Less Is More in Congenital and Pediatric Nasal Lesions.

Congenital and pediatric nasal lesion resection and their reconstructive outcomes are not well studied. A surgeon must consider the site, size, depth, etiology, age, and effect on future function (including growth). As such, it is important to contrast the differences between the adult's and child's nose. The authors propose that more conservative resection and reconstructive methods may better serve congenital and pediatric nasal lesions. An Internal Review Board approved study of congenital and pediatric nasal lesions using a defect only approach from 2005 to 2017 was performed. Lesions, type of surgeries, complications, aesthetic outcome, and additional interventions were reviewed. One hundred twenty-seven patients met the study criteria with a median age at surgery of 5.4 years with follow-up of 1.4 years (1 week-11.3 years). The most common diagnosis was congenital melanocytic nevus (47, 37%). The lesions were located on more than 1 subunit in 34 (27%) patients with an average surface area of 3.7 (0.04-32) cm. The most common primary procedure was excision and primary closure with adjacent tissue undermining/rearrangement (73, 57.4%) followed by full-thickness skin graft (23, 18.1%). The aesthetic outcome was considered acceptable in a high number of patients 117 (92%), while 10 (8%) patients had unacceptable aesthetic outcomes, mostly due to scarring. The authors' data supports the concept of minimal healthy tissue excision or lesion only excision when treating pediatric and congenital nasal lesions.

Microsurgical Reconstruction Following Oncologic Resection in Pediatric Patients: A 15-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Free tissue transfer in the pediatric population is a challenging endeavor, even for experienced microsurgeons. Some surgeons argue these cases can be limited by vessel size and spasticity and should be undertaken only when absolutely necessary. We present a 15-year experience examining outcomes of free tissue transfer in pediatric oncologic patients. METHODS: All free flaps performed at a single institution in pediatric patients (age range 3-17) between January 2000 and December 2014 were reviewed. RESULTS: Overall, 102 patients (mean age 12.1 ± 4.0 years) were identified who underwent 109 free flaps. The most common flaps were the fibula free flap (46%) and the anterolateral thigh free flap (27%). 81 cases (74%) had malignant disease with 70 cases (64%) involving the head and neck region. 21 cases (19%) had preoperative radiation and 58 cases (53%) had preoperative chemotherapy. 5 cases had total flap loss (4.6%) and 17 cases (15.6%) had immediate post-operative complications, with wound infection (4.6%) being most common. 17 cases (15.6%) had long-term complications with delayed or non-union (4.6%) being most common. Survival rate was 91.7% at 1 year and 78.9% at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Free tissue transfer is a reliable and appropriate choice in pediatric patients requiring soft tissue or bony reconstruction. Even in pediatric oncologic patients with preoperative chemotherapy or radiation, flap survival and outcomes are comparable to the adult population. Pediatric free tissue transfer should not be avoided but instead considered the gold standard for patients with complex defects, just as it is in the adult population.

Microsurgical Lower Extremity Reconstruction in the Subacute Period: A Safe Alternative.

BACKGROUND: Microsurgical reconstruction of the lower extremity is an integral part of the limb salvage algorithm. Success is defined by a pain-free functional extremity, with a healed fracture and sufficient durable soft tissue coverage. Although early flap coverage of lower extremity fractures is an important goal, it is not always feasible because of multiple factors. Between the years 2000 and 2010, approximately 50% of patients at Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center requiring microsurgical reconstruction did not receive soft tissue coverage until more than 15 days postinjury secondary to primary trauma, physiologic instability, patient comorbidities, or orthopedic and plastic surgery operative backlog. The objective of our study was to evaluate outcomes in patients who underwent microsurgical reconstruction of the lower extremity, in relation to the timing of reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients requiring immediate lower extremity reconstruction from January 2000 to December 2009 at LAC + USC. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were identified in this study. The most common mechanisms of injury were motorcycle, motor vehicle, and fall accidents. Eighty-six percent of injuries were open and 74% were comminuted. The distal 1/3 of the tibia, including the tibial pilon, was the most common location of injury. When comparing patients reconstructed in less than 15 days versus greater than or equal to 15 days, there was no significant difference in rates of flap failure, osteomyelitis, bony union, or ambulation. CONCLUSION: Microsurgical reconstruction of the lower extremity in the subacute period is a safe alternative.

High frequency percussive ventilation and low FiO(2).

BACKGROUND: High-frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) is an effective rescue therapy in ventilated patients with acute lung injury. High levels of inspired oxygen (FiO(2)) are toxic to the lungs. The objective of this study was to review a low FiO(2) (0.25)/HFPV protocol as a protective strategy in burn patients receiving mechanical ventilation greater than 10 days. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective study in burn patients between December 2002 and May 2005 at the LAC+USC Burn Center. Demographic and physiologic data were recorded from time of admission to extubation, 4 weeks, or death. RESULTS: 32 subjects were included in this study, 1 patient failed the protocol. 23 of 32 (72%) patients were men and mean age was 46±15 years. Average TBSA burn was 30±20 with 9 of 32 (28%) having >40% TBSA involved. Average burn index was 76±21. 22 of 32 (69%) had inhalation injury and 23 of 32 (72%) had significant comorbidities. Average ventilator parameters included ventilator days 24±12, FiO(2) 0.28±0.03, PaO(2) 107±15 Torr, PaCO(2) 42±4 Torr, and PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio 395±69. 16 of 32 (50%) patients developed pneumonia and 9 of 32 (28%) died. No patient developed ARDS, barotrauma, or died from respiratory failure. There was no association between inhalation injury and mortality in this group of patients. CONCLUSION: A low FiO(2)/HFPV protocol is a safe and effective way to ventilate critically ill burn patients. Reducing the oxidative stress of high inspired oxygen levels may improve outcome.