Edge De-epithelialization for Reducing Pharyngocutaneous Fistula in Patch Free Flap Reconstructions for Salvage Total Laryngectomy Defects: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: The leakage of saliva through the deep neck region from a pharyngocutaneous fistula could cause devastating complications, including vascular ruptures leading to mortality. While a partial pharyngoesophageal defect is created after total laryngectomy, a patch pattern of hypopharyngeal reconstruction is required, for which a fasciocutaneous free flap is usually applied. If radiotherapy fails to cure pharyngeal cancer, salvage total laryngectomy (STL) is needed. However, postradiation tissues tend not to heal well, and the incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula therefore increases. We proposed an edge-epithelialization method to address this problem and conducted a retrospective study for comparison. METHODS: The inclusion criteria were patients with head and neck cancer who underwent total laryngectomy that immediately required patch free flap reconstruction at a single medical center (January 2012-December 2021). Receipt of presurgical radiotherapy, hospitalization duration, and the presence of postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: The included patients were separated into two groups: Group A (edge de-epithelialization not adopted) (n = 79) and Group B (edge de-epithelialization adopted) (n = 51). Forty-four and twenty-two patients in Groups A and Group B, respectively, received preoperative radiotherapies and simultaneous STL and fasciocutaneous free flap reconstructions. The incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistula was significantly lower in Group B (p = 0.0145). This phenomenon was the same for patients who underwent preoperative radiotherapy only (p = 0.0470) but not for patients who did not receive preoperative radiotherapy (p = 0.2363). CONCLUSIONS: Edge de-epithelialization is an effective method for reducing pharyngocutaneous fistula formation in patch free flap reconstructions after STLs.

Ocular circulation change in optic disc melanocytoma - a case report and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Ocular circulation in optic disc melanocytoma (ODM) has not yet been well evaluated. We quantitatively evaluated longitudinal changes in the morphology and circulation hemodynamics of the disc and macula using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) in a patient with optic disc melanocytoma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to a dark pigmented tumor over the superior optic disc area of the left eye noted on physical examination. At the first visit, the patient's best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in both eyes, and the intraocular pressure (IOP) was 17 and 18 mmHg in the left and right eyes, respectively. Fluorescein angiography (FA) showed blockage of fluorescence in the topography of the lesion, and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) showed hypofluorescence at all times. On LSFG, a low mean blur rate (MBR) was noted in the optic disc all area (MBRa) and tissue (MBRt) compared to the contralateral eye at the first visit and at the 3-month follow-up. A relatively low MBR was also detected in the macular area of the affected eye and the tumor itself. OCTA detected blood vessel networks in the deep retinal layer of the tumor. The visual field showed no specific defects. During follow-up, there was no tumor enlargement or vision decrease. CONCLUSIONS: We found that a lower MBR of the disc and macula area was noted on LSFG in this patient with optic disc melanocytoma, and it was continually observed at the 3-month follow-up. Although blood vessel networks in the deep retinal layer of the tumor were detected by OCTA, vascular compromise in the surrounding disc area and macula was found. Therefore, these results further increase our knowledge about the role that circulation impairment plays in the pathogenesis of the disease while vision is unaffected.

Nontuberculosis Mycobacteria Infection After Liposuction and Fat Grafting for Augmentation Mammoplasty: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Nontuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) commonly occur in nature. Although the infection rate is low, soft tissue infection with NTM after surgical procedures is possible in both immunocompromised and normal populations. For cosmetic surgery, NTM infection has emerged as a common infection in the recent years, and this indicates the need to pay more attention, especially to those with prolonged atypical uncertain wound problems. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to report a case of NTM infection after breast augmentation to share our experience on clinical appearance and process of diagnosis and treatment, and to review the existing literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively review a patient who suffered from NTM infection after liposuction and fat grafting for breast augmentation between 2019 and 2021 in our hospital. The baseline characteristics, operations, bacterial culture report, medications, and outpatient information were collected from medical records. RESULTS: The patient suffered from purulent skin lesions after breast augmentation and was diagnosed with NTM infection according to the culture report. The NTM infection was resolved after a long-term course of treatment for around a year, including surgical debridement, serial aspirations, and prescriptions of antituberculosis medications. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that NTM must be considered when facing refractory infections after surgeries or invasive procedures without bacterial growth on routine cultures. Acid-fast stain and mycobacterial culture are strongly recommended. Treatment modalities include localized aspiration, surgical debridement, and multidrug antibiotics based on the sensitivity of the microorganism.

Hooked embracing plate for Rolando fracture fixation: a preliminary result.

BACKGROUND: Rolando fracture is a comminuted, intra-articular fracture over the metacarpal bone base of the thumb which often leads to joint instability and requirement of surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the radiological and functional outcomes of Rolando fracture following surgical fixation with a hooked embracing plate (Acumed, 1.3 mm, Rolando Fracture Hooked Plate) designed for Rolando fracture. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed a consequence of patients between 2018 and 2022 with Rolando fracture who received open reduction internal fixation with hooked embracing plates. Primary endpoints were the quality of radiologic reduction after the operation and peri-operative complications. Secondary outcomes were bone union, pinch and grip strength, palmar abduction, opposition and radiographic osteoarthritis over the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint. RESULTS: A total of 5 patients were included. All patients had good quality of radiological reduction without peri-operative complications. The opposition, abduction, pinch and grip strength were nearly full-recovered for all patients with fine bone unions after 3 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: The hooked embracing plate is a good and safe option for surgical fixation in patients with Rolando fracture. Compared with traditional method such as lag screw or mini-plate fixation, the hooked embracing plate could provide rigid fixation with fine radiologic and functional outcomes with early mobilization.

Conjunctival melanoma: A 20-year survey in a comprehensive medical center.

BACKGROUND: To better understand population-specific tumor characteristics and behavior of conjunctival melanoma in Asian. METHODS: A retrospective cohort enrolled patients with primary conjunctival melanoma treated and followed up at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH) in Taiwan between 1995 and 2015. Basic characteristics such as age, gender, tumor size, cell type, location, and TNM stage were recorded. Prognostic parameters included disease free interval, local recurrence, distant metastasis, and survival were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 20 patients enrolled in the study hospital between 1995 and 2015. All were histological proved by pathologists. Their mean age at diagnosis was 57.8 ± 15.9 years. The mean follow-up time was 68.7 ± 55.8 months. Mean tumor thickness was 6.5 ± 5.9 mm. Six patients developed local recurrence. Twelve patients had distant metastasis. Ten patients died from conjunctival melanoma. The 10 patients had greater mean tumor thickness (8.4 ± 7.5 mm) and shorter mean survival time (40.2 ± 24.1 months). Tumor thickness was found as a prognostic factor for survival time (HR = 1.15, P = 0.01). Age, gender, T stage, and tumor location were not significantly associated with survival. CONCLUSION: Different tumor characteristics were found in this cohort. Higher metastasis and mortality rate could suggest a more aggressive disease pattern. Tumor thickness was indicated as a prognostic factor for survival time and was greater in size in cases with distant metastasis. Early and more invasive intervention with closely follow-up may be indicated in these cases.

Comparison of the outcomes of free jejunal flap reconstructions of pharyngoesophageal defects in hypopharyngeal cancer and corrosive injury patients.

INTRODUCTION: Free jejunal flap is one of the optimal choices for restoring upper digestive tract. The purpose of this study was to introduce the treatment strategies and to compare the outcomes of free jejunal flap for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction between hypopharyngeal cancer and chemical corrosive injured esophagus. METHODS: From 2001 to 2012, patients who had been received esophageal reconstruction by free jejunal flap for pharyngoesophageal defect were divided into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) group and corrosive chemical injury (CCI) group. All data on outcomes and complications including relevant radiographic investigations were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were in SCC group and 9 patients in CCI group underwent free jejunal flap reconstruction. Two cases of flap failure were noted in SCC group, and no flap failure in CCI group-the total failure rate was 8% (2/25 patients). In SCC group, 5 of 16 patients (31.3%) developed fistula; however, no fistula in CCI group. One patient in SCC group and 3 patients in CCI group developed esophageal strictures. Other than early stricture (stricture <1 year) which reached significant difference, all of other complications were not statistically significant between two groups. The average follow-up time was 42 months. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative early stricture but lower fistula occurrence is expected in patients with corrosively injured esophagi. This helpful preliminary findings could not only early-check complication, but also better explanation and prepare were taken placed before operation.

Correction of involutional entropion with retractor redirection.

The study aims to report the surgical outcome of a retractor redirection procedure for involutional entropion repair for Asians. The study included all cases diagnosed with involutional entropion and significant ocular irritation who presented from 2008 to 2012. Sixty-seven eyelids in 54 patients were included in this study. All cases were operated on by one surgeon and had a minimum of 12-months follow-up. Success was defined as cases showing no recurrence of entropion with forceful eyelid squeezing postoperatively. A retrospective chart review was performed to assess the success rate, recurrences and complications of the procedure. During a mean follow-up period of 26.2 months (range, 12-53 months), 5 patients died during the study period. Two eyelids (3%) of one patient had a recurrence at 34 months postoperatively. One eyelid (1.5%) with a significant horizontal laxity developed postoperative ectropion and required a secondary horizontal shortening procedure. No other postoperative complications or dissatisfaction were reported. The retractor redirection procedure aims to repair the retractors and prevent orbicularis muscle overriding via inserting the retractors to the anterior lamellae. It yields a long-term success rate of 95.5% and is an effective technique for correcting involutional entropion.

Expression of retinoic acid-binding proteins and retinoic acid receptors in sebaceous cell carcinoma of the eyelids.

BACKGROUND: Sebaceous cell carcinoma of the eyelid is a malignant tumor. However, the pathoetiology of sebaceous cell carcinoma is not clear. Retinoic acid (RA) signaling is essential for skin epidermal differentiation including the eyelids. In this study, we investigate the expression of ß-catenin, RA-binding proteins and RA receptors in sebaceous cell carcinoma of the eyelid and try to estimate their influence on its pathoetiology. METHODS: Retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive interventional case series. Sixteen cases of eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma who received tumor excision at our hospital between 2001 and 2011 were included. Immunohistochemical staining for ß-catenin, cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1 (CRABP1), cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2), fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5), retinoic acid receptors (RAR-α, -ß, -γ), and retinoid X receptors (RXR-α, -ß, -γ) was performed on tissue samples obtained from tumor excision. RESULTS: Of the 16 sebaceous cell carcinoma cases reviewed, six were male and 10 female. The mean follow-up period was 6.7 ± 3.66 years (range, 0.3-13 years). Of these 16 cases, the expression of ß-catenin was significantly increased in sebaceous cell carcinoma cases. CRABP1 was similarly expressed in the sebaceous cell carcinoma and control groups. CRABP2 and FABP5 were expressed in hair follicles of lid skin in both groups, whereas the CRABP2 and FABP5 were aberrantly expressed in the tumor cells of the sebaceous glands. Notably, the expression of retinoic acid receptor (RAR-ß) and retinoid X receptors (RXR-ß, -γ) was significantly upregulated in sebaceous cell carcinoma of the eyelids. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that retinoic acid signaling is related to the pathogenesis of sebaceous cell carcinoma of the eyelids.

Endovascular intervention in Taiwanese patients with critical limb ischemia: patient outcomes in 333 consecutive limb procedures with a 3-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Midterm outcomes of endovascular intervention (EVI) for critical limb ischemia (CLI) have not been previously reported in Taiwan. This study assessed the safety, feasibility, and patient-oriented outcomes for CLI patients after EVI. METHODS: From June 2005 to December 2011, 270 patients underwent EVI for CLI of 333 limbs. Primary patency (PP), assisted primary patency (AP), limb salvage, sustained clinical success (SCS), secondary SCS (SSCS), and survival were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: The procedural success rate was 89%, and the periprocedural mortality and major complication rates within 30 days were 0.6% and 6.9%, respectively. During the mean follow-up time of 27 ± 20 months (1-77), 64 patients died and 25 legs required major amputation. Eighty-one percent of the patients with tissue loss had wound healing at 6 months and 75% of the patients were ambulatory, with or without assisting devices, at 1 year. The overall survival and limb salvage rates at 3 years were 70% and 90%, respectively. The PP and AP at 1 and 3 years were 58% and 37% and 79% and 61%, respectively. The SCS and SSCS were 65% and 46% and 80% and 64% at 1 and 3 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: In Taiwan, EVI was a safe and feasible procedure for CLI patients, with a high procedural success rate and lower complication rate. Sustained limb salvage and clinical success can be afforded with an active surveillance program and prompt intervention during midterm follow-up.

Comparative Efficacy of Fractional CO2 Laser Combined with Topical Steroid Cream versus Solution for Post-Thyroidectomy Scar Treatment: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUNDS: Post-thyroidectomy scarring is a common illness impacting patient quality of life. Fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers and topical steroids delivered via laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD) have shown potential for scar treatment. However, ideal steroid formulations (cream vs. solution) when combined with laser therapy remain unclear. METHODS: This study included 12 patients receiving fractional CO2 laser on post-thyroidectomy scars. After laser treatment, one scar half received topically applied steroid cream, while the other half received steroid solution. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was used to measure the scar conditions at the time prior to the first treatment and one year later by the patients themselves and by the surgeon who did the laser treatment. Scar appearance was photographically assessed at baseline and 6 months post-treatment by four blinded evaluators using scales. RESULTS: This study discovered a modest improvement in the appearance of post-thyroidectomy scars when combining fractional CO2 laser treatment with either topical steroid cream or solution. Patients and treating physicians examined the POSAS scores one year after treatment found significant improvements in all aspects of the scar conditions, with high efficacy and satisfaction levels reported by patients. CONCLUSIONS: Fractional CO2 laser combined with topical steroid delivery, either cream or solution form, significantly enhanced post-thyroidectomy scar appearance with modest effect and high patient satisfaction. This approach may represent a promising scar management strategy along with current scar treatment for the post-thyroidectomy scar.

Comparison of immediate and 2-year outcomes between excimer laser-assisted angioplasty with spot stent and primary stenting in intermediate to long femoropopliteal disease.

BACKGROUND: To compare the clinical outcomes between excimer laser-assisted angioplasty (ELA) with spot stent (group A) and primary stenting (group B) in intermediate to long femoropopliteal disease. METHODS: Outcomes of 105 patients totaling 119 legs treated with two different strategies were analyzed retrospectively in a prospectively maintained database. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Better angiographic results and lesser increase of serum C-reactive protein levels (0.60 ± 0.72 versus 2.98 ± 0.97 mg/dL, P < 0.001) after the intervention were obtained in Group B. Group A had inferior 1-year outcomes due to higher rate of binary restenosis (67% versus 32%, P = 0.001) and lower rate of primary patency (40% versus 58%, P = 0.039). Rates of amputation-free survival, target vessel revascularization, assisted primary patency, and stent fracture at 24 months were similar in both groups (80% versus 82%, P = 0.979, 65% versus 45%, P = 0.11, 78% versus 80%, P = 0.75 and 6.3% versus 6.8%, P = 0.71, resp.). CONCLUSION: Greater vascular inflammation after ELA with spot stent resulted in earlier restenosis and inferior 1-year clinical outcomes than primary stenting. This benefit was lost in the primary stenting group at 2 years due to late catch-up restenosis. Active surveillance with prompt intervention was required to maintain the vessel patency.

Soft tissue management of orbitotemporal neurofibromatosis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to provide an overview of a single-institution, 30-year surgical experience with the soft tissue management of orbitotemporal neurofibromatosis. Lessons learned are highlighted in case presentations. METHODS: From 1981 to 2011, all patients who presented to the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Craniofacial Center with craniofacial neurofibromatosis and orbitotemporal involvement were retrospectively reviewed. The medical records of those patients who underwent surgical correction were reviewed for age, extent of involvement, procedures performed, histologic confirmation, and acute complications. All patients were grouped according to the Jackson Classification. The electronic photobank was queried to evaluate results. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients presented to our center with orbitotemporal neurofibromatosis during the study period. Thirty-one patients underwent surgical management of their disease. The average age was 25 years (range 4 to 57 years). Over half of our patients (n = 18) presented with concomitant disease of the cheek. The 2 most common procedures performed were lateral canthopexy (n = 24) and upper eyelid excision (n = 24). The only acute complication recorded was a postoperative hematoma on the fourth postoperative day following simultaneous lateral canthopexy and upper eyelid excision which required operative evacuation. CONCLUSIONS: In orbitotemporal neurofibromatosis, tissue hyperextensibility and tumor weight adversely affect outcomes. Treatment of concomitant disease of the cheek should be prioritized in order to provide periorbital support prior to addressing the delicate structures of the eyelids. Preservation of the lateral canthal unit and levator muscle, despite neurofibroma infiltration, is critical to maximize outcomes following debulking procedures of the eyelid and orbit.

Blepharoptosis in infantile onset Pompe disease: Histological findings and surgical outcomes.

This retrospective observational case series is to evaluate the histopathological findings of drooping eyelids in patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease and assess the feasibility of levator muscle resection combined with conjoint fascial sheath suspension for ptosis correction. It included six patients from a single tertiary referral center with ptosis and infantile-onset Pompe disease between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2021. They most suffered from recurrent ptosis after initial surgical correction (6/11 eyes, 54.55%). The recurrence rate was high in eyes with levator muscle resection alone (4/6 eyes, 66.67%). No recurrence of ptosis was observed in eyes with levator muscle resection combined with conjoint fascial sheath suspension. The follow-up period was approximately 16-94 months. Histopathological examination revealed that the levator muscle had the most abundant glycogen accumulation-related vacuolar changes, followed by Müller's muscle and extraocular muscles. No vacuolar changes were observed in the conjoint fascial sheath. For patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease-related ptosis, performing levator muscle resection alone is not sufficient, while utilizing conjoint fascial sheath suspension can achieve the desired long-term outcomes with minimal recurrence. These findings may have important implications for the management of ophthalmic complications in patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease.

Risk factors for pressure ulcer recurrence following surgical reconstruction: A cross-sectional retrospective analysis.

Many studies on the recurrence of pressure ulcers after surgical reconstruction have focused on surgical techniques and socioeconomic factors. Herein, we aimed to identify the risk factors of the associated comorbidities for pressure ulcer recurrence. We enrolled 147 patients who underwent pressure ulcer reconstruction and were followed up for more than three years. The recurrence of pressure ulcers was defined as recurrent pressure ulcers with stage 3/4 pressure ulcers. We reviewed and analyzed systematic records of medical histories, including sex, age, associated comorbidities such as spinal cord injury (SCI), diabetes mellitus (DM), coronary artery disease, cerebral vascular accident, end-stage renal disease, scoliosis, dementia, Parkinson's disease, psychosis, autoimmune diseases, hip surgery, and locations of the primary pressure ulcer. Patients with recurrent pressure ulcers were younger than those without. Patients with SCI and scoliosis had higher odds, while those with Parkinson's disease had lower odds of recurrence of pressure ulcers than those without these comorbidities. Moreover, the decision tree algorithm identified that SCI, DM, and age < 34 years could be risk factor classifiers for predicting recurrent pressure ulcers. This study demonstrated that age and SCI are the two most important risk factors associated with recurrent pressure ulcers following surgical reconstruction.

Using A modified quickert procedure combined with prolapsed fat and preseptal orbicularis muscle removal to correct involutional lower eyelid entropion in Asians.

PURPOSE: To propose a modified Quickert procedure combined with prolapsed fat and preseptal orbicularis muscle removal which corrects involutional lower eyelid entropion, and to validate the procedure as an adequate surgical management according to anatomical deformities and pathogenesis of Asian patients. METHODS: Ninety-five patients (45 men, 50 women; 108 eyelids [55 right eyes, 53 left eyes]) who underwent this modified surgical procedure with a minimum follow-up period of 2 months were examined. All pre- and post-operative evaluations and surgical procedure were performed exclusively from the same oculoplastic surgeon. Postoperative results, recurrence rate, and complications were assessed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 13.33 months (range, 2-67 months). Of the 108 eyelids, 4 developed recurrent entropion with trichiasis, corresponding to an overall recurrence rate of 3.70%. No major complications, such as overcorrection (ectropion), symblepharon, infection, or wound dehiscence, occurred during the follow-up period after surgery. Of these 4 eyelids exhibiting recurrence, 3 occurred within 10 months and 1 occurred 49 months after surgery. Three recurrent patients received secondary surgery for re-correction with successful results. CONCLUSION: The modified Quickert procedure combined with prolapsed fat and preseptal orbicularis muscle removal not only demonstrated safety and effectiveness, but also led to low rate of recurrence and complications. It could be a strategy for correction of involutional entropion in Asian patients.

Microbial Keratitis in Patients With Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Experience From a Tertiary Centre in Taiwan.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical features, causative microorganisms, antibiotic susceptibility, and treatment outcomes in culture-proven microbial keratitis (MK) in patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) and to analyze the potential risk factors. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of all patients with SJS/TEN who attended our department between 2009 and 2018. Patients with a diagnosis of MK who underwent corneal cultures were enrolled. Demographics; clinical characteristics including ocular findings, treatment, time between onset of SJS/TEN and keratitis; changes in visual acuity; culture results; and antibiotic susceptibility were analyzed. Culture results from prior conjunctival swabs and keratitis were also compared. RESULTS: Sixteen eyes from 12 patients (mean age 40.1 ± 27.7 years) with MK were identified. These patients had the most severe ocular involvement in the acute stage and had more severe ocular complications (SOCs) in the chronic stage compared with patients with SJS/TEN without MK. There were 26 infection episodes during 4.4 ± 6.9 (1.0-25.8) years of follow-up. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs accounted for half of the causative drugs. Severe dry eye was the most common predisposing factor, followed by topical steroid use, trichiasis, and lid margin keratinization. Staphylococcus was the most common pathogen, and over half of the gram-positive bacteria were resistant to oxacillin/methicillin. Fungal infections (notably Candida ) accounted for nearly one-third of the causative microorganisms. Culture reports from periodic conjunctival swabs were not consistent with those from corneal scrapings. Recurrence of infection was associated with inferior visual outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SJS/TEN with SOCs are subject to recurrent corneal infections, which are responsible for deterioration of vision. Identifying the risk factors and aggressive treatment as early as possible is pivotal for infection control.

Ocular Manifestations and Outcomes in Children With Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Comparison With Adult Patients.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical features and visual outcomes in children and adults with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). DESIGN: Retrospective comparative case series. METHODS: This retrospective study included 280 eyes of 140 patients (35 children and 105 adults) with SJS/TEN treated between 2010 and 2020. The primary outcome measures were the final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and severity of dry eye. The secondary outcome measure was the medical and surgical therapies used. RESULTS: Among 64 eyes of children recruited in the study, acute ocular involvement was found in 58 eyes (90.6%). The chronic score in pediatric patients was significantly higher than that in adult patients (P = .004). The use of antibiotics/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Mycoplasma infection were the more common etiologies in children. In all, 75% of eyes in children maintained a visual acuity of 20/40 or better at a mean follow-up time of 4.3 years. The severity of dryness was comparable between the child and adult groups. The proportion of eyes undergoing amniotic membrane and oral mucosa transplantation was significantly higher in children than in adults in the chronic stage, reflecting that children exhibit much more severe complications. CONCLUSIONS: Although pediatric SJS/TEN patients have more severe ocular complications than adults, most children maintain long-term good vision. Early intervention and aggressive treatment help to preserve vision.

Fabrication of a facial prosthesis for a 13-year-old child by using a point-and-shoot three-dimensional scanner and CAD/CAM technology.

Patients cannot wear ocular prostheses after undergoing orbital exenteration. They require a facial prosthesis to obtain a more favorable appearance, which greatly affects their social life and psychological health. In addition, conventional prosthesis-making processes require substantial time and expense. The economic burden is particularly heavy on children, who may require many prosthesis replacements as they mature. We report a method of fabricating a facial prosthesis by three-dimensional (3D) facial scanning and 3D printed for a 13-year-old girl who underwent partial orbital exenteration for malignant ciliary body medulloepithelioma 2 years ago. The patient's facial contour was captured with a hand-held, point-and-shoot 3D scanner. A facial prosthesis was designed using a mirror image technique with 3D modeling software and 3D printed. The prosthesis was then postprocessed and cast in silicone rubber. An ocular prosthesis was integrated into the facial prosthesis. The prosthesis was retained by prosthetic adhesives. This digitally assisted, impression-free method may lower the cost and effort of making facial prostheses and improve patient comfort, especially for children.

Evaluation of Microcirculation in Optic Nerve Head Using Laser Speckle Flowgraphy in Active Thyroid Eye Disease.

Background: Laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) can be used to estimate optic nerve blood flow. This study used LSFG to evaluate optic nerve microcirculation in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED). Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients with active TED who underwent LSFG between October 2020 and June 2021. The mean blur rate (MBR) for different severities of active TED was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: A total of 30 patients (60 eyes) with a diagnosis of active TED who underwent LSFG were included. The mean age was 49 (range, 33-74) years. Mean best-corrected visual acuity was the worst in the group with sight-threatening active TED (0.29 ± 0.33 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, p = 0.01). The MBR-overall was the highest in the group with mild active TED (28.5 ± 2.7), followed by that in the moderate to severe (23.6 ± 3.2), and in the sight-threatening (20.2 ± 4.3) active TED groups (p < 0.001). The MBR-vessel was 57.1, 47.0, and 39.3 in the mild, moderate to severe, and sight-threatening active TED groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The MBR-tissue was 16.9, 14.4, and 12.0 in the mild, moderate to severe, and sight-threatening active TED groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that optic nerve blood flow is lower with more severe active TED. In addition, LSFG is an effective, objective, and noninvasive method for evaluating the severity of TED.

The Multiple-U Technique: A Novel Microvascular Anastomosis Technique That Guarantees Everted Anastomosis Sites with Solid Intima-to-Intima Contact.

SUMMARY: The key to successful microvascular anastomosis is achieving intima-to-intima contact, which is not always easy. In this article, the authors propose the multiple-U technique, which is a novel microvascular anastomosis technique that characterizes easy and reliable intima-to-intima contact. The technique was performed on patients who underwent free flap reconstruction for head and neck defects at the Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from September 1, 2020, to November 30, 2020. The immediate patency test results for all vessel anastomoses were positive, and the postoperative recovery courses of the patients were without any vascular complications. In conclusion, the multiple-U technique is a widely available technique that guarantees everted anastomosis sites and solid intima-to-intima contact. This technique can be performed on both arterial and venous anastomoses regardless of vessel size and wall thickness.