Frequency, location, and diameter of the anastomosis between the posterior superior alveolar artery and the infraorbital artery in imaging studies: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The anastomosis between the posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) and the infraorbital artery (IOA) courses along half of the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus. Risk of injury to the anastomosis between PSAA and IOA during surgical procedures has been reported. The aim of the present study was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the frequency, location, and diameter of the anastomosis between PSAA and IOA in imaging studies (cone-beam computed tomography, spiral cone-beam computed tomography, and computed tomography). A search was carried out in the PubMed, EMBASE, and LILACS. Original works were included reporting imaging studies to analyze the frequency, location, and diameter of the anastomosis in humans. The risks of bias were analyzed using the AQUA tool. Generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the frequency and the 95% CI in the meta-analysis. The variance in prevalence estimates was stabilized by logit transformation. The qualitative analysis included 49 studies with 10,837 patients. The frequency of the anastomosis between PSAA and IOA was 74% (prediction interval 0.20-0.97%). The anastomosis was most frequently located in the intraosseous region (60.0%), followed by the submembranous region (33.0%), and least frequently in an extraosseous location (5.0%). Arteries with diameter of 1.0-1.9 mm were most frequent (32.0%), followed by arteries with diameter less than 1 mm (23.0%); a small number with diameter greater than 2 mm was recorded (4.0%). These data can be used as a reference to help surgeons when planning interventions in the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus. Registration number: INPLASY, number 202120071.

Microsurgical arterial anastomosis in young and adult rats: an evolutive and comparative study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the caliber of an arterial micro-anastomosis in the young growing animal using a continuous suture technique. Additionally, late morphological changes and blood flows distal to the anastomosis were evaluated. METHODS: Seventy-four Wistar rats were submitted to laparotomy to access the aorta for blood flow measurement. The aorta was sectioned using microsurgery technique and an end-to-end anastomosis with continuous suture. After a period of six months to one year, the anastomosis was checked. RESULTS: Regarding the size of the aortas, comparing the pre- and postoperative values, there was an increase of 13.33% in adult animals and 25% in young animals, without any difference in the blood flows. CONCLUSIONS: The arteries of young rats show signs of growth at the site of the anastomosis performed with continuous suture.

Exposure of the Middle Rectal Artery and Lateral Ligament of the Rectum Following the Gate Approach during Total Mesorectal Excision.

Controversial surgical anatomical landmarks in the deep pelvis can be visualized and identified using current technologies. Performing the gate approach technique during deep lateral dissection for total mesorectal excision facilitates visualization of the pelvic neurovascular structures following simple dissection steps to preserve the pelvic autonomic nerves and avoid accidental vascular injuries. Here, we discuss laparoscopic exposure of an infrequent disposition of the middle rectal artery anterior to the lateral ligament of the rectum while performing the gate approach.

Machine Learning to Predict Executive Function in Adolescents with Repaired d-Transposition of the Great Arteries, Tetralogy of Fallot, and Fontan Palliation.

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of impaired executive function in adolescents after surgical repair of critical congenital heart disease (CHD). STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed patient factors, medical and surgical history, and family social class from 3 single-center studies of adolescents with d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA), tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and Fontan repair. Machine learning models were developed using recursive partitioning to predict an executive function composite score based on five subtests (population mean 10, SD 3) of the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System. RESULTS: The sample included 386 patients (139 d-TGA, 91 TOF, 156 Fontan) of age 15.1 ± 2.1 (mean ± SD) years and an executive function composite score of 8.6 ± 2.4. Family social class emerged as the most important predictive factor. The lowest (worst) mean executive function score (5.3) occurred in patients with low to medium social class (Hollingshead index <56) with one or more neurologic events and a diagnosis of TOF. The highest (best) mean score (9.7) occurred in subjects with high social class (Hollingshead index ≥56) and shorter duration of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Other factors predicting lower executive function scores included low birth weight and a greater number of catheterizations. CONCLUSIONS: In regression tree modeling, family social class was the strongest predictor of executive function in adolescents with critical CHD, even in the presence of medical risk factors. Additional predictors included CHD diagnosis, birth weight, neurologic events, and number of procedures. These data highlight the importance of social class in mitigating risks of executive dysfunction in CHD.

Testicular arteries anatomy applied to fowler-sthephens surgery in high undescended testis - a narrative review

ABSTRACT Objectives: In this review we will describe the testicular vessels anatomy and the implications of these vessels in surgical treatment of high undescended testis. Material and Methods: We performed a narrative review of the literature about the role of the testicular arteries anatomy in the treatment of high undescended testis. We also studied two human testes to illustrate the testicular vascularization. Results: Each testis is irrigated by three arteries: testicular artery (internal spermatic artery), a branch of the right aorta; deferential artery (vasal artery), a branch of the inferior vesicle artery that originates from the anterior trunk of internal iliac artery and cremasteric artery (external spermatic artery), a branch of the inferior epigastric artery. There are important communications among the three arteries with visible anastomotic channels between the testicular and deferential arteries. Conclusions: Laparoscopic transection of the testicular vessels by dividing the spermatic vessels (Fowler-Stephens surgery) is safe in patients with high abdominal testis due to the great collateral vascular supply between testicular, vasal and cremasteric arteries; also, two-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy appears to carry a higher rate of success than the single stage approach.

Testicular arteries anatomy applied to fowler-sthephens surgery in high undescended testis - a narrative review.

OBJECTIVES: In this review we will describe the testicular vessels anatomy and the implications of these vessels in surgical treatment of high undescended testis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a narrative review of the literature about the role of the testicular arteries anatomy in the treatment of high undescended testis. We also studied two human testes to illustrate the testicular vascularization. RESULTS: Each testis is irrigated by three arteries: testicular artery (internal spermatic artery), a branch of the right aorta; deferential artery (vasal artery), a branch of the inferior vesicle artery that originates from the anterior trunk of internal iliac artery and cremasteric artery (external spermatic artery), a branch of the inferior epigastric artery. There are important communications among the three arteries with visible anastomotic channels between the testicular and deferential arteries. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic transection of the testicular vessels by dividing the spermatic vessels (Fowler-Stephens surgery) is safe in patients with high abdominal testis due to the great collateral vascular supply between testicular, vasal and cremasteric arteries; also, two-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy appears to carry a higher rate of success than the single stage approach.

The profunda artery perforator free flap for lower extremity reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap has been reported in several types of reconstructions. This report aims to evaluate the usefulness and the clinical outcome of patients who underwent the PAP free flap for lower limb reconstruction. METHODS: Between February 2018 and February 2020, nine patients with injury at lower third of the leg, foot dorsum or foot plant (eight acute injuries and one chronic ulcer) were selected. Mean wound size was 12.5 × 6.3 cm (9 × 5-14.5 × 6.5). Inclusion criteria consisted in patient's request to hide the donor site scar and the absence of previous traumas or surgery in the donor site. Patients considered unable to bear prolonged surgery were excluded. Patients underwent preoperative CT angiography and peri-operative Doopler, for perforator selection. All flaps were designed with pinch test, in elliptical shape. Microvascular anastomosis was performed to the tibialis anterior/posterior or medial plantar vessels. Outcomes were evaluated in terms of wound coverage success and patient's quality of life through Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean size of the harvested skin paddle was 13.5 × 7.4 cm (9 × 6-15 × 8) and mean pedicle length was 8.5 cm. Mean flap harvest time was 43.5 min (35-55). Flap survival rate was 100%, with one re-exploration with minimal partial flap loss. Mean follow-up was 13.5 months . Reconstructive results were successful in wound coverage and function. All patients reported satisfaction with their result by LEFS questionnaire (score:64.7). CONCLUSION: With proper patient selection, there was 100% flap survival rate with no major complication. According to our data, the PAP free flap could be a valuable option for lower extremity reconstruction.

A Single Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap in Reconstruction of Large Midline Sacral Defects: A Method for Practical Harvest and Safe Closure.

BACKGROUND: Large midline sacral defects are reconstructive challenges. Superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap provides enough tissue and versatility to cover large defects; however, a single flap may be insufficient. We present a technique to cover large defects using single SGAP flaps. METHODS: Large sacral defects (>100 cm2) reconstructed with single SGAP flaps were included. Angle of transposition (45°-60°) was determined based on the tissue laxity and mobility of gluteal area. Perforator identification, intramuscular dissection, or skeletonization was not performed. Outcomes were measured as achieving durable reconstruction, flap viability, and complications. RESULTS: There were 17 patients (12 male, 5 females; aged 25-72 years) with different etiologies. The mean flap surface area (136.1 ± 45.6 cm2, between 9 × 8 and 26 × 10 cm) was smaller than the mean defect surface area (211.1 ± 87.2 cm2, between 10 × 10 and 28 × 14 cm) (P < 0.001). All flaps survived with no partial or complete flap loss. Minor dehiscence in 4 patients (2 at donor site and 2 at recipient site) healed with dressing changes or using negative-pressure vacuum therapy. All patients had durable outcomes without any recurrence. CONCLUSION: Single unilateral SGAP flaps can be used to completely cover midline large sacral defects. It is important to design the flaps to have a joint side with the defect in the proximal part and use the intrinsic mobility of gluteal soft tissues for the closure. Flaps can be (1) planned to be smaller than the defects, (2) harvested with no intramuscular perforator dissection or pedicle skeletonization, and (3) transposed with an angle less than 60°.

A NEW APPROACH FOR HEMORRHOID DISEASE: SELECTIVE DEARTERIALIZATION AND MUCOPEXY WITHOUT DOPPLER GUIDANCE.

BACKGROUND: The surgical procedure: three dearterializations and three mucopexies.Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) is safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for hemorrhoidal disease, but reports regarding recurrence and postoperative complications (pain and tenesmus) vary significantly. AIM: To evaluate if selective dearterialization and mucopexy at the symptomatic hemorrhoid only, without Doppler guidance, achieves adequate control of the prolapse and bleeding and if postoperative morbidity is reduced with this technique. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients with grade II and III hemorrhoids were treated with this new approach and were evaluated for postoperative complications and recurrence. RESULTS: Control of prolapse and bleeding was achieved in all patients (n=20). Postoperative complications were tenesmus (n=2), external hemorrhoidal thrombosis (n=2) and urinary retention (n=2). After a mean follow-up of 13 months no recurrences were diagnosed. CONCLUSION: Selective dearterialization and mucopexy is safe and achieves adequate control of prolapse and bleeding and, by minimizing sutures in the anal canal, postoperative morbidity is diminished. Doppler probe is unnecessary for this procedure, which makes it also more interesting from an economic perspective.

The Proximal Fasciocutaneous Hypothenar Flap Based on the Cutaneous Branch of the Deep Palmar Artery: A Case Report.

The abductor digiti quinti flap for thumb hypoplasia has been used in its muscular variant as musculocutaneous flap. Several authors have reported myocutaneous branches in the proximal hypothenar region which would vascularize the skin segment covering the hypothenar muscles. Nevertheless, the presence of a cutaneous branch deep palmar artery (CBDPA) vascularizing the proximal hypothenar territory and possibly responsible for the proximal hypothenar cutaneous vascularization was reported. In this paper, a fasciocutaneous hypothenar flap was designed, based on the CBDPA, transposed to the wrist anterior region for the treatment of a post burn contracture which was limiting the wrist extension. Its viability was assessed. The flap had a lozenge-shaped design from the cutaneous fold of the wrist to the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint over the abductor digiti quinti muscle. It was dissected in the fasciocutaneous plane to a width of 20 mm. The adipose tissue zone 10 mm distal to the pisiform was preserved, as well as the ulnar nerve sensory branch crossing the flap longitudinally. The flap was transposed to the anterior fold of the wrist. Neither the flap nor the donor site underwent complications. The patient improved wrist extension without referring any discomfort. Sensitivity was 8 mm 2 months after surgery compared to 6 mm within the preoperative period. In conclusion, it is possible to develop a proximal fasciocutaneous hypothenar flap based on CBDPA involving the proximal and distal hypothenar territory.

A new approach for hemorrhoid disease: selective dearterialization and mucopexy without doppler guidance / Uma nova opção para o tratamento da doença hemorroidária: desarterialização e mucopexia seletiva sem o ultrassom doppler

ABSTRACT Background: Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD) is safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for hemorrhoidal disease, but reports regarding recurrence and postoperative complications (pain and tenesmus) vary significantly. Aim: To evaluate if selective dearterialization and mucopexy at the symptomatic hemorrhoid only, without Doppler guidance, achieves adequate control of the prolapse and bleeding and if postoperative morbidity is reduced with this technique. Methods: Twenty consecutive patients with grade II and III hemorrhoids were treated with this new approach and were evaluated for postoperative complications and recurrence. Results: Control of prolapse and bleeding was achieved in all patients (n=20). Postoperative complications were tenesmus (n=2), external hemorrhoidal thrombosis (n=2) and urinary retention (n=2). After a mean follow-up of 13 months no recurrences were diagnosed. Conclusion: Selective dearterialization and mucopexy is safe and achieves adequate control of prolapse and bleeding and, by minimizing sutures in the anal canal, postoperative morbidity is diminished. Doppler probe is unnecessary for this procedure, which makes it also more interesting from an economic perspective.

RESUMO Racional: O tratamento da doença hemorroidária pela técnica de THD (Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization) é minimamente invasivo e tem se mostrado seguro e eficiente. No entanto, dados sobre a recorrência e complicações (dor e tenesmo) no pós-operatório são muito variáveis. Objetivo: Avaliar se a desarterialização e mucopexia seletiva, sem o uso de Doppler, é suficiente para o controle de sintomas e se a morbidade pós-operatória é menor com esta técnica. Métodos: Vinte pacientes foram tratados com essa técnica e avaliados sobre controle de sintomas, morbidade pós-operatória e recorrência. Resultados: Controle do prolapso e sangramento foi observado em todos pacientes (n=20). Complicações pós-operatórias foram: tenesmo (n=2), trombose hemorroidária externa (n=2), retenção urinária (n=2). Após um seguimento médio de 13 meses, nenhuma recorrência foi detectada. Conclusões: O procedimento de desarterialização e mucopexias seletivas é seguro e eficiente em termos de controle do prolapso e sangramento. Esta técnica resulta em menor morbidade cirúrgica, uma vez que diminui o número de suturas no canal anal, resultando em menos dor e tenesmo pós-operatório. Para este procedimento o uso de ultrassom Doppler é desnecessário, o que diminui custos e o torna mais atrativo do ponto de vista econômico.

A durable murine model of spleen transplantation with arterial and venous anastomoses.

The spleen is a large lymphoid organ located in the abdomen that filters blood and regulates the immune system. The extent of mobilization of splenic immune cells to peripheral tissues in health and disease, however, remains poorly understood. This is due, in large part, to a lack of in vivo, spleen-specific lineage tagging strategies. Here, we describe a detailed practical protocol of spleen transplantation and its evaluation for long-term graft survival. Unlike implantation of splenic morsels in the great omentum, our approach uses arterial and venous anastomoses which rapidly restores blood flow and facilitates long-term survival of the graft. The use of congenic mouse strains permits the use of immunofluorescence and flow cytometry-based methodologies to unambiguously track the migration of spleen-derived cells to peripheral tissues.

Trauma vascular de extremidad superior: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Upper extremity vascular trauma: a case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION: Vascular trauma is a low frequency event and is related to a high burden of morbidity and mortality. Vascular trauma of the upper limb is of different etiology. More frequent, secondary to closed trauma. It is usually associated with other lesions, soft tissue and nerves. OBJECTIVES: To present a case of complex vascular trauma of the upper limb and its multidisciplinary management. METHOD: Description of the clinical case and literature review. The information was obtained from the patient's clinical record, review and analysis of the published literature was performed using search engines. CASE REPORT: Young man, fall with upper limb in extension, results in elbow dislocation associated with acute ischemia. AngioTAC confirms stop in brachial. Emergency surgery: brachio-radial saphenous bridge. It evolves with absence of pulses. It is reexplored finding incomplete fasciotomy, brachial artery bridge to cephalic vein with inverted saphenous. Elbow dislocated, unstable. Arterial bridge, external fixation and fasciotomy is completed. Coming out with radial pulse. He undergoes multiple surgeries and surgical toilets, achieving skin closure at 45 days. Then traumatology removes external tutors. Electromyography confirms incomplete lesion of median, radial and ulnar. Currently in the process of rehabilitation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Vascular trauma of the upper limb is of low incidence. However, they are associated with a high burden of morbidity and mortality, generally occurring in young men. The diagnostic pillar is through the medical history and physical examination. its surgical management.

Preliminary Study on Functional and Aesthetic Reconstruction by Using a Small Artery-only Free Medial Flap of the Second Toe for Fingertip Injuries.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to introduce the feasibility of fingertip reconstruction by using a free medial flap of the second toe without vein anastomosis. METHODS: In total, 8 patients with fingertip injuries were treated successfully with this method. Patients who underwent reconstruction from September 2016 to October 2017 in our hospital with an artery-only free medial flap transfer of the second toe for fingertip injuries were included, and patients who underwent additional procedures that may impact the postoperative results and were followed up for less than 6 months were excluded. Clinical trial registration: ChiCTR19000021883. RESULTS: According to the Allen classification, five patients had Type 3 injuries, and three patients had Type 4 injuries. One arterial nerve and one digital nerve were repaired at the same time. No additional dissection was performed in either the donor or recipient site of the dorsal or volar vein. Postoperative venous congestion was monitored based on the color, temperature and the degree of tissue oxygen saturation. The flap size ranged from 1.20*1.0 cm2 to 1.80*1.0 cm2. The reconstruction time was 71.86 (SD 14.75) minutes. The two-point discrimination and the monofilament results were satisfying; cold intolerance did not appear in five patients, and the other three patients had cold intolerance with grades of 4, 12 and 26, which were considered satisfactory. Moreover, leech therapy, continuous bleeding and needle sutures were not utilized in any cases. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction with a small artery-only free medial flap transfer of the second toe led to satisfactory sensory and motor function in the selected patients with fingertip injuries.

Postoperative results of 407 patients submitted to Doppler-guided transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization / Resultados pós-operatórios de 407 doentes submetidos à desarterialização hemorroidária guiada pelo Doppler

ABSTRACT Introduction: The treatment of hemorrhoidal disease by conventional technique is associated with significant morbidity, mainly represented by the postoperative pain and the late return to daily activities. A technique of hemorrhoidal dearterialization associated with rectal mucopexy is a minimal invasive surgical option that has been used to treat the hemorrhoidal disease and reduce its inconveniences. Objective: To analyze the seven-year results of hemorrhoidal dearterialization associated with rectal mucopexy in the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease. Methods: This study analyzed 407 patients with hemorrhoids grade II, III and IV, who underwent the technique of hemorrhoidal dearterialization in the Luzia de Pinho Melo Hospital, during the period between December 2010 and December 2017. Twenty-seven patients (6.6%) had hemorrhoidal disease of the grade II, 240 (59.0%) grade III, and 117 (28.8%) grade IV. In 23 patients (5.7%), the grade was not found. All patients were operated by the same surgeon under spinal anesthesia. The 407 patients underwent dearterialization, with a varying ligation of one to six arterial branches followed by rectal mucopexy by uninterrupted suture. Eighty-two (20.14%) required removal of concomitant perianal piles or external hemorrhoids and/or fibrosed. In the postoperative follow-up the following parameters were evaluated: pain, tenesmus, bleeding, prolapse, thrombosis, and recurrence. Results: The tenesmus was postoperative complaint reported by 93.6% of patients. Forty-three (10.5%) presented intense tenesmus and 44 (22%), moderate to intense pain. Four (0.98%) patients presented more intense bleeding in postoperative follow up; none of the patients required blood transfusions. The prolapse occurred in 18 (4.42%) patients, thrombosis in 11 (2.7%), and there were 19 (4.67%) recurrences that were reoperated in this period. Conclusion: The hemorrhoidal dearterialization technique presents good results, with light and easy-to-resolve complications and little postoperative pain.

RESUMO Introdução: O tratamento da doença hemorroidária pelas técnicas convencionais cursa com significante redução da qualidade de vida do doente, principalmente relacionada à dor pós-operatória e ao considerável tempo de afastamento do trabalho. A técnica de desarterialização hemorroidária associada à mucopexia retal é uma opção cirúrgica pouco invasiva, a qual é utilizada com o objetivo de tratar a doença hemorroidária e reduzir seus inconvenientes. Objetivo: Analisar os resultados encontrados após sete anos de seguimento em doentes submetidos à técnica da desarterialização hemorroidária associada à mucopexia para o tratamento da doença hemorroidária. Método: Foram estudados 407 portadores de doença hemorroidária de graus II, III e IV, submetidos à técnica da desarterialização hemorroidária no Hospital das Clínicas Luzia de Pinho Melo de Mogi das Cruzes, durante o período de Dezembro de 2010 a Dezembro de 2017. Vinte e sete doentes (6,6%) apresentavam doença hemorroidária de grau II, 240 (59,0%) do grau III e 117 (28,8%) do grau IV. Em 23 doentes (5,7%) não foram encontradas a classificação nos prontuários. Todos os doentes foram operados pelo mesmo cirurgião e sob anestesia raquidiana. Os 407 doentes foram submetidos à desarterialização, variando de um até seis ramos arteriais seguidos de mucopexia por sutura contínua. Oitenta e dois (20,14%) necessitaram ressecções associadas por plicomas ou hemorroidas externas. No pós-operatório foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: dor, tenesmo, sangramento, prolapso, trombose e recidiva. Resultados: O tenesmo foi a queixa pós-operatória referida por 93,36% dos doentes. Quarenta e três (10,5%) apresentaram tenesmo intenso e 44 (22%) de moderado a intenso. Quatro (0,98%) doentes apresentaram sangramento de maior intensidade no pós-operatório e em 1 (0,5%) houve necessidade de hemostasia cirúrgica, em nenhum deles houve necessidade de reposição sanguínea. O prolapso ocorreu em 18 (4,42%) doentes, trombose em 11 (2,7%) e houve 19 (4,67%) recidivas reoperados durante o período. Conclusão: A desarterialização hemorroidária apresenta bons resultados, complicações leves e de fácil resolução e pouca dor pós-operatória.

Selective denervation of the aortic and carotid baroreceptors in rats.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? The traditional surgical approach for sino-aortic denervation in rats leads to simultaneous carotid baroreceptor and chemoreceptor deactivation, which does not permit their individual study in different situations. What is the main finding and its importance? We have described a new surgical approach capable of selective denervation of the arterial (aortic and carotid) baroreceptors, keeping the carotid bodies (chemoreceptors) intact. It is understood that this technique might be a useful tool for investigating the relative role of the baro- and chemoreceptors in several physiological and pathophysiological conditions. ABSTRACT: Studies have demonstrated that the traditional surgical approach for sino-aortic denervation in rats leads to simultaneous carotid baroreceptor and chemoreceptor deactivation. The present study reports a new surgical approach to denervate the aortic and the carotid baroreceptors selectively, keeping the carotid bodies (peripheral chemoreceptors) intact. Wistar rats were subjected to specific aortic and carotid baroreceptor denervation (BAROS-X) or sham surgery (SHAM). Baroreflex activation was achieved by i.v. administration of phenylephrine, whereas peripheral chemoreflex activation was produced by i.v. administration of potassium cyanide. The SHAM and BAROS-X rats displayed significant hypertensive responses to phenylephrine administration. However, the reflex bradycardia following the hypertensive response caused by phenylephrine was remarkable in SHAM, but not significant in the BAROS-X animals, confirming the efficacy of the surgical procedure to abolish the baroreflex. In addition, the baroreflex activation elicited by phenylephrine increased carotid sinus nerve activity only in SHAM, but not in the BAROS-X animals, providing support to the notion that the baroreceptor afferents were absent. Instead, the classical peripheral chemoreflex hypertensive and bradycardic responses to potassium cyanide were similar in both groups, suggesting that the carotid body chemoreceptors were preserved after BAROS-X. In summary, we describe a new surgical approach in which only the baroreceptors are eliminated, while the carotid chemoreceptors are preserved. Therefore, it is understood that this procedure is potentially a useful tool for examining the relative roles of the arterial baroreceptors versus the chemoreceptors in several pathophysiological conditions, for instance, arterial hypertension and heart failure.

A Rare Case of an Abdominal Aneurysm in a Patient with Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a multisystemic disorder characterized by the proliferation, metastasis, and infiltration of smooth muscle cells in the lung and other tissues. Although LAM is rarely seen in men, it is usually detected in women during the third decade of life. Renal microaneurysms have been reported in patients with LAM, but abdominal aneurysms have not. We describe a patient with a diagnosis of LAM who had an unusual aneurysm in the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 47-year-old Ecuadorian woman self-referred for a routine visit to her family physician. She had a history of allergy to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, pneumothorax, bilateral pleurodesis, and LAM since 2007. For her annual follow-up, an ultrasonogram was recommended. The abdominal ultrasonographic report described "a mass with blood flow in the midabdomen." An abdominal computed tomography angiogram was performed and revealed a 2.6-cm aneurysm of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery. After diagnosis of arterial aneurysm, she underwent transcatheter arterial embolization and stent placement. She is currently healthy and carries out her activities normally. DISCUSSION: Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare lung disease of unknown etiology. Extrapulmonary manifestations include abdominal aneurysm. This type of lesion should be added to a search for aneurysms in all patients with LAM.

Expanding the applications of the combined transverse upper gracilis and profunda artery perforator (TUGPAP) flap for extensive defects.

BACKGROUND: The medial thigh is a well-hidden area. The two most common flaps from this area are the transverse upper gracilis (TUG) and profunda artery perforator (PAP) flaps. Herein, we explored the applications of combined TUGPAP flap to reconstruct large and complex defects in different regions. METHODS: Between November 2015 and May 2017, 28 patients who underwent reconstruction and extensive soft tissue coverage with the TUGPAP flap for the breasts, head and neck, and pelvi-perineal regions were included. The defects size ranged from 22 to 29 × 6-8 cm. All flaps were based on the two pedicles: the medial circumflex femoral artery for TUG flap and the profunda artery perforator for PAP flap. They were each anastomosed to a set of recipient vessels. A "Y"-shaped interposition vein graft (YVG) was used if only one recipient artery was available. RESULTS: The harvested skin paddle had dimensions ranged from 20 to 30 × 6-9 cm and all flaps survived completely. Postoperative complications included one case each of donor and recipient site seroma, and one case of wound dehiscence. They were all successfully managed conservatively. During an average follow-up period of 12.7 months, one patient reported permanent paresthesia in the donor site and another developed hypertrophic scar. All patients were able to resume daily activity without major concerns. CONCLUSION: The combined TUGPAP flap is a safe, effective, and a good alternative to the common workhorse flaps as it offers the potential for a large skin paddle and decent soft tissue volume with low donor site morbidity in a well-concealed area.

Preliminary study on functional and aesthetic reconstruction by using a small artery-only free medial flap of the second toe for fingertip injuries

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to introduce the feasibility of fingertip reconstruction by using a free medial flap of the second toe without vein anastomosis. METHODS: In total, 8 patients with fingertip injuries were treated successfully with this method. Patients who underwent reconstruction from September 2016 to October 2017 in our hospital with an artery-only free medial flap transfer of the second toe for fingertip injuries were included, and patients who underwent additional procedures that may impact the postoperative results and were followed up for less than 6 months were excluded. Clinical trial registration: ChiCTR19000021883. RESULTS: According to the Allen classification, five patients had Type 3 injuries, and three patients had Type 4 injuries. One arterial nerve and one digital nerve were repaired at the same time. No additional dissection was performed in either the donor or recipient site of the dorsal or volar vein. Postoperative venous congestion was monitored based on the color, temperature and the degree of tissue oxygen saturation. The flap size ranged from 1.20*1.0 cm2 to 1.80*1.0 cm2. The reconstruction time was 71.86 (SD 14.75) minutes. The two-point discrimination and the monofilament results were satisfying; cold intolerance did not appear in five patients, and the other three patients had cold intolerance with grades of 4, 12 and 26, which were considered satisfactory. Moreover, leech therapy, continuous bleeding and needle sutures were not utilized in any cases. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction with a small artery-only free medial flap transfer of the second toe led to satisfactory sensory and motor function in the selected patients with fingertip injuries.