Injury to the Submandibular Duct and Secondary Fibrosis Causing Sialocele: An Unusual Complication of Submental Intubation.

Maxillofacial fractures with the nasal/skull base fractures may preclude nasotracheal intubation, and oro-tracheal intubation may obstruct surgical access. In these cases, submental intubation is a safe and well-accepted alternative, associated with low morbidity and complication rate. We report a case of one such rare complication, wherein following submental intubation, the patient presented with a sublingual sialocele, associated with dilatation of the submandibular duct with surrounding fibrosis. The secondary sublingual sialocele we encountered could have been due to errors in the technique of submental intubation. Hence, thorough knowledge of the submental and submandibular region's anatomy is important to avoid complications.

Devil's Advocate: Evidence-Based Recommendation for "One Breast-One Insertion Funnel" Policy.

BACKGROUND: Rates of capsular contracture have reduced significantly since the use of insertion funnels to place breast implants became routine. However, due to financial constraints, the same funnel is usually used for implantation of both sides. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether the risk of capsular contracture is higher for the second breast when the same insertion funnel is used for both breasts. METHODS: The authors collected a sample of the insertion funnel tip immediately after removing the funnel from its sterile packaging and another tip sample after the funnel had been used to insert the first implant. These samples were sent for microbiological culture evaluations. Capsular contracture rates in the first implanted breast vs the second implanted breast were then retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: All samples taken from the funnel before the first implantation showed no bacterial growth. All 10 samples taken from the funnel after the first implantation showed organism growth (8 were positive for Staphylococcus epidermidis and 2 for Cutibacterium acnes). Retrospective analysis of the results revealed that the overall capsular contracture rate had reduced after the authors began to use insertion funnels. However, this complication was still more common on the second implanted breast. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons should consider the use of separate insertion funnels for each breast. This might help to slightly reduce the incidence of capsular contracture.See the abstract translated into Hindi, Portuguese, Korean, German, Italian, Arabic, and Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) online here: https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjad288.

It Is Time to Resolve the Dilemma and Move Away From Using Drains in Primary Breast Augmentation.

Background: Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic surgical procedures, yet there has been no consensus on the use of drains. While some surgeons believe in using them due to fear of complications or because they were taught in a conventional manner, the authors present their experience of performing breast surgery without the use of drains. Objectives: To study whether performing breast augmentation without the use of drains is safe. Methods: Anthropometric details and complications of all the consecutive primary breast augmentation patients performed by a single surgeon from 2009 to 2022 were collected and analyzed. In none of these patients, drains were used. Results: A total of 429 (21%) patients were lost to follow-up and only those 1617 patients with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included in this study. The mean age of the study group was 29.8 years with a mean BMI of 24.68. Mean follow-up was 16.24 months. Hematoma occurred in 15 patients (0.92%), seroma in 12 (0.74%), explantation due to infection in 3 patients (0.18%), and capsular contracture in 44 patients (2.72%). All these complications were in the lower range of complications of breast augmentation reported in the literature. Conclusions: Unwarranted use of drains in breast augmentation should be avoided as it does not seemingly prevent the complications of breast augmentation surgery. Instead, it may increase the chances of infection, pain, and discomfort, and prolong the antibiotic coverage, and hence put an additional overall financial burden on the patient.

A Prospective, Randomized Comparison of the Classical Altemir's Method With the Newer Seldinger's Technique of Submental Intubation.

BACKGROUND: Submental intubation performed using the classical Altemir's technique is a well-accepted, safe technique for providing optimal operating field to the maxillofacial surgeon, in cases where either nasotracheal or orotracheal intubation is impossible. We propose a new, percutaneous Seldinger's technique of submental intubation as an interesting alternative to the classical Altemir's technique, wherein a percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy kit is used to dilate the submental tract, instead of bluntly dissecting it. We hypothesized that Seldinger's technique would be associated with reduced procedure time and minimal scar formation in patients with maxillofacial fractures. METHODS: We enrolled 60 patients scheduled to undergo maxillofacial injury fixation under general anesthesia. After consent, the cohort was randomly allocated to undergo submental intubation by either the classical Altemir's technique or Seldinger's technique. As our primary objective, we noted the time taken to complete the procedure of submental intubation. Our secondary objectives were the components of primary outcome, such as disconnection/apnea time, bleeding, and technical difficulties during the procedure. We also observed for complications such as presence of salivary fistula/infection at hospital discharge and scar characteristics at 1- and 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: The median time for performing submental intubation in the Seldinger group was significantly lower than that in the Altemir group (170.5 [136.5-256.0] seconds vs 220.0 [205.5-289.0] seconds; P value, .040). The median disconnection time was also significantly lower in the Seldinger group (12.0 [10.8-20.0] seconds vs 19.0 [15.0-23.0] seconds; P value, .036). Furthermore, significant bleeding was absent in nearly 53.8% of the study participants in the Seldinger group as compared to 25.9% in the Altemir group. At follow-up, there was no evidence of differences in scar characteristics between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Seldinger's technique is associated with shorter procedure time and reduced apnea time due to easier and better tract formation, thus minimizing the effort required to exteriorize the endotracheal tube. Furthermore, as dilation reduces tissue damage, Seldinger's technique is associated with significantly less procedural bleeding. Thus, Seldinger's technique can be safe, easy, and faster to perform compared with the classical Altemir's technique of submental intubation in patients with maxillofacial trauma.

"Superman" Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Breast Reconstruction: A Technical Innovation for Covering Extensive Mastectomy Defect.

Breast reconstruction in extensive post-mastectomy defects is challenging for a reconstructive surgeon. While a plethora of options is available for breast reconstruction, pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) flap remains the flap of choice for most surgeons. However, the size of the skin paddle of the LD flap may not suffice for extensive defects. We present a technical modification in the planning of the LD flap for its use in extensive defects.

Optimising Results of Nasal Tip Rotation Applying Combination of Nasolabial Angle and Lip-Columellar Angle in Tandem in Patients Operated by "Cock-up" Alar Cartilage Flaps Technique.

Background Setting the angle of tip rotation is of utmost importance in achieving satisfactory results in rhinoplasty. Conventionally the upward rotation of the tip requires shortening of the septum by caudal resection and shortening of the lateral walls by cephalic trim of the alar cartilages. The results are usually assessed subjectively. We describe the use of objective parameters to ensure accuracy of nasal tip rotation in patients operated with "cock-up" alar cartilage flaps, a modification of the cephalic trim. Methods Fifteen patients with a long nose having adequate width of lateral crura, desiring a shorter nose with upward tip rotation, were included in the study. Values of preoperative and desired nasolabial angle (from morphed images), and the derived columellar-labial angle were documented. Nasal tip rotation was set to the derived angle and maintained using cock-up alar cartilage flaps. The outcome was evaluated by digital measurements of the nasolabial angle and patients' feedback by Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) score. Results Satisfactory tip rotation and an aesthetic supratip area could be achieved. The difference in preoperative and postoperative nasolabial angles was statistically significant (p value < 0.0001). The difference in desired and the obtained nasolabial angle was not significant (p value 0.085). The results were maintained on subsequent follow-up. Conclusion Application of angles in practice and use of K-wire template helps us achieve accurate and consistent results. Cock-up flap is an effective technique-to obtain an open nasolabial angle and a desirable supratip region by making use of tissues otherwise discarded.

Three component cartilage framework reconstruction for correction of post-traumatic nasal septal collapse.

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic nasal septal collapse results in flat, broad, non-projecting nose due to mid-vault collapse. These patients may have airway obstruction due to poorly supported internal valve. Traditional techniques like 'cantilever graft technique' or conventional 'L-graft technique' produce a rigid lobule as the single unit framework extends to the tip. These grafts also lack in internal valve support. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with post-traumatic nasal septal collapse were treated with three component cartilage framework technique in the past 3 years. The framework was reconstructed in three components-septal, columellar and dorsal onlay; using costal cartilage. If needed, upper lateral cartilage support grafts were also provided. RESULTS: At 6 months' follow-up, all 12 patients were satisfied with the outcome. The nasal projection and dorsal definition were aesthetically pleasing, and there was free natural movement of the lobular part of the nose. One graft was revised for further improvement in outcome. Airway obstruction, when present was also relieved. CONCLUSION: This technique has distinct advantages over the conventional techniques as the framework of separate components maintains pliability of the lobule, supports the internal valve and offers good control of aesthetic needs.

Video endoscopy: removal of retained sewing needles from the duodenum.

We report an interesting case of a 21-year-old unmarried girl who swallowed six sewing needles. Her complaints were pain in the epigastrium, associated with nausea and vomiting. On examination, there was mild tenderness in the epigastrium. X-ray of the abdomen and endoscopy confirmed the presence of six needles in the duodenum, with tips lodged in the duodenal wall. Psychiatric opinion was sought which was normal. Under video endoscope (Pentax 2.8, EG 27708) guidance with Captura biopsy forceps without spikes (Cook DBF-2.4-160-S), six sewing needles were removed successfully from the duodenum through the endoscope channel without any complications. However, a video endoscopic removal of the retained six needles from duodenum is probably being reported for the first time.