Mobile Smartphone Thermal Imaging Characterization and Identification of Microvascular Flow Insufficiencies in Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Free Flaps.

BACKGROUND: Mobile smartphone thermal imaging (MTI) devices correlate with blood flow, which makes them appealing adjuncts during reconstructive surgery. MTI was assessed in the setting of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEAP) free flaps. We hypothesized that MTI can be a surrogate for blood flow to identify microvascular flow insufficiencies. METHODS: Nineteen patients underwent 30 DIEAP flaps for breast reconstruction. Images were obtained preoperatively, intraoperatively, and at instances of concern for flap viability. Three groups were evaluated: normal DIEAP flaps (NDFs), flaps with arterial insufficiency (AI), and flaps with venous congestion (VC). RESULTS: All flaps were successful. There were significant temperature increases from max ischemia (24.5 ± 2.1°C) to 1 min after anastomosis (27.2 ± 1.6°C, P < 0.001). NDFs continued to warm until the final MTI was taken when leaving the operating room. There were no differences between MTI flap temperatures before transfer to the chest and after completion of microanastomosis. With questionable flap viability, VC and AI temperatures were found to be significantly colder than the NDF group (28.3 ± 1.9°C versus 32.2 ± 1.8°C, P = 0.003) in the VC group and (27.2 ± 0.7°C versus 32.2 ± 1.8°C, P = 0.001) in the AI group. After correction of the identified flow insufficiency, VC and AI rewarmed and temperatures were no different compared with NDF. CONCLUSIONS: MTI recognizes microanastomotic failure and is a practical adjunct in the evaluation of free flap perfusion.

Abdominal panniculectomies: high patient satisfaction despite significant complication rates.

BACKGROUND: We reviewed our experience with 3 operative techniques for abdominal panniculectomies to determine differences in complication rates and levels of patient satisfaction. METHODS: This retrospective study included 92 consecutive patients who underwent abdominal panniculectomies over a 9-year period. Patients underwent one of 3 panniculectomy techniques: fleur-de-lis (n = 25), transverse incisions with minimal undermining (n = 30), or transverse incisions with extensive undermining (n = 37). Postoperatively, patient satisfaction surveys were completed. RESULTS: Median pannus weight was 4.4 kg (range, 1.6-20.5). Sixty-eight patients (73.9%) had a previous gastric bypass. Median body mass index (BMI) was 38 kg/m2 (range, 22-66.9). Median follow-up for complications was 8.1 week (range, 1-235). Forty of 92 patients (43%) suffered wound complications. The reoperation rate was 13%. Postoperative complication rates were higher among hypertensive patients (61% vs. 36%; P = 0.04). There was a trend towards increased complications among those with higher BMI and pannus weights. There was not a significant relationship between operative technique and overall complication rate. Mean length of follow-up for patient questionnaire completion was 2 years, 11 months (range, 1-9 years). Eighty-one percent of those responding to the mailed questionnaire were satisfied with their operative results. There were no statistically significant differences between the technique used and patient satisfaction level. Concomitant hernia repair was performed in 47% of patients without increased wound complications. CONCLUSIONS: Patients were satisfied with the results of their panniculectomy, although complications were common. Higher BMI, larger pannus size, and hypertension were correlated with increased complication rates. The minimal undermining, extensive undermining, and the fleur-de-lis panniculectomy techniques result in similar patient satisfaction rates and complication rates.

TRAM flap breast reconstruction: tumescent technique reduces blood loss and transfusion requirement.

The tumescent technique has been shown to be efficacious in reducing both operative and postoperative bleeding without significant deleterious side effects in suction lipectomy. In this study, the effects of the tumescent technique on postoperative complications in transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction are investigated. All women who underwent a TRAM flap breast reconstruction by the senior author (J.B.) at the Emory Clinic during the years 1990 to 1996 were pooled (n = 386). Any woman who had a preincision infiltration of 0.25% epinephrine-containing saline solution (>200 cc) around the donor site was included in the tumescent group (n = 59). Medical records were reviewed, and rates of partial flap loss, fat necrosis (> or =10 percent flap volume), flap full-thickness skin loss, donor-site complication (skin loss, hernia, or infection), and blood transfusion were determined. Group rates were compared. The infiltrated group had a significantly lower transfusion rate as compared with the control group (0.34 units versus 1.32 units, p < 0.001). The rates of partial flap loss and fat necrosis were less in the tumescent group, but not significantly (0 percent versus 4 percent, p = 0.232; and 1.7 percent versus 10.4 percent, p = 0.058). There were no significant differences in the incidence of full-thickness skin loss or donor-site complications. Donor-site infiltration before incision with a 0.25% epinephrine-containing saline solution significantly reduced the transfusion requirement in TRAM flap breast reconstruction patients without adversely affecting either breast mound or abdominal donor-site complication rates.

Incidence of abnormal mammograms after reduction mammoplasty: implications for oncoplastic closure.

BACKGROUND: Reduction mammoplasty requires significant tissue dissection, which may impact the interpretation of future mammograms used in breast cancer surveillance. The aim of this study was to define the incidence of abnormal mammography after reduction mammoplasty and to assess the impact of substantial tissue remodeling on interpreting mammography. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective case-control study examining results of postoperative mammography after reduction mammoplasty over a 5-year period. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2005, 87 patients underwent breast reduction and had available postoperative mammography. A control group of 30 patients were identified who underwent consultation for breast reduction but did not have surgery. The median time to postoperative mammography was 52 weeks. The incidence of abnormal first postoperative mammogram (Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System [BIRADS] 0, 3-6) was not significantly different between reduction mammoplasty patients and controls (n = 23, 26% vs 8, 27%, respectively, P = 1.00). Age, postoperative complications, tissue pathology, history of previous breast biopsy, and abnormal preoperative mammography did not significantly predict abnormal postoperative mammogram. Postoperative mammography led to additional imaging in 20 patients (23%) and breast biopsy in 1 patient (1.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the substantial tissue mobilization performed during reduction mammoplasty, postoperative screening mammography does not lead to significantly more imaging or diagnostic interventions when compared with nonoperative controls. This small case-control study suggests that oncoplastic closure techniques should not adversely impact subsequent mammography.

The role of preoperative mammography in women considering reduction mammoplasty: a single institution review of 207 patients.

BACKGROUND: Standard use of preoperative mammography is controversial in patients considering reduction mammoplasty. The aim of this study was to determine the utility of mammography before breast reduction. METHODS: The authors conducted a single-center, retrospective chart review examining preoperative mammography in reduction mammoplasty candidates. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2005, 207 women with recent screening mammography were evaluated for reduction mammoplasty. Thirty-two patients (16%) were found to have abnormal preoperative mammographic results, all of which were false-positives. Previously, reported risk factors including body mass index, decreasing age, previous breast procedure, and lack of comparative mammogram did not predict abnormal mammographic findings. Abnormal imaging results did not influence the decision to proceed with surgery but did have a trend toward delaying surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Mammography before reduction mammoplasty can result in a high number of false-positive results, and surgeons should counsel their patients as to the possibility of subsequent studies.

Incidence of precancerous lesions in breast reduction tissue: a pathologic review of 562 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: Reduction mammaplasty is the fifth most common reconstructive surgical procedure in the United States. The incidence of invasive breast cancer in breast reduction specimens is between 0.06 and 0.4 percent. However, the incidence of atypical hyperplasia and other precancerous lesions is not well described. METHODS: The authors conducted a single-center retrospective chart review examining the incidence of benign and precancerous lesions in breast reduction specimens over a 5-year period. RESULTS: Of the 562 patients who underwent reduction mammaplasty, 52.7 percent had nonproliferative or proliferative breast lesions. Twenty-five patients (4.4 percent) had a specimen containing atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia. Six patients (1.1 percent) had ductal carcinoma in situ and four patients (0.7 percent) had lobular carcinoma in situ. No occult invasive breast cancer was identified in the breast reduction specimens, but one patient with ductal carcinoma in situ was found to have invasive breast cancer on completion mastectomy (0.2 percent). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the importance of systematic analysis of breast reduction specimens to help identify and guide the management of patients with increased risk of breast cancer following reduction mammaplasty.

Inferior gluteal artery perforator flap breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: In thin patients or in those with prior surgery that precludes the use of abdominal tissue for autologous breast reconstruction, the skin and fat of the lower buttock, perfused by perforating branches of the inferior gluteal artery, has been proposed as an alternative. METHODS: This study reviewed 19 reconstructions based on the inferior gluteal artery that were performed between July 2001 and March 2007. Patient characteristics, cancer stage and treatment, indications for use of gluteal tissue, surgical time, length of hospitalization, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Our average patient age was 49 years, with early stage breast cancer, and low body mass index. The average surgical time was 9 hours and 7 minutes, and the average hospitalization time was 4 days. Complications included 2 complete flap losses, seromas, and delayed donor site healing. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that tissue from the lower buttock, perfused by branches of the inferior gluteal artery, is a useful alternative for autologous breast reconstruction.

Latissimus dorsi free flaps for complex ischiosacral defects.

BACKGROUND: Free tissue transfer for coverage of complex wounds in the ischial and sacral area can be limited by the lack of adequate recipient vessels. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 3 patients seen between August 2002 and December 2005 who underwent free tissue transfer to ischiosacral defects. RESULTS: Two patients were quadriplegic, and 1 patient was ambulatory. The gluteal vessels were used as recipients in 2 patients, and 1 patient had an arteriovenous loop to the femoral vessels. All flaps were successful and all wounds healed. CONCLUSIONS: A free latissimus flap to the ischiosacral area can be effective, and both local (gluteal) and regional (femoral) vessels can serve as recipient vessels.

Primary and revision cleft lip repairs using octyl-2-cyanoacrylate.

The purpose of our retrospective review is to examine our method and outcomes for the application of octyl-2-cyanoacrylate for the repair of primary and revision cleft lips in both pediatric and adult patients. Records and photographs were reviewed and analyzed for patient age, type of cleft, revision or primary repair, complications, length of follow-up, and aesthetic outcomes. Eighteen patients, both children and adults, who underwent cleft lip repairs using tissue adhesive performed by a single surgeon between 1999 and 2003 were included. Twelve patients underwent primary repair and 6 patients underwent revision repair. Repairs were performed using the Millard rotation advancement technique and the Mohler variant. The lateral advancement flap was kept long and redundant in its transverse dimension to create a pressure fit everting the skin edges with minimal sutures to set up the closure for application of the tissue adhesive. Seventeen of eighteen patients had excellent cosmetic outcomes. One patient had minor necrosis of the tip of the advancement flap. No allergic reactions, wound infections, or dehiscences occurred. The use of octyl-2-cyanoacrylate for the skin closure of primary and revision cleft lip repairs in both children and adults results in excellent cosmetic outcomes. Employing our pressure-fit technique for skin eversion prior to application of the tissue adhesive may be advantageous. The lack of suture removal in the pediatric population and decreased operative time are additional benefits.

Age-dependent closure of bony defects after frontal orbital advancement.

BACKGROUND: The ability of the immature skull to spontaneously heal large bony defects created after craniofacial procedures was examined over a 25-year period of craniofacial surgery at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. METHODS: Only patients who underwent frontal orbital advancement and reconstruction, had at least 1 year of documented follow-up, and had the presence or absence of a bony defect documented on clinical examination were included. The sex, age at operation, diagnosis, history of a prior craniectomy, and presence or absence of a postoperative infection were determined for each patient. A variety of statistics were applied to the data. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. A statistically significant association between age at operation and closure of bony defect was demonstrated. Children who closed a bony defect after frontal orbital advancement and reconstruction were significantly younger than those children who had a persistent bony defect. Iterative regression analyses demonstrated that a transition point between closure and the inability to close bony defects occurred between 9 and 11 months of age. Closure of bony defects was not statistically associated with sex, prior craniectomy, an FGFR mutation, or a postoperative infection in the regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Healing of bony defects after frontal orbital advancement and reconstruction is significantly related to age at initial operation, with a mean age for closure of less than 12 months. Between 9 and 11 months of age, a change occurs that results in an increasingly lower probability of bony defect closure; thus, all other considerations being equal, initial frontal orbital advancement and reconstruction would ideally take place before this occurs.

Predicting the risk of reoperation in metopic synostosis: a quantitative CT scan analysis.

Children with metopic synostosis have a well-described clinical picture of trigonocephaly, often with hypotelorbitism. The craniofacial disorder itself is well recognized; however, objective prognostic factors for predicting the risk of reoperation are not well known. In 39 children with metopic synostosis, measurements of the cranial length, cranial width, anterior intercoronal distance, anterior interorbital distance (intercanthal distance), lateral orbital distance, and interzygomatic buttress distance were taken from preoperative computed tomographic (CT) scans and were normalized relative to each child's age. To separate overall facial hypoplasia from regional hypoplasia, a ratio of intercanthal distance to interzygomatic buttress distance was determined. These prognostic factors were analyzed with respect to reoperation rate. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to determine the interrelationships between the prognostic factors. Twenty-eight percent of the children underwent reoperation (N=11, 1 total reoperation and 10 minor recontouring). All of the reoperations occurred in children with a decreased intercanthal distance (p=0.30). The ratio of intercanthal distance to midfacial width was related to reoperation rate, with those children who had a ratio < or =0.80 having a reoperation rate of 44% (8 of 18 total children with an intercanthal-to-zygomatic ratio < or =0.8, p=0.07). This relationship was significant in children younger than the age of 12 months (6 of 13 total children with an intercanthal-to-zygomatic ratio < or =0.8, 46% reoperation rate, p=0.006). This study suggests that preoperative CT measurements can be used as a means of risk stratification in outcome analyses of the surgical treatment of craniosynostosis. In children treated for metopic suture synostosis, a foreshortened intercanthal distance compared with the interzygomatic buttress distance was related to reoperation rate, especially in children younger than 12 months of age.