Dacryoscintigraph evaluation of the repaired lacrimal drainage system.

We have used dacryoscintigraphy to study the efficiency of the lacrimal system following the repair of a divided lower canaliculus in 4 children. This test has been reliable in evaluating lacrimal function and suggests that a canaliculus can be repaired and splinted satisfactorily. Our experience with dacryoscintigraphy confirms that it is a safe comfortable, and reliable method for studying the patency of the lacrimal drainage system.

Benign lipoblastomatosis: report of a case involving the face and neck.

We have presented the management of a case of benign lipoblastomatosis in the face. Knowledge of this rare condition will enable the surgeon to make intelligent intraoperative decisions when confronted with similar findings.

Correction of asymmetrical breasts.

An accurate preoperative analysis of the size and contour of asymmetrical breasts allows proper surgical planning and correction. Consideration of the existing defects in each breast and the chest wall, and their relationship to body size, can be combined with the patient's desires for size and contour restoration. Our experience with 14 cases has shown that attention to these principles can give a result that will usually satisfy the patient and the surgeon.

Practical management of congenital choanal atresia.

Prevailing theories on the causation of choanal atresia are presented, with emphasis on some of the embryologic and anatomic abnormalities that are consistently found. The teleologic significance of nose breathing has been emphasized. This neonatal characteristic leads to a tongue-palate seal that can be rapidly fatal. Treatment of these patients has been divided into two phases. Phase I deals with immediate establishment of an airway, and phase II deals with the definitive surgical management in these patients. Our preference is for the transpalatine approach. Representative cases highlight our technique. A wire-reinforced double-barreled Elastomer stent has been developed and is described. Successful use in five patients is reported.

A readily available background materials for use in microsurgery.

The use of sterile Xeroform packaging is suggested as a background material for microsurgical procedures.

Multiple fibrous xanthomas of tendon sheath.

Fibrous xanthomas of the digital tendon sheath system are a common benign tumour. The varying recurrence rates cited in the literature have usually been attributed to inadequate surgical excision. However, Boyes (1964) has suggested "seeding" as a possible mechanism to explain persistence of the tumour. Our case of multiple fibrous xanthomas at different levels in a single digital sheath system is presented as an example of "seeding" along the tendon sheath.

Subungual exostosis of the fingers.

Subungual exostosis in the digit is an uncommon benign tumor. Only 21 (10%) of 203 cases reported in the literature occurred in the hand. We present a recent case, detailing diagnosis, pathologic findings, and management.

Massive lipoma of the palm.

Although lipomas of the hand are frequently encountered, a massive tumor involving one-half of the palm and extending into the fourth finger has been reported only once before. The case history of a 45-year-old male who underwent surgical removal of such a massive palmar lipoma is presented. Lipomas of the hand are discussed and the literature summarized. Details of the surgical evaluation and management of a massive lipoma of the hand are presented to assist other surgeons in handling similar cases.