Single midline incision approach for decompression of greater, lesser and third occipital nerves in migraine surgery.

BACKGROUND: The traditional approach for occipital migraine surgery encompasses three separate surgical incisions in the posterior neck to decompress the greater occipital nerves (GON), lesser occipital nerves (LON), and third occipital nerves (TON). Other incisions have been investigated, including singular transverse incisions. We sought to evaluate a single, vertical midline incision approach for decompression of all six occipital nerves. METHODS: Using 10 cadaveric hemi-sides (5 fresh cadaver head and necks). Anatomic landmarks and the location of the bilateral GON, LON, and TON were marked according to previous anatomic studies. A single, midline 9-cm incision was made, and lateral skin flaps were raised to decompress or avulse all six nerves. RESULTS: Through the midline incision, the GON and TON were identified at 3.5 and 6.2 cm, respectively, inferior to a line bisecting the external auditory canal (EAC) and 1.5 cm lateral to the midline. The LON was identified as 6-cm inferior and 6.5-cm medial to a line bisecting the EAC in the plane just above the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia until the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid was encountered. The LON had the greatest amount of variation but was identified lateral to the posterior border of the SCM. CONCLUSIONS: A single midline incision approach allows for successful identification and decompression of all six occipital nerves in migraine surgery.

Transretroperitoneal Pedicled Omental Flap for Coverage of Traumatic Sacral Defect: A Case Report.

The greater omentum is a reliable choice for salvage soft-tissue reconstruction. Benefits include consistent anatomy, long pedicle length, and a high concentration of lymphatic tissue that is resistant to infection. We report the case of a 46-year-old man with a complex traumatic sacral wound resulting in severe limitation of reconstructive options. A pedicled greater omentum flap was transposed through the retroperitoneum via the lumbosacral triangle, resulting in durable soft-tissue coverage.

Extirpative Considerations of Melanoma of the Head and Neck.

The incidence of melanoma is continuing to rise in the United States, and head and neck melanomas account for 25% of all cutaneous melanomas. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline recommendations for surgical margins and sentinel lymph node biopsy in head and neck melanomas are the same as cutaneous melanoma located in other regions, but require special considerations when performing wide local excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and completion lymph node dissection and reconstruction taking into account the location of the melanoma and structures involved in and around the suggested margins.

Mucosal Melanoma.

Mucosal melanoma is a rare but aggressive cancer arising in mucosal surfaces most commonly in the head and neck. The clinical presentation is often nonspecific and differs in relation to the site of origin so often diagnosis is delayed resulting in poor prognosis. Mucosal melanoma has a 5-year survival of only 25%. Surgery with negative margins is the mainstay of treatment but dependent on several variables including anatomic location, involved structures, and size of tumor. Although not well defined given the rarity of mucosal melanoma, there is a role for radiation and systemic therapy in the treatment of this disease.

Melanoma in Pregnancy and Pediatrics.

Rare variants of melanoma include melanoma in pregnancy and pediatric melanoma. Because of their low incidence, treatment recommendations are based on standards of treatment for cutaneous melanoma; however, each of these forms requires specific considerations during diagnosis, staging, and treatment.

Migraine Treatment.

Migraine headaches affect more than 35 million Americans and are ranked the third-highest cause of disability worldwide, resulting in decreased quality of life and serious economic consequences. There are 4 types of migraine headaches: frontal, temporal, occipital, and rhinogenic. Each type has a well-described trigger site. Migraines headaches often are refractory to medical therapy and may respond well to botulinum toxin type A. Migraine surgery is another option to release trigger sites. A systematic review of the migraine surgery literature found an average success rate of 90%, with elimination or greater than 50% improvement of migraine headaches after migraine surgery.