Factors influencing the severity of medical device-related pressure injuries: Pressure injury staging comparison.

Medical device-related pressure injuries are receiving increased attention because their social and economic costs are increasing. This study aimed to analyse the stages for each risk factor, and to assess which has a greater impact on severity. We performed a retrospective analysis of 237 patients. Severity was evaluated by pressure injury stages, and the following categories were considered as risk factors: perceptual functioning, malnutrition, reduced mobility, comorbidities, extrinsic factors, medical devices, anatomical areas, and hospital stay. The stages of pressure injury stages were more for vascular access devices than for respiratory devices. The following were related to severity: mental deterioration-related diseases, mental status, albumin level, haemoglobin level, total cholesterol level, intensive care unit care, days of hospitalisation, and time to develop pressure injuries after admission. Decreased mental status, anaemia, hypoalbuminemia, and low total cholesterol levels were particularly critical. However, factors such as anatomical areas, age, malignancy, diabetes mellitus, diseases related to malnutrition, abnormal body mass index, immobility-related diseases, physical restraints, and Braden scale scores were not. A different approach to the management of medical device-related pressure injuries is necessary because they have distinctive characteristics and causative factors than other pressure injury types.

Current strategies for aesthetic soft tissue refinement in nasal reconstruction.

The challenges of successful nasal reconstruction, which are related to the anatomical complexity of the region, have been extensively studied. Revisional operations are often required to achieve proper nasal reconstruction, with results resembling the premorbid nasal status. This is necessary to ensure the quality of life of skin cancer patients. Fundamental nasal reconstruction requires both proper soft tissue coverage and proper function. However, earlier studies in the field primarily focused on the functional aspect of nose reconstruction, although the cosmetic aspect is also an important factor to consider. In response to this need, many recent studies on nose reconstruction have proposed various refinement strategies to improve aesthetic satisfaction. Most plastic surgeons accept the nasal aesthetic subunit principle as a standard for nasal reconstruction. This review outlines the commonly used surgical refinement options and management strategies for postoperative complications based on the subunit principle. In patients with nasal defects, a proper technical strategy might help minimize revision operations and optimize the long-term results.

Role of plastic surgeons in the trauma center: national level I trauma center startup experience in South Korea.

ABSTRACT: Although it is well recognized that other surgical specialties perform various procedures related to trauma care, there is a lack of analyses focusing on the role of plastic surgical management in trauma centers. This retrospective study was designed to investigate the scope of plastic surgery services in acute trauma care, using clinical data obtained from a single, regional, level I trauma center.This study included patients who presented to a single, regional, level I trauma center between March 1, 2016 and February 28, 2018. Patients with acute trauma to the facial soft tissue and skeleton, soft tissue of the upper and lower limbs, trunk and perineum, and other areas requiring plastic surgical procedures were included in the analysis. Cases requiring consultation for the correction of posttraumatic deformity or secondary deformity and trauma sequelae, such as scars, were excluded. Data on patients' demographics and detailed surgical procedures were acquired from electronic medical records. The reviewed cases were categorized by the primary anatomical region requiring surgery and the primary procedure performed.A total of 1544 patients underwent surgery, and 2217 procedures were recorded during the 2-year study period. In 2016, 1062 procedures on 690 patients, and, in 2017, 1155 procedures on 787 patients were registered. The average age of the patients who underwent plastic surgical procedure due to a trauma-related cause was 38.4 years (range, 2 days to 91 years), and 1148 patients (77.7%) were male. The head and neck region was the most commonly observed anatomical area that was operated on. The facial bone requiring the largest degree of surgical intervention was the mandible, followed by the zygomatic bone, nasal bones, orbital floor, and maxilla. Microsurgical procedures, such as flap surgery and microsurgery, were performed in 121 cases. The most commonly elevated free flap was the ALT flap (n = 69).Plastic surgeons play various roles in level I trauma centers, such as in the management of facial injury, performing limb-saving free tissue transfers, and complex wound reconstruction with flaps or skin grafts. Thus, plastic surgeons are an essential part of trauma centers.

Multivariate analysis of early surgical management factors affecting posttraumatic penoscrotal avulsion injury: a level I trauma center study.

BACKGROUND: To conduct an accurate evaluation of patients presenting with posttraumatic penoscrotal injuries, and to formulate a treatment algorithm based on this assessment. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review study. Patients with penoscrotal defects admitted to our level I trauma center from 2017 to 2019 were evaluated. The Braden scale score was used for wound evaluation and the Korean patient classification system (KPCS) was used for assessment of severity. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for potential risk factors associated with early surgical management. RESULTS: In total, there were 58 male patients, and the average Braden scale score was 12.08 ± 2.54, with the scrotum (36.20%), and the penile shaft (32.76%) being popular sites for injuries. The wounds requiring surgical treatment were 20.68% (n = 12), with local flaps (33.33%) being most commonly used. The significant predictors of advanced wounds which required surgical treatment were old age (p = 0.026, odds ratio [OR] 8.238), orthopedic combined injuries (p = 0.044, OR 1.088), intubation (p = 0.018, OR 9.625), restraint (p = 0.036, OR 0.157) and blood transfusion (p < 0.001, OR 2.462). CONCLUSION: In multiple trauma patients, penoscrotal defects caused by high-speed trauma are an important matter of concern. Specifically, patients with combined skeletal injuries or requiring respiratory care were prone to advanced wounds. We proposed a five-category algorithm to manage such patients, which included severity of the patient's condition, respiration, hemodynamic status, comorbidity, and immobilization. Additionally, inter-departmental cooperation and active intervention by plastic surgeons is needed for the comprehensive treatment of such injuries. Trial registration This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study and all its protocols were approved by the institutional review board of Ajou Medical Center (approval no. AJIRB-MED-MDB-17-254). The need for informed consent was waived by the institutional review board of our hospital due to the retrospective design of the study.

Multifactorial analysis of the surgical outcomes of giant congenital melanocytic nevi: Single versus serial tissue expansion.

BACKGROUND: Giant congenital melanocytic nevus (GCMN) is a rare disease, for which complete surgical resection is recommended. However, the size of the lesions presents problems for the management of the condition. The most popular approach is to use a tissue expander; however, single-stage expansion in reconstructive surgery for GCMN cannot always address the entire defect. Few reports have compared tissue expansion techniques. The present study compared single and serial expansion to analyze the risk factors for complications and the surgical outcomes of the two techniques. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of patients who underwent tissue expander reconstruction between March 2011 and July 2019. Serial expansion was indicated in cases of anatomically obvious defects after the first expansion, limited skin expansion with two more expander insertions, or capsular contracture after removal of the first expander. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients (88 cases) were analyzed, of whom 31 underwent serial expansion. The number of expanders inserted was higher in the serial-expansion group (P<0.001). The back and lower extremities were the most common locations for single and serial expansion, respectively (P=0.043). Multivariate analysis showed that sex (odds ratio [OR], 0.257; P=0.015), expander size (OR, 1.016; P=0.015), and inflation volume (OR, 0.987; P=0.015) were risk factors for complications. CONCLUSIONS: Serial expansion is a good option for GCMN management. We demonstrated that large-sized expanders and large inflation volumes can lead to complications, and therefore require risk-reducing strategies. Nonetheless, serial expansion with proper management is appropriate for certain patients and can provide aesthetically satisfactory outcomes.

Transformation of Malignant Melanoma From Giant Nevus in Infantile Penis.

Background: Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and its incidence rate increases with age. Malignant melanoma in infants has been rarely reported in the literature. Herein, we report a case of malignant transformation of a nodular lesion found in the penis of a patient with a giant congenital nevus. Case presentation: A 1-month-old male patient was admitted due to the presence of a giant congenital nevus involving the lower abdomen, bilateral inguinal areas, genitals, and left thigh and knee. Six months later, nodules measuring 1 cm in diameter protruding from the genital area were noted, and a part of the nodule was removed via elliptical excision with the patient under general anesthesia. Gross examination showed an edematous lesion similar to a neurofibroma and with unclear boundaries. Biopsy revealed a malignant melanoma, with a Breslow thickness of at least 3 mm, and absence of lymphovascular invasion; the biopsy confirmed incomplete excision. The patient was scheduled for radical resection, but reconstruction was not performed following surgical resection due to the guardian's refusal. Hence, the patient only received an adjuvant medical treatment and eventually died. Conclusion: We reported a rare case of an infant with a malignant melanoma in the penis. Congenital malignant melanoma rarely occurs in infants; however, due to its fatal consequences, follow-up should be performed to assess for malignant changes.

Huge Radicular Cyst of the Maxilla Treated with Complete Resection and Immediate Reconstruction by Rib Bone Graft.

Radicular cysts are the most common odontogenic cystic lesions that occur in jaws. They rarely become problematic and are incidentally found on routine dental radiographs. As they appear to reach a considerable size prior to medical attention due to their insidious and destructive growth characteristics during the intraosseous stage, treatment often requires extensive cystectomy and skeletal reconstruction. Here we present the case of an 18-year-old man who was sent to our department, because of a huge, bulging mass in his left cheek. Surgery consisted of complete removal of the cyst and immediate reconstruction of the midfacial buttress using an autologous rib graft in a tongue-and-groove fashion. Histopathological examination of the lesion confirmed the diagnosis of a maxillary radicular cyst. This case underscores the nature of the frequently asymptomatic and long-term evolution of maxillary radicular cysts, with their growth causing massive bone destruction for which skeletal reconstruction is required.

Trimming of Absorbable Plates and Screws through Smoothing by Multiple Sonic Activation Procedures Can Increase Local Tissue Reactions in Children with Cranial Fixations.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to investigate the local reactions due to the melting of absorbable plates and screws after trimming through smoothing by multiple sonic activation procedures (MSAP). BACKGROUND: Drilling or smoothing by MSAP is performed for the trimming of the absorbable plates and screws for cranial fixation in children. Compared to drilling, smoothing by MSAP is suspected to more commonly cause local tissue reactions; thus, the issue was examined herein. METHODS: For 90 children with smoothing by MSAP and 83 children with drilling procedures who underwent cranial fixation using absorbable plates and screws, the type, time of onset, and incidence of the local reactions were investigated. RESULTS: Swelling was the most common reaction, followed by inflammatory reactions with itching, heating, skin-penetrating drainage, and pus formation. The mean time of onset of the local reaction was 10.0 ± 2.3 months after surgery. Local reactions occurred in 30% of the children in the group with smoothing by MSAP, and in 7.2% of the children in the group with drilling, showing a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that drilling rather than smoothing by MSAP to change the shapes of the absorbable plates and screws in cranial fixation can reduce the local reactions.

Analysis of Facial Injuries in Motor Vehicle Accidents According to the Location of the Seat and Seat-Belt Use.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate facial trauma in accidents involving a passenger car. In particular, the authors assessed differences in types of facial trauma and severity according to the location of the seat and seat-belt use. A 7-year retrospective review of data was conducted for 419 patients with facial trauma resulting from motor vehicle accidents. Patients who used a seat belt faced a lower risk of severe soft-tissue injury in comparison with having mild soft-tissue injury than patients who did not use a seat belt (P = 0.0129). Additionally, patients who used a seat belt had a lower risk of accompanying facial bone fracture requiring surgical operation than patients who did not use a seat belt (P = 0.0168). In terms of facial bone fracture according to seat location, patients who had sat in the back seat had more risk of accompanying facial bone fracture than patients who had sat in the passenger's seat (P = 0.0392). In terms of facial bone fractures requiring surgical operation, the patients who had sat in a back seat faced more risk of needing a surgical operation than patients who had sat in the driver's seat (P = 0.0479). The results of the study reveal that wearing a seat belt effectively reduces severe facial soft-tissue injury and facial bone fracture requiring surgical operation. In particular, the authors note that sitting in a back seat is riskier in terms of facial bone injury than sitting in a front seat.

Effect of Size and Location of Nevi on Postoperative Pain and Emergence Agitation in Children Undergoing Nevi Excision.

Congenital melanocytic nevi need surgical excisions. However, the effect of the size and location of the nevi on pain and emergence agitation have yet to be studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate (1) the ideal parameter of the nevus size and (2) the effects of the size and location of the nevus on pain and emergence agitation. This observational study enrolled 100 children scheduled for an excision of a nevus under sevoflurane anesthesia. The parameters of the nevus size included the long diameter, the area before resection, the area of resection, and the proportion (the area of resection/total body surface). The nevus locations included the trunk, face, scalp, and extremities. The proportion of the nevi was the most ideal parameter in evaluating the pain and emergence agitation. A large size showed a higher emergence agitation than a small size (median (range); 6 (0⁻20) in small groups vs. 12.5 (0⁻20) in large groups, p = 0.021). However, the pain was comparable. The nevus location did not influence pain or emergence agitation. In a multivariate regression analysis, a younger age and an extensive excision were associated with higher pain and emergence agitation. In conclusion, large nevi induced more severe emergence agitation. However, the nevus location did not affect the outcome. In addition, a younger age was associated with pain and emergence agitation. Clinicians need to consider the proportion of nevi when managing children undergoing a nevus excision.

Continuous Intracranial Pressure Monitoring in 24 Microcephalic Children with Developmental Delay: A Significant Portion of Microcephalic Children with Developmental Delay Have High Intracranial Pressure.

OBJECTIVE: The new direct gradual cranial expansion surgical technique has been used to treat children with postshunt microcephaly and slit ventricle syndrome. To evaluate the feasibility of this new surgical treatment, we studied intracranial pressure (ICP) in microcephalic children with developmental delay. METHODS: Mean ICP, age, sex, head size, and developmental assessments were compared in 24 microcephalic children with developmental delay who had had continuous ICP monitoring. RESULTS: Children studied included 9 boys and 15 girls with a mean age of 4.9 ± 2.0 years. Mean ICP was 18.7 ± 8.6 mm Hg. Children with high ICP had significantly lower age and higher B wave ratios than children with low ICP. There were no statistically significant differences in developmental scores and head sizes between children with high ICP and children with low ICP. In multiple linear regression analysis, we observed significantly increased risk of mean ICP elevation by B wave ratio and developmental score and decreased risk of mean ICP elevation by age, but not significantly increased risk of mean ICP elevation by head circumferences (z score). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that a portion of microcephalic children with developmental delay have high ICP that cannot be expected from head sizes, and high ICP has decreasing tendency with age.

Analysis of prognostic factors affecting poor outcomes in 41 cases of Fournier gangrene.

PURPOSE: We present our experience involving the management of this disease, identifying prognostic factors affecting treatment outcomes. METHODS: The patients treated for Fournier gangrene at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included demographics, extent of soft tissue necrosis, predisposing factors, etiological factors, laboratory values, and treatment outcomes. The severity index and score were calculated. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the association between potential predictors and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients (male:female = 33:8) were studied. The mean age was 54.4 years (range, 24-79 years). The most common predisposing factor was diabetes mellitus (n = 19, 46.3%). Sixteen patients (39.0%) were current smokers. Seven patients had chronic kidney disease. The most frequent etiology was urogenital lesion (41.5%). The mortality rate was 22.0% (n = 9). Multivariate regression analyses showed that extension of necrosis beyond perineal/inguinal area and pre-existing chronic kidney disease were significant and independent predictors of mortality. Extension of necrosis beyond perineal/inguinal area was a significant predictor of increased duration in the intensive care unit and hospital stay. In addition, pre-existing chronic kidney disease was a significant predictor of flap reconstruction in the wound. CONCLUSION: Fournier gangrene with extensive soft tissue necrosis and pre-existing chronic kidney disease was associated with poor prognosis and complexity of patient management. Early recognition of dissemination and premorbid renal function is essential to reduce mortality and establish a management plan for this disease.

Solitary mastocytoma presenting at birth.

Mastocytosis is a rare disease which occurs in both children and adults, and it can manifest as a solitary or multiple skin lesions. Both can cause cutaneous or systemic symptoms. Because of the heterogeneity of clinical presentation of mastocytosis and its rare prevalence, it can be hard to suspect the mastocytosis at the first time. Most solitary mastocytomas are about 1-5 cm in diameter and have features of brownish-yellow, minimally elevated plaques with a smooth shiny surface. This article presents a case of solitary mastocytoma which occurred in neonate and that we treated through surgical excision. In histopathological examination, it consisted of c-kit-positive mast cells. Although pediatric cutaneous mastocytosis might regress spontaneously, clinicians should keep in mind that it could be associated with systemic mastocytosis which involves hematopoietic system.

Free-Flap Transfer for Coverage of Transmetatarsal Amputation Stump to Preserve Residual Foot Length.

Surgical management of soft-tissue defects of the forefoot and midfoot caused by trauma or diabetic complications can be challenging because locoregional tissue is insufficient to provide adequate flap. This deficiency necessitates higher-level amputations, such as Chopart or even transtibial amputation, resulting in far more debilitating functional outcomes than are seen with partial foot amputation. The purpose of this study was to examine the surgical outcomes after transmetatarsal amputation and a free-flap transfer to preserve foot length. This prospective case series was conducted from January 2011 to December 2015 at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at our institute. A total of 16 patients (11 men and 5 women) were enrolled in this study, all of whom were candidates for higher-level amputation because of inadequate soft-tissue coverage after debridement. Each patient underwent transmetatarsal amputation and reconstruction of the amputation stump using free-flap transfers to preserve foot length. Preoperative and postoperative data were collected to evaluate the postoperative outcomes. All 16 free-flap transfers were successful, with no major complications. In 2 cases, partial flap necrosis required additional skin grafting. The mean follow-up period was 24.3 months (range = 7-55 months). Flap coverage was stable, and all the patients were comfortable with their prostheses at long-term follow-up. Use of a free flap to reconstruct a transmetatarsal amputation stump provided stable coverage, preserved maximal foot length, and resulted in good functional outcomes.

Use of Acellular Dermal Matrix in Treatment of Congenital Muscular Torticollis in Patients Over Eight Years of Age.

BACKGROUND: Treatment for neglected or recurred congenital muscular torticollis should be differentiated from primary patients due to the long-standing adjacent tissue contracture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) on surgery of recurred and neglected patients of congenital muscular torticollis. METHODS: Forty-nine patients were included in the study. All patients underwent resection at the distal end of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. In the study group of 18 patients (ADM group), the defect caused by myectomy and scar tissue removal was covered with ADM. Passive range of neck motion, head tilt, cosmetic and functional satisfaction, and scar was evaluated and compared with the control group of 31 patients (non-ADM group) during follow-up. Logistic and linear regression analyses with adjustment by propensity score were performed to determine the association between ADM implantation and postoperative variables. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 18.8 months. No patient required further operation for recurrence during follow-up. The improvement of neck motion in ADM group was significantly superior to non-ADM group at the 1-year follow-up, and the overall assessment score was significantly higher in the ADM group. Acellular dermal matrix implantation was not associated with increased discharge of total drain. CONCLUSIONS: In patients over 8 years of age with recurred or neglected congenital muscular torticollis, use of dermal substitute to fill the defect caused by torticollis release is effective in achieving satisfactory neck motion. Surgical sectioning of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and ADM graft should be considered in recurred and neglected torticollis.

Effectiveness of Acellular Dermal Matrix on Autologous Split-Thickness Skin Graft in Treatment of Deep Tissue Defect: Esthetic Subjective and Objective Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: A split-thickness skin graft (STSG) is performed to cover a large full-thickness skin defect. Esthetic and functional deficits can result, and many studies have sought to overcome them. This study compared the effectiveness of the acellular dermal matrix (ADM) graft and STSG concerning esthetic and functional effectiveness of ADM on scar quality. METHODS: Of the patients who underwent anterolateral thigh free flap from 2011 to 2015, patients who received skin graft only (n = 10) or skin graft with ADM (n = 20) for coverage of the donor site were enrolled. In all cases, autologous STSG was performed with 1:1.5 meshed 0.008-0.010-inch-thick skin. In the skin graft with ADM group, 0.008-0.013-inch-thick meshed ADM (CGderm®; CGBio, Inc., Seungnam, Korea) was co-grafted. Negative-pressure wound therapy (CuraVAC®; CGBio, Inc., Seungnam, Korea) was applied to both groups in continuous mode at -120 mmHg. We investigate early outcomes (skin loss rate, duration of negative-pressure wound therapy, days to removal of stitches, days to achieve complete healing, and complications) and late outcomes in terms of scar quality (vascularity, pigmentation, pliability and height) and graft-related symptoms (itching sensation and pain). Assessments used the Vancouver Scar Scale and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Skin fold was measured to evaluate the elasticity of scar tissue. RESULTS: In the Vancouver Scar Scale, vascularity subscore (p = 0.003) and total score (p = 0.016) were significantly lower in the skin graft with ADM group. In Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, the pain (p = 0.037) and stiffness subscores (p = 0.002), and total score (p = 0.017) were significantly lower in the skin graft with ADM group. CONCLUSIONS: Skin graft with ADM results in better scar quality in objective and subjective aspects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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 .

Use of revascularized artery as a recipient in microvascular reconstruction of the lower leg: An analysis of 62 consecutive free flap transfers.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to demonstrate the safety and reliability of combined preoperative angioplasty and free flap transfer in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) by analyzing the surgical outcomes. METHODS: Between October 2011 and October 2015, patients who had undergone lower extremity angiography and subsequent free flap transfer were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included demographics, perioperative data, and postoperative outcomes. The cases were divided into two groups: one group with microanastomosis performed on revascularized artery by balloon angioplasty and the other group performed on native artery. Multiple logistic regression model using propensity score and linear regression was computed to determine the association between preoperative angioplasty and the surgical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 62 lower limb reconstruction cases (19 angioplastied cases and 43 nonangioplastied cases) were included in the study. Complications occurred in 6 cases in the angioplastied group and in 11 cases in the control group. The overall limb salvage rate was 100% during the average follow-up of 29.5 months in the angioplastied group and 97.7% in the nonangioplastied control group during the average follow-up of 31.1 months. Preoperative angioplasty was not a significant predictor of increased complications and longer postoperative downtime in logistic and linear regression model, both in the weighted and unweighted model. CONCLUSIONS: The combined approach of preoperative endovascular revascularization and free flap transfer for limb reconstruction in PAOD patients can be performed safely and effectively with acceptable morbidity.

Reduction of Closed Frontal Sinus Fractures through Suprabrow Approach.

BACKGROUND: The traditional approach for reduction of frontal sinus fractures is coronal incision. Inherent complications of the coronal approach include long scar, hair loss, and long operation time. We describe a simple approach for the reduction of frontal sinus anterior wall fractures using a suprabrow incision that is commonly used for brow lift. METHODS: From March 2007 to October 2016, the authors identified patients with anterior wall frontal sinus fractures treated by open reduction through a suprabrow incision. Only cases with photographic/radiographic documentation and a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included. The incision line was designed to be at the upper margin of the eyebrow. Medical records and radiographic data were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical outcomes, cosmetic results, and complication were assessed. The patient scale of the patient and observer scar assessment scale was used to assess patient satisfaction for incisional scar at the 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients underwent fracture reduction through a suprabrow approach during the study period, with a mean follow-up of 41 months. No patients showed any recurrent displacement, eyebrow asymmetry, or infection during follow-up. Thirteen patients reported their forehead paresthesia postoperatively, and 12 of them had preoperative symptom. One patient complained of incisional scar and underwent scar revision. All patients were satisfied with their eyebrow and forehead contour. CONCLUSION: The suprabrow approach allowed for an accurate reduction of the fractures in the anterior wall frontal sinus by providing direct visualization of the fracture. This transcutaneous approach can effectively restore forehead contour with acceptable postoperative complications and patient satisfaction.

The Total Calvarial Transsutural Distraction Osteogenesis for 26 Children with Slit Ventricle, Craniosynostosis, or Microcephaly After Shunt Operation.

OBJECTIVE: Among shunt complications, the postshunt slit ventricle (PSSV) and the postshunt craniosynostosis (PSCS) may be managed by shunt valve upgrade and/or cranial expansion surgery. Here, we analyzed 26 children with PSSV, PSCS, or microcephaly who received simple generalized cranial expansion (ie, total calvarial transsutural distraction osteogenesis [TC-TSuDO]). METHODS: Among 254 children with shunt surgery, 26 children received TC-TSuDO. These 26 children included 14 with PSSV, 4 with PSCS, and 8 with both PSSV and PSCS. The mean age of patients who underwent shunt procedures was 8.2 ± 10.6 months, and the mean time interval from shunt surgery to TC-TSuDO was 26.8 ± 29.5 months. The mean age of children at the time of TC-TSuDO was 33.3 ± 30.2 months. We analyzed head circumferences, lumbar puncture pressures, development status, operative factors, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The mean preoperative head circumference was -2.1 ± 1.9, which increased to -1.4 ± 2.1 (P < 0.001) postsurgically. The mean preoperative lumbar puncture pressure was 26.2 ± 10.7 cm H2O which decreased to 11.9 ± 3.5 cm H2O (P < 0.001) after surgery. The mean operation time was 138 ± 66 minutes. The mean intensive care unit stay was 0.27 ± 0.53 days. There were no mortalities but 2 patients suffered from distractor malfunction and 1 patient showed wound discharge. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that postshunt complications such as PSSV or PSCS, especially those that are accompanied by increased intracranial pressure or postshunt microcephaly, may be managed for patients with TC-TSuDO, which has been shown to be safe, simple, and effective.