Percutaneous Partial Bone Excision in the Management of Diabetic Toe Osteomyelitis.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot osteomyelitis affecting the toes is associated with several complications including amputation. Management is variable and include medical therapy alone or coupled with surgery. Removal of infected tissues is a common therapeutic option. However, limited source data are available. This study determines the outcome and complications of percutaneous partial bone excision (PPBE) of infected bone among diabetic patients with toe osteomyelitis. METHODS: This is an uncontrolled experimental prospective study in diabetic patients who underwent PPBE of infected pieces of bone for toe osteomyelitis in the outpatient setting at a single foot clinic. All participants were followed up until the occurrence of wound healing or amputation. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients (mean ± SD age was 62.8 ± 11.6 years) participated. Forty-four patients (93.6%) had complete healing and 3 (6.4%) required toe amputation. The mean (±SD) wound healing time was 11 (±4.6) (range, 7-22) weeks. Diabetes mellitus type 1 and younger age were significantly associated with increased risk for amputation. CONCLUSION: PPBE of infected toes in diabetic patients can be performed successfully and safely in the outpatient clinic. It can also improve healing and avoids inpatient stay. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective cohort study.

Penile girth augmentation by injectable fillers: a comprehensive review of imaging features and inflammatory complications.

Despite the extensive controversy and debate of penile girth augmentation, high demands for such procedures are increasing. Penile inflammation is not common sequel after penile filler augmentation, but when it occurs, it has serious complications that sometimes necessitate emergency surgical intervention. Imaging with a variety of modalities, including ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ascending urethrogrphy plays a paramount role in the detection and assessment of these conditions. Inflammatory conditions after penile girth augmentation using injectable fillers are ranging from local granuloma to penile abscess formation or diffuse cellulitis that may extend to the scrotum, perineum or deep pelvic organs. Rapid diagnosis and evaluation of extensions are important to avoid associated morbidity and permanent deformity. Our purpose is to provide a practical review of relevant penile anatomy, imaging appearance and injection technique of different types of subcutaneous fillers used in penile girth augmentation, and inflammatory complications that may occur after these procedures. Brief descriptions of patient clinical information and imaging features of inflammatory complications will be included and correlated in actual cases.

Laparoscopic Excision of an Extra-Adrenal Pheochromocytoma (Paraganglioma) of the Organ of Zuckerkandl.

Background: Paraganglioma of the organ of Zuckerkandl (OZ) is a rare surgically challenging tumor because of its critical location and the nature of catecholamine secretion. We describe the technique of laparoscopic excision as well as provide a literature review to confirm its feasibility. Case Presentation: In a 23-year-old male patient, laparoscopic excision of a 5 × 4 cm tumor located at the aortic bifurcation and indenting the vertebral column was performed. Preoperatively, the patient received α- and ß-adrenergic blockers as well as underwent sperm banking. The patient was put in the lateral position, five ports were used: four in the midline and one in the left iliac fossa. The tumor was approached by the reflection of the colon. Ureter, gonadal vein, and sympathetic chain were preserved. Dissection of the tumor from the inferior mesenteric artery was done followed by control of three feeding arteries and two draining veins posteriorly and inferiorly. The procedure was completed laparoscopically with minimal blood loss. Intraoperatively, three episodes of hypertension developed and required stoppage and the administration of vasodilators. The patient recovered on the second day postoperatively and all antihypertensive medications were stopped. At 1 year of follow-up, the patient is tumor-free but developed anejaculation for which he is under current treatment. Conclusion: Laparoscopic excision of paraganglioma located at the OZ is safe and feasible.

Three-dimensional Printing in Developing Countries.

The advent of 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology has facilitated the creation of customized objects. The lack of regulation in developing countries renders conventional means of addressing various healthcare issues challenging. 3D printing may provide a venue for addressing many of these concerns in an inexpensive and easily accessible fashion. These may potentially include the production of basic medical supplies, vaccination beads, laboratory equipment, and prosthetic limbs. As this technology continues to improve and prices are reduced, 3D printing has the potential ability to promote initiatives across the entire developing world, resulting in improved surgical care and providing a higher quality of healthcare to its residents.

Common patterns of reconstruction for Mohs defects in the head and neck.

BACKGROUND: Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. Mohs surgery is an effective technique for removing common types of skin cancer. The number of patients presenting for reconstruction after Mohs surgery has been increasing in recent years. Reconstructive surgeons are faced with diverse defects of different sizes and locations. The aim of this study was to examine reconstructive methods for Mohs defects to aid in preoperative planning. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 245 patients who underwent Mohs defect reconstruction over a period of 5 years. The patients were categorized according to the reconstructive technique (eg, flap, full-thickness skin graft, split-thickness skin graft) used in relation to anatomic location and the size of the defect. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-nine patients (53%) had Mohs defects of the nose. Bilobed flap reconstruction was the most common for the nasal ala (17/42 [40%]), tip (19/41 [46%]), and nasal sidewall (8/25 [32%]). Forehead flap reconstruction was most common for nasal dorsum defects (9/16 [56%]). Linear closure was the most common reconstructive technique for the cheek (18/34 [53%]), the forehead (13/20 [65%]), the chin (4/4 [100%]), the lower lip (4/4 [100%]), the upper lip (8/13 [38%]), the auricle (4/10 [40%]), the eyelid (5/8 [62%]), and the temporal region (2/5 [40%]). Composite grafting was the most common in the nasal columella (2/3 [67%]) and full-thickness skin graft for nasal sill defects (2/2 [100%]). Split-thickness skin graft was the most common in the scalp (3/6 [50%]). CONCLUSIONS: Various options exist for Mohs repair. Understanding trends of reconstructing Mohs defects may help in planning the best method of reconstruction.

Vasopressors and reconstructive flap perfusion: a review of the literature comparing the effects of various pharmacologic agents.

INTRODUCTION: Use of intraoperative vasopressors is of debate in microvascular surgery. Anesthesia is an important factor in maintaining the rate of success of flap transfer by affecting regional blood flow and global hemodynamics. We conducted a review of the literature comparing the use of different vasoactive agents on different flaps in various human and animal models. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed. Bibliographies of key articles were also reviewed for additional resources. Analysis was done to determine the overall trend of how flap perfusion is affected by the use of intraoperative vasoactive medication. RESULTS: The literature search identified 16 relevant articles. Flaps were studied in pigs in 7 studies, rats in 5, and humans in 4. The most common flap was the rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap. Phenylephrine and norepinephrine were the most common pressor agents used. No significant statistical changes were noted in 8 of the 16 studies; initial ischemia followed by delayed improved perfusion was observed in 4 studies, "true ischemia" and hypoperfusion of the skin flaps was noted in 3. There was no consistency in their effect on flap perfusion: initial ischemia followed by delayed improved perfusion was observed in 4 studies, whereas true ischemia and hypoperfusion of the skin flaps was noted in 3. CONCLUSIONS: To date, there is no reliable prospective clinical evidence that supports the absolute contraindication of pressor agents during free flap surgery. This topic will continue to be a matter for debate until more definitive data can be obtained.

Dynamic rehabilitation of facial nerve injury: a review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Given the morbidity caused by facial nerve paralysis, there have been consistent approaches to treatment over the past 20 years in reanimation of the facial nerve. Treatment depends on accurate clinical examination, a good understanding of the anatomic course, and appropriate diagnostic tests. There are various options when it comes to dynamic facial nerve reanimation that range from nerve grafting, nerve anastomosis, crossover techniques and muscle transfer to microneurovascular muscle flaps, and-recently-potentially new concepts with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. The various dynamic facial nerve treatment modalities are discussed. METHODS AND RESULTS: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed detailing various techniques used for dynamic rehabilitation following facial nerve injury and their known results and complications. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, techniques have been attempted to achieve adequate dynamic facial reanimation of the paralyzed facial nerve. Despite the advances that have occurred in the last few years, it has been classically very difficult to achieve a House-Brackmann grade better than grade III. Outcomes are improving. Ultimately, the approach depends on the surgeon's experience.

Nanotechnology in plastic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Nanotechnology has made inroads over time within surgery and medicine. Translational medical devices and therapies based on nanotechnology are being developed and put into practice. In plastic surgery, it is anticipated that this new technology may be instrumental in the future. Microelectromechanical systems are one form of nanotechnology that offers the ability to develop miniaturized implants for use in the treatment of numerous clinical conditions. The authors summarize their published preliminary findings regarding a microelectromechanical systems-based electrochemical stimulation method through modulation of ions around the nerve that is potentially implantable and clinically efficacious, and expand upon current and potential usages of nanotechnology in plastic surgery. METHODS: Sciatic nerves (n = 100) of 50 American bullfrogs were placed on a microfabricated planar gold electrode array and stimulated electrically. Using Ca(2+)-selective membranes, ion concentrations were modulated around the nerve environment in situ. In addition, a comprehensive review of the literature was performed to identify all available data pertaining to the use of nanotechnology in medicine. RESULTS: A 40 percent reduction of the electrical threshold value was observed using the Ca(2+) ion-selective membrane. The uses of nanotechnology specifically applicable to plastic surgery are detailed. CONCLUSIONS: Nanotechnology may likely lead to advancements in the art and science of plastic surgery. Using microelectromechanical systems nanotechnology, the authors have demonstrated a novel means of modulating the activation of nerve impulses. These findings have potentially significant implications for the design of special nano-enhanced materials that can be used to promote healing, control infection, restore function, and aid nerve regeneration and rehabilitation.

A novel surgical technique for management of tinnitus due to high dehiscent jugular bulb.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of middle ear floor reconstruction in management of vascular tinnitus due to high jugular bulb with dehiscent middle ear floor. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Tertiary academic medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of seven patients with high dehiscent jugular bulb, presenting with incapacitating pulsatile roaring tinnitus that was abolished by digital compression of the ipsilateral jugular vein, from January 2002 to December 2006. The diagnosis was confirmed by CT scan of the temporal bone (bone window, coronal views). The seven patients were surgically explored, five under local anesthesia (to monitor the results with possible intraoperative revision) and two under general endotracheal anesthesia, for middle ear floor reconstruction that was done using bone dust, perichondrium, and tragal cartilage (mean follow-up 28 months). RESULTS: Of the seven patients, tinnitus disappeared in four (57%) and decreased in one. The overall improvement was five of seven (71%). One patient had postoperative increased intracranial pressure. CONCLUSION: The preliminary results suggest that surgical reconstruction of the middle ear floor under local anesthesia offers valuable treatment for patients with incapacitating tinnitus due to dehiscent middle ear floor. However, the risk of sigmoid sinus thrombosis should be considered. To our knowledge, this is the first trial of multilayer reconstruction of the middle ear floor dehiscence to manage high jugular bulb causing tinnitus.

Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast clinical presentation, treatment results and prognostic factors.

Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast (MCB) is a rare form of cancer containing mixture of epithelial and mesenchymal elements in variable combinations. Few and conflicting clinical data are available in the literature addressing optimal treatment modalities, prognosis and outcome. A retrospective study was conducted to review all patients with MCB diagnosed and treated at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center between 1994-2004. The aim is to describe patient's clinicopathologic features and to analyze treatment results. Nineteen female patients were studied. The median age was 48 years (range, 14-58). The median tumor size was 9 cm (range, 3-18). Stage distribution was II in 8 patients, III in 9 and IV in 2. Nine cases were identified as purely epithelial and 10 (53%) as mixed epithelial and mesenchymal metaplasia. Hormone receptors were positive in only 2 patients. Modified radical mastectomy performed in 11 patients and 15 underwent axillary node dissection. Adjuvant chemotherapy was given to 9 patients and postoperative radiotherapy to 8. Twelve patients relapsed with median time of relapse of 12 months (range, 2-28). At a median follow-up of 21 months (range, 7-83), the 3-year event free survival (EFS) and overall survival for the patients diagnosed with loco-regional disease were 15% and 48% respectively. Tumor size correlated significantly with EFS. MCB is an aggressive form of breast cancer associated with poor outcome, high incidence of local recurrence and pulmonary metastases. The disease tends to be estrogen/progesterone receptor negative. Tumor size has an important impact on outcome. The best treatment approach is yet to be defined.

HER-2/Neu overexpression does not predict response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy or prognosticate survival in patients with locally advanced breast cancer.

Data about the prognostic and predictive value of HER-2/neu overexpression in patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) treated with primary chemotherapy is limited. Therefore, this retrospective study was performed to examine this issue. Fifty-four consecutive patients with LABC were prospectively managed using a uniform multimodality approach. Response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and survival were examined against HER-2/neu overexpression as determined by an immunohistochemistry method on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples of breast cancer using the commercially available, United States Food and Drug Administration-approved kit HercepTest (Dako Corp, Carpinteria, CA). The number of patients in each HercepTest immunostaining group were as follows; 0 in 12 patients (22%), 1+ in 8 (15%), 2+ in 12 (22%), and 3+ in 22 (41%). None of the clinical variables was significantly associated with HER-2/neu expression. After primary therapy, 22% of patients attained clinical complete response and an additional 70% achieved clinical partial response with an overall response rate of 92% (95% confidence interval: 100% to 79%). There was no significant correlation between clinical response and HercepTest positivity (p = 0.85). Of 52 patients with complete pathological data, there was no significant difference in HercepTest status between those who attained complete pathological response (46%) and those who did not (38%) (p = 0.74). Moreover, there was no significant difference in disease-free survival (75% vs 84%, [p = 0.26]) or overall survival (81% vs 84% [p = 0.31]) between those who overexpressed HER-2/neu and those with negative HercepTest, respectively. In patients with LABC, HER-2/neu overexpression determined using HercepTest assay and according to the manufacturer's approved guidelines failed to demonstrate a predictive or a prognostic role.

The effects of increased doses of bovine hemoglobin on hemodynamics and oxygen transport in patients undergoing preoperative hemodilution for elective abdominal aortic surgery.

UNLABELLED: In two consecutive studies (Study A and Study B), we evaluated the effects of increasing doses of HBOC-201, a bovine hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier, on hemodynamics and oxygen transport in patients undergoing preoperative hemodilution for elective abdominal aortic surgery. After the induction of anesthesia and the exchange of 1 L of blood for 1 L of lactated Ringer's solution, 24 patients (12 in each study) were randomly assigned to receive, within 30 min, a predetermined volume of either HBOC-201 or 6% hydroxyethyl starch (Study A 6.9 mL/kg; Study B 9.2 mL/kg). Monitored variables included systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures, arterial and mixed venous blood gases, and calculations of cardiac index (CI), systemic (SVRI) and pulmonary (PVRI) vascular resistance indices, oxygen delivery index (DO2I), oxygen consumption index (VO2I), and oxygen extraction ratio (O2ER). In both studies, the infusion of HBOC-201 was associated with increases in SVRI (Study A 121%; Study B 71%) and PVRI (Study A 70%; Study B 53%) and with a decrease in CI (29% both studies). Hemodilution with HBOC-201 maintained the arterial oxygen content at levels higher than hemodilution with hydroxyethyl starch, but the advantage of a greater oxygen-carrying capacity was offset by the increase in SVRI, with a resulting net decrease in both CI and DO2I (Study A 30%; Study B 28%); VO2I was maintained by increased O2ER. In terms of hemodynamics and oxygen transport, hemodilution with bovine hemoglobin in these doses provided no apparent benefit over hemodilution with hydroxyethyl starch. IMPLICATIONS: Bovine hemoglobin in doses ranging between 55 and 97 g of hemoglobin increased vascular resistance and decreased cardiac output in anesthetized surgical patients. In terms of hemodynamics and oxygen transport, hemodilution with bovine hemoglobin in these doses provided no apparent benefit over hemodilution with hydroxyethyl starch.