Blood and tissue levels of persistent organic pollutants and genetic susceptibility in patients with breast cancer.

We investigated possible associations between the internal concentrations of POPs and correlations between blood and tumor tissue concentrations in patients who underwent surgery for breast cancer and breast reduction as controls. Genetic variations in CYP1A1, GSTP1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 and hOGG1 were evaluated to determine whether they represent risk factors for breast cancer. Certain POPs have been found to be associated with breast cancer development. GST-P1 polymorphism represented a significant risk for breast cancer with unadjusted OR. However, the GSTT1 null polymorphism represented a significant risk for breast cancer when OR adjusted for age and smoking status. CYP1A1 polymorphism was a significant risk factor for breast cancer, regardless of whether the OR was adjusted. These results suggest that exposure to certain POPs, GSTT1 and CYP1A1 polymorphisms, age, and smoking status are risk factors for breast cancer. In addition, the blood concentrations of some POPs represent surrogates for breast tissue concentrations.

Use of the pedicle of previously harvested pectoral myocutaneous flap as a recipient for free flaps in head and neck reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: The pectoral myocutaneous flap (PMF) is a workhorse regional reconstructive option for head and neck defects. It is commonly used for primary reconstructions due to its advantages or as a life-boat flap in the salvage of failed reconstructions of free flaps. However, it also has intrinsic drawbacks, such as perfusion problems and partial or complete flap loss. Although there are many studies about the advantages and use of PMF in the literature, the number of studies about salvage of this workhorse flap is inadequate. We aimed to present the use of the pedicle of previously performed PMF as a recipient for free flaps in head and neck reconstruction. METHODS: Between January 2022 and August 2023, 10 free flaps were used in nine patients (three females and six males) who had previously undergone head and neck reconstruction with PMF. The age of the patients ranged from 54 to 74 years. Seven out of the nine PMFs were previously performed by different surgical teams. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the reason for primary surgeries in all patients and the PMFs were used for right lower lip and right submandibular defect, left lower lip and mentum defect, lower lip defect, right lower lip and right submandibular defect, right retromolar trigone defect, right buccal defect, left anterolateral esophageal defect, right retromolar trigone defect and left anterolateral pharyngoesophageal defect reconstructions. The problems were partial skin island necrosis and wound dehiscence in six patients and total skin necrosis in three patients. The partial skin island necroses already showed that the pedicles were unproblematic. For patients with total skin island necrosis the muscle stalks so the pedicles were also unproblematic which were confirmed by physical examination and Doppler device. After complications, the finally defects were located in the lower lip, left lower lip and mentum, right lower lip and right submandibular area, left anterolateral esophageal area and left neck, right buccal area, right retromolar trigon, left anterolateral pharyngoesophageal fistula and left neck. The sizes of the defects were between 3 × 4 cm and 11 × 17 cm. For all patients, the pedicle of the previously harvested PMF was used as a recipient for free flaps. Since the PMF was flipped over the clavicula for the reconstruction previously, the pedicle was so close to skin or skin graft which was used for coverage of the muscle stalk. The Doppler device was used first over the clavicle where the PMF was flipped for vessel identification. After marking the vessels, a vertical zigzag incision was made on the skin or skin graft. The perivascular fatty tissue and the pedicle were encountered with minimal dissection by the guidance of Doppler. After meticulous microscopic dissection, the pedicle of PMF was prepared for anastomoses as usual. Six radial forearm free flap (RFFF) and four anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) flaps were used in the head and neck reconstructions for the nine patients. RESULTS: The sizes of the flaps were between 4 × 5 cm and 12 × 17 cm. The diameters of the recipient arteries were between 0.9 and 1.2 mm. Recipient veins were approximately the same diameter as the arteries. In one patient, two vein grafts were used for lengthening both the artery and vein to reach recipient vessels. End-to-end anastomoses without vein grafts were performed in the remaining patients. One arterial thrombosis that manifested on the first postoperative day was salvaged successfully. Hematoma was seen in two patients and wound dehiscence was seen in three patients. There was no partial or total flap necrosis and all flaps survived. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 12 months. Despite successful reconstructions, two patients died during the follow-up period due to unrelated conditions. Functional results were acceptable in the remaining patients. CONCLUSION: The pedicle of previously used pectoral myocutaneous flaps may be a useful alternative option as the recipient for free flaps in head and neck reconstruction.

Simultaneous sequential anterolateral thigh free flaps with interposition comitant vein graft for one-stage lower extremity reconstruction: A case report.

Developments in the microsurgery have made perforator fasciocutaneous free flaps more popular in lower extremity reconstructions. They have acceptable donor site morbidities when compared to traditional methods. However; there are some possible limitations with these flaps such as anatomical variations and insufficiency to cover large and/or complex defects with a single flap. Anterolateral thigh flap (ALT), which has proven its advantages in the reconstruction of many regions of the body, is one of the versatile perforator fasciocutaneous flap options. We present our experience of using sequential double ALTs for complex lower extremity reconstruction. A 44-year-old patient, who had a history of multiple traumas as a result of a traffic accident, had interconnected anterior tibial (6 × 4 cm) and bimalleolar defects (4 × 4 cm, 4 × 5 cm) in his left lower extremity. Double ALT flaps (16 × 9 cm, 17 × 10 cm) were used to reconstruct three individual defects. The posterior tibial artery was the only uninjured artery perfusing the lower extremity, so the already occluded anterior tibial artery was chosen as the recipient to avoid disturbing the posterior tibial vessels. The dominant comitant vein of one of the flaps was leaving the pedicle too early and following an aberrant path with increased diameter. As it was understood that the other comitant vein had poor drainage, it was taken as an interposition vein graft to lengthen the dominant aberrant vein. The two flaps were customized as one by flow-through anastomoses on the operating table. The anterior tibial artery was washed and debrided distal to proximal until arterial spurting was seen. At the distance of 8 cm superior, the artery was found as feasible and anastomoses were performed. The proximal flap was inset vertically and the distal flap was inset on the horizontal axis to reach the bilateral malleolar defect. No complications were observed in both flaps. The patient was followed-up for 8 months. Despite the successful reconstruction, the patient is still unable to walk unaided due to multiple traumas and the rehabilitation process continues. We believe that the use of sequential double ALT may be a useful alternative to reconstruct large lower extremity defects with minimal donor site morbidity when a suitable single recipient vessel is available.

Free Flap Reconstruction of Recalcitrant Defects in Cleft Palate Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Defects of the palate can be as a result of oronasal fistula of cleft patients and the ablative surgery of tumors. There are many studies about reconstruction of the defects of plate in the literature and most of them are related to tumor surgery. Despite the use of free flaps in cleft patients being not a new approach, the articles in the literature are very few. The authors describe the experience of oronasal fistula reconstructions with free flaps with a new modification of tensionless inset of the free flap's pedicle. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2019 and 2022, 2 males and 1 female, 3 consecutive cleft patients underwent free flap surgery because of recalcitrant palatal defects. One patient had 5 and each of remain had 3 unsuccessful reconstructive attempts previously. The age of patients was ranged from 20 to 23 years old. Radial forearm flap was the option of oral lining reconstruction for all patients. In 2 patients, the flap was modified as a skin tail was linked to the flap for covering the pedicle as tensionless closure. RESULTS: There was a mucosal swelling in first patient who underwent classical pedicle inset as mucosal tunneling. In 1 patient there was a spontaneous bleeding from the anterior side of the flap and it stopped without medical interventions, spontaneously. There was no additional complication. All flaps survived without anastomosis problems. CONCLUSION: Incision of the mucosa rather than tunneling provides good surgical exposure and bleeding control and modified flap design may be beneficial and reliable for tensionless pedicle inset and covering.

The use of chimeric-superthin anterolateral thigh flap in reconstruction of laryngopharyngoesophagectomy defects of hypopharyngeal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Due to 3D defects after resection of hypopharyngeal cancers, free flaps have become as first option for reconstruction and the anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) has been chosen frequently for soft tissue defects. Chimerization of the skin island of the ALT is also possible which can result in reconstruction of multiple defects simultaneously and monitorization of buried flaps. However, ALT can be bulky in some patients. The superthin ALT is well established by some authors especially for extremities but there is no study about the use of this modification in pharyngoesophageal defects. We present our experience of using chimeric-superthin ALT for pharyngoesophageal reconstructions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2019 and 2022, six patients (one female and five male) underwent hypopharyngeal tumor resection and experienced chimeric-superthin ALT flap reconstructions. Patients' ages were ranged between 53 and 71 (mean: 64) years old. The type of tumor was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) for all patients. Three patients had total and three patients had 75% of pharyngoesophageal defects. Defect size was between 10 × 7 cm and 12 × 8.5 cm (mean: 87.08 cm2 ). All flaps were harvested as 5 mm thickness with two skin perforators. All flaps were divided into two individual skin islands as chimeric fashion. One of the skin islands was used for esophageal reconstruction and the other was used for both flap monitorization and tensionless closure of anterior neck skin. RESULTS: Total flap size was between 18 × 9 cm and 21 × 11 cm (mean: 200 cm2 ). In two patients, anastomoses were performed to pectoral branch of thoracoacromial vessels. Neck vessels were chosen as recipient for remaining patients. Wound dehiscence occurred in two patients between the neck skin and monitor island and was re-sutured without any problems. There was no partial or total flap necrosis and all flaps survived. The follow up period was between 4 and 9 months (mean: 5.6). All patients had a successful functional outcome as swallowing. CONCLUSION: The superthin-chimeric ALT flap is a useful option when classical ALT is bulky in defects of hypopharyngeal cancer.

Flow through fibula and fasciocutaneous free flaps in oromandibular reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: The osteocutaneous fibula is a workhorse flap for oromandibular reconstruction. Skin paddles not only perform soft tissue reconstruction but also serve as a monitor for the fibula. In cases where the skin paddle cannot be harvested as desired due to variations, two challenges arise, such as fibula follow-up and the need for a second free flap so recipient. Moreover, there may not be enough recipient vessels for the double flaps in the neck. This report aimed to address the difficulties mentioned above with the use of flow-through free flaps in composite oromandibular reconstructions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2019 and 2021, five (three Female, two Male) patients underwent flow-through technique as free fibula and fasciocutaneous flaps due to variations in fibular skin paddle or insufficiency of recipient vessels in the neck. Ages of patients were between 45 and 75 years. Four patients underwent surgery for tumor and one patient for the result of radionecrosis. ALT, chimeric ALT, and RFFF were selected as second free flaps. RESULTS: The size of the fasciocutaneous flaps ranged from 6 × 4 cm to 14 × 11 cm. Mandibular defects ranged from 6 to 16 cm. 1 venous occlusion occurred post-op 1st day and was salvaged. One hematoma and one wound dehiscence occurred postoperatively and were salvaged successfully. One Partial tongue necrosis occurred due to previous radiotherapy and additional tumor surgery. No additional complication occurred. All flaps survived. Follow-up period was between 3 months and 2 years. Patient who had tongue necrosis experienced swallowing and speech difficulty and Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube was placed post-operative 2 months. Functional finale outcomes were successful for other patients. CONCLUSION: Flow-through technique provides fibula monitoring with avoiding to find second recipient. Customizing free flaps under more favorable conditions as on the operation table before fixation of the bone can be a useful approach.

Transferring pectoral muscle flap to depleted neck to create a new recipient source for free flaps in head and neck reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: The thoracoacromial vessels (TA) are one of the options as recipient for free flaps in head and neck reconstruction when the neck is depleted. However, it has limitations such as need of vein graft or kinking and being under pressure on clavicle. The authors describe a new modification of using pectoral branch of TA as recipient vessel. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 2019 and January 2022, 8 patients (1 female, 7 male) underwent head and neck reconstructions with free flaps. Age of patients ranged from 53 to 73 years old. All surgeries were because of SCC. Defects were including 3 total lower lip, 2 pharyngoesophageal defects, 1 cheek, lower and upper lip, 1 mandible, cheek and mount floor and 1 tongue and mount floor. Defects were between 12 × 5 cm and 21 × 9 cm. Pectoral branch of TA was transposed to the depleted neck as pectoral muscle flap to prevent kinking and pressure. Over the clavicle, the proximal root of the pedicle of muscle was found and dissected distally until tensionless anastomoses could be accomplished between the muscle and free flaps. ALT, MSAP, and Radial forearm free flaps were used as free flaps. In one patient the fibula and ALT flaps were used as flow through so the pedicle of ALT flap was anastomosed to pectoral muscle pedicle. Pectoral muscle was rotated 180° on its horizontal axis after finishing anastomoses to guard anastomoses from radiated neck skin. Muscle was fixed to sternocleidomastoid muscle with sutures to maintain its position. All donor sites were closed primarily. RESULTS: The diameter of recipient artery was between 1 and 1.6 mm. The veins were approximately same as arteries. All anastomosis were performed end-to-end fashion. Three patients needed skin grafts to closure of tight radiated neck skin. Complications as 1 hematoma and 1 wound dehiscence were salvaged successfully. All flaps survived. Patients were followed up between 2 and 6 months. Our first patient died at post-operative 6th month so long follow-up could not be achieved. The final outcomes such as chewing, oral competence and swallowing were successful for remaining patients. CONCLUSION: Transposing TA as pectoral muscle flap to the neck can decrease need of vein graft and prevent kinking or pressure of the pedicle on the clavicle.

Comparison of Current Free Flap Options for Intraoral Lining and Tongue Reconstruction.

Free flaps have become the main alternative for intraoral reconstruction in current practice. However, controversy exists on pros and cons of different free flap options for this challenging area. Although there are various studies focusing on different free flap options, comparative studies are very few and there is not a single study comparing all 4 thin free flap options for intraoral reconstruction. Between 2018 and 2021, 30 patients underwent intraoral reconstruction. Four pliable and thin flaps, medial sural artery perforator flap, superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap, radial forearm free flap, and superthin anterolateral thigh flap were used for reconstructions and compared per functionality and patients' quality of life. One medial sural artery perforator flap and 1 superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap failed because of perfusion problems, and the remaining flaps survived. Harvest time and donor site closure were with significant difference ( P <0.05) between groups. Quality of life results were similar except one of the disease-specific questions. In authors' opinion, anterolateral thigh flap is the best option in normal-weight individuals because of its reliability, pliability, and constant reliable vascular structure. Although other options may be considered in overweighted patients, thinly elevated anterolateral thigh flap still seems to be the most reliable option.

Blood Count Parameters can be Useful in Predicting Vascular Events in Microvascular Surgery: Results of a Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: Vascular events are a major cause of flap failure and identifying patients who are at risk is of paramount importance. In the past, many studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of blood count parameters for ischemic events such as peripheral vascular diseases. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate whether blood count parameters can have predictive value for vascular events in microvascular flap surgery. METHODS: Elective cases with free flap microsurgery performed in a single center were reviewed from 2015 to 2019. Demographic data, comorbidities, flap types, perioperative complications, and preoperative blood count parameters from the hospital records were screened. RESULTS: A total of 147 patients were included in the study, taken from the 163 patients undergoing free tissue transfer. The rate of thrombosis and partial necrosis was 8.8%, was 8.2%, respectively, and the total flap loss due to these complications was 5.4%. Only patient age, gender, and length of hospital stay were correlated with flap loss. According to the preoperative blood count results, there were significant differences between vascular events and leucocyte, and neutrophil counts. CONCLUSION: The findings of this preliminary study suggest that these parameters may be used in predicting vascular events in flap surgery.

Effect of Coagulation Status and Co-Morbidity on Flap Success and Complications in Patients with Reconstructed Free Flap.

OBJECTIVE: Free flap surgeries constitute the basis of reconstruction surgery in patients with major defects. Prediction of complications that cause flap loss in such patients is important in terms of reducing the length of hospital stay and expenses. We aimed to retrospectively investigate the effect of co-morbidities and the coagulation status on flap loss and complications in patients with reconstructed free flap. METHODS: Demographic data, smoking, alcohol habits, co-morbidities, coagulation tests and thromboelastogram results from preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative anaesthesia and surgical records of patients undergoing free flap surgeries between January 2015 and June 2017 were retrospectively screened. RESULTS: Flap success rate was found to be 96.1% in total 77 patients with free flap. Coagulation related complication rate, such as thrombosis, haematoma and partial necrosis, were 22.1%. There was a significant relationship between age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypercholesterolaemia and flap loss (p=0.006, p=0.025 ve p=0.025, respectively). Flap complications were more frequent in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension. Laboratory test results revealed no statistical correlation between flap complications and flap loss with preoperative and postoperative TEG. CONCLUSION: Advanced age, co-morbidities such as hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are associated with complications and flap loss in free flap surgery. However, there were no clinically significant association of complications and flap loss with laboratory tests showing coagulation. We believe that standardised protocols should be established in terms of preparation, intraoperative management and postoperative follow-ups because the time between taking the coagulation tests and postoperative anticoagulant administration should be standardised in such surgeries.

Comparative analysis of human UCB and adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells for their differentiation potential into brown and white adipocytes.

The differentiation potential of umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs) into brown and white adipocytes in comparison to Adipose tissue derived MSCs (AD-MSCs) were investigated in order to characterize their potency for future cell therapies. MSCs were isolated from ten UCB samples and six liposuction materials. MSCs were differentiated into white and brown adipocytes after characterization by flow cytometry. Differentiated adipocytes were stained with Oil Red O and hematoxylin/eosin. The UCP1 protein levels in brown adipocytes were investigated by immunofluoresence and western blot analysis. Cells that expressed mesenchymal stem cells markers (CD34-, CD45-, CD90+ and CD105+) were successfully isolated from UCB and adipose tissue. Oil Red O staining demonstrated that white and brown adipocytes obtained from AD-MSCs showed 85 and 61% of red pixels, while it was 3 and 1.9%, respectively for white and brown adipocytes obtained from UCB-MSCs. Fluorescence microscopy analysis showed strong uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) signaling in brown adipocytes, especially which were obtained from AD-MSCs. Quantification of UCP1 protein amount showed 4- and 10.64-fold increase in UCP1 contents of brown adipocytes derived from UCB-MSCs and AD-MSCs, respectively in comparison to undifferentiated MSCs (P < 0.004). UCB-MSCs showed only a little differentiation tendency into adipocytes means it is not an appropriate stem cell type to be differentiated into these cell types. In contrast, high differentiation efficiency of AD-MSCs into brown and white adipocytes make it appropriate stem cell type to use in future regenerative medicine of soft tissue disorders or fighting with obesity and its related disorders.

Simultaneous Autologus Mandible and Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction.

Ablative surgery of mandible often necessitates combined reconstruction of the mandible and the temporomandibular joint. Fibula-free flaps with gap arthroplasty or osseochondral grafts are common procedures in the authors' practice. In search for a better reconstructive option free fibula flap is used together with a metatarsal bone flap for the vascular reconstruction of the mandibular body and the condyle at the same time. The 2 osseous-free flaps have been fused and used as a combined flow through double-free flap. The literature has been reviewed for other reconstructive options, but no alternatives providing autologous reconstruction of both the mandible and the condyle with vascular tissue have been found. This is a preliminary report of this new technique which the authors humbly think is very promising.

Effect of platelet-rich plasma on reconstruction with nerve autografts.

Despite advances in understanding of peripheral nerve injuries and regeneration and advances in surgical techniques, successful outcomes cannot be guaranteed after reconstructive surgery. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been reported to have positive effects on nerve regeneration, as well as on tissue healing. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of PRP on nerve-grafted defects. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four surgery groups (n=7 in each). A 1-cm long nerve defect was created in the upper thigh and then reconstructed using a nerve autograft in all groups. The wet muscle weights, electromyographic findings, and histomorphologic changes were evaluated 10 weeks later. As shown by both the electromyographic (p<0.001) and histomorphologic findings (p<0.001), PRP had more positive effects on nerve gap reconstruction in Group 3 then Group 4 as compared to the control groups. The present study is novel in that it evaluated the regeneration effect of PRP on a large nerve defect reconstructed with a nerve graft rather than primary repair. The results are encouraging for further experimental studies on the role of PRP in nerve healing.

Free Hand Perforator Concept in Osteocutaneous Free Fibula Flap Through Posterior Approach.

BACKGROUND: The fibula flap is a workhorse flap for bony reconstruction of oro-mandibular area and can be modified to include soft tissue for reconstruction of composite defects. However, the design of a reliable skin paddle that can be used for composite tissue reconstruction remains a challenge. The authors described the applicability of perforator concept for a more reliable free osteomusculocutaneous fibula flap. METHODS: Between 2013 and 2015, 29 patients underwent free fibula osteocutaneous flap reconstruction. Twenty-two patients have been operated due to squamous cell carcinoma and 7 patients due to gunshot injuries. RESULTS: The mean harvesting time was 60 ±â€Š15 minutes. The range of width of the skin paddle was 3 to 12 cm and length was 6 to 23 cm. The range of length of bone was 5 to 18 cm. One patient had revision due to venous occlusion. All flaps have survived. CONCLUSION: The authors advocate approaching all components of flap individually using the perforator concept and dissection. Good exposure is mandatory for a reliable dissection. In our opinion, the posterior approach is more useful as it reveals all vascular relationships between the bone, muscle, skin paddle, and peronel vessels.

Anatomic Basis for Penis Transplantation: Cadaveric Microdissection of Penile Structures.

We present a cadaveric dissection study to investigate the anatomic feasibility of penile transplantation. Seventeen male cadavers were dissected to reveal detailed anatomy of the dorsal neurovascular structures including dorsal arteries, superficial and deep dorsal veins, and dorsal nerves of the penis. Dorsal artery diameters showed a significant decrease from proximal to distal shaft. Dominance was observed in one side. Deep dorsal vein showed a straight course and less decrease in diameter compared to artery. Dorsal nerves showed proximal branching pattern. In a possible penile transplantation, level of harvest should be determined according to the patient and the defect, where a transgender patient will receive a total allograft and a male patient with a proximal penile defect will receive a partial shaft allograft. We designed an algorithm for different levels of penile defect and described the technique for harvest of partial and total penile transplants.

The evaluation of flap growth and long-term results of pediatric mandible reconstructions using free fibular flaps.

Currently, the free fibular flap is well accepted as the first choice for mandibular reconstruction. Achieving functional results in pediatric patients requires a different approach than that employed for mature patients. Because the pediatric craniofacial skeleton continues to grow, reconstruction is more challenging, and the long-term results can be different from those of adult patients. In this study, we sought to measure flap growth objectively in our series. Ten pediatric patients who underwent reconstruction with free fibular flaps were retrospectively reviewed. Flap growth was evaluated by comparing the intraoperative photographs with photographs of the control panoramic mandibular radiographs taken using photo-anthropometric techniques. The measurements were converted to proportionality indices (PI), and these indices were compared. Subsequent complications and functional results were also evaluated. The mean patient age was 11.8 years, and the mean follow up was 57.7 months. The mean preoperative PI value was 10.74 ± 2.47. The mean postoperative PI value was 12.52 ± 2.34. The mean difference between the preoperative and postoperative PI values was -1.78 ± 0.53. These photo-anthropometric data clearly illustrated the growth of the fibular flaps (P = 0.001). None of these patients exhibited nonunion of the fractures; however, one patient experienced a delayed union, one had chronic temporomandibular joint pain, and one had chronic temporomandibular joint luxation. In two patients, the inter-incisive measurements were below the third percentile, and two additional patients had grade 2 eating abilities, which can be regarded as poor. All of the patients had symmetric mandibular contours. Free fibular flaps continue to grow in pediatric patients. This flap is a "workhorse" flap in children because it adapts to the craniofacial skeleton via its ability to grow, and this ability results in subsequent good cosmetic and functional results.

Evaluation of the Effects of Bile on the Arterial Tonus in a Rabbit Model.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic artery anastomosis is an essential part of live-donor liver transplantation, and during this anastomosis, an unusual contact between bile and vessel ends is observed. In this study, the effects of this nonphysiological contact in a rabbit model were evaluated. METHODS: The study was designed in 2 steps-in vitro and in vivo. Three groups were established for the in vitro study. In the first group, vessels were incubated in Krebs solution with 5% bile for 1 minute. In the second group, vessels were kept in Krebs solution with 5% bile for 5 minutes. Vessels in the control group were kept in Krebs solution without bile. All groups were examined for responses to vasodilator and vasoconstrictor agents in organ bath system. The specimens were evaluated immunohistochemically and histopathologically. In the in vivo step, microvascular anastomosis was performed bilaterally. Right carotid artery was anastomosed during bile contamination as study group, and left carotid artery was anastomosed without bile contamination as control group. Blood flow indexes were measured. RESULTS: The results of the in vitro study revealed decreased responses to contractile and relaxing agents in the first study group compared with that of the control group (P < 0.0001). There was no response obtained in the second study group. The Doppler ultrasound results revealed no difference between preoperative and postoperative flow indexes (P > 0.05). There was no postoperative spasm in the study group. However, there was significant vasospasm in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Vessels exposed to bile have decreased contractile and relaxing responses, and this effect increases with exposure duration.

Comparison of autogenous cartilage, acellular dermis, and solvent-dehydrated pericardium for the prevention and correction of dorsal nasal irregularities: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Numerous materials have been used for the correction and prevention of dorsal nasal irregularities. Experimental and clinical studies have been useful but have provided insufficient results for several reasons, including the impossibility of obtaining pathologic specimens from aesthetic patients and imprecise experimental models. In this study, an experimental model for rhinoplasty is used for the comparative evaluation of solvent-dehydrated pericardium, acellular dermal matrix, and autogenous ear cartilage as onlay grafts for the prevention and correction of nasal dorsal irregularities. We used an experimental rabbit rhinoplasty model that has a human nose-like osteocartilaginous junction. Thus, our goal is to get a more realistic idea about the features of these three materials. METHODS: Thirty New Zealand rabbits weighing 2,100-2,550 g were used. The noses of the rabbits were evaluated with computerized tomographic measurements, "pinch" tests were performed for skin properties, and all were photographed before the surgical procedures. They were divided into three groups: Autogenous cartilage grafts were applied after the rhinoplasty operation in group 1, acellular dermal matrixes were used after the rhinoplasty in group 2, and pericardium allografts were used after the rhinoplasty in group 3. The rabbits were followed up for 4 months before they were evaluated by photography, computerized tomography, and "pinch" tests for the skin properties of the nose. Then they were killed for histopathologic evaluation. Adhesion and resorption rates of the onlay grafts were observed and subdermal thickness measurements were made to determine the fate of the grafts as well as their effects on the overlying skin. RESULTS: The major advantages of the allografts used in groups 2 and 3 are the ease of obtaining them without any donor site morbidity, shorter operative procedures, and lower distortion rates due to lack of cartilage memory. The results of this study conform to those of previous reports and demonstrate that the used allografts had no adverse effects such as ulceration or extrusion. The evaluation of the internal nasal valve angles before and after the surgical interventions showed that cartilage grafts created a spreader effect as expected, but acellular dermis and solvent-dehydrated pericardium did not. Despite a moderate graft reaction, pericardium or acellular dermis remained intact. None of the materials caused adhesion to the overlying skin. CONCLUSION: The results of this experimental study showed that acellular dermis (AlloDerm®) or solvent-dehydrated pericardium (Tutogen) may be used successfully as an "onlay" graft for dorsal nasal problems compared to autogenous cartilage, which is commonly used for this purpose. There has been more cartilage resorption than thought. This should be considered when overcorrection is performed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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 at www.springer.com/00266.

New alternative in treatment of callus.

The pathological transformation of the skin into a thick and hard callus due to repetitive trauma or friction is commonly known as corn. Although a variety of medical and operative treatment choices have been proposed, an ideal treatment method is yet to be defined. Effectiveness of tangential excision together with topical cantharidin has been evaluated. We used Canthacur-PS as an adjunct to excision in an outpatient setting. Canthacur-PS is a commercially available topical solution that includes 1% cantharidin, 30% salicylic acid and 5% podophyllin. The treatment has been applied to 72 patients. We found that 65 patients (90.3%) had corn on their feet and seven patients (9.7%) on their hands. Thick, hard and hyperkeratotic skin area was scraped with the help of a no. 15 blade. The solution was applied on and around the periphery (up to 1­2 mm) of the lesion with a cotton swab, and kept closed for 5 days with an antibiotic dressing. All the patients had been followed up for at least 1 year and evaluated by clinical examination and patient satisfaction query. One session of treatment succeeded in 57 (79.2%) corn patients. Two sessions in nine corn patients (12.5%), three sessions in five corn patients (6.9%) and four sessions in one patient (1.4%) were needed. Only one recurrence (1.4%) was seen. No scar formation or other side-effects were seen. Our findings show that this treatment method is a simple, minimally invasive and reliable treatment for calluses.