Use of the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery and the postauricular vein to overcome anatomic variations of superficial temporal vessels in scalp reconstruction with free tissue transfer: a case report

The superficial temporal artery (STA) bifurcates into frontal and parietal branches. The parietal branch is used as a recipient vessel for scalp reconstruction, but it is absent in approximately 16.3% of individuals. In this case, a 72-year-old woman with an occipital scalp defect lacked both the parietal branch of the STA and the superficial temporal vein. To address this anatomic variation, we used the frontal branch of the STA and the posterior auricular vein as alternative recipient vessels for anterolateral thigh free flap reconstruction. The surgical procedure involved end-to-end microvascular anastomosis of one artery and one vein. Partial flap necrosis occurred postoperatively, but eventually resolved with debridement. The frontal branch of the STA and the posterior auricular vein can serve as reliable alternatives in the absence of the parietal branch. Reconstructive surgeons should be aware of anatomic variations of the STA and adapt their surgical approach accordingly.

Use of a buccinator myomucosal flap and bilateral pedicled buccal fat pad transfer in wide palatal fistula repair: a case report

Primary palatoplasty for cleft palate places patients at high risk for scarring, altered vascularity, and persistent tension. Palatal fistulas are a challenging complication of primary palatoplasty that typically form around the hard palate–soft palate junction. Repairing palatal fistulas, particularly wide fistulas, is extremely difficult because there are not many choices for closure. However, a few techniques are commonly used to close the remaining fistula after primary palatoplasty. Herein, we report the revision of a palatal fistula using a pedicled buccal fat pad and palatal lengthening with a buccinator myomucosal flap and sphincter pharyngoplasty to treat a patient with a wide palatal fistula. Tension-free closure of the palatal fistula was achieved, as well as velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) correction. This surgical method enhanced healing, minimized palatal contracture and shortening, and reduced the risk of infection. The palate healed with mucosalization at 2 weeks, and no complications were noted after 4 years of follow-up. Therefore, these flaps should be considered as an option for closure of large oronasal fistulas and VPI correction in young patients with wide palatal defects and VPI.

Use of a buccinator myomucosal flap and bilateral pedicled buccal fat pad transfer in wide palatal fistula repair: a case report

Primary palatoplasty for cleft palate places patients at high risk for scarring, altered vascularity, and persistent tension. Palatal fistulas are a challenging complication of primary palatoplasty that typically form around the hard palate–soft palate junction. Repairing palatal fistulas, particularly wide fistulas, is extremely difficult because there are not many choices for closure. However, a few techniques are commonly used to close the remaining fistula after primary palatoplasty. Herein, we report the revision of a palatal fistula using a pedicled buccal fat pad and palatal lengthening with a buccinator myomucosal flap and sphincter pharyngoplasty to treat a patient with a wide palatal fistula. Tension-free closure of the palatal fistula was achieved, as well as velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) correction. This surgical method enhanced healing, minimized palatal contracture and shortening, and reduced the risk of infection. The palate healed with mucosalization at 2 weeks, and no complications were noted after 4 years of follow-up. Therefore, these flaps should be considered as an option for closure of large oronasal fistulas and VPI correction in young patients with wide palatal defects and VPI.

Masseter nerve-based facial palsy reconstruction

Facial paralysis is a devastating disease, the treatment of which is challenging. The use of the masseteric nerve in facial reanimation has become increasingly popular and has been applied to an expanded range of clinical scenarios. However, appropriate selection of the motor nerve and reanimation method is vital for successful facial reanimation. In this literature review on facial reanimation and the masseter nerve, we summarize and compare various reanimation methods using the masseter nerve. The masseter nerve can be used for direct coaptation with the paralyzed facial nerve for temporary motor input during cross-facial nerve graft regeneration and for double innervation with the contralateral facial nerve. The masseter nerve is favorable because of its proximity to the facial nerve, limited donor site morbidity, and rapid functional recovery. Masseter nerve transfer usually leads to improved symmetry and oral commissure excursion due to robust motor input. However, the lack of a spontaneous, effortless smile is a significant concern with the use of the masseter nerve. A thorough understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the use of the masseter nerve, along with careful patient selection, can expand its use in clinical scenarios and improve the outcomes of facial reanimation surgery.

Masseter nerve-based facial palsy reconstruction

Facial paralysis is a devastating disease, the treatment of which is challenging. The use of the masseteric nerve in facial reanimation has become increasingly popular and has been applied to an expanded range of clinical scenarios. However, appropriate selection of the motor nerve and reanimation method is vital for successful facial reanimation. In this literature review on facial reanimation and the masseter nerve, we summarize and compare various reanimation methods using the masseter nerve. The masseter nerve can be used for direct coaptation with the paralyzed facial nerve for temporary motor input during cross-facial nerve graft regeneration and for double innervation with the contralateral facial nerve. The masseter nerve is favorable because of its proximity to the facial nerve, limited donor site morbidity, and rapid functional recovery. Masseter nerve transfer usually leads to improved symmetry and oral commissure excursion due to robust motor input. However, the lack of a spontaneous, effortless smile is a significant concern with the use of the masseter nerve. A thorough understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the use of the masseter nerve, along with careful patient selection, can expand its use in clinical scenarios and improve the outcomes of facial reanimation surgery.

Medial Wall Orbital Reconstruction using Unsintered Hydroxyapatite Particles/Poly L-Lactide Composite Implants

BACKGROUND: Poly-L-lactide materials combined with hydroxyapatite (u-HA /PLLA) have been developed to overcome the drawbacks of absorbable materials, such as radiolucency and comparably less implant strength. This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of u-HA/PLLA material in the repair of orbital medial wall defects. METHODS: This study included 10 patients with pure medial wall blow-out fractures. The plain radiographs were taken preoperatively, immediately after, and 2 months after surgery. The computed tomography scans were performed preoperatively and 2 months after surgery. Patients were evaluated for ease of manipulation, implant immobility, rigidity and complications with radiologic studies. RESULTS: None of the patients had postoperative complications, such as infection or enophthalmos. The u-HA/PLLA implants had adequate rigidity, durability, and stable position on follow-up radiographic studies. On average, implants were thawed 3.4 times and required 14 minutes of handling time. CONCLUSION: The u-HA/PLLA implants are safe and reliable for reconstruction of orbital medial wall in terms of rigidity, immobility, radiopacity, and cost-effectiveness. These thin yet rigid implants can be useful where wide periosteal dissection is difficult due to defect location or size. Since the u-HA/PLLA material is difficult to manipulate, these implants are not suitable for use in complex 3-dimensional defects.

The Relationship of a Combination of Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells and Frozen Fat with the Survival Rate of Transplanted Fat

BACKGROUND: The survival rate of grafted fat is difficult to predict, and repeated procedures are frequently required. In this study, the effects of the freezing period of harvested adipose tissue and the addition of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) on the process of fat absorption were studied. METHODS: Adipose tissue was obtained from patients who underwent a lipoaspirated fat graft. The fat tissue was cryopreserved at -20degrees C in a domestic refrigerator. A total of 40 nude mice were used. The mice in the experimental group received three different subcutaneous injections in the back: an injection of fresh fat and ASCs, an injection of fat that had been frozen for one month and ASCs, and an injection of fat that had been frozen for two months and ASCs. The control mice received fat grafts without ASCs. The mice were sacrificed at four or eight weeks after the procedure, and the grafted fat tissues were harvested. The extracted fat was evaluated using photographic analysis, volume measurements, and histological examination. RESULTS: In the control group, the fat resorption rates four weeks after transplantation in the grafts of fresh fat, fat that had been frozen for one month, and fat that had been frozen for two months were 21.14%, 22.46%, and 42.56%, respectively. In the experimental group, the corresponding resorption rates were 6.68%, 13.0%, and 33.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ASCs can increase the fat graft survival rate. The use of ASCs in fat grafting can reduce the need for repeated fat grafts and provide good long term results.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Patients Undergoing Long-Term Hemodialysis Therapy: Clinical Characteristics and Results of Surgical Treatment

PURPOSE: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has become increasingly recognized as a complication of long-term hemodialysis. This study evaluated the clinical characteristics and compared the results of carpal tunnel release for CTS patients with or without hemodialysis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of 49 chronic hemodialysis patients with 83 CTS hands. Also, 100 patients were selected for the control group. Patient characteristics, accompanying systemic conditions, operative outcomes were compared. RESULTS: In hemodialysis group, the mean age and hemodialysis duration were 59.5+/-10.5 years and 4.1+/-2.5 years, respectively. Of the 83 hands with CTS, 45 (54.2%) had arteriovenous fistulas, while 38 (45.7%) did not (p=0.02). Most (81.6%) of the patients reported symptom improvement after surgical treatment, and the remaining patients (18.4%) reported persistent and recurrent symptoms. Rates of remaining symptoms and reoperations were significantly higher in the CTS patients with hemodialysis group. CONCLUSION: Majority of CTS patients with hemodialysis have much improved after transverse carpal ligament release. However, they showed higher recurrence than idiopathic CTS patients. In recurrent patients, use of the extended carpal tunnel release is effective in symptom relief.

Society and Health Care

No abstract available.