Molecular mechanisms of nonablative fractionated laser resurfacing.

BACKGROUND: Nonablative fractionated laser resurfacing improves the texture of treated skin, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms that underlie clinical improvements. OBJECTIVES: We sought to examine and quantify the time course and magnitude of dermal matrix changes that occur in response to nonablative fractionated laser resurfacing, with the dual goals of better understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie clinical improvements and of gaining knowledge that will enable evidence-based treatment parameter optimization. METHODS: Twenty patients (mean age 58 years) with photodamaged skin were focally treated on dorsal forearms with a nonablative fractionated laser. Serial skin samples were obtained at baseline and at various times after treatment. Biopsies were examined with real-time polymerase chain reaction technology and immunohistochemical techniques. RESULTS: Laser treatment resulted in an initial inflammatory response as indicated by statistically significant induction of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1ß and tumour necrosis factor-α). This was followed by substantial increases in levels of several matrix metalloproteinases and later by significant induction of type I collagen. Dermal remodelling was noted with both low and high microbeam energy treatment parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Nonablative fractionated laser resurfacing induces a well-organized wound-healing response that leads to substantial dermal remodelling and collagen induction. Surprisingly, only minimal differences were observed between lower and higher microbeam energy settings. These data suggest that lower microbeam energy/higher microbeam density treatment parameters, which are generally better tolerated by patients, may yield dermal changes similar to those that result from higher microbeam energy/lower microbeam density treatment parameters.

Total mandibular and lower lip reconstruction with a prefabricated osteocutaneous free flap.

Large, complex bony defects can be a vexing problem for the reconstructive surgeon, especially when standard donor sites are not available or do not provide sufficient tissue. Using the concept of flap prefabrication, we demonstrated in a single patient that (1) iliac crest bone chips and bone morphogenic protein in an alloplastic mandibular tray can ossify in a heterotopic location and (2) neovascularization sufficient to support a large, custom-designed bone graft occurs within a convenient "carrier" flap. Ultimately, the fields of angiogenesis and osteogenesis research could significantly contribute to the ability of the plastic surgeon to construct the "ideal" composite prefabricated flap for complicated reconstruction.

Reasons for removal of rigid internal fixation devices in craniofacial surgery.

Despite the widespread use of rigid fixation techniques in craniofacial surgery, there is a paucity of studies in the literature that serve to better define the reasons for the subsequent removal of plates and screws. The current study appears to be the first to attempt to assess these issues among a broad range of craniofacial surgery patients. Fifty-five patients who underwent hardware removal following craniofacial surgery at the University of Michigan Medical Center between 1989 and 1995 were retrospectively studied via an in-depth chart review. Common reasons for hardware removal included palpable/prominent hardware in 19 patients (34.5%), loosening of plates and screws in 14 patients (25.5%), pain in 14 patients (25.5%), infection in 13 patients (23.6%), wound dehiscence/exposure of hardware in 11 patients (20%), and removal at the time of secondary procedures in 5 patients (9.1%). It is hoped that this study will serve as a tool to define more completely the risk of needing subsequent hardware removal among craniofacial surgery patients treated with rigid internal fixation.

The spontaneous return of sensibility in breasts reconstructed with autologous tissues.

Some spontaneous return of sensibility following autologous tissue breast reconstruction is often suspected but not well documented. In the present study, objective touch-pressure, pain, temperature, and vibratory sensibilities were recorded in 33 autologous breast reconstructions at an average of 25.2 months postoperatively. Correlation of the sensory return with patients' satisfaction toward reconstruction was done by a detailed questionnaire. All except one patient regained a variety of sensibilities touch pressure in 97 percent of patients (averaging 81.05 gm/mm2 versus control of 7.98 gm/mm2), pain in 88 percent of patients, heat in 64 percent of patients (45 percent of quadrants), cold in 82 percent of patients (67 percent of quadrants), and high- and low-frequency vibration in 100 percent of patients (high in 90 percent of quadrants, low in 96 percent). Subjectively, 94 percent considered their chest comfortable to touch following reconstruction compared with 34 percent following mastectomy. On a scale from 1 to 10, patients rated their reconstructions an average of 9.3. Our findings confirm the spontaneous return of sensibility following a variety of autologous tissue breast reconstructions. The value of the sensory return is suggested by the high degree of satisfaction in nearly all patients. Further attempts to correlate the degree of sensory return with the degree of satisfaction were inconclusive because of the uniformly high satisfaction reported by the patients. The mechanism of reinnervation appears to come both from the skin margins and from the deep surface of the flap. Future developments in breast reconstruction should take into consideration the eventual quality of sensory return.

Excision of neck redundancy with single Z-plasty closure.

In selected patients, particularly males, redundancy of skin of the neck can be treated effectively by direct excision and a single large Z-plasty closure so that the horizontal portion corresponds to the neck crease. Reduction of the thyroid cartilage can be performed simultaneously. The relative advantages and disadvantages between this approach and the more commonly performed facelift are discussed.

Esophagectomy: definitive treatment for esophageal neuromotor dysfunction.

Twenty-two patients with a history of between one and four (average of two) unsuccessful prior esophageal operations for neuromotor dysfunction were treated with esophageal resection and replacement. Eleven (50%) had recurred reflux esophagitis in association with various disorders of motility: esophageal spasm in 4, achalasia in 3, scleroderma in 2, and esophageal atresia in 2. Eight (36%) had primary esophageal spasm and 3 (14%) had achalasia. Esophageal obstruction, regurgitation, and severe spasm were the most common manifestations of the inability to swallow normally. Transthoracic or transhiatal (blunt) esophagectomies were performed in 5 and 17 patients, respectively. The stomach, with a cervical esophagogastric anastomosis, was used for esophageal substitution in 15 patients. Six patients underwent a long-segment colonic interposition, and 1 patient with achalasia underwent a distal esophagectomy and short-segment colonic interposition. One patient undergoing transthoracic esophagectomy for achalasia died from unrecognized intraoperative bleeding into the opposite chest. There were no other operative deaths. Additional complications included transient hoarseness in 8 patients, chylothorax in 1, and anastomotic leak in 1. After an average follow-up of 25 months for the 21 surviving patients, ability to eat is regarded as good in 18 (85%), fair in 1 (5%), and poor in 2 (10%). In patients with incapacitating esophageal neuromotor disease, a more radical operative approach-esophagectomy--may be safer and more reliable than attempting another procedure and risking another failure. Esophagectomy ensures definitive elimination of the esophageal problem and as optimal an ability to eat as possible. Our experience suggests that the stomach, with a cervical esophagogastric anastomosis, offers a better functional esophageal substitute than does a colonic interposition.

The combined Collis-Nissen operation: early assessment of reflux control.

This report summarizes the clinical experience with 155 patients who underwent the Collis-Nissen operation and have been followed by personal interview, esophageal manometry, barium swallow examination, and acid reflux testing for up to three years (average, 24 months). There has been 1 postoperative death. Major complications have included gastroplasty tube leak (2 patients), stricture perforation during dilation (1 patient), and splenic injury (3 patients). Subjectively, among 135 patients followed for a minimum of 6 months, reflux has been eliminated in 89% (120 patients), remains mild in 6% (8 patients), and is severe in 5% (7 patients). Early satiety ("bloats") of varying degree has occurred in 19% (26 patients), and dysphagia requiring dilation in 15% (20 patients). The overall objective recurrence rate, as documented with the intraesophageal pH probe and the standard acid reflux test, is 13% (18 patients). Among 32 patients with peptic strictures treated with dilation and the Collis-Nissen operation, reflux symptoms have recurred in 3%, and 6% have had abnormal reflux demonstrated with the pH probe. These results substantiate excellent early reflux control with the Collis-Nissen procedure and justify its continued use in appropriately selected patients with gastroesophageal efflux and its complications.

Combined Collis gastroplasty--fundoplication operations for scleroderma reflux esophagitis.

Thirty-seven patients with scleroderma and reflux esophagitis, including 16 (43%) with peptic esophageal strictures, have been treated with a combination of the Collis gastroplasty and either a Belsey (240 degree) or Nissen (360 degree) fundoplication. Follow-up data have been obtained through personal interviews, esophageal manometry, and acid reflux testing. There have been no postoperative deaths or wound-healing complications. Five (31%) of the 16 patients with strictures still require intermittent dilatations. In the Collis-Belsey group (17 patients), after an average follow-up of 42 months, reflux symptoms have been eliminated in 11, are mild in three, and moderate or severe in three. Distal esophageal high-pressure zone (HPZ) tone and length have increased from an average of 4.6 mm Hg and 1.6 cm preoperatively to 8.6 mm Hg and 2.3 cm postoperatively. Acid reflux testing with the intraesophageal pH electrode, however, has demonstrated moderate-to-severe reflux in seven patients (41%). In the Collis-Nissen group (20 patients), after an average follow-up of 22 months, reflux symptoms have been eliminated in 17, are mild in two, and severe in one. Average HPZ tone and length have increased from 2.5 mm Hg and 1.2 cm preoperatively to 12 mm Hg and 4.2 cm postoperatively. The acid reflux test has revealed moderate or severe reflux in five patients (25%). Gratifying subjective and objective reflux control can be achieved in scleroderma patients with minimal operative morbidity.