Quality of Life Improvement Following Blepharoplasty: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Our previous retrospective study indicates that esthetic surgery in general results in a significant improvement in Quality of life (QoL). This is the first indication-specific prospective evaluation of QoL after blepharoplasty using standardized and validated questionnaires. OBJECTIVES: To report changes in QoL after blepharoplasty prospectively with a 6-month follow-up. METHODS: The same surgical team performed an esthetic blepharoplasty on 50 patients. Participants answered 1 set of questionnaires preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. The instrument consisted of a self-developed indication-specific part specially designed for blepharoplasty and 4 validated and standardized testing instruments (FLZ, FPI-R, RSES, and PHQ-4) with norm data for German-speaking countries available. RESULTS: This study reveals a high rate of satisfaction after blepharoplasty. 96% felt better about themselves and 94% would undergo the procedure again. Statistically significant increased values were found postoperatively in the items "income" ( P =0.016), "family life" ( P =0.028), "partner relationship" ( P =0.039), "ability to relax" ( P <0.001), "energy" ( P <0.001), "hobbies" ( P <0.001), and with their outer appearance in general ( P =0.018). Blepharoplasty showed a statistically significant improvement in emotional stability ( P =0.017) and a reduction in depressive symptoms ( P <0.001). Our patients had statistically significantly higher self-esteem before ( P <0.001) and after ( P <0.001) the intervention. CONCLUSION: Our prospective study shows that blepharoplasty increases most aspects of QoL significantly, has a positive effect on emotional and physical well-being, and reduces the incidence of depressive symptoms and anxiety.

Quality of Life and Satisfaction in Transgender Men After Phalloplasty in a Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Partly as a result of the increasing attention directed toward transgender individuals and despite much research work on the topic of quality of life (QOL) of transgender, there is still a lack of studies using standardized questionnaires in their evaluation. AIMS: We designed a survey to evaluate the influence of surgery after phalloplasty (osteofasciocutaneous fibula free flap or osteofasciocutaneous radial free forearm flap) on QOL, emotional stability, self-esteem, and psyche of postoperated transgender men. METHODS: The present study included 32 transgender men who had undergone gender-affirming surgery (GAS) exclusively in our department between 2000 and 2012. Apart from our self-developed, indication-specific questionnaire with questions on socioeconomic and demographic data as well as postoperative satisfaction, the testing instrument included 4 frequently used, standardized testing instruments, which we compared with normative data. These included (a) a self-assessment test Fragebogen zur Lebenszufriedenheit with questions on QOL consisting of 3 modules (general satisfaction, satisfaction with health, and satisfaction with body image/outer appearance), (b) the Freiburg Personality Inventory, (c) the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire, and (d) the Patient Health Questionnaire 4. FINDINGS: Our self-developed, indication-specific questionnaire showed that 88% of our patients were very satisfied with the aesthetic result, 75% have had sex after surgery, and 72% were very satisfied with sexual function after GAS. Eighty-one percent had a strong improvement of QOL, and 91% would undergo the same treatment again. Eighty-four percent would recommend GAS to others. All patients lived as men fulltime. DISCUSSION: Our study reveals that GAS plays an important part in the interdisciplinary treatment of transgender individuals as it improves the QOL in transgender men in most aspects of everyday life and has a positive influence on the patients' psyche and self-esteem in a retrospective study.

Quality of Life after Rhinoplasty: A Prospective Study.

As our previous studies have shown, cosmetic surgery has a positive correlation with postoperative well-being. The aim of this study was to prospectively examine the postoperative changes in quality of life (QoL) after a rhinoplasty. Thirty-four patients who underwent septorhinoplasty performed by a single surgeon from July 2015 to October 2018 reported in indication-specific self-developed and different validated questionnaires (FLZM or Fragen zur Lebenszufriedenheit Module, Freiburg Personality Inventor, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, Functional Rhinoplasty Outcome Inventory 17 [FROI-17], and Glasgow Benefit Inventory [GBI]) on the status of their QoL preoperatively (T0) and 6 months' follow-up (T1). Our goal was to assess the difference in psyche and self-esteem and to get objective insights into the effect of the operation. Significant improvements in QoL in terms of general module, health, and appearance were noted. The general part of the FLZM showed increasing T1 values in the sum scores (p = 0.005). With regard to the item "health," T1 was better than the norm data (p = 0.003). The statistically significant improvement for the item nose appearance (p < 0.0001) after operation and T1 versus reference data (p < 0.010) should be highlighted. The subjective patient ratings showed statistically significant T1 improvements for all items of the FROI-17: overall nose (p < 0.0001), nasal function (p = 0.001), general/further symptoms (p = 0.006), and confidence increased by aesthetic changes (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the GBI score shows an improved QoL after rhinoplasty (p < 0.0001). Based on the assessment of a variety of disease- and nondisease-specific validated questionnaires, numerous improvements in the QoL of the patients were observed. Therefore, we support septorhinoplasty as a meaningful procedure regarding QoL improvement. The level of evidence is Level II prospective cohort study.

Psychological Pathologies and Sexual Orientation in Transgender Women Undergoing Gender Confirming Treatment.

BACKGROUND: There are few studies evaluating depression, self-esteem, and mental health after gender confirming treatment of transgender women. Most of these studies include different surgical techniques and nonvalidated questionnaires. With our survey, we are aiming to assess psychopathologies and mental health as well as sexuality among a group of patients treated by the same surgeon performing our self-developed combined surgical technique. This vaginoplasty approach is characterized by constructing the vaginal cavity with parts of the penile and scrotal skin as well as the longitudinally incised urethra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven transgender women who underwent gender confirming treatment between 2007 and 2013 were included in a retrospective study. The assessment of our study group was performed by means of self-developed indication-specific questionnaires and 3 standardized questionnaires that can be compared with norm data. RESULTS: Preoperative psychotherapy was mostly considered as helpful by the patients, yet postoperatively, only a third of our study participants were still under therapeutic treatment. Furthermore, we could show a change in sexual preference toward a more bisexual orientation. Gender confirming treatment satisfied the expectations for most of the patients and, in their opinion, should have been performed earlier. Results of the standardized Patient Health Questionnaire 4, a short depression screening questionnaire, did not significantly differ from healthy norm data. The Freiburg Personality Inventory, Revised, revealed normal emotionality and sane self-assessment within our study group. High self-esteem and significantly higher scores than norm data were found for the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. CONCLUSIONS: Gender confirming treatment with the combined technique is an important part of a multi-structured treatment of transgenders and does have effects on psychological well-being. It seems to decrease psychopathologies and implicates several ameliorations for transgender women. Findings need to be verified in prospective studies including preoperative evaluations.

Distal nerve transfer from the median nerve lumbrical fibers to the distal ulnar nerve motor branches in the palm: An anatomical cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study is to investigate the first and second lumbrical nerves as potential fibers donors to the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve to avoid intrinsic atrophy in high ulnar nerve injuries. METHODS: Sixteen fresh frozen cadaveric hands were dissected, the radial lumbrical nerves accessed, and a coaptation, either in reverse end-to-side or in double end-to-side through a bridge nerve graft, was created to the deep motor branch of ulnar nerve. Semithin sections were taken from samples of donor and recipient nerves for qualitative (nerve architecture) and quantitative studies (fiber count and donor/recipient ratio). RESULTS: The first lumbrical showed a robust trunk and a superior axon density (9,126.50 ± 2,923.41 axons/mm2 ) to the ulnar motor branch (7,506.50 ± 1,137.50 axons/mm2 distal to the opponens tunnel and 7,947.75 ± 1,741.24 axons/mm2 before its terminal branching); the ulnar motor branch showed a higher axon number (2,633.51 ± 410.00 distal to the opponens tunnel and 2,345.75 ± 2,101.56 before its terminal branching) than the first lumbrical (1,410.56 ± 823.89); section areas occupied by axons were higher in proximal (0.20 ± 0.16) and distal (0.26 ± 0.20) ulnar samples than the first lumbrical (0.17 ± 0.16). Donor/recipient ratio first lumbrical/deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve were 1:1.86 (distal to the opponens tunnel) and 1:1.67 (at its terminal branching); data about the second lumbrical were ruled out because of bias. CONCLUSIONS: A transfer from the first lumbrical nerve to the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve in palm is suitable to avoid intrinsic atrophy.

The Impact of Harvesting Systems and Donor Characteristics on Viability of Nucleated Cells in Adipose Tissue: A First Step Towards a Manufacturing Process.

Adipose tissue contains an abundant population of mesenchymal stromal cells (= adipose stromal cells [ASC]) with multilineage differentiation, immunomodulatory and trophic potential promising for cell-based therapies. Although intensely investigated in pre- and clinical studies, little is known about the impact of donor characteristics on the viability of ASC. To correlate patient data to the quality of processed adipose tissue and to establish a first step towards a manufacturing process for cell therapy, we evaluated the effects of 2 harvesting systems (LipiVage, TTF-System) and donor characteristics on cell viability of nucleated cells in a cohort of 44 samples obtained from 17 donors.The impact of donor-specific factors (localization, age, body-mass-index, chronic diseases, intake of drugs, nicotine consumption or disorders of the thyroid gland) and the harvesting system on nucleated cell (NC) counts and viability of processed lipoaspirates were statistically analyzed.Increasing age has a significant positive influence on NC viability (P = 0.001). Donors with intake of thyroid hormones based on a hypothyroidism and suctioned with the LipiVage-System reached a significantly higher viability of NC (P = 0.038). No statistical difference was shown between the 2 harvesting-systems (P = 0.338) and the donor sites (P = 0.294).We focused on a potential correlation between NC viability and donor characteristics. Based on the donor cohort investigated in this study, cells from elderly patients suctioned with the LipiVage-System and taking thyroid hormones yielded cells of higher viability, suggesting an improved quality for subsequent manufacturing procedures. Further investigations are necessary to understand and correlate this data to ASC in vitro characteristics.

The Effect of Blepharoplasty on Our Patient's Quality of Life, Emotional Stability, and Self-Esteem.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have been conducted evaluating psychological effects following aesthetic surgery, however few of them following blepharoplasty! PURPOSE: To determine whether blepharoplasty affects quality of life and satisfaction as well as, emotional stability and self-esteem in patients who underwent only blepharoplasty. DESIGN: A retrospective study including transdermal blepharoplasty operations between the years 1995 and 2008. METHODS: A self-developed and indication-specific questionnaire especially for blepharoplasty, as well as the standardized testing instruments FLZM, FPI-R, and RSES, concerning quality of life, body image, personality, and self-esteem was utilized. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 123 patients were included in the study. Forty-six patients participated in the study. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Results were compared with the existing representative norm data from the German speaking countries. RESULTS: In the indication-specific questionnaire, 44 patients reported a positive influence on their personal wellbeing, and 33 were more satisfied with their appearance (follow-up 3-95 months; average 48.5 months); 20 felt more self-confident, and 25 felt more attractive.Statistically significant increased values in quality of life (FLZM) were found in the aspects work (P = 0.02), mobility (P < 0.001) and independence from assistance or help (P < 0.001).Higher scores concerning personality and self-esteem compared with the respective random sample were found in the questionnaires FPI-R (P = 0.02) and RSES (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Among plastic surgical interventions, blepharoplasty is a minimal invasive operation, which is very well tolerated by patients. Patients take advantage in personal wellbeing, self-esteem, and different aspects of their daily life.

Male-to-Female Sex Reassignment Surgery using the Combined Vaginoplasty Technique: Satisfaction of Transgender Patients with Aesthetic, Functional, and Sexual Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Currently available patient-reported outcome measures are limited in the field of sex reassignment surgery (SRS). Standardized questionnaires deliver high evidence data on satisfaction of male-to-female (MTF) transgender patients but do not allow any modification in their clinical application. We therefore designed a prospective study using self-developed indication-specific questionnaires to evaluate the aesthetic, functional, and sexual outcomes of MTF patients undergoing SRS. METHODS: Forty-nine adult MTF transgender patients who underwent two-stage SRS were eligible for study inclusion between September 2012 and January 2014. Forty patients (= N) ultimately filled out both parts of the questionnaire sets: 1 day before the first stage (T0) and 6 months after the second stage of SRS (T1). These questionnaires focused on demographic characteristics, the satisfaction with aesthetic and functional results, and sexuality. RESULTS: Patients rated their surgical satisfaction of most items with mean scores above 7 on a 0-10-point scale. Many items evaluating everyday life activities improved significantly after SRS compared to T0 (p < 0.01). All but one patient (97.5%) reported no regrets about having undergone surgery, and the majority recommended it to other patients with gender dysphoria. Femininity and sexual activity increased significantly postoperatively (p < 0.01). Satisfaction with intercourse and orgasm was high: 6.70 and 8.21, respectively, on a 0-10 scale. CONCLUSION: Satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome, as well as the functional and sexual outcomes, reveal positive effects of SRS using the combined technique on transgender patient lives. Nevertheless, standardized and validated SRS-specific questionnaires are lacking. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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 .

Quality of Life and Patient Satisfaction Following Male-to-Female Sex Reassignment Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surveys on quality of life (QOL) of male-to-female (MTF) transsexuals have found low QOL scores before and increased satisfaction scores after sex-reassignment surgery (SRS). To our knowledge, many of them lack standardized questionnaires and comparisons with normative data to evaluate different vaginoplasty techniques. AIM: To analyze patient satisfaction and QOL after SRS. METHODS: Forty-seven patients participated in this study. All patients had surgery with our self-developed combined technique on average 19 months before the survey. They completed a self-developed indication-specific questionnaire concerning demographic and socioeconomic issues and postoperative satisfaction. Furthermore, a standardized self-assessment questionnaire on satisfaction and QOL (Fragen zur LebenszufriedenheitModule [FLZM]; Questions on Life SatisfactionModules) was used. The FLZM consists of three modules (general life satisfaction, satisfaction with health, and satisfaction with body image) with scores of weighted satisfaction for each item. Results of the general and health modules were compared with normative data. OUTCOMES: Demographics, QOL, general life satisfaction, satisfaction with health, and satisfaction with body image. RESULTS: The self-developed indication-specific questionnaire showed that 91% experienced an improvement of QOL. All patients stated they would undergo SRS again and did not regret it at all. Patients stated their femininity significantly increased. For the FLZM, the sum score for general life satisfaction (P < .001) was significantly lower than the normative data, whereas the sum score of the satisfaction with health module (P = .038) did not reach statistical significance. The two modules also showed positive trends for different items. Values of the body image module showed a significant increase in satisfaction with breasts (P < .001) and genitals (P = .002). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings of this survey emphasize the importance of SRS in the interdisciplinary gender-reassignment process. The detailed description of our combined technique could help to improve the surgical outcome and patient satisfaction of this complex and non-standardized surgery. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This is the first description of a new surgical technique (combined technique) for MTF SRS. QOL was assessed by a large number of patients by standardized questionnaires and could be compared with normative data. Because this is a retrospective study, we can draw only careful conclusions for pre- and postoperative changes. CONCLUSION: Our self-developed combined surgical technique seemed to have a positive influence on QOL after SRS. Satisfaction with breasts, genitals, and femininity increased significantly and show the importance of surgical treatment as a key therapeutic option for MTF transsexuals. Papadopulos NA, Lellé J-D, Zavlin D, et al. Quality of Life and Patient Satisfaction Following Male-to-Female Sex Reassignment Surgery. J Sex Med 2017;14:721-730.

The Psychologic and Psychosocial Impact of Otoplasty on Children and Adults.

BACKGROUND: In previous studies, our research group already evaluated the impact of aesthetic surgery on "quality of life" (QoL). This study evaluates QoL factors and perceptions of well-being after otoplasty as a single indication. METHODS: Eighty-one patients who underwent otoplasty were divided into three age groups: Youth 1 (Y1) = 8-12 years (n = 17), Youth 1 (Y2) = 13-17 years (n = 13), and Adult ≥18 years (n = 51). For competitive analysis, 2 groups of tests were used: a standardized self-assessment test on life satisfaction (FLZ(M)), the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), the standardized Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the standardized Freiburg Personality Inventory (FPI-R), the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4), and a self-developed and indication-specific questionnaire for "Adult" group. The tools for the groups Y1 and Y2 were: PHQ-4, KINDL(R), the Glasgow Child Benefit Inventory (GCBI), and a self-developed and indication-specific questionnaire either. RESULTS: Our data bared numerous significant improvements on patients' QoL. In the items "friends" (P = 0.036) and "freedom of anxiety" (P = 0.034) of the FLZ(M), important improvements were found. In section "satisfaction with appearance" (body image), the items "hair" (P = 0.003) and "ear" (P = 0.034) were to point out. The RSES (P = 0.001) and the FPI-R (P = 0.035) data indicated a well-balanced emotional stability. The results of the GBI/GCBI (P = 0.000/P = 0.000) showed a higher QoL of postsurgery patients. The data of the KINDL questionnaire provided increasing values in the modules "friends" (P = 0.033) and "total score" (P = 0.040) for boys of the ages 8 to 12. For all age groups, there was a less affinity to depression (PHQ-4) and a high satisfaction with the aesthetical result (indication-specific questionnaire). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed higher QoL in all age groups by using standardized tools in comparison with the norm data. The knowledge of postoperative psychologic benefits, such as "satisfaction with appearance" (body image) and "different areas of life," self-confidence, and self-esteem as well as lower level of depression support meaningfulness of otoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III: Retrospective cohort or comparative study.

Quality of life following liposuction for lipoedema: a prospective outcome study.

BACKGROUND: The study examines, for the first time, the impact on quality of life after liposuction for lipoedema. The influence of aesthetic plastic interventions and their effects on treatment outcomes has been a major focus of our research group over the past 20 years. METHODS: A total of 35 patients were invited to participate in our prospective study, with 30 responding to both the pre- and postoperative questionnaires. The patients received the questionnaires pre-operatively, and 6 months after the liposuction. Our questionnaire set included a self-developed, indication-specific part, along with standardised and validated questionnaires such as the Questions on Life Satisfaction (FLZM), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and the Freiburg personality inventory-revised (FPI-R). RESULTS: Our self-developed questionnaire showed that our patients feel more balanced, more attractive and more self-confident after the treatment. The FLZM showed significant improvements in all three modules: the general satisfaction with life, the state of health and the outer appearance (body image). Using the PHQ-4, a significant improvement in the two subscales of anxiety and depression could be determined, as well as a reduction in overall mental stress. In addition, the RSES showed a significant improvement in self-esteem post-operatively. Furthermore, the FPI-R indicated a significant improvement in emotional stability. CONCLUSIONS: Liposuction improves the quality of life in lipoedema patients. Post-operatively, our patients reported less pain and were more satisfied with their bodies and appearance. The hypothesis that liposuction in lipoedema improves the quality of life as a multidimensional construct could be confirmed.

Single-stage full-depth scalp reconstruction with Matriderm®: a clinical case report and a brief literature review.

Reconstructing scalp defects after basal cell carcinoma removal in elderly patients is challenging. This case report emphasizes Matriderm® as a successful alternative, addressing limitations of traditional methods. The application of Matriderm® in resource-limited scenarios adds insights to surgical literature, and its' usage addresses challenges in patients, contributing to surgical knowledge.

Evaluation of precision and accuracy assessment of different 3-D surface imaging systems for biomedical purposes.

Three-dimensional (3-D) surface imaging has gained clinical acceptance, especially in the field of cranio-maxillo-facial and plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery. Six scanners based on different scanning principles (Minolta Vivid 910®, Polhemus FastSCAN™, GFM PRIMOS®, GFM TopoCAM®, Steinbichler Comet® Vario Zoom 250, 3dMD DSP 400®) were used to measure five sheep skulls of different sizes. In three areas with varying anatomical complexity (areas, 1 = high; 2 = moderate; 3 = low), 56 distances between 20 landmarks are defined on each skull. Manual measurement (MM), coordinate machine measurements (CMM) and computer tomography (CT) measurements were used to define a reference method for further precision and accuracy evaluation of different 3-D scanning systems. MM showed high correlation to CMM and CT measurements (both r = 0.987; p < 0.001) and served as the reference method. TopoCAM®, Comet® and Vivid 910® showed highest measurement precision over all areas of complexity; Vivid 910®, the Comet® and the DSP 400® demonstrated highest accuracy over all areas with Vivid 910® being most accurate in areas 1 and 3, and the DSP 400® most accurate in area 2. In accordance to the measured distance length, most 3-D devices present higher measurement precision and accuracy for large distances and lower degrees of precision and accuracy for short distances. In general, higher degrees of complexity are associated with lower 3-D assessment accuracy, suggesting that for optimal results, different types of scanners should be applied to specific clinical applications and medical problems according to their special construction designs and characteristics.

Prediction of breast resection weight in reduction mammaplasty based on 3-dimensional surface imaging.

Prediction of resection weight (RW) in reduction mammaplasty is helpful in achieving breast symmetry and in fulfilling the stringent reimbursement requirements of health insurance companies. Current breast volume estimations are largely based on surgeon's experience, which are partially unreliable and often cumbersome to obtain. Therefore, this study aims to develop a formula to predict RW based on 3D surface imaging. A total of 68 breasts were treated with bilateral T-scar, and 40 breasts were treated with bilateral or unilateral vertical-scar reduction mammaplasty. Linear distances and volume measurements were assessed 3-dimensionally preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Significant correlations between the RW and the calculated preoperative breast volume (ρ = 0.804) and the sternal notch to nipple distance (ρ = 0.839) were found in both techniques (P < .001). Regression equations with the RW were performed to derive prediction formulas. Surgeons may benefit from the formulas in terms of improvement in preoperative planning, dealing with insurance coverage questions, and optimizing patient consultation.

Three-dimensional evaluation of breast augmentation and the influence of anatomic and round implants on operative breast shape changes.

BACKGROUND: Currently, postoperative outcome analysis in breast augmentation is essentially subjective, and objective evaluation of treatment efficacy is lacking. This study evaluates the influence of anatomic and round implant parameters on breast contour changes after subpectoral breast augmentation using three-dimensional (3D) surface imaging. METHODS: 3D surface breast scans of 17 patients (34 breasts) undergoing subpectoral breast augmentation with round implants and of ten patients (20 breasts) receiving anatomic implants via an axillary approach under endoscopic assistance or a submammary fold incision were obtained before and 6 months postoperatively. 3D linear distance, breast volume, and surface measurement were correlated with the implanted round and anatomic implant parameters, and the resulting breast shape changes were evaluated. RESULTS: Total breast volume changed in correlation with the implant size (2.4% difference; r=0.894; p<0.001). Implant volume and type influence the nipple-to-inframammary fold distance (N-IMF). Every inserted 100 ml implant volume enlarges the N-IMF distance by 0.8 cm (anatomic>round; p=0.01). Postoperatively, the IMF dropped by an average of 1.3 cm for round implants and by 1.1 cm for anatomic implants, without relevant differences between the applied surgical incision and the selected implants (p>0.05). Breast projection increased significantly more with anatomic implants (2.4 cm) than with round implants (1.7 cm) (p=0.01). The breast projection increase was 22% less than expected for round implants and 25% less than expected for anatomic implants based on the manufacturer implant parameters (p<0.01), without essential differences regarding the surgical incision. CONCLUSIONS: 3D breast shape changes induced by round and anatomic implants after subpectoral augmentation mammaplasty are objectively documented including breast projection, volume, and N-IMF distance changes. 3D surface imaging may have a potential clinical contribution to objective surgical outcome research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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 at www.springer.com/00266.

Eating disorders: A neglected group of mental disorders in patients requesting aesthetic surgery.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of data concerning the prevalence of eating disorders in patients requesting aesthetic surgery in spite of a large body of literature on the psychopathology of these patients. This may mostly be due to insufficient diagnostic assessment instruments. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of eating disorders and their comorbidities in patients undergoing aesthetic surgery. METHODS: The assessment of prevalence of the eating disorders as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder as well as other mental disorders was performed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV mental disorders (SCID), axis 1. RESULTS: 212 patients (198 females, 14 males), requesting different types of aesthetic surgery, were included in this study. Eating disorders had a current prevalence of 8.0% (17/212) and a lifetime prevalence of 11.3% (24/212). Anorexia nervosa was predominantly found in patients with breast augmentation [current: 7.4% (2/27); lifetime: 11.1% (3/27)] and rhinoplasty [6.3 (1/16); 12.6% (2/16)]. Bulimia nervosa dominated in patients with liposuction [10% (3/30); 13.3% (4/30)] and binge eating disorder in patients with abdominoplasty [current/lifetime: 10.8% (4/37)]. Levels of significance (p ≤ 0.002) were reached for prevalence of the eating disorders in above mentioned types of surgery, when compared to prevalence data of the general population (two proportion Z test for SPSS). CONCLUSION: Eating disorders are distributed according to a certain pattern in the different types of aesthetic surgery. Interestingly, the current prevalence of eating disorders (17/212) was comparable to that of body dysmorphic disorder (26/212).

Lumbrical Muscles Neural Branching Patterns: A Cadaveric Study With Potential Clinical Implications.

BACKGROUND: Lumbrical muscles originate in the palm from the 4 tendons of the flexor digitorum profundus and course distally along the radial side of the corresponding metacarpophalangeal joints, in front of the deep transverse metacarpal ligament. The first and second lumbrical muscles are typically innervated by the median nerve, and third and fourth by the ulnar nerve. A plethora of lumbrical muscle variants has been described, ranging from muscles' absence to reduction in their number or presence of accessory slips. The current cadaveric study highlights typical and variable neural supply of lumbrical muscles. MATERIALS: Eight (3 right and 5 left) fresh frozen cadaveric hands of 3 males and 5 females of unknown age were dissected. From the palmar wrist crease, the median and ulnar nerve followed distally to their terminal branches. The ulnar nerve deep branch was dissected and lumbrical muscle innervation patterns were noted. RESULTS: The frequency of typical innervations of lumbrical muscles is confirmed. The second lumbrical nerve had a double composition from both the median and ulnar nerves, in 12.5% of the hands. The thickest branch (1.38 mm) originated from the ulnar nerve and supplied the third lumbrical muscle, and the thinnest one (0.67 mm) from the ulnar nerve and supplied the fourth lumbrical muscle. In 54.5%, lumbrical nerve bifurcation was identified. CONCLUSION: The complex innervation pattern and the peculiar anatomy of branching to different thirds of the muscle bellies are pointed out. These findings are important in dealing with complex and deep injuries in the palmar region, including transmetacarpal amputations.

Peripheral nerve reconstruction with collagen tubes filled with denatured autologous muscle tissue in the rat model.

Conventional nerve conduits lack cellular and extracellular guidance structures critical for bridging larger defects. In this study, an exogenous matrix for axonal regeneration was provided by pretreated muscle tissue. In 24 rats, 14-mm sciatic nerve segments were resected and surgically reconstructed using one of the following methods: autograft (AG); bovine type I collagen conduit; (MDM) collagen tube filled with modified denatured autologous muscle tissue. For 8 weeks, functional regeneration was evaluated by footprint and video gait analysis. Evaluation was complemented by electrophysiology, as well as qualitative and quantitative structural assessment of nerves and target muscles. Group AG was superior both structurally and functionally, showing higher axon counts, a more normal gait pattern, and less severe muscle atrophy. Fiber quality (fiber size and myelin thickness) was highest in group MDM, possibly related to the myelin-producing effect of muscular laminin. However, axon count was lowest in this group, and ultrastructural analysis of the denatured muscle tissue showed areas of incomplete denaturation that had acted as a mechanical barrier for regenerating axons. In light of these results, the often advocated use of muscular exogenous matrix for peripheral nerve reconstruction is reviewed in the literature, and its clinical application is critically discussed. In conclusion, combined muscle tubes may have a positive influence on nerve fiber maturation. However, muscle pretreatment is not without risks, and denaturation processes need to be further refined.

A new protocol for complete phalloplasty with free sensate and prelaminated osteofasciocutaneous flaps: experience in 37 patients.

BACKGROUND: Herein, we present our latest protocol of following three operative stages for complete phalloplasty, applied in 37 female-to-male transsexuals: first, mastectomy, ovariohysterectomy, urethral lengthening, vaginectomy, colpocleisis, and neourethra prelamination; second, neophallus creation with free sensate osteofasciocutaneous fibula (n = 31) or radial forearm (n = 6) flap; and third, urethral connection, neoscrotum formation, and testicle prosthesis implantation. RESULTS: Occasionally, wound healing disturbance and slight asymmetry of the breasts was observed, as well as colpocleisis revision needed. Partial flap necrosis took place in 6 patients, while 12 presented urethral stricture and 6 a fistula. Despite inferior neophallus sensibility, patients whose neophallus was created using fibula flap experienced better sexual intercourse. However, overall patients' satisfaction was superior. CONCLUSIONS: The applied protocol demonstrates the effectiveness of such a multistage and interdisciplinary approach for female-to-male transsexuals, offering an essential improvement of their quality of life, concerning their successful integration into the reassigned gender position in the society.