The profunda artery perforator flap for upper limb reconstruction: A case report and literature review on the flap applications in reconstruction.

The profunda femoris artery perforator (PAP) flap has been recently popularized as an alternative option for microsurgical reconstruction. The use of PAP flap has never been reported and described for reconstruction of the upper extremities, in particular the forearm. The purpose of this case report is to describe a case suggesting the PAP flap as a further reconstructive option in the upper limb. A 16-year-old girl who sustained a traumatic injury to her right dominant forearm resulting in subtotal circumferential tissue loss following a road traffic accident was referred to the authors' department 2 years post-trauma. The disabling fibrotic sequelae on her volar forearm (15 × 10 cm) resulted in a nonfunctional hand. She was unable to perform any active movement of her wrist or digits. Passive movements in the finger joints were preserved. Following debridement and reconstruction of nerves and tendons, soft tissues were resurfaced with a PAP flap. The transverse skin paddle, 12 × 7 cm, was placed distally with the adipofascial portion positioned proximally above the muscle bellies and anastomoses site. A small raw area (4 × 3 cm) was covered with an acellular dermal matrix (ADM). The postoperative course was uneventful. At 9 months postoperatively, the patient demonstrated active flexion and extension of the fingers with independent function. The patient reported satisfaction with the flap donor site and forearm resurfacing. The PAP flap can be a further option for areas requiring soft tissue coverage in patients refusing visible scars. This flap had both the advantage of reducing the morbidity and visibility of the donor site, as well as the ability to resurface a large recipient site with soft and pliable tissue, covering exposed nerves and tendons.

Myxofibrosarcoma in the Thenar Eminence.

Myxofibrosarcoma is a rare cause of swelling in the upper extremities. The rarer form arising in the deep tissues can present a diagnostic difficulty. The treatment of high-grade myxofibrosarcoma in the extremity requires tissue diagnosis, accurate staging, careful multidisciplinary agreement on treatment, accurate execution of that treatment, and finally regular specialist surveillance. The treatment must be planned on an individual basis, weighing the risk of distant metastasis against the potential for severe functional impairment should radical excision or amputation be performed. The grade of tumor, clinical stage as well as the site, local extent, and the comorbidity of the patient influence the decision.We present the case of an elderly woman with an expanding high-grade myxofibrosarcoma within the thenar musculature of the nondominant hand. She presented with early signs of complex regional pain syndrome, leading to a treatment dilemma. We feel this case has important learning points on assessing objectives, risks, and outcomes in the management of these types of cases, and it highlights the role of multidisciplinary involvement in sarcoma management.

Zone calculation as a tool for assessing performance outcome in laparoscopic suturing.

BACKGROUND: Simulator performance is measured by metrics, which are valued as an objective way of assessing trainees. Certain procedures such as laparoscopic suturing, however, may not be suitable for assessment under traditionally formulated metrics. Our aim was to assess if our new metric is a valid method of assessing laparoscopic suturing. STUDY DESIGN: A software program was developed to order to create a new metric, which would calculate the percentage of time spent operating within pre-defined areas called "zones." Twenty-five candidates (medical students N = 10, surgical residents N = 10, and laparoscopic experts N = 5) performed the laparoscopic suturing task on the ProMIS III(®) simulator. New metrics of "in-zone" and "out-zone" scores as well as traditional metrics of time, path length, and smoothness were generated. Performance was also assessed by two blinded observers using the OSATS and FLS rating scales. This novel metric was evaluated by comparing it to both traditional metrics and subjective scores. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the average in-zone and out-zone scores between all three experience groups (p < 0.05). The new zone metrics scores correlated significantly with the subjective-blinded observer scores of OSATS and FLS (p = 0.0001). The new zone metric scores also correlated significantly with the traditional metrics of path length, time, and smoothness (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The new metric is a valid tool for assessing laparoscopic suturing objectively. This could be incorporated into a competency-based curriculum to monitor resident progression in the simulated setting.

Primary closure versus vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (VRAM) flap closure of perineal wound following abdominoperineal resection-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE/AIM: Perianal wound healing and/or complications are common following abdominoperineal resection (APR). Although primary closure is commonly undertaken, myocutaneous flap closure such as vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (VRAM) is thought to improve wound healing process and outcome. A comprehensive meta-analysis was performed to compare outcomes of primary closure versus VRAM flap closure of perineal wound following APR. METHODS: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials were comprehensively searched until the 8th of August 2023. Included studies underwent meta-analysis to compare outcomes of primary closure versus VRAM flap closure of perineal wound following APR. The primary outcome of interest was perineal wound complications, and the secondary outcomes were abdominal wound complications, dehiscence, wound healing time, length of hospital stay, and mortality. RESULTS: Ten studies with 1141 patients were included. Overall, 853 patients underwent primary closure (74.8%) and 288 patients underwent VRAM (25.2%). Eight studies reported on perineal wound complications after APR: 38.2% (n = 263/688) in the primary closure group versus 32.8% (n = 80/244) in the VRAM group. Perineal complication rates were statistically significantly lower in the VRAM group versus primary closure ((M-H OR, 1.61; 95% CI 1.04-2.49;

Survival in Patients with Primary Parotid Gland Carcinoma after Surgery-Results of a Single-Centre Study.

This study aims to analyse a single-centre cohort series of patients who underwent parotidectomy for primary malignant parotid tumours. A retrospective chart review of 64 consecutive patients treated from November 2010 to March 2022 was performed. Outcomes were analysed by Kaplan-Meier curves. Sixty-four patients with a primary parotid malignancy were included in the study, with one bilateral case in this cohort. Patients were classified as stage I-II in 39 cases and stage III-IV in 26 cases. The five-year overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), local relapse-free survival (LRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rates were 78.4%, 89%, 92.5%, and 87.1%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that high-risk histology, stage IV disease, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, node metastasis, skin involvement, facial nerve involvement, and positive or close margins were risk factors associated with poorer outcomes. At present, the best evidence suggests that radical surgery should be the standard approach, and adjuvant therapy, in terms of radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy, is recommended in patients with risk factors.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial of intraparenchymal administration of local anaesthetic in elective breast augmentation.

INTRODUCTION: Several methods of controlling pain post-bilateral breast augmentation (BBA) have been described. BBA is frequently performed as a day case procedure; therefore, a simple effective method of controlling pain in the immediate post-operative period is desired. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomised study of 20 women undergoing BBA. Women were randomly assigned to receive intraparenchymal infiltration intra-operatively prior to implant placement with either local anaesthetic (LA) (chirocaine) or normal saline. The primary outcome was post-operative pain scores immediately, and at 6 h. Our secondary endpoint was post-operative narcotic consumption. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included in this study. The average pain score in the immediate post-operative period was 3.4 in the control group versus 0.7 in the treatment group (p = 0.013). In 6 h post-operatively, the average pain score was 2.4 in the control group versus 0.9 in the treatment group (p = 0.03). Sixty-six percentage of patients in the control arm required post-operative opiates compared with 27% in the treatment group (p = 0.17) CONCLUSION: This randomised controlled trial demonstrates a technique of intraparenchymal infiltration of LA that significantly reduces post-operative pain scores after BBA.

Bilateral synovial cysts of the temporomandibular joint.

Synovial cysts very rarely affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). On review of the literature, there are 29 reported cases of unilateral synovial cysts of the TMJ. We present a case of bilateral synovial cysts occurring at the TMJs.

Aesthetic surgery training in a changing healthcare environment.

Aesthetic surgery is a rapidly evolving sub-speciality, both technologically and conceptually. It is therefore critical that plastic surgery training coincides with this rapid evolution. Recent fiscal limitations in public health provision and trainee working-time legislation may impact the delivery of high quality aesthetic surgery training. There is an urgent need to address the delivery of aesthetic training in current training paradigms in Ireland and we propose a number of strategies to obliterate the learning curve.

Intraneural ganglion cyst involving the tibial nerve-a case report.

Intraneural ganglia are rare non-neoplastic cysts that are caused by an accumulation of thick mucinous fluid. This occurs within the epineurium of peripheral nerves, which is encased in a dense fibrous capsule. The most common presentation of this tumour is local and/or radiating pain. Involvement of the tibial nerve is extremely uncommon, with less than 18 reported cases in the literature. We present a case of an intraneural tibial nerve ganglion cyst in a young male. We also discuss the current literature and proposed pathogenesis and treatment of this rare entity.

ASCOT: Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cell Use for Osteoarthritis of the Thumb-First Carpometacarpal Joint.

BACKGROUND: The first carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) in the hand is a commonly affected joint by osteoarthritis. It causes significant thumb base pain, limiting functional capacity. Microfracturing and application of autologous stem cells has been performed on large joints such as the knee but has never been evaluated for use in the smaller joints in the hand. Our aim was to determine the potential benefit of microfracturing and autologous bone marrow stem cells for treatment of osteoarthritis of the first CMCJ in the hand. METHODS: All inclusion criteria were satisfied. Preoperative assessment by the surgeon, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist was performed. The first CMCJ was microfractured and the Bone Marrow Stem Cells were applied directly. Postoperatively, the patients were followed up for 1 year. RESULTS: Fifteen patients met inclusion criteria; however, 2 patients were excluded due to postoperative cellulitis and diagnosis of De Quervain's tenosynovitis. The mean scores of the 13-patient preoperative and 1 year follow-up assessments are visual analog score at rest of 3.23-1.69 (P = 0.0292), visual analog score on activity of 7.92-4.23 (P = 0.0019), range of motion 45.77o-55.15o (P = 0.0195), thumb opposition score 7.62-9.23 (P = 0.0154), Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score of 51.67-23.08 (P = 0.0065). Strength improved insignificantly from 4.7 kg preoperatively to 5.53 kg at 12 months (P = 0.1257). All patients had a positive Grind test preoperatively and a negative test after 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: This innovative pilot study is a new approach to osteoarthritis of the thumb.

Nonfatal Suicidal Behaviors in U.S. Army Administrative Records, 2004-2009: Results from the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS).

OBJECTIVE: Although the U.S. Army suicide rate is known to have risen sharply over the past decade, information about medically documented, nonfatal suicidal behaviors is far more limited. Here we examine trends and sociodemographic correlates of suicide attempts, suspicious injuries, and suicide ideation among regular Army soldiers. METHODS: Data come from the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS) Historical Administrative Data Study (HADS), which integrates administrative records for all soldiers on active duty during the years 2004 through 2009 (n = 1.66 million). RESULTS: We identified 21,740 unique regular Army soldiers with a nonfatal suicidal event documented at some point during the HADS study period. There were substantial increases in the annual incidence rates of suicide attempts (179-400/100,000 person-years) and suicide ideation (557-830/100,000 person-years), but not suspicious injuries. Using hierarchical classification rules to identify the first instance of each soldier's most severe behavior, we found increased risk of all outcomes among those who were female, non-Hispanic White, never married, lower-ranking enlisted, less educated, and of younger age when entering Army service. These sociodemographic associations significantly differed across outcomes, despite some patterns that appear similar. CONCLUSION: Results provide a broad overview of nonfatal suicidal trends in the U.S. Army during 2004 through 2009 and demonstrate that integration of multiple administrative data systems enriches analysis of the predictors of such events.

Is the skillset obtained in surgical simulation transferable to the operating theatre?

BACKGROUND: Simulated surgical training offers a safe and accessible way of learning surgical procedures outside the operating room. Training programs have been developed using simulated laboratories to train surgical trainees to proficiency outside the operating room. Despite the global enthusiasm among educators to enhance training through simulation-based learning, it remains to be elucidated whether the skill set obtained is transferrable to the operating room. METHODS: Using standardized search methods, the authors searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase, and Web-Based Knowledge, as well as the reference lists of relevant articles, and retrieved all published randomized controlled trials. RESULTS: Sixteen randomized controlled trials involving 309 participants were identified to be suitable for qualitative analysis using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The mean Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials score was 16 (range, 12-22). The studies showed considerable clinical and methodologic diversity. Operative time improved consistently in all trials after training and was the only objective parameter measurable in the live setting. Studies that used the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills as their primary outcome showed improved scores in 80% of trials, and studies that used performance indicators to assess participants all showed improved scores after simulation training in all of the trials, with 88% showing statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The current literature consistently demonstrates the positive impact of simulation on operative time and predefined performance scores. However, these reproducible measures alone are insufficient to demonstrate transferability of skills from the laboratory to the operating room. The authors advocate a multimodal assessment, including metrics, the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills, and critical step completion. This may provide a more complete assessment of operative performance. Only then can it be concluded that simulation skills are transferable to the live operative setting.

A simple technique for intubating the mouth during OGD in patients with previous neck radiation.

Trismus and microstomia are commonly associated complications of neck irradiation. In recent years we are seeing an increase in the number of patients with various head and neck cancers being treated with radiotherapy. This can pose a significant challenge in performing oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) in this cohort of patients. We describe a novel technique for intubating the mouth during OGD in patients with previous neck radiation. Instead of placing a standard mouthpiece, we place the barrel of a 5 mm syringe, which is cut in half, into the patient's mouth. This method allows easy passage of the gastroscope, where the mouth opening is limited by trismus from prior radiation. It also serves to protect the patient's teeth during OGD. Successful intubation with a gastroscope is possible in patients with severe trismus using our novel technique.

The impact of aptitude on the learning curve for laparoscopic suturing.

BACKGROUND: Within surgery, several specialties demand advanced technical skills, specifically in the minimally invasive environment. METHODS: Two groups of 10 medical students were recruited on the basis of their aptitude (visual-spatial ability, depth perception, and psychomotor ability). All subjects were tested consecutively using the ProMIS III simulator until they reached proficiency performing laparoscopic suturing. Simulator metrics, critical error scores, observed structured assessment of technical skills scores, and Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery scores were recorded. RESULTS: Group A (high aptitude) achieved proficiency after a mean of 7 attempts (range, 4-10). In group B (low aptitude), 30% achieved proficiency after a mean of 14 attempts (range, 10-16). In group B, 40% demonstrated improvement but did not attain proficiency, and 30% failed to progress. CONCLUSIONS: Distinct learning curves for laparoscopic suturing can be mapped on the basis of fundamental ability. High aptitude is directly related to earlier completion of the learning curve. A proportion of subjects with low aptitude are unable to reach proficiency despite repeated attempts.

Does aptitude influence the rate at which proficiency is achieved for laparoscopic appendectomy?

BACKGROUND: The attainment of technical competence for surgical procedures is fundamental to a proficiency-based surgical training program. We hypothesized that aptitude may directly affect one's ability to successfully complete the learning curve for minimally invasive procedures. The aim was to assess whether aptitude has an impact on ability to achieve proficiency in completing a simulated minimally invasive surgical procedure. The index procedure chosen was a laparoscopic appendectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Two groups of medical students with disparate aptitude were selected. Aptitude (visual-spatial, depth perception, and psychomotor ability) was measured by previously validated tests. Indicators of technical proficiency for laparoscopic appendectomy were established by trained surgeons with an individual case volume of more than 150. All subjects were tested consecutively on the ProMIS III (Haptica) until they reached predefined proficiency in this procedure. Simulator metrics, critical error scores, and Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) scores were recorded. RESULTS: The mean numbers of attempts to achieve proficiency in performing a laparoscopic appendectomy for group A (high aptitude) and B (low aptitude) were 6 (range 4 to 7) and 14 (range 10 to 18), respectively (p < 0.0001). Significant differences were found between the 2 groups for path length (p = 0.014), error score (p = 0.021), and OSATS score (p < 0.0001) at the initial attempt. CONCLUSIONS: High aptitude is directly related to a rapid attainment of proficiency. These findings suggest that resource allocation for proficiency-based technical training in surgery may need to be tailored according to a trainee's natural ability.