Current Practices and Trends in Midface Rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND: Cosmetic approaches to midface aging are complex and vary in their treatment methodology. The nature of cosmetic surgery limits clinical trial data, forcing surgeons to rely on small studies and professional preferences when choosing an approach. Our study aimed to quantitatively assess national trends in midface rejuvenation practices. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study consisting of a survey administered through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons listservs. To evaluate trends, techniques were grouped into 2 categories: minimally invasive (injectable fillers, fat transfer, fat repositioning) or invasive (deep plane facelift, subperiosteal lift, malar/cheek alloplastic implant, bone grafting/bone advancement). RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-two survey responses were received. Of the total respondents, 46.52% were certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and 48.26% were certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Minimally invasive techniques were far more preferred (66.67%) over invasive (33.33%) techniques, with injectable fillers as the most common technique (34.88%), followed by fat transfer (20.93%). Deep plane facelift was preferred over subperiosteal lift (18.60% vs 7.91%, respectively). Surgeons board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery were more inclined to perform invasive techniques over those board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (P = 0.0427). CONCLUSION: This study quantitatively assessed national trends in cosmetic approaches to midface aging. Our data suggest that trends among surgeons across the United States have shifted toward favoring minimally invasive techniques over more invasive approaches.

Pediatric septorhinoplasty: Current attitudes and practices by facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: There is hesitation to offer pediatric patients rhinoplasty due to concerns about postoperative effect on midface growth. A cross-sectional survey of members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery was conducted regarding practice information and attitudes towards pediatric septorhinoplasty. The goal of the study is to describe the current attitudes on pediatric septorhinoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Community members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery society. METHODS: A 19-question survey was distributed to surgeons surveying background information and current attitudes towards pediatric septorhinoplasty practices. Fisher's exact tests were implemented using Monte Carlo methods. RESULTS: There were 94 total respondents. A majority believed septorhinoplasty is safe in patients <16 years of age (n = 68, 72.34 %) with most choosing either 16 years (n = 30, 31.91 %) or 14 years (n = 29, 30.85 %) as the minimum age to consider the procedure. A majority of respondents would not perform any nasal procedures in patients ≤12 years (n = 40, 43.48 %). CONCLUSION: Trends in pediatric rhinoplasty practices have evolved overtime. Despite prior beliefs and studies cautioning against performing septorhinoplasty in pediatric patients (<16 years of age), a majority of practicing facial plastic surgeons believe that pediatric septorhinoplasty can be performed in patients >14 years old. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Prevalence and factors related to obesity and fast food consumption among Mutah University students, Jordan.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence and factors related to obesity and fast food consumption among university students. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at Mutah University, Al-Karak governorate in southern Jordan, from January to April, 2019, and comprised students recruited from different faculties. Data was collected using a structured, validated questionnaire. Height and weight were measured for body mass index calculation. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. RESULTS: Of the 503 students, 278(55.3%) were females. The overall mean age of the sample was 21.62±2.22 years (range: 19-39 years). Fast food consumption was ≥2 times/week for 299(59.4%) students. The prevalence was significantly higher among students spending ≥21 Jordanian dinar per week (p=0.020) and those who were not performing physical exercise (p=0.025). Significant correlations were found between fast food consumption and fried potato (p<0.001), processed meat products (p<0.001), coffee (p=0.006) and candies (p=0.039). No significant relation was found between fast food consumption and body mass index, religion, gender, field of study or living away from family (p>0.05). The most common reason for consumption was shortage of time 115(38.5%); lunch time was the most preferred time 210(70.2%); 97(32.4%) students were willing to read the nutrient information; and 211(70.5%) were interested in choosing healthy meals. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of fast food consumption among university students was found to be high.

Soft Tissue Trauma to the Nose: Management and Special Considerations.

The nose is one of the most common sites of facial injury due to its prominence and anatomical placement. Given its intricate anatomy, function, and high visibility, it also proves to be one of the most complex regions for repair. We provide a review of the management of soft tissue injuries to the nose, including the various reconstructive tools available and adjunctive wound care measures. We also discuss special considerations based on mechanism of injury and treatment of this condition in the pediatric population. The main goals of reconstruction should be to preserve function while achieving optimal cosmetic results in this highly visible region of the face.

Immediate Postoperative Radiation Therapy after Free Tissue Transfer for Keloid Treatment.

Keloids present a challenging clinical problem due to their propensity for recurrence and need for adjuvant therapy. We present a case where a large keloid resection required free tissue transfer and immediate radiation therapy was employed 24 hours postoperatively. There were no significant issues with flap survival, wound healing, or recurrence 2 years postoperatively. This is the first case report of successful radiation treatment 1 day after reconstruction of the head and neck with a free flap. Laryngoscope, 131:E1818-E1820, 2021.

Head and Neck Cancer Complications in the Geriatric Population Based on Hospital Case Volume.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether surgical case volume is a predictive factor of surgical outcomes when managing geriatric patients with head andneck cancer. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used. Data were obtainedfrom the Vizient Database, which included a total of 93 academicinstitutions. Men and women aged between 65 and 100 years undergoing head and neck cancer surgery during 2009 and 2012,excluding cases of thyroid cancer and skin cancer of the head and neck(n = 4544) were included in the study. Hospital case volume was definedas low (≤21 cases/year), moderate (22-49 cases/year), or high (≥50 cases/year). The frequency of comorbidities and complications wasmeasured by hospital case volume using a χ2 test. Significancewas determined with an α level of .05. RESULTS: The largest number of head and neck cancer cases involving comorbidities (90.54%) and the highest rate of overall complications(27.50%) occurred in moderate case volume institutions compared to athe complication rate of 22.89% in low volume hospitals and 21.50% in highvolume hospitals (P < .0001). The most common comorbidities across all3 hospital case volumes included hypertension, metastatic cancer,and chronic pulmonary disease and the most common complicationsincluded hemorrhage/hematoma and postoperative pulmonarycompromise. CONCLUSION: With more geriatric patients requiring surgery for head andneck cancer, it would be beneficial to manage the more complex cases at high volume centers and to develop multidisciplinary teams to optimizecase management and minimize complications.

Determining the optimal osteotomy distance with the fibula free flap in mandibular reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Fibula free tissue transfer is a common and reliable method for mandibular reconstruction. Functional outcomes from this procedure are dependent on the successful union of the osseous segments postoperatively. This study was conducted to define the maximum gap-size criteria for osseous union to occur at osteotomy sites in fibula free flap reconstruction of the mandible. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary care academic center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of computed tomography and medical records was conducted on patients who underwent fibula free flap surgery and had imaging of the mandible at <3 months and >6 months after surgery. Distances between osteotomies were measured and evaluated for interval healing. Secondary data included subject age, sex, smoking status, diabetes, number of osteotomies, complications, and adjuvant therapy. RESULTS: Thirty-eight osteotomy sites were analyzed from thirteen subjects and a total of 190 measurements were made. The mean gap size at the first scan that demonstrated union by the second scan interval was 1.31 mm and mean gap size demonstrating non-union was 2.55 mm (p < 0.01). Complication rate, number of osetotomies, adjuvant therapy, or medical co-morbidities did not significantly affect rates of union. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, osseous union was achieved with a mean osteotomy gap size of 1.31 mm. The data suggests that distances between ossesous segments >2 .55mm have a higher risk of non-union. We believe the information from this study will help augment current and future techniques in the field of mandible reconstruction.

Calcifying Epithelial Odontogenic (Pindborg) Tumor in a Child: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT) is a rare neoplasm, which accounts for < 1% of all odontogenic tumors. CEOT occurs more frequently in adults with a peak incidence in the 5th decade of life and is extremely rare in the pediatric population. We present a case of a 13-year-old girl who was found to have a mandibular CEOT. We summarize the radiological features, pathological findings, clinical management and literature review focusing on this entity in children.

Stage II Oral Tongue Cancer: Survival Impact of Adjuvant Radiation Based on Depth of Invasion.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if adjuvant radiation therapy for patients with pT2N0 oral cavity tongue cancer affects overall survival. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: National Cancer Database. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cases diagnosed between 2004 and 2013 with pathologic stage pT2N0 oral cavity tongue cancer with negative surgical margins were extracted from the National Cancer Database. Data were stratified by treatment received, including surgery only and surgery + postoperative radiation therapy. Univariate analysis was performed with a 2-sample t test, chi-square test, or Fisher exact test and log-rank test, while multivariate analysis was performed with Cox regression models adjusted for individual variables as well as a propensity score. RESULTS: A total of 934 patients were included in the study, with 27.5% of patients receiving surgery with postoperative radiation therapy (n = 257). In univariate analysis, there was no significant difference in 3-year overall survival between the patient groups ( P = .473). In multivariate analysis, there was no significant difference in survival between the treatment groups, with adjuvant radiation therapy having a hazard ratio of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.60-1.44; P = .748). Regarding tumors with a depth of invasion >5 mm, there was no survival benefit for the patients who received postoperative radiation therapy as compared with those who received surgery alone (hazard ratio = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.57-1.53; P = .769). CONCLUSION: An overall survival benefit was not demonstrated for patients who received postoperative radiation therapy versus surgery alone for pT2N0 oral cavity tongue cancer, irrespective of depth of tumor invasion.

Role of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy in T4N0 stage IV head and neck cancer: A National Cancer Database analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy (surgery + adjuvant RT) versus adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (surgery + adjuvant CRT) in patients with T4N0M0, stage IV head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS: Between 1998 and 2011, 3518 and 885 patients were treated with surgery + adjuvant RT and surgery + adjuvant CRT, respectively. Three-year overall survival (OS) rates were determined and crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 41.8 months with 2193 reported deaths. The 3-year OS was 67.5% for surgery + adjuvant RT and 70.5% for surgery + adjuvant CRT (P = .013). For negative margins, the corresponding 3-year OS was 70.1% and 74.9% (P = .005). For positive margins, the corresponding 3-year OS was 56.0% and 60.6% (P = .079). On multivariate analysis, the beneficial effect for adjuvant CRT over adjuvant RT was not significant (HR 0.90; CI 0.79-1.03; P = .124). CONCLUSION: In this cohort of patients with T4N0 HNSCC treated with surgery, there was no observed survival benefit of adjuvant CRT over adjuvant RT on multivariate analysis.

Marital status as a predictor of survival in patients with human papilloma virus-positive oropharyngeal cancer.

PURPOSE: Determine whether marital status is a significant predictor of survival in human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single center retrospective study included patients diagnosed with human papilloma virus-positive oropharyngeal cancer at Boston Medical Center between January 1, 2010 and December 30, 2015, and initiated treatment with curative intent at Boston Medical Center. Demographic data and tumor-related variables were recorded. Univariate analysis was performed using a two-sample t-test, chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and Kaplan Meier curves with a log rank test. Multivariate survival analysis was performed using a Cox regression model. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients were included in the study with 24 patients described as married and 41 patients described as single. There was no significant difference in most demographic variables or tumor related variables between the two study groups, except single patients were significantly more likely to have government insurance (p=0.0431). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in 3-year overall survival between married patients and single patients (married=91.67% vs single=87.80%; p=0.6532) or 3-year progression free survival (married=79.17% vs single=85.37%; p=0.8136). After adjusting for confounders including age, sex, race, insurance type, smoking status, treatment, and AJCC combined pathologic stage, marital status was not a significant predictor of survival [HR=0.903; 95% CI (0.126,6.489); p=0.9192]. CONCLUSIONS: Although previous literature has demonstrated that married patients with head and neck cancer have a survival benefit compared to single patients with head and neck cancer, we were unable to demonstrate the same survival benefit in a cohort of patients with human papilloma virus-positive oropharyngeal cancer.

Impact of total radiotherapy dose on survival for head and neck Merkel cell carcinoma after resection.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is commonly treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for high-risk features. The optimal radiation dose is unknown. METHODS: One thousand six hundred twenty-five eligible patients with head and neck MCC were identified in the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). Radiation dose was divided into 3 groups: 30 to <50 Gray (Gy), 50-55 Gy, and >55-70 Gy. Cox regression was used to compare overall survival (OS) between groups, accounting for age, sex, stage, surgery type, margin status, comorbidities, and use of chemotherapy. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 33.5 months, 3-year OS was 48.9%, 70.3%, and 58.7% for 30 to <50 Gy, 50-55 Gy, and >55-70 Gy, respectively (P < .001). Compared to 50-55 Gy, doses between 30 to <50 Gy (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-1.99; P = .002) and >55-70 Gy (adjusted HR 1.21; 95% CI 1.0-1.46; P = .06) were associated with worse survival. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant radiation doses within 50-55 Gy may be optimal for head and neck MCC.

Comparative Study of Functional Nasal Reconstruction Using Structural Reinforcement.

IMPORTANCE: Nasal reconstruction after Mohs surgery is a unique challenge in that it must satisfy both functional and aesthetic goals. Despite some advocacy in the literature for using structural reinforcement to achieve both functional and aesthetic outcomes in soft-tissue reconstruction, no study has validated this claim by comparing reconstruction with and without structural support. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of and need for structural reinforcement when reconstructing the nasal alar and sidewall subunits. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This study was a retrospective review of the medical records of 190 patients 18 years or older who underwent nasal reconstruction after Mohs surgery in a tertiary care academic center between January 1, 2013, and August 31, 2015. Data on each patient included demographics, comorbidities, smoking status, details of the lesion, size of defect, subunits involved, and reconstructive technique. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts composed of those who had reconstruction with structural reinforcement (ie, cartilage grafting or suspension suture) and those with only soft-tissue reconstruction. Patients with nasal obstruction from the functional collapse of the reconstructed area and no history of nasal obstruction were included (n = 38). Patients who had a follow-up of less than 2 months, no alar or sidewall involvement, nasal obstruction secondary to turbinate hypertrophy, septal deflection or other nonstructural causes, and incomplete documentation for analysis were excluded (n = 102). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Rates of postoperative nasal obstruction secondary to nasal sidewall collapse and need for revision surgery. RESULTS: Of the 38 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 22 were men and 16 were women with a mean (range) age of 64.5 (35-92) years. Twenty-three patients (61%) underwent reconstruction by a facial plastic surgeon and 15 (39%) by 2 dermatologic surgeons. Three (8%) underwent reconstruction without reinforcement and experienced postoperative nasal obstruction. The mean size of reconstructed defects that resulted in nasal valve collapse was 2.1 cm in diameter (range, 1.2-2.6 cm). Defect size was associated with incidence of postoperative nasal obstruction. For defects greater than 1.2 cm in diameter, patients reconstructed without reinforcement had a statistically significant increase of nasal obstruction secondary to functional nasal collapse compared with patients reconstructed with reinforcement (3 of 14 [21%] vs 0 of 17; 95% CI, 0.005-0.358; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Nasal defects greater than 1.2 cm in diameter and involving the alar and sidewalls were associated with lower incidence of postoperative nasal obstruction when a structural reinforcement technique was used in reconstruction. The findings of this study support the structural reinforcement of the nasal functional subunits during Mohs reconstructive surgery to achieve optimal outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Extended use of perioperative antibiotics in head and neck microvascular reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Many head and neck surgical procedures are considered clean-contaminated wounds and antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended. Despite prophylaxis, the incidence of surgical site infections remains significant - especially in the setting of free tissue transfer. The antibiotic course is often of a longer duration after free tissue transfer than the recommended 24hour post-operatively. Currently, there is no consensus on appropriate antibiotic regimen or duration at this time. This study investigates the outcomes of a 7-day perioperative antibiotic regimen after microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 72 patients undergoing microvascular free tissue at our institution between 09/2011 and 03/2014. The antibiotic regimen, post-operative surgical (including surgical site infections) and medical complications were noted. Our rates of complications and adverse events were compared to all surgical patients, as well as all inpatients hospital-wide with use of the University Health System Consortium database. RESULTS: Seventy-two subjects met inclusion criteria for this study. The majority of subjects received cefazolin/metronidazole (69.4%). Subjects with beta-lactam allergy received clindamycin (12.5%). The remainder received an alternative regimen (18.1%). All received at least 7days of antibiotics. The rate of hospital acquired C. difficile diarrhea was 0.57% hospital-wide, 1.13% in Otolaryngology patients, and 1.4% in this study. There were no instances of a multi-drug resistant infection or any adverse reactions to the administration of antibiotics. When compared with other antibiotic regimens, clindamycin was associated with a significantly increased rate of either medical or surgical infections (OR 14.38, p=0.02) and longer hospital stay (average=18days, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of a 7-day prophylactic antibiotic regimen is not associated with an increased risk of antibiotic-associated infections, multi-drug resistant infections, or antibiotic-associated complications. The use of clindamycin is associated with increased risk of medical and surgical infections post-operatively and should be avoided in the prophylactic perioperative phase after free tissue transfer of the head and neck.

Reconstructive Techniques for the Saddle Nose Deformity in Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis: A Systematic Review.

Importance: Repairing the saddle nose deformity in the setting of granulomatosis with polyangiitis disease is a rare but challenging situation for any surgeon. Given that the available data in the literature is based on case reports and small case series, there is little evidence available to help delineate which reconstructive techniques are optimal. Objective: To examine which techniques were most successful in reconstructive rhinoplasty for a saddle nose deformity secondary to granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Evidence Review: PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Collaboration Databases, and Web of Science were searched using the terms Wegener's granulomatosis or granulomatosis with polyangiitis cross-referenced with saddle nose deformity or acquired nasal deformity. These databases were supplemented with 2 cases from Boston Medical Center. Databases were queried from inception of article collection through December 14, 2015, to identify publications reporting the repair of a saddle nose deformity and granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Findings: A total of 10 studies met inclusion criteria yielding a cohort of 44 patients. The overall success rate for rhinoplasty, both primary and secondary, was 84.1% (37 of 44 patients), with a complication rate of 20%. The use of a single L-shaped graft fared better than individually placed grafts. An increased risk of graft failure was noted as the number of overall grafts increased and if nonautologous tissue was used. Conclusions and Relevance: Rhinoplasty for saddle nose deformity is a safe and effective procedure in the setting of granulomatosis with polyangiitis. In the face of this disease, reconstruction should focus on placing a robust, L-shaped strut graft with autologous tissue over individual grafts. Additionally, the use of split-calvarial bone appears to have a slightly lower complication rate over costal cartilage.

Assessment of Fibula Flap Skin Perfusion in Patients Undergoing Oromandibular Reconstruction: Comparison of Clinical Findings, Fluorescein, and Indocyanine Green Angiography.

IMPORTANCE: Complications of partial flap necrosis contribute substantially to morbidity in patients who undergo head and neck reconstructive surgery. OBJECTIVE: To assess the usefulness of clinical findings, intraoperative fluorescein angiography, and intraoperative indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) for evaluation of flap skin paddle perfusion in patients undergoing oromandibular reconstruction who are at high risk of partial skin paddle necrosis. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective medical record review from May 21, 1996, to May 27, 2015, at a tertiary care academic medical center. Participants were 73 patients who underwent reconstruction of through-and-through defects of the mucosa, mandible, and skin using fibula free flaps that contained large bilobed skin paddles. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The rates of partial skin paddle necrosis and revision reconstructive surgery. RESULTS: The rates of partial flap necrosis were 8% (n = 2) among 25 patients in whom the skin paddle was trimmed based on ICGA and 33% (n = 16) among 48 patients in whom the skin paddle was trimmed according to clinical findings (P = .02). The rates of revision reconstructive surgery were 20% (5 of 25) when flap skin paddles were trimmed using ICGA and 42% (20 of 48) when trimmed per clinical findings (P = .06). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The use of ICGA may reduce the risk of partial skin flap necrosis in free flaps used in patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction who are at high risk of developing flap necrosis. Indocyanine green angiography imaging should be considered in any flap in which skin paddle viability is uncertain based on clinical findings and in patients in whom the skin paddle extends beyond the primary and adjacent angiosomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

A prospective controlled study to assess the use of mitomycin C in improving the results of esophageal dilatation in post corrosive esophageal stricture in children.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of topical application of mitomycin C after dilation in pediatric patients having post corrosive esophageal stricture. METHODS: Thirty patients with post corrosive esophageal strictures were divided into two groups: 12 patients had repeated esophageal dilation without mitomycin C application, 18 patients had repeated esophageal dilation and topical application of mitomycin C. RESULTS: There was a highly significant difference in the improvement of dysphagia grade at the end of follow up in the mitomycin C group (p=0.005). The number of repetition of dilatation ranged from 2 to 6 (median=3) in the 1st group, and 2 to 4 (median=2.5) in the mitomycin C group. There were no adverse effects from the topical application of the mitomycin C. CONCLUSIONS: Topical application of mitomycin C after oesophageal dilation can be beneficial in improving dysphagia in patients with post corrosive oesophageal stricture.

The web lift and posterior pull for the aging face.

There are many factors that contribute to the aging neck. We have recently begun employing a percutaneous suture spanning the submentum combined with a posterior platysma pull. We present our initial results with this technique. In this retrospective study, subjects underwent the combined procedure with and without concomitant rhytidectomy. Cephalometric analysis was used to compare the preoperative cervicomental angle (CMA) and hyomental distance (HMD) with postoperative values at 4 weeks. Subjects also were queried on their postoperative satisfaction. Twenty-five subjects were included in this study. At 4 weeks postoperatively, we achieved significant reductions in the average CMA (134.8 versus 122.8, p = 0.002). The postoperative HMD significant increased an average of 1.9 cm (8.5 versus 10.4, p = 0.009). We achieved a 92.3% satisfaction score at 33 weeks (range = 25 to 44). The combination of a percutaneous suture across the submentum and a posterior platysma pull is a safe and effective method of addressing the many facets of the aging neck. Our initial results are easily reproducible and entail minimal morbidity to the patient.

The use of poly-L-lactic acid filler in facial aesthetics.

The use of poly-L-lactic acid in facial aesthetic surgery has been utilized for over a decade. More recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a stimulatory filler for the correction of shallow to deep facial lines, it is gaining popularity in the United States. The advantages of its use include its stimulatory action on collagen formation, the longevity of its effect, and the low side effect profile. Despite these advantages, meticulous preparation practices and injection techniques are paramount to achieving a satisfactory outcome. We review poly-L-lactic acid as a filler, along with its associated side effects, indications of use, and techniques of injection.

Intraoperative parathyroid hormone as an indicator for parathyroid gland preservation in thyroid surgery.

BACKGROUND: Intra-operative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels have successfully been used to assess surgical ablation of parathyroid adenomas, the use of this same test to predict preservation of viable gland has not been widely used. AIM: to test the sensitivity and specificity of intraoperative rapid PTH assay test in predicting permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism, and applicability to guide the search for inadvertently removed parathyroid glands for possible auto transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 52 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for non-malignant thyroid diseases were included. Intraoperative rapid PTH assay test was performed. If levels were reduced, or less than 3 parathyroid glands were detected, removed thyroid gland was examined for unintentionally removed parathyroid tissue for possible auto transplantation. RESULTS: There was a strong correlation between intraoperative rapid PTH assays and those taken 24 hours after surgery, 16 out of 52 patients had reduction of the PTH intraoperatively to levels below 25 pg/ml, of them, 11 patients (who had values between 15-24 pg/ml) recovered to normal PTH levels within 4 weeks, while the 5 patients with intraoperative PTH levels below 15 pg/ml failed to regain normal PTH levels up to 12 weeks postoperatively, even in those patients where parathyroid tissue was auto transplantated. The 4 patients who had parathyroid tissue reimplanted intraoperatively restored some of their parathyroid function as indicated by relative rise of their PTH levels, but did not reach even the low normal levels. (ROC) curve for prediction of early hypoparathyroidism using intraoperative rapid PTH assay was statistically highly significant with optimal cutoff value for predicting early hypocalcaemia level <27 pg/ml, (sensitivity 100%, specificity 68.2%). (ROC) curves for predicting permanent hypoparathyroidism using intraoperative rapid PTH assay or standard PTH assay taken 24 hours after surgery were statistically significant with optimal cutoff value PTH level <12 pg/ml on the intraoperative PTH curve or <15 pg/ml on the postoperative PTH curve (sensitivity 100%, specificity 100%). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative PTH assay may allow intraoperative monitoring of parathyroid function, predicting postoperative outcomes, may identify patients at risk of developing postoperative hypoparathyroidism, guiding surgeons to re-examine removed specimens for inadvertently removed parathyroid tissue with possible auto transplantation, or more practically a guide to early replacement therapy to prevent hypocalcaemia, leading to safe and early hospital discharge. Limitations in our study to be reconsidered in further studies, are relative small sample size, inability for randomisation, and the variable values reported for the cut off value of PTH causing hypocalcaemic symptoms needing intervention.