Emergent Soft Tissue Repair in Facial Trauma.

Emergency personnel, surgeons, and ancillary health care providers frequently encounter soft tissue injuries in facial trauma. Appropriate evaluation and management is essential to achieve optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Treatment of Prominent Ears and Otoplasty: A Contemporary Review.

Prominent ears affect approximately 5% of the population and can have a significant psychological impact on patients. A wide variety of otoplasty techniques have been described, all sharing the goal of re-creating the normal appearance of the ear and achieving symmetry between the 2 sides. Recent trends in otoplasty techniques have consistently moved toward less invasive options, ranging from nonsurgical newborn ear molding to cartilage-sparing surgical techniques and even incisionless, office-based procedures. Herein, we review anatomy of the external ear, patient evaluation, the evolution of nonsurgical and surgical otoplasty techniques, otoplasty outcomes, and future trends for treatment of prominent ears.

Septic arthritis: a unique complication of nasal septal abscess.

Nasal septal abscesses (NSAs) occur between the mucoperichondrium and the nasal septum. They most often arise when an untreated septal hematoma becomes infected. The most commonly reported sequela is a loss of septal cartilage support, which can result in a nasal deformity. Other sequelae include potentially life-threatening conditions such as meningitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, brain abscess, and subarachnoid empyema. We report the case of a 17-year-old boy who developed an NSA after he had been struck in the face with a basketball. He presented to his primary care physician 5 days after the injury and again the next day, but his condition was not correctly diagnosed. Finally, 7 days after his injury, he presented to an emergency department with more serious symptoms, and he was correctly diagnosed with NSA. He was admitted to the intensive care unit, and he remained hospitalized for 6 days. Among the abscess sequelae he experienced was septic arthritis, which has heretofore not been reported as a complication of NSA. He responded well to appropriate treatment, although he lost a considerable amount of septal cartilage. He was discharged home on intravenous antibiotic therapy, and his condition improved. Reconstruction of the nasal septum will likely need to be pursued in the future.

Severe symptomatic hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy in a patient with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.

Patients who undergo a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure are at moderate risk for calcium and vitamin D deficiency. Those who subsequently undergo thyroid or parathyroid surgery are at high risk for developing severe symptomatic hypocalcemia if they are not monitored and adequately treated prophylactically. We describe the case of a morbidly obese 40-year-old man who had undergone RYGB surgery 6 months prior to the discovery of metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma. He subsequently underwent total thyroidectomy with central and bilateral neck dissection. Following surgery, he developed severe symptomatic hypocalcemia, as his calcium level fell to a nadir of 6.0 mg/dl. He required aggressive oral and intravenous repletion therapy with calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium for 10 days before hospital discharge. Providers should institute careful preoperative screening, patient counseling, and prophylactic calcium and vitamin D therapy for all thyroid surgery patients who have previously undergone RYGB surgery to prevent the development of severe and life-threatening hypocalcemia. Only a few reports of patients have been published on the dangers of thyroid and parathyroid surgery in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. We report a new case to add to the body of literature on this patient population. We also review calcium homeostasis and supplementation as they relate to this situation.

Use of the medicinal leech for salvage of venous congested microvascular free flaps of the head and neck.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the utility of leech therapy in venous congested microvascular free flaps in which venous outflow could not be established or surgical revision was unsuccessful. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients at a tertiary referral center from January 2002 to December 2008 who received leech therapy for a venous congested microvascular free flap in which venous outflow could not be established primarily or failed surgical revision. RESULTS: Six patients were identified. Leech therapy was required for a median of 9 days (4-14 days). The median lowest hemoglobin level per patient was 8.0 g/dL (5.4-9.3 g/dL). All patients (6/6, 100%) required blood transfusions during therapy. The median number of units of packed red blood cells transfused per patient was 13.5 U (4-29 U). All flaps (6/6, 100%) were successfully salvaged with leech therapy. There was one minor complication, observed as 2 episodes of syncope in the same patient, related to anemia. There were no cases of infection transmitted as a result of leech therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Leech therapy can be used to successfully salvage venous congested microvascular free flaps in the absence of primary venous outflow. Leech therapy can be used safely and with little morbidity compared with other reports.

Transoral robotic surgery for supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We present our experience with the use of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for treatment of supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied all patients who underwent TORS for supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma, with or without adjuvant therapy, from March 2007 through June 2009, who had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Primary functional outcomes included dysphonia, tracheostomy dependence, and gastrostomy tube dependence. Disease control and survival were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Of 9 patients in the study group, 7 (78%) had advanced-stage disease. All 9 patients had negative margins after TORS, with no perioperative complications. Regional recurrence and local recurrence developed in 1 patient each. One patient died of disease. At last follow-up, 7 patients (78%) were tracheostomy free, and 7 (78%) were gastrostomy tube free. CONCLUSIONS: Transoral robotic surgery is a promising modality for resection of supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma. Transoral robotic surgery achieved functional laryngeal preservation in most patients with no complications.

Ultrasonic shears in free-tissue transfer: increased efficiency and cost savings.

OBJECTIVE: The harvest of some microvascular free flaps for head and neck reconstruction entails tedious and time-consuming dissection of multiple perforating vessels and/or muscular attachments. The objective of this study is to investigate the use of ultrasonic shears as a means to decrease operative time and increase surgical efficiency in the harvest of microvascular free flaps. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prospective study of all people undergoing fibula (FFF) or anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap reconstruction of head and neck defects was conducted from October 1, 2005, through December 30, 2009. RESULTS: There were 69 FFF and 39 ALT free flaps performed by a single surgeon during the study period. Ultrasonic shears were used in 53 (76.8%) FFF and 26 (80.6%) ALT free flaps, whereas traditional dissection techniques were used in 16 (23.2%) FFF and 13 (19.4%) ALT free flaps. The use of ultrasonic shears significantly decreased the harvest time of FFF and ALT free flaps an average of 14.5 and 16.3 minutes, respectively. The average cost savings associated with the use of ultrasonic shears was $492 for FFF and $543 for ALT free flaps compared to traditional dissections techniques. Similar rates of complications were observed when ultrasonic shears were used compared to traditional techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ultrasonic shears in the harvest of microvascular free flaps decreases operative time, leading to significantly decreased costs without an increased risk of complications compared to traditional dissection techniques.

Modified back-to-back autogenous conchal cartilage graft for caudal septal reconstruction: the medial crural extension graft.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with the use of a modification of the back-to-back autogenous conchal cartilage graft, used as a medial crural extension graft, for reconstruction of the caudal septum. METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients undergoing caudal septal reconstruction using a modification of the back-to-back conchal cartilage graft from January 1, 2007, through June 1, 2009, at a tertiary referral center. Photodocumentation of all patients was obtained preoperatively and postoperatively. Patients were asked to subjectively rate their functional and cosmetic outcomes at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: Eight patients underwent caudal septal reconstruction with the modified back-to-back conchal cartilage graft during the time period studied. Six patients underwent caudal septal reconstruction via external septorhinoplasty while 2 patients underwent an endonasal approach. The median duration of follow-up was 12 months. At the last follow-up, patients rated their breathing as normal in 7 of 8 cases and improved, but not to normal, in 1 of 8 cases. Cosmesis was rated as excellent in 7 of 8 cases and good in 1 of 8 cases. There were no postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Modification of the back-to-back autogenous conchal cartilage graft used as a medical crural extension graft should be considered for reconstruction of the caudal septum in the cartilage deficient nose. The technique produces reliable outcomes with minimal donor site morbidity.

Glabellar flaps in nasal reconstruction.

Reconstruction of nasal defects presents a particularly unique challenge for the surgeon. Complex aesthetic subunits and limited available adjacent mobile skin with varying color, texture, and thickness all contribute to this task. The ideal reconstruction of nasal defects recruits tissue of similar color, texture, and thickness to that of the defect. Two versatile local flaps for nasal reconstruction are the glabellar flap and an extension of the glabellar flap, the dorsal nasal flap. The authors describe the use of these two local flaps for reconstruction of nasal defects and modifications of these procedures for certain indications, as well as their use in medial canthal reconstruction.

Oral cavity and oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma with metastasis to the parotid lymph nodes.

To increase awareness of the potential of oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) to metastasize to the parotid region. We retrospectively reviewed patients who had undergone parotidectomy for metastatic oral or oropharyngeal SCC at a single tertiary care facility from January 1988 to January 2004. Exclusion criteria were a history of cutaneous SCC of head and neck or extension of primary tumor into the parotid gland. Twelve patients met study criteria. Parotid metastasis represented the initial disease manifestation in 4 cases. In 1 case, parotid metastasis presented synchronously with the primary tumor. Parotid metastasis represented recurrent disease in the other 7 cases. Primary subsites included tongue base (n=4), tonsil (n=3), lateral pharyngeal wall (n=2), oral floor (n=1), maxillary alveolus (n=1), and retromolar trigone (n=1). Pathologic findings showed grade 3 or 4 SCC in all patients. Parotid metastasis was located in the inferior parotid nodes in 7 cases; multiple superficial nodes, 3 cases; and both deep and superficial nodes, 2 cases. Oral and oropharyngeal SCC can metastasize to the intraparotid lymph nodes. The inferior parotid nodes are most commonly involved, and patients generally have substantial associated cervical metastases. When treating patients who have oral or oropharyngeal cancer with substantial cervical metastasis, physicians should consider removing the inferior parotid lymph nodes. We recommend that when intraparotid lymph node metastasis is detected, total parotidectomy and multidisciplinary adjuvant therapy should be conducted.

Spontaneous epiglottic hematoma secondary to supratherapeutic anticoagulation.

Hemorrhage into the soft tissues of the airway represents a potentially life-threatening complication of long-term anticoagulation. We report the case of a chronically anticoagulated 37-year-old male who developed a spontaneous hematoma of the epiglottis secondary to a supra-therapeutic INR. Epiglottic hematoma should be considered in the differential of any anticoagulated patient presenting with upper airway compromise. The airway should be secured in a controlled fashion, and the coagulopathy should be rapidly corrected.

Increased adverse drug reactions to cephalosporins in penicillin allergy patients with positive penicillin skin test.

BACKGROUND: Cephalosporin administration in patients with a history of penicillin allergy is controversial. Studies looking at the safety of cephalosporin in patients with a history of penicillin allergy lacked a control group, had a small number of patients, and/or lacked confirmation of penicillin allergy by penicillin skin testing. The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients with penicillin allergy were at increased risk of adverse drug reactions when administered cephalosporin. METHODS: A cohort study of patients with a history of penicillin allergy and a positive or negative penicillin skin test when administered cephalosporin was conducted. Charts were reviewed for adverse drug reactions to cephalosporin after penicillin skin testing. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients with a history of penicillin allergy and positive penicillin skin test and 726 patients with a history of penicillin allergy and negative penicillin skin test were administered cephalosporin. Five (6%) of 85 cases had an adverse drug reaction to cephalosporin as compared to 5 (0.7%) of 726 of the referent population (p = 0.0019). The rate of presumed IgE-mediated adverse drug reactions to the cephalosporins amongst the cases was 2 (2%) of 85 compared to 1 (0.1%) of 726 amongst the referent population (p = 0.0304). CONCLUSION: A greater risk of an adverse drug reaction to cephalosporin exists in patients with penicillin allergy. We recommend penicillin skin testing if cephalosporin, especially a first-generation cephalosporin, is to be administered to patients with a history of penicillin allergy.

Inferior vena cava filters in trauma patients: efficacy, morbidity, and retrievability.

BACKGROUND: Thromboembolic events are potentially devastating sources of morbidity in trauma patients. With increasing experience and the introduction of retrievable devices, there has been a renewed interest in inferior vena cava (IVC) filters in trauma patients. METHODS: The records for consecutive trauma patients undergoing IVC filter placement during the years 2001 to 2005 were reviewed, and clinical, demographic, and procedural data were evaluated for associations with thromboembolic events and device complications. RESULTS: During the study years, 226 trauma patients had IVC filters inserted, and 140 of these patients (62%) had retrievable IVC filters placed. Six patients (3%) had a pulmonary embolism with the filter in place, and two patients (1%) had a pulmonary embolism after filter removal. The most common complication was thrombosis in 27 patients (12%), with clinically significant thrombus occurring in 15 patients (7%). There was no association between the type of filter (permanent or retrievable) or the brand of retrievable filter and thrombosis. Specific risk factors for thrombosis could not be identified. Retrievable filters were successfully removed in 61% of patients with retrievable filters. Technical success rate was 97% in those patients who underwent attempted removal. Removal was completed at a median of 21 days (range, 2-292 days). CONCLUSIONS: Retrievable IVC filters in trauma patients are safe, but complications do occur with thrombosis being the most common. Retrieval has a high technical success rate when attempted. However, a significant number of trauma patients are lost to follow-up and this may impact the utilization of retrievable filters in this patient population.

Selective fiberoptic left main-stem intubation to treat bronchial laceration in an extremely low birth weight neonate.

A neonate born at 24 weeks gestation developed a right tension pneumothorax that persisted despite the placement of multiple thoracostomy tubes, the use of high-frequency ventilation and postural therapy. On day-of-life 11, bedside bronchoscopy revealed a laceration at the junction of the trachea and right main-stem bronchus. Under fiberoptic guidance the left main-stem bronchus was intubated. Single-lung ventilation then was employed for 24h, after which time the pneumothorax never recurred. We postulate that the diversion of positive-pressure ventilation away from the laceration site allowed the surrounding injury-induced granulation tissue to create a seal and facilitate closure of the defect.

Bilateral vallecular cysts as a cause of Dysphagia: case report and literature review.

Cysts of the vallecula are rare, accounting for 10.5% to 20.1% of all laryngeal cysts. Vallecular cysts may present with diverse symptoms affecting the voice, airway, and swallowing. We describe the evaluation and treatment of a 70-year-old woman who presented with dysphagia caused by large bilateral vallecular cysts.

Immunosuppression by embryonic stem cells.

Embryonic stem cells or their progeny inevitably differ genetically from those who might receive the cells as transplants. We tested the barriers to engraftment of embryonic stem cells and the mechanisms that determine those barriers. Using formation of teratomas as a measure of engraftment, we found that semiallogeneic and fully allogeneic embryonic stem cells engraft successfully in mice, provided a sufficient number of cells are delivered. Successfully engrafted cells did not generate immunological memory; unsuccessfully engrafted cells did. Embryonic stem cells reversibly, and in a dose-dependent manner, inhibited T-cell proliferation to various stimuli and the maturation of antigen-presenting cells induced by lipopolysaccharide. Inhibition of both was owed at least in part to production of transforming growth factor-beta by the embryonic stem cells. Thus, murine embryonic stem cells exert "immunosuppression" locally, enabling engraftment across allogeneic barriers.

T cell recognition and immunity in the fetus and mother.

All multi-cellular organisms protect themselves from invasion by allogeneic organisms and cells by mounting immune responses. While protective, allogeneic immune responses present a threat to successful reproduction in eutherian mammals in which the maternal immune system is exposed to the semi-allogeneic fetus. Thus, successful reproduction in eutherian mammals depends on mechanisms that control the potentially hostile maternal immune system without hindering immune responses to potentially deadly infectious organisms. Three general mechanisms have been proposed to explain successful reproduction in mammals: (i) the formation of an anatomical barrier between mother and fetus; (ii) expression of allogeneic antigens at a very low level by the fetus; and (iii) hindrance of the maternal immune system responding to fetal antigens. These mechanisms explain in part how the fetus evades the maternal immune system; however, they do not explain fully the survival of the fetus. We hypothesize that site-specific immune suppression may play an important role in successful eutherian reproduction in conjunction with other mechanisms. Site-specific immune suppression at the fetal-maternal interface would protect the fetus while allowing peripheral maternal immune responses to continue unabated.

Prolonged survival of porcine hepatocytes in cynomolgus monkeys.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Management of patients with liver failure can be a significant medical challenge, and transplantation of the liver is the only definitive therapy. Whole liver allotransplantation is limited by a shortage of human donors and the risks of the surgery in those most ill. Transplants consisting of xenogeneic hepatocytes might overcome these problems, and work in rodents indicates that such transplants can correct some metabolic deficiencies and can prevent the complications and mortality associated with hepatic failure. As a prelude to clinical application, we tested the feasibility of hepatocyte xenotransplantation in nonhuman primates. METHODS: One to 2 billion hepatocytes from outbred swine were transplanted into the spleens of cynomolgus monkeys using conventional immunosuppression to control rejection. Duration of graft function was determined based on assay for porcine albumin. RESULTS: Following a single infusion, xenogeneic hepatocytes functioned for more than 80 days and, following re-transplantation, for more than 253 days. Engraftment in the spleen was confirmed 40 days after transplantation by asialoglycoprotein receptor-directed nuclear scanning. The humoral immune response to the transplanted porcine cells had no discernible impact on the survival of the grafts. CONCLUSIONS: Xenotransplantation of hepatocytes should be explored as a readily available, minimally invasive form of therapy for hepatic failure.

Complement-dependent control of teratoma formation by embryonic stem cells.

The fetus has pluripotent stem cells that when transferred to mature individuals can generate tumors. However, for reasons yet unknown, tumors form rarely in the fetus and/or the mother during normal gestation. We questioned whether the complement system might protect against tumor formation by pluripotent stem cells. Murine embryonic stem cells were notably more susceptible than cardiomyocytes differentiated from those cells to lysis by complement in heterologous and homologous sera. Treatment of embryonic stem cells with heterologous serum averted tumor formation after residual cells were transplanted into mice. Confirming the importance of homologous complement in preventing formation of tumors, untreated embryonic stem cells formed tumors more quickly in C3-deficient than in wild-type mice. Susceptibility of embryonic stem cells to complement required an intact alternative pathway and was owed at least in part to a relative deficiency of sialic acid on cell surfaces compared with differentiated cells. Susceptibility to complement and resistance to tumors was inversely related to the number of cells transferred. These findings show that formation of tumors from embryonic stem cells is controlled in part by the alternative pathway of complement and suggest that susceptibility to complement might represent a general property of pluripotent stem cells that can be exploited to prevent tumor formation.