group 2. In Group 3, 4 hours of ischemia and 2 hours of reperfusion were applied. I/R was applied to Group 4 and piracetam was given 30 minutes before reperfusion and postoperatively for 7 days. Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to measure blood flow changes. VEGF expression was determined using immunohistochemical methods on tissue samples taken after the completion of 2 hours reperfusion in groups 3 and 4. Flap necrosis was measured on the day 7 in all groups. Blood flow rates did not show significant difference between piracetam treated and untreated I/R groups. Piracetam significantly reduced necrosis area both in ischemic and nonischemic flaps ( P < 0.05). VEGF expression was significantly increased in piracetam-treated Group 4 compared with Group 3 ( P = 0.005). This experimental study demonstrates that systemic piracetam treatment improves survival of pedicled flaps, reduces necrosis amounts, and increases VEGF expression in I/R induced flaps.

Sliding alar cartilage (SAC) flap: a new technique for nasal tip surgery.

Congenital anatomic deformities or acquired weakness of the lateral crura of the lower lateral cartilages after rhinoplasty could cause alar rim deformities. As lower lateral cartilages are the structural cornerstone of the ala and tip support, deformities and weakness of the alar cartilages might lead to both functional and esthetic problems. In this article, we are introducing sliding alar cartilage flap as a new technique to reshape and support nasal tip. One hundred sixty consecutive patients between 18 and 55 years of age (mean age: 27.51) were included in the study between January 2007 and May 2008. Of the total number of patients 60 were male and 100 of them were female. None of the patients had rhinoplasty procedure including lower lateral cartilage excision previously. Sliding alar cartilage technique was used in an open rhinoplasty approach to shape the nasal tip in all patients. This technique necessitates about 2 to 3 minutes for suturing and undermining the alar cartilages. The follow-up period was between 4 and 18 months. In no patients any revision related to the sliding alar cartilage technique was required. Revision was applied in 3 patients due to thick nasal tip skin and in one patient due to unpleasant columellar scar. In this article, we are presenting the "sliding alar cartilage flap" as a new technique for creating natural looking nasal tip. This technique shapes and supports nasal tip by spontaneous sliding of the cephalic portion of the lower lateral cartilage beneath the caudal alar cartilage, with minimal manipulation, without any cartilage resection, or cartilage grafting.