Interpolated Flaps.

Nasal reconstruction has been articulated in the literature since 700 B.C. when the earliest iteration of the forehead flap was described in the Indian medical treatise, the Sushruta Samhita. Since then it has evolved into the interpolated flap which has served as a powerful tool for facial reconstruction. The interpolated flap is constructed from nonadjacent donor tissue that has an inherent blood supply. It requires a multistaged approach and is best suited for reconstruction of large or deep defects of the nose. There are three types of interpolated flaps used for nasal reconstruction: the forehead, melolabial, and nasofacial interpolation flaps. The nose is the central feature of the human face and its placement is both aesthetic and functional. Any defects owing to accidental or iatrogenic trauma can cause physiologic and psychological injury to patients. This article aims to review the aforementioned flaps and give indications, contraindications, procedure details, and future directions of these flaps.

Cerebral Vasospasm Following Transsphenoidal Hypophysectomy in the Treatment of Lymphocytic Hypophysitis.

Cerebral vasospasm following transsphenoidal hypophysectomy is an exceedingly rare but serious complication with high morbidity and mortality. The initial signs and symptoms of cerebral vasospasm following transsphenoidal hypophysectomy are changes in mental status, motor deficits, and speech difficulties. Symptomatic vasospasm is difficult to reverse despite treatment and often only resolves with time. Furthermore, most transsphenoidal hypophysectomy patients have been discharged before the onset of vasospasm, so when they do present it is often in a fulminant form and recalcitrant to available treatments.All previously reported patients of cerebral vasospasm following transsphenoidal hypophysectomy were status postresection of a pituitary macroadenoma. The authors report the first patient of vasospasm following transsphenoidal hypophysectomy in the treatment of lymphocytic hypophysitis; a rare inflammatory disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the pituitary gland causing destruction glandular tissue.

The temporoparietal fascia flap for coverage of cochlear reimplantation following extrusion.

The management of cochlear implant extrusion (CIE) can be challenging, particularly in the pediatric population in whom reconstructive options are limited. We describe the use of the temporoparietal fascia flap (TPFF) for this purpose due to its ease of use and limited morbidity. We present a case series of two pediatric patients who underwent explantation of their devices, followed by reimplantation with TPFF coverage. Our experience provides evidence that the TPFF can be used to prevent further CIE through a postauricular incision following cochlear reimplantation with successful long-term results.

External Auditory Canal Foreign Body Extraction Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To compare pediatric external auditory canal (EAC) foreign body extraction outcomes by clinical setting and identify factors predictive of successful removal. METHODS: Retrospective review of pediatric patients with EAC foreign bodies to a single institution emergency department (ED) and otolaryngology clinic (OTO) between January 2010 and April 2015. Patient characteristics, foreign body type, removal attempts, instrumentation utilized, and complications were evaluated with respect to clinical setting and patient outcome. RESULTS: In all, 1197 patients with EAC foreign bodies were identified, 759 (63%) of whom presented primarily to the ED. Successful removal was achieved in OTO in 92.9% of cases and the ED in 67.9% of cases. Beads and spherical objects had the overall lowest rates of successful removal. Likelihood of removal decreased significantly after one unsuccessful attempt. Complications were reported in 35.7% of patients undergoing removal in the ED and 5.0% of patients undergoing removal in the otolaryngology clinic. CONCLUSIONS: Patients commonly present to the ED for removal of EAC foreign bodies. Referral to an otolaryngologist is recommended if the object is spherical or after one unsuccessful attempt at removal.

Complications in Eyelid Surgery.

Eyelid surgery consists of challenging reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. Because of the complex anatomy and corresponding vital functions of the upper and lower eyelids, the avoidance of eyelid complications is of vital importance. Complications after eyelid surgery include basic complications (infection, granuloma) and vision-threatening complications. Preoperative history, physical examination, surgical planning, and meticulous surgical technique must be undertaken to prevent complications after eyelid surgery. In addition, patient knowledge, expectations, and motivations must be determined before surgery is performed.

Otolaryngologic surgery in children with trisomy 18 and 13.

OBJECTIVES: Trisomy 18 and 13 are the most common autosomal trisomy disorders after Down syndrome. Given the high mortality rate (5-10% one-year survival), trisomy 18 and 13 were historically characterized as uniformly lethal and palliation was the predominant management approach. Management strategy has shifted with recognition that through medical and surgical intervention, children with trisomy 18 and 13 can achieve developmental milestones, live meaningful lives, and exhibit long-term survival. Otolaryngologic surgery in children with trisomy 18 and 13 has not been described. The objective of this article is to describe the role of the otolaryngologist in the management of children with trisomy 18 and 13. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Retrospective cohort analysis of the surgery registry for the Support Organization for Trisomy 18, 13 and Related Disorders for otolaryngologic surgeries reported from 1988 through June 1, 2014. RESULTS: In the database of approximately 1349 children, 1380 procedures were reported, 231 (17%) of which were otolaryngologic. The most common otolaryngologic procedures were tympanostomy tube placement (57/231, 25%), cleft lip repair (40/231, 17%), tracheostomy (38/231, 16.5%), tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy (37/231, 16%), and cleft palate repair (30/231, 13%). Of the ten most common procedures reported, four were otolaryngologic. CONCLUSIONS: Seventeen percent of procedures performed in children with trisomy 18 and 13 were otolaryngologic, highlighting the significant role of the otolaryngologist in the treatment of these patients. Surgical intervention may be considered as part of a balanced approach to patient care.