Evaluation of the Implantable Doppler Probe for Free Flap Monitoring in Lower Limb Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Timely reexploration and reanastomoses can salvage failing free flaps. The use of the implantable Doppler probe provides direct evidence of vascular impairment of the microvascular anastomoses and allows for postoperative NPWT. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the Doppler probe to conventional monitoring techniques for free flap monitoring in lower limb reconstruction and to identify risk factors for perfusion disturbance and reexploration. METHODS: All patients receiving free muscle flap reconstruction for lower limb soft tissue defects at our department from 2000 to 2013 were included, and all adverse events, timely detection of perfusion problems, and outcome of revision surgery were assessed by chart analysis. RESULTS: For lower limb reconstruction, 110 free muscle transfers were performed of which 41 muscle flaps were conventionally monitored and 69 flaps were monitored using the implantable Doppler probe. In 18 cases, the free muscle flaps needed revision because of perfusion disturbances. The salvage rate was 80% with monitoring by the implantable Doppler probe compared with 62.5% using conventional monitoring methods resulting in success rates of 95.7 and 92.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of the implantable Cook-Swartz Doppler probe represents a safe monitoring method for lower limb reconstruction, which allows for the additional use of NPWT. Higher salvage and revision success rates can be attributed to an earlier detection of perfusion impairment. However, a larger patient cohort is necessary to verify superiority over conventional postoperative monitoring.

Aging Changes of the Male Lips-A Lesser Evil Than in Females?

BACKGROUND: Although aging changes of the female perioral region and aesthetic procedures for perioral rejuvenation are described in literature, specific data for the male population are lacking. This study aims to evaluate perioral aging process in the male population to compare quality and quantity of the observed changes to the female population. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 22 male subjects, were recruited into 2 age groups: young (20-35 years) and old (65-80 years) and the following parameters were measured: length of visible upper lip, thickness of upper lip at the level of vermilion border, thickness of upper lip at the level of the mid lip, and cross-section area of upper lip. Cadaver transverse sections of the upper lip of 10 individuals in 2 age groups, young (<40 years, n = 5) and old (>80 years, n = 5) underwent histological analysis of the relevant anatomical structures. RESULTS: The MRI analyses does not show a statistically significant difference in upper lip lengths of old and young subjects (P = 0.213). Upper lip thickness decreases statistically significant (P < 0.001), the midline sagittal upper lip area does not show a significant change (P = 0.57). Histomorphometry shows a statistically significant decrease of cutis thickness, increase of subcutaneous fat, thinning of the orbicularis muscle, and a broadening of the orbicularis oris angle. CONCLUSIONS: The aging changes of the perioral region in men and women are similar in regard to the general processes, yet the extent of the changes is less striking in the men.

Il10 and poly-dl-lactide-ɛ-caprolactone conduits in critical size nerve defect bridging-An experimental study.

INTRODUCTION: Aim of this study is to evaluate if regeneration in repair of nerve defects can be improved by combination of a poly-dl-lactide-ɛ-caprolactone conduit (PLC) with long-term release of anti-inflammatory Interleukin 10 (IL10), which is known to reduce intraneural scarring in nerve regeneration through its anti-inflammatoric properties. METHOD: Experiments were performed at 30 female Lewis rats. Conduits filled with fibrin (PLC-group n = 10) and fibrin loaded with IL10 (IL10-group n = 10) were compared to autologs nerve grafts (NG-group n = 10) in a 15 mm sciatic nerve gap lesion. Sciatic function index (SFI) and electrophysiological analyses were performed 16 weeks after surgery prior to histological evaluation. In histological analyses total nerve count, total nerve area, myelination index, and N-ratio were measured. Additionally, gastrocnemius muscle was weighed. RESULTS: SFI (NG-group:-50.68 ± 7.03%; PLC-group:-56.48  ± 2.30%; IL10-group:-56.54  ± 8.22%) and nerve conduction velocity (NG-group: 92.52  ± 4.64 m/s; PLC-group: 92.77  ± 5.07 m/s; IL10-group: 93.78  ±3.63 m/s) showed no significant differences after 16 weeks (P > 0.05). Significant higher axon count (17.592  ± 483) were observed in the NG-group compared to PLC- (6.722 ± 553) and IL10-group (6.842 ± 681) (P < 0.001). NG-group had significant highest nerve cross sections (604.214  ± ±15.217 µm2 ) as compared to PLC- (245.669  ± ±28.034 µm2 ) and IL10-group (244.698 ± 26.772 µm2 ) (P < 0.001). Comparison of myelination index showed significant higher values for NG-group (0.46  ± 0.02) than PLC- (0.64  ± 0.01) and IL10-group (0.62  ± 0.01) (P < 0.001). N-ratios in PLC-group (0.21  ± 0.01) and IL10-group (0.24 ± 0.01) were lower than in NG-group (0.51  ± 0.03) (P < 0.001). Between PLC- and IL10-group no differences were observed (P > 0.05). Gastrocnemius muscle was heavier in NG-group (0.86 ± 0.21g) as compared to PLC- (0.26 ± 0.05g) and IL-10 group (0.29 ± 0.06 g) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Bridging critical nerve defects through fibrin-filled PLC conduits is possible. Although, autologs nerve graft showed superior histological results. Long-term release of IL10 in the conduit did not improve regeneration of critical nerve defects. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:410-416, 2016.

C3 toxin and poly-DL-lactide-ε-caprolactone conduits in the critically damaged peripheral nervous system: a combined therapeutic approach.

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral nerve regeneration over longer distances through conduits is limited. In the presented study, critical size nerve gap bridging with a poly-DL-lactide-ε-caprolactone (PLC) conduit was combined with application of C3 toxin to facilitate axonal sprouting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PLC filled with fibrin (n = 10) and fibrin gel loaded with 1-µg C3-C2I and 2-µg C2II (n = 10) were compared to autologous nerve grafts (n = 10) in a 15-mm sciatic nerve gap lesion model of the rat. Functional and electrophysiological analyses were performed before histological evaluation. RESULTS: Evaluation of motor function and nerve conduction velocity at 16 weeks revealed no differences between the groups. All histological parameters and muscle weight were significantly elevated in nerve graft group. No differences were observed in both PLC groups. CONCLUSIONS: The PLCs are permissive for nerve regeneration over a 15-mm defect in rats. Intraluminal application of C3 toxin did not lead to significant enhancement of nerve sprouting.

Classification of the Aging Lips: A Foundation for an Integrated Approach to Perioral Rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND: Although perioral aging is highly individual with several distinct processes taking part simultaneously, there is scarce systematic information which helps to indicate the right rejuvenation approach among the multitude of proposed procedures. Existing data about perioral aging has not yet been transformed into a consistent therapeutic concept. The intention of this study was to provide a simple, yet reproducible classification and to offer appropriate rejuvenation approaches. METHODS: To identify reliable and constant landmarks of the ongoing process of perioral aging, 462 perioral photo documentations were morphometrically analyzed. Based upon the identified landmarks a two-dimensional classification was developed. The classification was validated by three plastic surgeons. Inter- and intra-rater reliability was calculated using Cohen's kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Perioral aging can be broken down into changes of the lip shape and changes of the lip surface. Both processes can be classified into three stages each: Lip shape according to the shape in profile view, the lip length in relation to the frontal incisors, and the degree of vermilion inversion. Lip surface according to the presence and degree of radial wrinkles and the visibility of the structural elements Cupid's bow, philtrum, and white roll. Inter-observer reliability was rated very good (kappa values between 0.819 and 0.963) and perfect for intra-observer reliability (1.0). CONCLUSION: A better understanding of perioral aging leads to a simple classification for the aging lips. Using the classification helps to tailor an appropriate treatment to the individual patient and aids to achieve a natural rejuvenation result.

Comparison of Schwann cells and olfactory ensheathing cells for peripheral nerve gap bridging.

INTRODUCTION: Previously, we introduced the biogenic conduit (BC) as a novel autologous nerve conduit for bridging peripheral nerve defects and tested its regenerative capacity in a short- and long-term setting. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether intraluminal application of regeneration-promoting glial cells, including Schwann cells (SC) and olfactory ensheathing cells (OEC), displayed differential effects after sciatic nerve gap bridging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: BCs were generated as previously described. The conduits filled with fibrin/SC (n = 8) and fibrin/OEC (n = 8) were compared to autologous nerve transplants (NT; n = 8) in the 15-mm sciatic nerve gap lesion model of the rat. The sciatic functional index was evaluated every 4 weeks. After 16 weeks, histological evaluation followed regarding nerve area, axon number, myelination index and N ratio. RESULTS: Common to all groups was a continual improvement in motor function during the observation period. Recovery was significantly better after SC transplantation compared to OEC (p < 0.01). Both cell transplantation groups showed significantly worse function than the NT group (p < 0.01). Whereas nerve area and axon number were correlated to function, being significantly lowest in the OEC group (p < 0.001), both cell groups showed lowered myelination (p < 0.001) and lower N ratio compared to the NT group. DISCUSSION: SC-filled BCs led to improved regeneration compared to OEC-filled BCs in a 15-mm-long nerve gap model of the rat.

Monitoring molecular changes induced by ischemia/reperfusion in human free muscle flap tissue samples.

BACKGROUND: Our current knowledge of the pathophysiological sequelae of ischemia or reperfusion (I/R) injury in free tissue transfer in reconstructive surgery is based on data obtained in animal experiments. In this study, we investigated the histologic and molecular changes after 11 free microsurgical muscle transfers in human muscle tissue. METHODS: Biopsies of free muscle flap tissue were taken immediately before clipping of the pedicle and 5 days after ischemia and successful microanastomosis and restoration of the blood flow. Samples were analyzed histologically for edema formation and by immunohistochemistry for infiltration of inflammatory cells and angiogenesis. Expression levels of the inflammatory marker proteins interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor α and of complement component 3 as a major mediator of I/R injury were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. A TUNEL (terminal desoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated-dUTP-nick-end-labeling) assay was used to assess apoptosis levels within the human muscle tissue. RESULTS: I/R injury leads to a significant up-regulation of inflammatory parameters, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and angiogenesis. Increased complement component 3 deposition and apoptosis of cells were accompanied by interstitial edema as indication for a pronounced postischemic inflammatory reaction within the muscle tissue after free tissue transfer. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings of molecular changes induced by I/R injury in human striated muscle tissue validate data obtained in animal models of I/R injury. The parameters and inflammatory patterns defined in this study will allow for the monitoring of the success of novel pharmaceutical strategies in the future and will help to transfer data obtained in animal work to the in vivo setting in human beings.

The long-term functional recovery of repair of sciatic nerve transection with biogenic conduits.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term regenerative capacity over a 15-mm nerve gap of an autologous nerve conduit, the biogenic conduit (BC), 16 weeks after sciatic nerve transection in the rat. METHODS: A 19-mm long polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube was implanted parallely to the sciatic nerve. After implantation, a connective tissue cover developed around the PVC-tube, the so-called BC. After removal of the PVC-tube the BCs filled with fibrin (n = 8) were compared to autologous nerve grafts (n = 8). Sciatic functional index (SFI) was evaluated every 4 weeks, histological evaluation was performed at 16 weeks postimplantation. Regenerating axons were visualized by retrograde labelling. RESULTS: SFI revealed no significant differences. Nerve area and axon number in the BC group were significantly lower than in the autologous nerve group (P < 0.05; P < 0.01). Analysis of myelin formation showed no significant difference in both groups. Analysis of N-ratio revealed lower values in the BC group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study reveals the suitability of BC for nerve gap bridging over a period of 16 weeks with functional recovery to comparable extent as the autologous nerve graft despite impaired histomorphometric parameters.

Interleukin-10 and regeneration in an end-to-side nerve repair model of the rat.

End-to-side (ETS) neurorrhaphy is an option in peripheral nerve surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the application of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) reduces scarring and thus enhances nerve regeneration in an ETS peroneal/tibial nerve lesion model of the rat. Twenty rats with a peroneal to tibial ETS neurorrhaphy were divided into two groups: (1) control group and (2) IL-10 group with intrafascicular application of 0.125 µg/100 µl IL-10. Survival time was 8 weeks. Nerve conduction velocities (NCVs) and motor function were analyzed and histomorphological evaluation with measurement of intraneural collagen level, axon count, total nerve area, and myelination index followed. Evaluation of motor function and nerve conduction did not show any statistical differences. Histological analyses revealed thicker myelin sheaths and higher myelination index in the IL-10 group (p < 0.001). Axon count showed no difference. The IL-10 group revealed lower collagen levels (p < 0.001). Comparison of total nerve area showed no statistical significance. At this dose, IL-10 evaluated at 8 weeks was not significantly different than placebo in functional, NCVs, and most morphological measures. However, there was a significant difference in thicker myelin sheaths and higher myelination index and lower collagen levels. This suggests that future experiments of IL-10 at different doses or longer periods of evaluation would be of interest.

An in vivo engineered nerve conduit--fabrication and experimental study in rats.

BACKGROUND: Several types of nerve conduits have been used for peripheral nerve gap bridging. This study investigated the in vivo engineering of a biological nerve conduit and its suitability for nerve gap bridging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 19-mm long polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube was implanted parallely to the sciatic nerve. After implantation, a connective tissue cover developed around the PVC-tube, the so-called biogenic conduit. Histological cross-sections were performed after 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. Wall thicknesses were measured and all vessels per cross-section were counted. The biogenic conduit filled with fibrin was used to bridge a 15-mm long nerve gap in the sciatic lesion model of the rat (n = 8). The results of nerve repair with the conduit were compared to the autologous nerve graft (n = 8). Sciatic functional index (SFI), nerve area, axon count, myelination index, and ratio of total myelinated fiber area/nerve area (N-ratio) were analyzed after 4 weeks. RESULTS: The wall thickness of biogenic conduits increased over the 4 weeks implantation time. Biogenic conduits revealed highest number of vessels per cross-section after 4 weeks. The results of SFI analysis did not show significant difference between the repairs with biogenic conduit and autologous nerve graft. Nerve area and axon count in the biogenic conduit group were significantly lower than in the autologous nerve group (P < 0.001). The biogenic conduit group showed significant higher myelination values, but lower N-ratio when compared to the nerve graft group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The in vivo engineered conduits allow nerve gap bridging of 15 mm. However, quality of regeneration after 4 weeks observation time is not comparable to autologous nerve grafts. Whether biogenic conduits might be a suitable alternative to artificial and biological conduits for gap bridging will have to be evaluated in further studies.

Free tissue transfer in reconstruction following soft tissue sarcoma resection.

BACKGROUND: Radical surgical resection remains the single-most important treatment in the curative multimodal therapy of soft tissue sarcomas. Refinements in surgical techniques have resulted in the development of function preserving approaches increasingly avoiding limb amputation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of all patients (n = 34) who underwent microsurgical soft tissue coverage subsequent to primary resection of soft tissue sarcoma of the upper or lower limb from 1999 to 2009 are reviewed regarding postoperative complications, time until start of adjuvant radiation and functional outcome (Toronto Extremity Salvage Score, TESS). RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (range: 21-86 years) received a total of 35 free flaps. Complete tumor resection was obtained in 33 patients, one patient required re-excision ultimately resulting in tumor-free margin status (R0 resection). Major complications were encountered in four cases including one patient with complete flap loss requiring an additional free flap and three patients with partial flap loss requiring split-thickness skin graft procedures. Minor complications were observed in three patients (9%). Extremity salvage could be achieved in 33 patients with adequate postoperative ambulation (TESS 84 ± 18) and adequate use of the upper extremity (TESS 80 ± 22). One patient underwent amputation. Mean time until start of adjuvant radiotherapy was 37 days (range 24-56 days). CONCLUSION: A synergetic center-based interdisciplinary approach is crucial in therapeutical management of soft tissue sarcomas with the aim of R0 resection status and limb preservation. Plastic surgery contributes by offering microsurgical reconstruction using free tissue transfer, thus broadening surgical possibilities. This increases the chance of both adequate oncosurgical resection and limb preservation.

A new evaluation tool for monitoring devices and its application to evaluate the implantable Doppler probe.

Evaluation parameters for free flap monitoring devices are used inconsistently, leading to considerable confusion about the quality and applicability of these devices. A comparison of different systems and different clinical series is almost impossible. The ultimate questions that need to be answered are those regarding the efficiency and the effectiveness of the system. A new tool consisting of two simple parameters that sufficiently and comparably describe the quality of monitoring devices is developed. The flap failure reduction rate describes the percentage of saved flaps (effectiveness). The revision success rate describes the efficiency. Literature reevaluation shows inconsistent results, although all authors describe a positive experience. This shows the limited value of the classical parameters. Larger studies have flap failure reduction rates of 5 to 12% (5 to 12% of monitored flaps are saved). Revision success rates of 75 to 90% prove that the system is efficient enough in daily use. Reevaluation of the smaller reported series result in lower parameters, which shows that there is a significant learning curve for this device. The new parameters alleviate the confusion surrounding evaluation of monitoring systems by giving specific information about effectiveness and efficiency. The benefits of the implanted Doppler probe can now be clearly described. However, in several studies the benefit of the system is overrated.

The use of the vacuum-assisted closure in microsurgical reconstruction revisited: application in the reconstruction of the posttraumatic lower extremity.

Introduction of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system into clinical practice has revolutionized wound care. Despite its multiple advantages, however, the VAC is only rarely used in the setting of microsurgical reconstruction. Concerns have been the inability to clinically monitor the flap as well the possibility of flap compression by the device. The authors put their postoperative treatment concept of applying the VAC to free flaps to the test by reviewing their experience with this concept in patients undergoing microsurgical reconstruction of posttraumatic lower-extremity soft tissue defects. Twenty-six patients (22 male, 4 female) were included in this study. Use of the implantable Doppler probe allowed for postoperative flap monitoring. Two flap failures were observed, both in patients with peripheral vascular disease. In conclusion, using the VAC device in the setting of microsurgical reconstruction is safe and allows for increased patient comfort.

Correlation between complication rate and patient satisfaction in abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty has become one of the most frequently performed procedures for improving body contour. Numerous reports exist focusing on postoperative complications with even more studies suggesting technical modifications to decrease their occurrence. However, the impact of complications on patient satisfaction has not been sufficiently addressed to date. A retrospective analysis was performed investigating the occurrence of complications following abdominoplasty and their effect on patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction was assessed by means of the client satisfaction questionnaire-8. From June 1994 to April 2004 a total of 139 patients underwent an abdominoplasty. Minor and major complications were encountered in 40 (28.8%) and 16 (11.5%) patients, respectively. The median client satisfaction questionnaire-8 score among those patients with and without complications was 29. Thus, it seems that postoperative complications after abdominoplasty do not negatively affect patient satisfaction.

A morphometric study of age- and sex-dependent changes in eyebrow height and shape✰.

BACKGROUND: Rejuvenation procedures of the periorbital region and the forehead, with the eyebrow as a key structure, are often performed in plastic surgery. There is no common consent on the changes of aging in this region and the consecutive treatment options. This study was designed to support the body of literature with a broader data basis about the natural changes of eyebrow position and its shape. METHODS: The brow shape, the lid axis, and the distance between both medial canthi (DMC) were analyzed retrospectively on randomly selected standardized photographs of healthy Caucasian females and males. Six defined heights of the upper brow border, including the position and height of the highest brow point (HBP) and the angle of the upper brow line, were measured. RESULTS: A total of 244 Caucasian females and males in two groups (<34 years and >55 years) were analyzed. The data showed a difference between brow shapes of young females and males, especially relating to the HBP, which is located medially in young females. The brow shape of females assimilates toward a male shape with aging. The eyebrow moves upward, the DMC widens, and the lid axis drops laterally in both sexes with aging. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that rejuvenation procedures should focus on not only lifting the brow but also reshaping and stabilizing the brow, especially the HBP, which plays an important role in defining the upper brow line. Our findings can explain why lifting the brow can create not only an undesired surprise but also an older look.

Arcus marginalis release in blepharoplasty I: technical facilitation.

Resection of intraorbital fat compartments in lower-lid blepharoplasty has been widely replaced by their realignment over the orbital rim. For older patients this usually includes an open subciliary approach with skin resection and orbicularis muscle modification. In younger patients this may be done transconjunctivally. Fixation of the adipose tissue is controversial. Whereas reliance of realignment on spontaneous prolapse may be unpredictable, suture fixations may be tedious and even cause scleral show or ectropion. A monofilament, double-armed, polypropylene suture on bent straight needles can be used safely to transfix the three compartments across maxilla and zygoma. These transcutaneous pullout sutures are simply fixed with steri-strips. After only 2 days the orbital fat will be sufficiently adherent to its new bed.

Gynecomastia: histological appearance in different age groups.

OBJECTIVE: Gynecomastia is a common finding in the male population which is mostly idiopathic. The aim of our study was to analyze the histological differences in young and old patient groups and its association with recurrence rates. METHODS: Three hundred and five gynecomastia patients (555 breasts) undergoing surgical treatment from 1997 to 2015 were divided into four groups: Group 1: 13-17 years, Group 2: 18-30 years, Group 3: 31-49 years and Group 4: 50-83 years. They were evaluated concerning clinical classification, histological differences and association with antiandrogen or steroids/immunosuppressive therapy. RESULTS: We found that the rate of florid gynecomastia was higher in older patient groups, while fibrous gynecomastia was more common in adolescents and young adults (p = .0180). Glandular gynecomastia was more frequent in younger patients, while in the older patient groups, lipomatous gynecomastia was more common (p = .0006). Patients presenting with florid gynecomastia showed a higher rate of recurrence than patients with the fibrous type of gynecomastia (12.5 and 4.7%, respectively). Of note, 18.75% of florid gynecomastia was associated with antiandrogen agents or steroid/immunosuppressive therapy, while only 4.69% of fibrous gynecomastia was associated with antiandrogenic or immunosuppressive therapy. However, there was no increase of recurrence rates in patients using antiandrogen agents or undergoing steroid/immunosuppressive therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrous gynecomastia was found to be more common in adolescents and young adults, while the florid type was more frequent in older patients. Patients presenting with florid gynecomastia showed a higher rate of recurrence than patients with the fibrous type of gynecomastia.

[Results After Distal Digital Replantation - Is It Worth The Effort?] / Ergebnisse nach Fingerendgliedreplantation ­ Ist der Aufwand gerechtfertigt?

There are only relative indications for distal digital replantation in zones 1 and 2 according to Tamai. In contrast to primary closure for fingertip amputations, replantation is a complex procedure that requires skills in supermicrosurgical techniques, as vessels with diameters between 0.3-0.8 mm are connected. In addition the time spent in hospital and the time off from work are longer. Distal digital replantation is thus only indicated, if the expected functional and aesthetic benefits surmount those of primary closure. We retrospectively analysed all fingertip amputations in zone 1 and 2 according to Tamai between 9/2009 and 7/2014 where we attempted distal digital replantation. The success of replantation, wound healing and functional results were evaluated according to Yamano. We performed 11 distal digital replantations in the study period. There were 6 total amputations, 4 subtotal amputations and 1 avulsion of the digital pulp. Revascularisation with long-term reattachment of the amputated tissues was possible in 8 cases (73%). In 3 cases (27%) secondary amputation closure was necessary. The mean operating time was 3 h 56 min. 6 patients, which had a successful replantation, were available for follow-up examinations after a mean period of 19 months. 5 patients were satisfied with the result and would again prefer replantation over primary amputation closure. 4 patients reported a good function of the replanted digits and did not complain about any limitations in their use. 2 patients complained about restricted function. All patients could return to their previous places of employment and were free of pain. Of the 12 affected digital nerves 11 nerves had a 2-point discrimination (2-PD) of ≤15 mm, 3 of them had a 2-PD between 7 and 10 mm and 4 of them of <6 mm. Soft tissue atrophy was obvious in 3 replanted digits and nail deformities in 2 patients. Distal digital replantation is complex and technically challenging. It leads to high patient satisfaction with only minimal functional limitations, if successful. Due to the good results that can be obtained by these procedures, fingertip replantation should be attempted, if operative risks are minimal and if requested by the patient.

Pedicled and free flaps for intrathoracic fistula management.

OBJECTIVES: Intrathoracic fistulae are among the potential sequelae of radiation therapy, empyema and abscess clearance and surgical tumour resections. Interdisciplinary plastic-reconstructive flap surgery is a helpful tool for the successful treatment of intrathoracic fistulae. METHODS: From February 2006 to April 2016, 13 patients (3 females and 10 males) underwent flap surgery for bronchial (n = 5), tracheal (n = 2), oesophageal (n = 2), post-pneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula (n = 2), tracheo-oesophageal (n = 1), gastrobronchial (n = 1) and oesophagobronchial (n = 1) fistulae. Patient characteristics, identified pathogenic micro-organisms, treatment and decision criteria, long-term outcome and postoperative complications were evaluated by analysing patient charts and surgical reports. RESULTS: The mean age of the 13 patients who underwent reconstructive surgery was 55.5 years (range: 42-66 years). The median follow-up time was 31.4 months (range: 2-96 months). American Society of Anaesthesiologists classification was II for 1 patient, III for 8 patients and IV for 4 patients. In total, 18 flaps were performed (7 latissimus dorsi pedicled flaps, 7 pectoralis major pedicled flaps, 2 rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps, 1 free temporo-parietal fascia flap and 1 intercostal muscle flap). A second flap was indicated in 5 cases (38.5%) due to fistula recurrence; of these, 1 patient developed a bronchial fistula after successful reconstruction of a gastrobronchial fistula. Eight of the 13 patients (61.5%) were evaluated postoperatively at regular intervals for at least 1 year and showed no signs of fistula recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that plastic-reconstructive flap surgery, although associated with significant morbidity and mortality, can be a life-saving tool for intrathoracic fistula reconstruction. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00010447.

A self-made, low-cost infrared system for evaluating the sciatic functional index in mice.

The sciatic functional index (SFI) is a popular parameter for peripheral nerve evaluation that relies on footprints obtained with ink and paper. Drawbacks include smearing artefacts and a lack of dynamic information during measurement. Modern applications use digitized systems that can deliver results with less analytical effort and fewer mice. However, the systems are expensive (€40,000). This study aimed to evaluate the applicability and precision of a self-made, low-cost infrared system for evaluating SFI in mice. Mice were subjected to unilateral sciatic nerve crush injury (crush group; n = 7) and sham operation (sham group; n = 4). They were evaluated on the day before surgery, the 2(nd), 4(th) and 6(th) days after injury, and then every day up to the 23(rd) day after injury. We compared two SFI evaluation methods, i.e., conventional ink-and-paper SFI (C-SFI) and our infrared system (I-SFI). Our apparatus visualized footprints with totally internally reflected infrared light (950 nm) and a camera that can only detect this wavelength. Additionally we performed an analysis with the ladder beam walking test (LBWT) as a reference test. I-SFI assessment reduced the standard deviation by about 33 percent, from 11.6 to 7.8, and cut the variance around the baseline to 21 percent. The system thus requires fewer measurement repetitions and fewer animals, and cuts the cost of keeping the animals. The apparatus cost €321 to build. Our results show that the process of obtaining the SFI can be made more precise via digitization with a self-made, low-cost infrared system.