Credit for Truly Novel Ideas? A Critical Approach to the Intellectual Authorship in Surgery.

The formation of new ideas and techniques in medicine and surgery is crucial to bettering the medical field and the quality of medical care. The transmission of these new ideas is a source of pride and recognition for physicians who devote their lives to patient care. The quality and integrity of the medical literature that results from seminal medical ideas are an essential but unregulated field. From time to time, there are discussions in the medical literature about the authorship of an idea/strategy/technique. In this digital era, where communication works at an unmeasurable speed, the authenticity of medical communication requires honesty and verification. The possibility of unreliable or false information exists, and the need to verify "new" information as accurate and honest is crucial. Rhythm, genuine, and fake (fair/unfair) information circulates at high speed, and suddenly everything one encounters is represented as "true and often represented as new." Regarding medical science and particularly surgery - we are overloaded daily with new techniques, new names, new strategies, and everything. Several questions regarding the authenticity of any publication or scientific communication exist. A critical approach is done in this article.

Caudal Extension Graft of the Lower Lateral Cartilage: Technique and Aesthetic and Functional Results.

Here we describe a new technique to deal with alar retraction, a highly undesirable imperfection of the nose. The procedure involves placing a caudal extension graft below the vestibular portion of the lower lateral cartilage (LLC) after its detachment from the vestibular skin. The graft is fixed to the cartilage and, subsequently, to the vestibular tissue. The present retrospective study included 20 patients, 11 females and 9 males, with a mean age of 28.90 years. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 18 months. Surgery improved alar notching to a smoother dome shape and nostril exposure was reduced in every patient. The caudal extension graft of the LLC contributed to rise in overall patient satisfaction, as revealed by the postoperative increase of the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE) mean score from 40.0 to 79.17 (p < 0.0001). It also contributed to and improved functional outcomes, as indicated by the decrease of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) mean score from 52.75 to 13.25 (p = 0.0001). Sex did not affect the mean ROE and NOSE scores. Thus, increased patient satisfaction measured by the ROE is present in both sexes and at both age groups but it is better detected in the first year after surgery. Functional improvements analyzed with NOSE are best detected in patients aged ≥ 30 years and in follow-ups of 11 months. The caudal extension graft of the LLC technique described herein effectively and safely corrects alar retraction and the collapse of the nasal valve while filling the soft triangle.

Bony Fixation of the Nasal Framework.

The importance of a straight and stable central framework is beyond dispute. Many authors allude to technical aspects how to achieve the above-mentioned requirements. Far less is said about the contact zones of the framework and how to achieve a long-lasting and solid fixation. In the authors' patient group, they found the need to work on the septum/the central framework in approximately 84% of the cases. In 61% of the patients, the authors had to operate on the fixation point. Of course, there is a great variety of anatomical findings. So the required techniques differ immensely. The surgeon must be prepared for all kinds of different situations. Especially the dorsal fixation and the anchoring on the maxilla without having a standard anterior nasal spine can be a great challenge. In their daily routine, suture techniques (e.g., the transcutaneous transosseous cerclage suture) have become the authors' working horse for these complex fixation situations.

Invited Commentary: Outcome of In Situ Septoplasty and Extracorporeal Subtotal Septal Reconstruction in Crooked Noses: A Randomized Self-Controlled Study.

Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Four-phase rhinomanometry: a multicentric retrospective analysis of 36,563 clinical measurements.

Rhinomanometry can still be considered as the standard technique for the objective assessment of the ventilatory function of the nose. Reliable technical requirements are given by fast digital sensors and modern information technology. However, the xyimaging of the pressure-flow relation typically shows loops as a sign of hysteresis, with the need for resolution of the breath in four phases. The three pillars of 4-phase rhinomanometry (4PR) are the replacement of estimations by measurements, the introduction of parameters related to the subjective sensing of obstruction, and the graphical information regarding the disturbed function of the nasal valve. In a meta-analysis of 36,563 clinical measurements, we analyze the errors of the "classic" parameters (flow in 150 Pa) and reject the further use of these parameters as obsolete, because they correspond to an inaccurate estimation rather than proper measurement. In a pre-study of 1580 measurements, the logarithmic effective resistance (Reff) was found to have the highest correlation with values obtained from a visual analog scale. Next, we classify the inspiratory effective resistance in 20,069 measurements without treatment and 16,494 measurements after decongestion with xylometazoline 0.1 % spray in 20 % percentiles. The gradation of obstruction delivers not only "normal" values but also indications for the severity of the obstruction in adult Caucasian noses. Adoption of the distribution for the growing nose and analysis of the total nasal resistance is addressed, and typical findings of nasal valve phenomena are outlined.

Refining the Nasal Dorsum with Free Diced Cartilage.

Refining the nasal dorsum has become a major challenge in modern rhinoplasty as irregularities of the nasal dorsum account for a significant number of revision surgeries. In our department, free diced cartilage is now routinely applied for smoothening of the nasal dorsum. In this retrospective study, the outcomes with regard to irregularities or contour deficits of the nasal dorsum of 431 rhinoplasty cases operated by a single surgeon between July 2013 and June 2015, using free diced cartilage, are compared with 327 cases operated by the same surgeon between January 2007 and December 2008, before the introduction of the free diced cartilage technique. A decrease in early revision surgeries (i.e., revision within the 2-year period evaluated) due to dorsal irregularities or contour deficits is seen. Being a quick, easy, and highly cost-effective procedure, we feel that free diced cartilage is currently the ideal technique for refinements of the nasal dorsum.

Aesthetic and Functional Outcomes of 2-Stage Versus 3-Stage Paramedian Forehead Flap Techniques: A 9-Year Comparative Study With Prospectively Collected Data.

BACKGROUND: The 3-stage forehead flap technique has been described as an aesthetic improvement after nasal reconstruction compared with the 2-stage technique. A standardized evaluation of aesthetic and functional outcomes of the 2-stage versus 3-stage paramedian forehead flap after nasal reconstruction was performed. METHODS: Between July 2003 and December 2012, 102 patients underwent either 2-stage or 3-stage paramedian forehead flap techniques. A standardized patient satisfaction questionnaire was used to assess resulting nasal appearance and function. Additionally, 2 plastic surgeons performed blinded assessments of the aesthetic outcome using a standardized photographic evaluation form. Together, these evaluations demonstrated functional and aesthetic outcomes (flap thickness, shape, color, flap hair growth, donor-site scars, and nasal symmetry). RESULTS: Functional and aesthetic outcomes according to the self-assessment questionnaire were similar between groups. On inclusion of the surgeon's evaluation, with a greater satisfaction was apparent from the reconstructed alar of the 2-stage group (Mann-Whitney U test, p = .03, Fisher exact test, p = .024, respectively). CONCLUSION: No clear evidence supported enhanced aesthetic results when the 3-stage forehead flap technique was used, especially in relation to flap thickness compared with the 2-stage technique. The 2-stage technique remains the state-of-the-art choice for nasal reconstruction, even in cases involving complex defects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy, Level III, and retrospective comparative study with prospectively collected data.

A Cohort Study of Paramedian Forehead Flap in 2 Stages (87 Flaps) and 3 Stages (100 Flaps).

BACKGROUND: In nasal reconstruction, the paramedian forehead flap is traditionally performed in 2 stages. To minimize the risk of flap necrosis, Millard described a 3-stage technique in a series of 5 cases in 1974. In this technique, an intermediate step of flap thinning is performed after flap transfer and before pedicle division. In this article, we compare the 2- and 3-stage techniques of paramedian forehead flaps for nasal reconstruction to determine the type and prevalence of complications related to each procedure. METHODS: Here, we present a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of paramedian forehead flaps for nasal reconstruction performed during a period of 6 years. We included all patients with 2- (n=87) and 3-stage (n=100) paramedian forehead flaps who had consistent and complete electronic patient records and followed them up for at least 6 months after pedicle division. We performed a regression analysis to adjust for the unequal distribution of complex cases. RESULTS: Demographic factors and the causes for the nasal defects were similar in both groups. Although the nasal reconstructions were significantly more complex in the 3-stage group, the rate of partial forehead flap necrosis was similar in both groups (2-stage, 3.4%; 3-stage, 5%; P=0.601). A regression analysis showed that the relative risk of partial flap necrosis in complex cases did not differ significantly between groups (relative risk, 0.80; P=0.705). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, our study is the largest series published to date and the first one to compare the prevalence of forehead flap necrosis in the 2- versus the 3-stage technique for paramedian forehead flaps. We found no evidence that the use of a 3-stage forehead flap lowers the prevalence of necrosis. Until larger multicenter studies or meta-analyses can be conducted, smaller yet well-conducted studies such as the present one provide critical data and represent an important contribution to the field. Future research should investigate whether the 3-stage technique produces better aesthetic results than the 2-stage technique.

Lining in nasal reconstruction.

Restoring nasal lining is one of the essential parts during reconstruction of full-thickness defects of the nose. Without a sufficient nasal lining the whole reconstruction will fail. Nasal lining has to sufficiently cover the shaping subsurface framework. But in addition, lining must not compromise or even block nasal ventilation. This article demonstrates different possibilities of lining reconstruction. The use of composite grafts for small rim defects is described. The limits and technical components for application of skin grafts are discussed. Then the advantages and limitations of endonasal, perinasal, and hingeover flaps are demonstrated. Strategies to restore lining with one or two forehead flaps are presented. Finally, the possibilities and technical aspects to reconstruct nasal lining with a forearm flap are demonstrated. Technical details are explained by intraoperative pictures. Clinical cases are shown to illustrate the different approaches and should help to understand the process of decision making. It is concluded that although the lining cannot be seen after reconstruction of the cover it remains one of the key components for nasal reconstruction. When dealing with full-thickness nasal defects, there is no way to avoid learning how to restore nasal lining.

Nasal reconstruction in children.

The nose represents the center of the face. The nasal shape changes with the progression from infancy to adulthood. In newborns, the main supporting structure of the nose is the dorsal septal cartilage; it is the facial growth center. The loss of septal cartilage at different ages leads to various facial syndromes involving the nose, maxilla, and orbita. Therefore, every surgical treatment can compromise not only the nasal growth but also the growth of the whole face. Childhood trauma or a malformation of the nose can also cause enormous functional impairments similar to those caused by surgical treatments. Our contribution represents different aspects of nasal deformities and their treatment. An individual concept is indispensable to reach the best compromise in all cases. The postulate of an early treatment gives priority to physical and mental damage control. The late therapy concept uses the inimitable potential of the growth of different tissues needed for a septoplasty and should be protected from iatrogenic impairment. We recommend a first-line pediatric nasal reconstruction, an attentive follow-up, and finally, a secondary nasal reconstruction in the adult patient if required for achieving normalcy.

One-stage nasal soft tissue reconstruction with local flaps.

Because of better public education and earlier diagnosis of skin tumors, the number of soft tissue defects of the nose with limited size and depth after tumor resection is increasing. A variety of surgical methods such as skin grafts, regional flaps such as forehead flap, and local flaps have been described. The method of choice is dependent on the defect size, localization, skin structure and the wishes and expectations, and general condition of the patient. Nasal reconstruction for soft tissue defects in the supratip area, dorsum, and sidewalls using local rotation and/or advancement flaps is our primary option. But achieving supreme results with these non-subunit-based techniques is still a challenge. Showing schematic figures and case studies, this article is aimed at assisting surgeons in the planning and decision making of which flap is appropriate for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the nose.

Framework fabrication with rib cartilage in partial and total nasal reconstruction.

The framework reconstruction of the nose is a significant and complex component of its partial or total reconstruction. On the one hand, the design of the individual framework parts is based on the anatomic nature of available rib or ear cartilage, which must on the other hand be adapted to the anatomic characteristics of the defect. The framework parts must be anchored not only to each other but also stably to the facial skeleton. The symmetry of the framework reconstruction is an essential component of the aesthetics of the reconstructed nose. If these points are already considered in planning, the reconstruction of the nasal framework can be standardized insofar as the same principles for the basic design of the individual parts as well as stable solutions for the anchoring points can be chosen. With reproducible techniques, functionally and aesthetically good to very good results can be achieved, including in the long term. The surgeon must possess special skills in the field of nasal reconstruction to correctly choose, apply, and combine the various techniques of nasal framework reconstruction.

Nasal reconstruction in heminasal deficiency (proboscis lateralis): two case reports, with airway reconstruction in one case.

Proboscis lateralis is a very rare congenital malformation with heminasal hypoplasia or aplasia. The affected side is represented by a trunk (proboscis) which can be positioned from the upper eyelid down to the alar base. We present two cases of proboscis lateralis, one in which we reconstructed an airway. The first case is a 16-year-old male patient who presented with heminasal aplasia. Immediately after birth, a proboscis lateralis was resected from the right upper eyelid as primary treatment elsewhere. We reconstructed the nose using costal cartilage as framework. A paramedian forehead flap was transposed to give the patient a nose with adult dimensions. We made no attempt to reconstruct an airway in this case as unilateral nasal breathing appeared adequate. The second case is a 14-year-old male patient who presented with heminasal aplasia on his right side, where a nodule-like appendix was existent with a fistula underneath. A computed tomographic scan revealed an existing hypoplastic posterior nasal airway and a complete ventilated sinus system. The fact that there was an existing posterior airway encouraged us to construct an anterior airway to create an airflow passage. Costal cartilage was taken for framework reconstruction and nasal skin was completely replaced by a paramedian forehead flap. The reconstructed airflow passage was stable.

Reconstruction of the septum with an autogenous double-layered conchal L-strut.

BACKGROUND: One of the most important preconditions for a straight nose is a straight and stable cartilaginous L-shaped frame with sufficient support for the nasal tip and the cartilaginous dorsum. Where the structure of the septal cartilage is destroyed, a sufficient L-strut must be reconstructed. This article presents a technique for reconstruction of an autogenous L-strut using double-layered conchal cartilages. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted with a subsequent follow-up evaluation 10.5-22 months later. The conchal L-strut was used for 26 patients to reconstruct a new septal frame. The full details of the planning process, L-frame construction, and technical data are described together with two typical cases. RESULTS: In all 26 cases, the authors were able to reconstruct a sufficient neoseptum. In 25 cases, the neoseptum remained straight. Only in one case did the anterior border deviate immediately after the operation. No slippage from the nasal spine was found. The anchoring to the nasal bones and the upper lateral cartilages was stable. However, one asymmetric columella base was found, caused by an asymmetric support to the footplates by the transplant. The osteocartilagenous vault was successfully reconstructed in all the patients. Of the 26 patients, 25 described a marked improvement in their nasal breathing. CONCLUSION: The reported technique enables the surgeon to reconstruct the complete cartilagenous L-frame with both conchal cartilages. For certain cases, this technique of autogenous reconstruction of the nasal septum could be a valuable alternative to reconstruction with rib cartilage.

Three-dimensional laser surface scanning in rhinosurgery.

Objective outcome analysis of nasal surgery remains difficult. Recently, evaluation of nasal shape following rhinosurgery shifted from two-dimensional evaluation to more sophisticated three-dimensional (3D) analysis techniques, including stereophotogrammetry, computed tomography, and 3D laser scanning. This article explores the feasibility of using 3D laser surface scanners as a tool for preoperative planning and quality control in rhinosurgery.