Preemptive Analgesic Efficacy of the Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral Superficial Serratus Plane Block on Postoperative Pain in Breast Reduction Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: Breast surgery is an exceedingly common procedure and associated with an increased incidence of acute and chronic pain. Preemptive regional anesthesia techniques may improve postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing breast surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative bilateral serratus plane block on postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing breast reduction surgery. METHODS: After ethical board approval, 40 patients undergoing breast reduction surgery were randomized into 2 groups: control group (Group C, n = 20) and serratus plane block group (Group SPB, n = 20). Group C received bilateral ultrasound-guided 2 ml 0.9% saline subcutaneously each block side, Group SPB received ultrasound-guided bilateral SPB with 0.25% bupivacaine 30 ml each side. The groups were administered the routine general anesthesia protocol. All operations were performed with the mediocentral pedicled reduction mammaplasty technique by the same surgeon. Postoperative analgesia was performed intravenously in the 2 groups twice a day with dexketoprofen trometamol 50 mg and patient-controlled analgesia with fentanyl. Postoperative analgesia was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Fentanyl consumption, additional analgesia requirement and opioid-related side effects were recorded during the first 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: Compared with control, the VAS score was statistically lower in the SPB group during all measurement times (p < 0.05). The 24-h opioid consumption was significantly higher in the control group compared with the SPB group (372.50 ± 39.65 vs. 296.25 ± 58.08 µq, respectively; p < 0.001). In addition, the analgesia requirement was statistically lower in the SPB group (8/20 vs. 2/20, respectively, p < 0.028). Nausea or vomiting was observed more often in the control group than in SPB block (9/20 vs. 2/20, respectively, p = 0.013), whereas other side effects were similar for the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: SPB can be used safely bilaterally in the management of pain for breast reduction surgery as it is easy to perform, provides excellent analgesia, and reduces opioid consumption and opioid sparing effect. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Reconstruction of complex shallow defects of the extremities with free serratus musculofascial flap

Background/aim: Thin and flexible flaps are needed for the repair of extremity tissue defects. Serratus fascia flaps are the most suitable options. There are only a few case reports and case series in the literature. We have aimed to increase the success rate by taking the serratus fascia flaps together with some muscle tissue for the repair of extremity tissue defects. Materials and methods: Between 2006 and 2015, 12 free serratus musculofascial flaps (FSMFFs) were transferred to 11 patients (8 males, 3 females) who had tissue shallow defects of the extremities due to different etiologic factors. The mean age was 24.6 years. Hospital records and patient photographs were reviewed and age, sex, etiologic cause, follow-up period, complication, flap success, cosmetic appearance, and functional results of the extremity were examined. Results: The mean follow-up period was 29.5 months (7­109 months). All of the flaps survived fully and no partial or full necrosis was observed. Partial graft loss was encountered in one patient and it was recovered secondarily with wound dressing. A major deficiency was not experienced postoperatively in the functions and movements of the extremities retained. The cosmetic appearance of the operation area was acceptable or fine. The donor areas healed in all the patients without any problems, and the scars were hidden and inconspicuous. Conclusion: In reconstruction of complex shallow defects of the extremities in which a gliding effect is desired, FSMFF may be an ideal option with its advantages as it does not sacrifice a major vessel, does not leave a hidden and short scar, can be harvested in wide dimensions, and allows the use of the surrounding tissues such as the latissimus dorsi muscle and scapular bone.

The Temporal Artery Island Flap: A Good Reconstructive Option for Small to Medium-Sized Facial Defects.

PURPOSE: The reconstruction of facial defects is esthetically vital because of the unique skin color and texture of the face. The aim of this study was to show the utility of different temporal artery island flap designs for the reconstruction of upper and middle facial defects without contrast to the color and texture of the face. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective case series conducted from November 2004 through May 2015. Patients older than 18 years with upper and middle facial defects smaller than 5 cm were included. RESULTS: The temporal artery island flap was used in 34 patients (21 men and 13 women). The etiologies were skin tumor in 17 patients, trauma in 10 patients, and burns in 7 patients. Major defect localization was in the temporal area in 12 patients, followed by the ear in 9 patients, the cheek in 6 patients, the eyebrow in 4 patients, and the nose in 3 patients. Flap designs consisted of the antegrade-flow island flap, the V-Y flap, and reverse-flow island flap in 23, 7, and 4 patients, respectively. All flaps survived completely except for 1 partial flap necrosis. Scars in the donor areas were inconspicuous. Patients' median age was 47.5 years (quartiles, 40.75 to 54), 61.8% were men, and median duration of follow-up was 11 months (range, 6 to 18 months). CONCLUSIONS: The temporal artery island flap could be a good option for the closure of minor to medium-size defects of the upper and middle face because of its good color and texture match, constant and reliable pedicle, wide pivotal movement, low donor site morbidity, and reverse-flow pattern.

Chimeric Reverse Temporal Muscle and Pericranial Flap for Double-Layer Closure of Deep Facial Defects.

PURPOSE: Volumetric or multiplane defects of the upper and midface remain a challenge for reconstruction because of limited regional flap options. In this study, the authors harvested the reverse temporalis muscle flap and pericranial flap (RTMP flap) based on the same vascular pedicle, the superficial temporal artery, in a chimeric manner to obtain double-layer closure of deep facial defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a prospective case series performed in the Department of Plastic Surgery of Ataturk University (Erzurum, Turkey). The outcomes, including flap survival, postoperative complications, reconstructive success, esthetic appearance, and donor site morbidity, were clinically evaluated. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (10 male and 4 female) with deep defects of the middle third of the face underwent reconstruction using the chimeric RTMP flap. All chimeric RTMP flaps survived without postoperative complications. All defects were successfully repaired and covered with chimeric RTMP flaps. Patients were satisfied with the esthetic results. CONCLUSION: The chimeric RTMP flap is a good reconstruction option and can be used safely for moderate to large 3-dimensional defects of the middle and upper face. Smooth and durable coverage over the bulky muscle flap used to fill the volume defect and a larger flap for larger volume defects can be obtained by including the pericranial segment of the chimeric RTMP flap.

Total Lower Lip Reconstruction With Functional Gracilis Free Muscle Flap.

Free flaps based on static slings principles cannot provide esthetic and functional outcomes at a desired level in total or close to total lip loss. Therefore, dynamic methods have become a current issue in recent years and especially the idea of functional gracilis free muscle flap has been suggested. In this study, we present a case of a successful total lower lip repair with this flap.In a 78-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma involving the entire lower lip, bilateral modified radical neck dissection and full-thickness total resection with 1 cm surgical margin so as to include both commissures of the tumor were performed and then a free gracilis muscle flap was transferred from the same side. After microvascular anastomoses, the motor nerve of the flap was coapted to the marginal mandibular branch of the fascial nerve. The entire intra- and extraoral surfaces of the flap were covered with a partial-thickness skin graft which was taken from the right thigh. There was no any intra- or early postoperative complication. The skin graft and flap survived without any problem.In the controls of the patient who was followed-up for 8 postoperative months, it was observed that the gracilis muscle flap was well-adapted to its place, gained a very good tonus, its volume reduced over time and reached to ideal dimensions, and the overlying skin graft provided a good color and texture match with the surrounding tissues. The motor activity of the muscle was monitored with the Tinel's test. The speech and facial expressions of the patient were very clear. Despite the patient has an edentulous mandible and was not using prosthesis, her feeding with fluid and solid foods was free of problems, oral competence was highly sufficient, and there was no any drooling. Esthetic appearance was very good and intraoral vestibular depth was sufficient. The mouth opening was 3 cm. When comparing with upper orbicularis oculi muscle on the electroneuromyography (ENMG) ordered at the 8th month, a similar nerve conduction time (3.3 versus 3.8 ms) and contraction amplitude (0.5 versus 0.4 mV) values were obtained from the gracilis muscle. Follow-up of the patient is still continued with no tumor recurrence observed during this period.Being the real dynamic flap and its tonus of the functional gracillis free muscle flap in opposite to the static methods provides a significant superiority over the other options in terms of oral functions; moreover, the overlying skin graft presents a very good color and texture harmony aesthetically. This method is a candidate to be an exclusive surgical technique in the repair of total or close to total lip losses in the future.

Management of Saddle Nose Deformity Using Dermal Fat and Costal Cartilage "Sandwich" Graft: A Problem-Oriented Approach and Anthropometric Evaluation.

PURPOSE: In the surgical treatment of saddle nose deformity (SND), costal cartilage is often used. However, it can result in some potential complications such as resorption, bending, displacement, and its appearance under the skin (silhouette deformity). We prepared a composite "sandwich" graft by camouflaging the costal cartilage underneath the dermal fat graft as a novel method and applied it on SNDs using the closed rhinoplasty technique to prevent or minimize these risks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The method was used for 21 patients (12 males and 9 females). Six anthropometric measurements, including the nasal dorsum projection, nasal supratip projection, nasal tip projection, nose length, labiocolumellar angle, and nasofrontal angle, were taken using the ImageJ program (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD) on preoperative and postoperative lateral photographs. The data were compared statistically. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 29.95 months. No donor site complications developed. The sandwich grafts transferred to the nose were well tolerated in all patients. A partial graft failure and a mild bending, which were treated conservatively without supplemental surgery, developed in 1 patient each. No resorption, migration, bending, or appearance under the skin of the sandwich grafts were seen in the remaining patients. A statistically significant difference was found in all anthropometric measurements from the preoperative and postoperative groups except for 2. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of the deformity should be exactly determined before surgery, and cartilage grafts should be used accordingly for successful repair of SND. The sandwich technique, as a practical, effective, and long-lasting treatment method, could minimize the potential complications and risks of revision.

Treatment of Linear Scleroderma (en Coup de Sabre) With Dermal Fat Grafting.

BACKGROUND: Linear scleroderma, also known as "en coup de sabre," is a subtype of localized scleroderma that warrants aesthetic correction because it appears on the forehead region in children. OBJECTIVE: To report dermal fat grafting as a novel and effective surgical treatment option in linear scleroderma. METHODS: Under local anesthesia, a dermal fat graft was successfully placed into a subcutaneous pocket that was prepared underneath the depressed scar. The donor site was closed primarily. RESULTS: No early or late complications developed postoperatively. After 1-year follow-up, the dermal fat graft was viable, the depressed scar was adequately augmented, and a good aesthetic result and patient satisfaction were obtained. CONCLUSION: We believe that dermal fat grafting is a cost-effective option and provides a long-lasting aesthetic outcome in the management of linear scleroderma.

Liver transplantation for alveolar echinococcosis in an endemic region.

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a chronic disease caused by ingestion of the eggs of the parasitic cestode Echinococcosis multilocularis (EM). In severe cases, liver transplantation (LT) may represent the only possibility of survival and cure. Patients undergoing LT associated with hepatic AE at our institution between April 2011 and October 2014 were investigated retrospectively. The clinical findings of the 27 patients who participated in the study were noted. Kaplan-Meier and chi-square tests were used to investigate the effect of these characteristics on survival and mortality. Living donor LT was performed on 20 patients (74.1%), and deceased donor LT was performed on 7 patients (25.9%). Hilar invasion was the most common indication (14 patients, 51.9%) for transplantation. The patient follow-up was 16.1 ± 11.4 months, and the overall survival rate was 77.8%. Primary nonfunction developed only in 2 patients in the posttransplantation period. Six patients died during monitoring, the most common cause of death being sepsis (3 patients). The relationship between the mortality rate of the patients and the invasion of the bile duct and/or portal vein by alveolar lesions was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.024 and P = 0.043, respectively). According to PNM staging, when the AE disease exceeds the resectability limits, the only alternative for the treatment of the disease is LT. However, different from LT due to cirrhosis, it is extremely difficult to perform a transplantation for AE disease because of the invasive characteristics of it. In order to decrease the difficulty of the operation and the postoperative mortality, the intracystic abscess and cholangitis which occur because of AE must be treated via medical and percutaneous methods before transplantation.

Neurotized sural flap: An alternative in sensory reconstruction of the foot and ankle defects.

INTRODUCTION: The sensory reconstruction of the lower extremity is one of the main goals in lower extremity reconstruction. Reconstructive options endowing sensory recovery are limited. The aim of this report is to evaluate the neurotized sural flap in reconstruction of foot and ankle defects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven cases that were operated for foot and ankle skin defects with the neurotized sural flap were reported. The largest flap was 10 cm × 14 cm in size. Median age was 38 years. Four defects were on the heel, two were on the ankle, and one was on the dorsum of the foot. The sural nerve was coaptated to a recipient nerve in seven patients. RESULTS: All flaps survived totally. Follow-up time ranged between 9 and 29 months. All cases had hot-cold perception and two-point discrimination at average 14 ± 1.63 mm at 6th month. Sensory conduction test revealed very low action potentials related to stimulation of the flap. CONCLUSION: The neurotized sural flap is a versatile modification, for the sensory reconstruction of the moderate size foot and ankle defects.

Reconstruction of the Wide Scalp Defects Using Free Latissimus Dorsi Flap Assisted With Arteriovenous Loop.

Reconstructions of the wide scalp defects are still a challenging task because of the accompanied recipient vessel issues. Arteriovenous loop (AVL) grafts are a suitable vascular conduit that can be used to support free tissue transfer, when adjacent blood supply is inadequate. We report 2 patients of successful wide scalp reconstruction, using a free latissimus dorsi (LD) flap assisted with AVL. Both flaps and AVL grafts fully survived postoperatively. No complications related to the recipient and donor areas developed. The flaps obtained a durable barrier and an acceptable aesthetic appearance. We believe that AVL can be a useful adjunct for increasing the success rate of wide scalp reconstructions with inadequate adjacent arterial inflow or venous outflow. The free LD flap is a good option with its wide surface, rich vascularity and relatively low donor morbidity in such reconstructions.

Triangular with Ala Nasi (TAN) II repair of unilateral cleft lips with severe nasal deformity.

BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION: With our previous technique called triangular with ala nasi (TAN) repair, we combined the superiorities of these 2 popular techniques by approaching the skin, as in Tennison-Randall, and the muscle and nose, as in Millard. Although good results have been obtained in most patients, cleft lip nose (CLN) deformity could not entirely be corrected particularly in serious cleft patients. Therefore, we revised the technique, called the TAN II repair, by adding some nasal maneuvers including the bivectoral suspension sutures, alar buckling resection, and alar web resection. METHODS: Forty-two consecutive patients (26 male and 16 female) with unilateral cleft lips were operated on using the TAN II technique in the last 5 years. The mean age at repair was 11.95 months (range, 3 to 120). The postoperative outcomes were assessed subjectively by Williams test and objectively by Lindsay-Farkas method. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 16.3 months. No early complication involving hematoma, infection, wound dehiscence, or partial or total flap loss was encountered. The recoveries of 92.42% and 88.89% on average, when compared with the noncleft side, were obtained postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: With these modifications, the TAN II technique was able to correct the severe unilateral CLN deformities. We obtained good to excellent outcomes in late postoperative follow-up by means of a long-term suspension effect.

A radioanatomic study of the internal mammary artery and its perforators using multidetector computed tomography angiography.

The Internal Mammary Artery (IMA) and its perforators play an important role in coronary bypass grafting and reconstructive breast, head, and neck surgery. This study aimed to obtain anatomic data pertaining to these vessels using Multi Detector Computed Tomography Angiography (MDCTA) and to demonstrate that the MDCTA could be a considerable assessment tool prior to surgery. In 50 outpatients (27 males and 23 females), the above-mentioned arteries were bilaterally evaluated with a 16-detector spiral computed tomography scanner. Based on the obtained images, diameters of the bilateral IMAs were separately measured in each intercostal spaces from 1 to 5 through their traces. IMAPs greater than 0.5 mm in diameter were bilaterally evaluated in terms of distance from the sternal border to the ramification point under the muscular layer, maximal external diameter at ramification from the IMA, and the length between the ramification point from the IMA and enter point to the subcutaneous fat tissue. Mean diameters of the left and right IMAs were 2.05 ± 0.50 mm and 2.20 ± 0.57 mm, respectively. Mean diameters, distances, and lengths of the perforators were 1.30 ± 0.30 mm, 6.80 ± 3.40 mm, 17.05 ± 6.07 mm on the left side and 1.32 ± 0.25 mm, 6.71 ± 3.43 mm, 17.35 ± 3.48 mm on the right side, respectively. No statistically difference was found between the sides (P > 0.05). About 20 of 36 perforators appeared in the second intercostal space, whereas there were eight in the first and eight in the third intercostal space. MDCTA, as a non-invasive vascular imaging method, can be a valuable tool for investigating the anatomic characteristics of the IMA and its perforators before planning an operation.

Latissimus dorsi flap harvest with a short incision.

Latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is one of the most common options utilized in reconstructive armamentarium. In this report, we present our experience on harvest of the full LD muscle flap through a short incision. Twelve free and two pedicled full LD muscle flaps were raised in 14 patients (9 males and 5 females). In this technique, an oblique incision was placed 5-7 cm caudal to axillary apex, beginning from the posterior axillary line, so as to center the neurovascular hilus. The length of incision was 10 cm in adults and 8 cm in children. Mean dissection time was 45 min. All flaps survived totally. Seroma formation developed in two cases and treated with syringe aspiration and compressive dressing. In late postoperative period, donor site scars became inconspicuous and patient satisfaction was high. Short incision technique may be a good option to overcome scar problems in donor site of the LD flap. The technique reduces the dissection time and does not require sophisticated surgical devices and skill, when compared to endoscopic LD flap harvesting from the literature.

Total lower lip reconstruction using free neurotendinofasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh composite flap: a case report.

Total lower lip reconstructions are challenging procedures because of poor aesthetic and functional outcomes and limited availability of donor tissues that anatomically imitate the lip. We hereby report the free neurotendinofasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh composite flap as a new reconstructive option. A 48-year-old man presenting with a squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip underwent wide resection of tumor, bilateral neck dissection, and lower lip reconstruction with the mentioned flap where the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and tensor fascia lata tendon were included. No complication was encountered postoperatively. The flap survived totally. Understandable speech, oral competence, and uneventful nutrition were obtained. Furthermore, tactile, pain and heat sensations, and two-point discrimination of 12 mm at the flap were regained. In reconstruction of the lower lip, this flap was first described in the literature and can be a good candidate as a reconstructive option.

Versatile use of the muscle and nerve sparing latissimus dorsi flap.

In this report, we describe the technique of muscle and nerve sparing latissimus dorsi (LD) flap and evaluate the outcomes of reconstruction of various defects with 12 free and 2 pedicled muscle and nerve sparing LD flaps in 14 patients. The LD muscle functions at operated and nonoperated muscles were evaluated clinically and with electroneuromyography. All flaps survived completely but one which had a partial necrosis. The mean follow-up time was 12.3 months. Adduction and extention ranges of the shoulders were the same bilaterally in all patients. In electroneuromyography, no significant difference was available statistically between the sides. This muscle and nerve sparing latissimus dorsi flap has advantages of thinness, muscle preservation and reliability, and thus can be a good option to other fasciocutaneous flaps in reconstruction surgery.

Nerve sparing-distally based sural flap.

The management of soft-tissue defects in the ankle and foot area is a challenging task. Distally based sural flap is widely used, however it leaves donor area paresthesia. For this purpose, the sural nerve was dissected and preserved in the distally based sural flap in five cases of ankle and foot soft tissue reconstruction. This modification did not cause any compromise in flap circulation. All flaps survived with one partial distal necrosis. We suggest that, the distally based nerve sparing sural flap can be securely elevated with only a 3-4 cm wide subcutaneous pedicle without any compromise in flap circulation.

Primary repair of the alveolar cleft.

Nasoalveolar fistula and oropharyngeal fistula of the anterior palatal region are very commonly seen in cases when there are concomitant clefts of the lip and the palate. Absence of adequate tissue in that region complicates the treatment and necessitates new tissue transfers from near or distant tissues. Today, the techniques used for correcting cleft lip cannot successfully solve these 2 problems. In this study, we describe a technique that depends on the principle of using the lip mucosal tissues that remains during the Tennison cleft lip correction technique, with a flap designation, to correct the tissue defect of the cleft between the foramen incisivum and lip and the alveolar region. Twenty-two patients (13 boys and 9 girls), with ages ranging from 3 to 53 months (mean, 24 mo), with unilateral cleft lip and palate underwent surgery with this new technique. In all these patients, clefts in the anterior palatal and alveolar regions were successfully corrected. Fistula was observed in none of these patients in these regions. Through this method, clefts in the anterior palatal and alveolar regions can be corrected during repair of cleft lips.

Evaluation of lower-limb arteries with multidetector computed tomography angiography prior to free flap surgery: a radioanatomic study.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the vascular structures of the lower limb with multidetector computed tomography (CT) angiography and to reveal the importance of this method in preoperative planning of microsurgical transplantation. In 24 patients, lower-limb arteries were bilaterally evaluated with 16-detector spiral CT scanner in terms of patency, stenosis, or occlusion; maximal and minimal external diameters through their traces; and variations as well as length of the peroneal artery. The peroneal artery was absent unilaterally in two patients (4.3%). The mean maximal and minimal diameters were as 2.77 and 1.63, 2.92 and 1.75, and 2.72 and 1.50 mm for anterior and posterior tibial and peroneal arteries, respectively. The ranges of lengths of peroneal arteries were 50 to 117 mm. This valuable tool can provide detailed information about vascular and the remaining anatomic structures by means of its high-resolution characteristics before planning free flap surgery.

Patient assessment form for septorhinoplasty.

Septorhinoplasty is one of the most sophisticated operations in aesthetic surgery. Surgical evolution and skill are mainly gained by close follow-up of patients, which can be achieved by physical examination, photographing, and meticulous recording obtained before and after operation. On the contrary to some previous forms reported for this aim, we hereby developed a novel form of only 1 document that is simple in design and practical to apply. We think that preoperative and post records of patients can more safely be obtained by means of our personal form. More optimal and scientific studies based on these filled forms can be performed prospectively and retrospectively. We also believe that this form can present a standard for the assessment of septorhinoplasty patients in researches, publications, and presentations, if it would generally be approved by aesthetic surgeons.

Profunda femoris artery perforator flaps: a detailed anatomical study.

The thigh region has many perforators when compared to the other areas in the body. Surgeons have disregarded the posterior thigh region as a potential donor site for perforator flap surgeries, presumably owing to the positioning difficulties of the patients during the intervention and inadequate anatomical information. The purpose of this study was to provide comprehensive data concerning the profunda femoris artery. Perforator flaps on an anatomical basis, and to describe anatomical landmarks, easing topographical flap dissection in various combinations. Eleven fresh cadaver thighs were obtained from different individuals using the Willed Body Program. The mean age was 43.5 years (29-63), and the male/female ratio was 7/4. We evaluated each cutaneous perforator for localization, diameter, source artery, numbers, length, and type (musculocutaneous or septocutaneous).We observed at least two perforators in all thighs in the study. Medial perforators consisted of 74.5% musculocutaneous and 25.5% septocutaneous perforators. Lateral perforators consisted of 68.3% septocutaneous perforators and 31.7% musculocutaneous perforators. Positioning difficulties of the patient during surgery and inadequate anatomical information cause surgeons to avoid this area. However, surgeons may easily perform these flaps in reconstructive surgery as a local or free flap with substantial success.