Evaluation of enteral and parenteral hyaluronic acid in induced ischemic skin flaps in rats: a double-blinded and randomized study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate exogenous hyaluronic acid (HA) derived from bacterial fermentation through enteral and parenteral routes in ischemic skin flaps induced in rats, using clinical and histological exams; and interleukins (IL) as tissue inflammatory biomarkers. METHODS: Sixty-four male adults Wistar rats with ischemic skin flaps on the dorsum were randomized into four groups, based on the treatment protocol: subcutaneous administration of saline solution (0.9%) (GI); oral administration of distilled water (GII); subcutaneous administration of HA (0.3%) (GIII); and oral administration of HA (1%) (GIV). Flaps of all groups were comparable regarding clinical and macroscopic evaluation, histological examination, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. RESULTS: A lower percentage of necrosis was identified in flaps treated with subcutaneous administration of HA (0.3%). The pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, epidermis thickness, blood vessels, and inflammatory cells showed statistically significant inter-group and intra-group differences (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High molecular HA (1,400 ~ 2,000 kDa) administrated by subcutaneous or oral route exhibited beneficial effects in ischemic skin flaps of rats. However, subcutaneous administration of HA (0.3%) showed better results in terms of the percentage of necrosis and epithelialization.

A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of laser correction with a mechanical and laser microkeratome for myopia.

PURPOSE: Myopia, or nearsightedness, is one of the most common eye conditions worldwide. However, a comparison of the effectiveness of different laser-assisted interventions is lacking. Thus, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of LASIK and IntraLASIK in addressing myopia. METHODS: The study was conducted in two ophthalmology clinics in Beijing, China, in 2022. A total of 84 patients (152 eyes) with different degrees of myopia were examined and underwent LASIK (n=46, 80 eyes) or IntraLASIK (n=38, 72 eyes). Keratometry, corneal topography, pachymetry, visual acuity evaluation, and corneal biomechanical analysis were performed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: IntraLASIK produced more precise flaps than LASIK, with deviations of <8 mm and 0.1 mm from the intended thickness and diameter, respectively. LASIK resulted in nonuniform flaps, with thickness deviations of 5-86 mm. IntraLASIK demonstrated a superior efficacy for patients with severe myopia and thin corneas, with a mean spherical equivalent of 0.9 D at 6 months compared to the 1.4 D for LASIK. Approximately 91% and 83% of the patients with mild to moderate and severe myopia, respectively, achieved results within ± 0.49 D from the refractive target with IntraLASIK. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor decreased with an increase in laser intensity, and they decreased faster with thinner corneas. Thus, IntraLASIK is more useful than LASIK in patients with thin corneas and severe myopia.

Qualitative somatosensory evaluation of recipient and donor sites of subepithelial connective tissue grafts: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVES: The subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) plus coronal advanced flap is commonly evaluated by clinical parameters, but potential sensory changes (patients' perception of painful or painless sensations) need to be further explored. This preliminary study aimed to qualitatively evaluate the somatosensory profile of recipient and palatal donor sites of SCTG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sensory tests were applied at SCTG recipient and donor sites at baseline, after 3 and 6 months. A single calibrated examiner applied Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire (DN4), qualitative sensory test (QualST), discriminating the areas as hypersensitive, hyposensitive or normosensitive, and two-point acuity test. Descriptive statistics, non-parametric Kruskal Wallis test for QualST evaluation and ANOVA for Two-point test (p < 0.05) were used. RESULTS: QualST revealed that recipient areas presented no significant differences in tactile, pressure and thermal tests. Brush test revealed hyposensitivity after 3 months (p = 0.03). In donor areas, only thermal evaluation showed a significant difference (p = 0.01), being hypersensitive after 3 months and hyposensitive after 6 months. At baseline, all evaluations in recipient and donor areas were normosensitive. According to DN4, no patient reported pain in recipient and donor sites. Non-painful sensory perception was reported as numbness in recipient (3.14% of patients) and donor (18.4%) areas. No significant differences were found for two-point acuity test values. CONCLUSIONS: Somatosensory variations were observed in donor and recipient areas using qualitative tests, with no detection of painful sensations, only non-painful sensations of numbness and electric shock. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This preliminary study demonstrated that alterations of hypo- and hypersensitivity may occur in donor and recipient areas of gingival grafts. However, when present, these alterations were non-painful and did not impact oral functions. CLINICAL REGISTRATION: ReBEC #RBR-7zz3b6p.

Thoracic ectopia cordis: A case report.

Ectopia cordis is a congenital heart malformation of the sternal wall, with a prevalence of 0.1% among heart conditions and an incidence of 5.5 to 7.9 per million births. It is characterized by the heart being located outside the thoracic cavity, and it may be accompanied by other congenital anomalies such as omphalocele, Cantrell´s pentalogy, or Fallot´s tetralogy. We present a case of thoracic ectopia cordis in a male neonate. After birth, we also observed a midline thoracic malformation and respiratory difficulties with clinical and paraclinical features consistent with tetralogy of Fallot. It was decided to provide skin flap coverage, and due to the poor prognosis of the heart condition, palliative care was chosen. Unfortunately, the neonate passed away after seven days. This clinical case study contributes to understanding this rare condition and may help improve diagnosis and treatment of affected patients.

La ectopia cordis es una malformación cardíaca congénita de la pared esternal, con una prevalencia del 0,1%, e incidencia del 5,5 al 7,9 por millón de nacimientos. Se caracteriza por situar al corazón fuera de la cavidad torácica, puede acompañarse de otras anomalías congénitas como onfalocele, pentalogía de Cantrell o tetralogía de Fallot. Presentamos un caso de ectopia cordis torácica en un recién nacido de sexo masculino. Después del nacimiento, también observamos una malformación de la línea media torácica y dificultad respiratoria con características clínicas y paraclínicas compatibles con tetralogía de Fallot. Se realizó una cobertura con colgajo cutáneo, y debido al mal pronóstico, se optó por cuidados paliativos; con fallecimiento después de siete días. Este estudio de caso clínico contribuye a la comprensión de esta rara enfermedad, y puede ayudar a mejorar el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los pacientes afectados.

Sihler's Staining of the Thoracic Cutaneous Nerve and its Significance / Tinción de Sihler del Nervio Cutáneo Torácico y su Relevancia

SUMMARY: Our team has modified Sihler's intramuscular nerve staining method to allow for calculation of nerve density. Therefore, this study aimed to show the overall distribution pattern of the thoracic cutaneous nerves to provide a morphological basis for selecting and matching sensory reconstruction during skin flap transplantation. Twelve Chinese adult cadavers were dissected; the thoracic skin was removed, and the modified Sihler's staining method was performed. Centered around the nipple, the chest skin was divided into four regions: medial-superior, lateral-superior, lateral-inferior, and medial-inferior. The thoracic skin was not only innervated by the branches of the 1st to 7th intercostal and supraclavicular nerves, but also by a small number of nerves that directly reached the skin and passed through the pectoralis major muscle. There is a phenomenon of cross overlap between the branches of adjacent intercostal nerves. The branches of the 2nd to 7th intercostal nerves were distributed in the breast, and the branches of the lateral and anterior cutaneous branches were densely distributed around the nipple, forming a grid-like anastomosis. There was no cross-overlapping innervation between the anterior cutaneous branches on both sides. The density of nerve distribution in the four regions of the chest was in the order of the medial-superior, lateral-superior, lateral-inferior and medial-inferior region, respectively. These results may be used to map sensory regions when designing thoracic skin flaps for reconstruction surgery to obtain improved sensory recovery.

Nuestro equipo ha modificado el método de tinción nerviosa intramuscular de Sihler para permitir el cálculo de la densidad nerviosa. Por lo tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo mostrar el patrón de distribución general de los nervios cutáneos torácicos proporcionando una base morfológica para seleccionar y combinar la reconstrucción sensorial durante el trasplante de colgajo de piel. Se diseccionaron 12 cadáveres de individuos adultos chinos. Se eliminó la piel torácica y se realizó el método de tinción de Sihler modificado, centrada alrededor del pezón, la piel del pecho se dividió en cuatro regiones: medial- superior, lateral-superior, lateral-inferior y medial-inferior. La piel torácica no solo estaba inervada por los ramos de los nervios intercostal y supraclavicular 1º a 7º, sino también por un pequeño número de nervios que llegaban directamente a la piel y pasaban a través del músculo pectoral mayor. Existe un fenómeno de superposición cruzada entre los ramos de los nervios intercostales adyacentes. Los ramos de los nervios intercostales 2º a 7º se distribuyeron en la mama, y los ramos de los ramos cutáneos lateral y anterior se distribuyeron densamente alrededor del pezón, formando una anastomosis en forma de rejilla. No hubo inervación cruzada entre los ramos cutáneos anteriores en ambos lados. La densidad de la distribución nerviosa en las cuatro regiones del tórax estaba en el orden de región medial-superior, lateral-superior, lateral-inferior y medial-inferior, respectivamente. Estos resultados pueden ser útiles para mapear regiones sensoriales al diseñar colgajos de piel torácicos para utilizarlos en cirugía de reconstrucción y obtener así una mejor recuperación sensorial.

Oronasal Fistula Closure and Defect Reconstruction: Two Case Reports Using Periodontal Plastic Surgery Principles.

OBJECTIVES: Oronasal fistulas are common sequelae following cleft lip and palate surgery and can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. They result from various factors, including surgical techniques, tissue management, and patient-specific factors. This case report explores the modern approach to oronasal fistula closure using periodontal plastic surgery principles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The report presents two cases of patients with oronasal fistulas due to previous maxillofacial surgical intervention. These patients underwent microsurgical procedures that involved partial flap thickness preparation of the fistula areas, the use of connective tissue grafts from the palate, and meticulous suturing techniques to ensure graft integrity. The procedures were performed in stages, and postoperative care was provided. RESULTS: Both cases demonstrated successful fistula closure and graft survival. The patients reported improvements in breathing, speech, aesthetics, and quality of life. The second case also included guided bone regeneration and implant placement. CONCLUSIONS: Oronasal fistulas resulting from maxillofacial surgery can be effectively treated using periodontal plastic surgery techniques, significantly improving patients' quality of life and aesthetic outcomes. This approach represents a valuable addition to the existing repertoire of oronasal fistula closure methods.

SMAS flap for extracapsular dissection of parotid gland tumors: is it necessary?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective article is to evaluate postoperative outcomes after extracapsular dissection for small benign superficial parotid neoplasms (<3 cm) in patients who received Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) flap and in patients who did not receive it. METHODS: Two groups were created and statistically compared regarding Frey's syndrome and aesthetic satisfaction by data collected through the POI-8 validated questionnaire and through an aesthetic satisfaction scale ranging from 1 to 10. The difference between these two groups was the utilization of SMAS flap. SMAS flap was harvested in one of these two group, meanwhile was not used in the other. RESULTS: The p-value analysis between group 1 and group 2 on these complications, resulted statistically not significant. Also, the aesthetic satisfaction resulted not statistically significant between group 1 and group 2. Gender, localization, and facial palsy resulted statistically correlated with the aesthetic satisfaction (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, there is no statistical difference in the use of SMAS flap for benign parotid neoformations of the superficial lobe, with a diameter of less than 3 cm for which extracapsular dissection is adopted as a surgical technique.

Procedimientos mínimamente invasivos en prótesis implanto-asistidas en personas adultas mayores / Minimally invasive procedures in implant-supported prostheses in elderly persons

Este artículo es una actualización de uno publicado en la Revista del Ateneo Argentino de Odontología (RAAO) en el número 2 de 2016, titulado: "Implantes retrosinusales como alternativa al levantamiento del piso del seno maxilar" donde se presentan casos con implantes colocados con técnica mínimamente invasiva sin colgajo (flapless) en posición inclinada, que, en ese momento, tenían 10 años de evolución. Teniendo en cuenta que son pacientes de mi prácti- ca privada, con los cuales mantengo un seguimiento continuo, me pareció interesante enfocarme en un paciente que participó en el artículo arriba mencio- nado, que sufrió pérdida de un implante a los 14 años de instalado. El objetivo del presente trabajo será mostrar el resul- tado favorable del caso con técnicas mínimamente invasivas. Cabe destacar que el paciente de referencia tiene implantes desde hace más de 20 años, por lo que se evaluarán otros implantes inmediatos postextrac- ción, tratados con la misma técnica (AU)

This article is an actualization of one published in the Argentine Ateneo of Dentistry Journal, in 2016, number 2, titled: "Retro Sinusal Implants as an Alternative to lifting the Maxillary Sinus Bottom" in which several cases of implants were placed with a flapless minimum invasive technique, in an inclined position, which at that moment had a 10-year evolution. Considering that these patients are from my private practice of whom I keep a permanent follow up, it seemed interesting to me to focus on a particular patient that was mentioned in the previous article, who suffered the loss of an implant placed 14 years before. The objective of the present work will be to show the positive outcome of this case with minimum invasive techniques. It should be noted that the patient named above, has twenty years old implants placed with success, so new inmediate post extraction implants have been evaluated, placed with the same technique (AU)

Advanced repair of recurrent and low-large hysterotomy defects using a myometrial glide flap.

BACKGROUND: The resolution of factors linked to the recurrence of cesarean section defects can be accomplished through a comprehensive technique that effectively addresses the dehiscent area, eliminates associated intraluminal fibrosis, and establishes a vascularized anterior wall by creating a sliding myometrial flap. OBJECTIVE: Propose a comprehensive surgical repair for recurrent and large low hysterotomy defects in women seeking pregnancy or recurrent spotting. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort analysis included 54 patients aged 25-41 with recurrent large cesarean scar defects treated at Otamendi, CEMIC, and Valle de Lili hospitals. Comprehensive surgical repair was performed by suprapubic laparotomy, involving a wide opening of the vesicouterine space, removal of the dehiscent cesarean scar and all intrauterine abnormal fibrous tissues, using a glide myometrial flap, and intramyometrial injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma. Qualitative variables were determined, and descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data in absolute frequencies or percentages. The data obtained were processed using the InfostatTM statistic program. RESULTS: Following the repair, all women experienced normal menstrual cycles and demonstrated an adequate lower uterine segment thickness, with no evidence of healing defects. All patients experienced early ambulation and were discharged within 24 h. Uterine hemostasis was achieved at specific points, minimizing the use of electrocautery. The standard duration of the procedure was 60 min (skin-to-skin), and the average bleeding was 80-100 ml. No perioperative complications were recorded. A control T2-weighted MRI was performed six months after surgery. All patients displayed a clean, unobstructed endometrial cavity with a thick anterior wall (Median: 14.98 mm, IQR 13-17). Twelve patients became pregnant again, all delivered by cesarean between 36.1 and 38.0 weeks, with a mean of 37.17 weeks. The thickness of the uterine segment before cesarean ranged between 3 and 7 mm, with a mean of 3.91 mm. No cases of placenta previa, dehiscence, placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), or postpartum hemorrhage were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The comprehensive repair of recurrent low-large defects offers a holistic solution for addressing recurrent hysterotomy defects. Innovative repair concepts effectively address the wound defect and associated fibrosis, ensuring an appropriate myometrial thickness through a gliding myometrial flap.

Reconstruction of congenital pseudarthrosis of the radius with a vascularized tibial periosteal transplant: A case report.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the forearm poses a considerable challenge because of its rarity. The objective of this report is to introduce a novel surgical technique for its treatment. Here, we document a case of congenital pseudarthrosis of the radius in a 3-year-old boy diagnosed with type-1 neurofibromatosis. The surgical treatment involved the excision of approximately 9 cm of native radial periosteum and a bifocal radius osteotomy, which was supplemented with a vascularized tibial periosteal transplant to facilitate bone healing. Anastomosis between the anterior tibial vessels and radial vessels was performed. No immediate or late postoperative complications were observed. After 3 weeks, a robust callus formation was observed, and during a follow-up examination 3 years and 4 months later, a wide range of active forearm rotation was noted. This report suggests that vascularized periosteal flaps show promise as a viable treatment option for congenital pseudarthrosis of the forearm. They offer an alternative to vascularized fibular grafts or single-bone forearm constructs.

Comparison of Anatomically of Medial Plantar Flap versus Reverse Sural Fasciocutaneous Flap in the Treatment of Skin Defects After Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Excision

SUMMARY: To compare the advantages and disadvantages of reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap (RSFF) versus medial plantar flap (MPF) in the treatment of skin defects after excision of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the heel. The research participants were 80 SCC patients admitted to Lishui People's Hospital between January 2019 and April 2022, who were assigned to RSFF group (n=37) and MPF group (n=43) according to the flap type. After a one-year follow-up, the survival, flap necrosis and ulceration, as well as pain and tactile sensation recovery of both groups were counted. At the last follow-up, the clinical response was evaluated, and Short-Form 36 Item Health Survey (SF-36) and appearance satisfaction surveys were conducted. No patients died in either group, and one patient in each group developed flap necrosis. The MPF group had better sensory recovery and a lower incidence of flap ulceration (P0.05). The cosmetic satisfaction was higher in MPF group than in RSFF group (P<0.05). MPF contributes to beautiful appearance, better sensory recovery, and low risk of long-term ulceration, while RSFF is suitable for lesions with large defects or those located at the lateral heel.

El objetivo del estudio fue comparar las ventajas y desventajas del colgajo fasciocutáneo sural inverso (RSFF) versus el colgajo plantar medial (MPF) en el tratamiento de defectos de la piel después de la escisión de un carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) del talón. Los participantes de la investigación fueron 80 pacientes con CCE ingresados en el Hospital Popular de Lishui entre enero de 2019 y abril de 2022, que fueron asignados al grupo RSFF (n=37) y al grupo MPF (n=43) según el tipo de colgajo. Después de un año de seguimiento, se observó la supervivencia, la necrosis y ulceración del colgajo, así como la recuperación del dolor y la sensación táctil de ambos grupos. En el último seguimiento, se evaluó la respuesta clínica y se realizaron encuestas de salud de formato corto de 36 ítems (SF-36) y encuestas de satisfacción. Ningún paciente falleció en ninguno de los grupos y un paciente de cada grupo desarrolló necrosis del colgajo. El grupo MPF tuvo una mejor recuperación sensorial y una menor incidencia de ulceración del colgajo (P 0,05). La satisfacción cosmética fue mayor en el grupo MPF que en el grupo RSFF (P<0,05). MPF contribuye a una mejor apariencia, mejor recuperación sensorial y un bajo riesgo de ulceración a largo plazo, mientras que RSFF es adecuado para lesiones con defectos grandes o localizados en la parte lateral del talón.

Oxigenoterapia hiperbárica. Sus aplicaciones en Cirugía Plástica / Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Its applications in Plastic Surgery

La oxigenoterapia hiperbárica (OHB) puede mejorar la cicatrización de las heridas. La hipoxia, la alteración de la angiogénesis y la inflamación prolongada son condiciones constantes que la OHB favorece su reversibilidad; hace ya muchos años que, en el listado de indicaciones reconocidas por Sociedades Científicas que rigen esta práctica, se encuentra como indicación aceptada para el tratamiento coadyuvante en injertos o colgajos en riesgo isquémico, como también en heridas refractarias; en la última década, paulatinamente, con la difusión y el aumento de las facilidades para acceder a equipos hiperbáricos, las indicaciones se extendieron al área de la cirugía plástica, para tratamiento de complicaciones posoperatorias en tejidos isquémicos o necrosados y también para preacodicionamiento preoperatorio y sostén posoperatorio de cierto grupo de pacientes con mayor riesgo de sufrir una complicación, en las lipotransferencias como coadyuvante para aumento de la preservación de una mayor cantidad de tejido graso. Las publicaciones al respecto son cada día más frecuentes, algunas presentan un pequeño número de casos, otras son estudios de cohorte retrospectivos, con un nivel de evidencia elevado. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar el concepto básico de los efectos de la OHB, referencia al estado actual de las distintas indicaciones en uso en cirugía plástica y medicina cosmética y la experiencia personal al respecto.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT) can improve wound healing, hypoxia, alteration of angiogenesis and prolonged infl ammation are constant conditions that HOT favors its reversibility for many years now, in the list of indications recognized by Scientifi c Societies. that govern this practice, is a recognized indication for adjuvant treatment in grafts or fl aps at ischemic risk, as well as in refractory wounds; In the last decade, gradually, with the dissemination and increase in the facilities to access hyperbaric equipment, the indications were extended to the area of plastic surgery, for the treatment of post-operative complications in ischemic or necrotic tissues as well as for preconditioning. operative and post-operative support of a certain group of patients with a higher risk of suff ering a complication, in lipotransferences as an adjuvant to increase the preservation of a greater amount of fatty tissue. Publications in this regard are becoming more frequent every day, some present a small number of cases, others are retrospective cohort studies, with a high level of evidence. The objective of this article is to present the basic concept of the eff ects of HOT, reference to the current state of the diff erent indications in use in plastic surgery, and cosmetic medicine and personal experience in this regard

Step-by-step Peritoneal Bladder Flap Bunching (PBFB) technique: an innovative approach following lymph node dissection in robotic radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has become a popular surgical approach for localized prostate cancer due to its favorable oncological and functional outcomes, as well as lower morbidity. In cases of intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer, bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLND) is recommended as an adjunct to RARP (1-3). Despite its benefits, PLND can lead to surgical complications, with postoperative lymphocele formation being the most common. Most postoperative lymphoceles are clinically insignificant with variable incidence, reaching up to 60% of cases 4. However, a small percentage of patients 2-8% may experience symptomatic lymphoceles (SL), which can cause significant morbidity (4, 5). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: We perform our RARP technique with our standard approach in all patients (6). After vesicourethral anastomosis a modified PF created to prevent symptomatic lymphocele. We start by suturing the peritoneal fold on the right side, medially to the vas deferens, followed by a similar stitch on the left side to approximate the edges in the midline. A running suture bunches the bladder peritoneum from both sides, passing through the pubic bone periosteum to secure it in place (7). This approach keeps the lateral pelvic gutters open for lymphatic drainage, while allowing fluid drainage from the true pelvis into the abdomen. A pelvic ultrasound was done for all patients at 6 weeks post operative, and additional clinical follow-up was carried out at 3 months following surgery. CONSIDERATIONS: We have demonstrated a modified technique of peritoneal flap (PBFB) with an initial decrease in postoperative symptomatic lymphoceles, the technique is feasible, safe, does not add significant morbidity, and does not require a learning curve.

Two-Step Periosteal Releasing Incision for Tension-Free Flap Closure After Implant Placement With Simultaneous Guided Bone Regeneration.

We evaluated the effect of periosteal-releasing incisions on flap displacement in anterior maxillary sites following implant placement and simultaneously guided bone regeneration. Thirty patients, each requiring a single dental implant and guided bone regeneration in the maxillary esthetic zone, were recruited. After full-thickness flap elevation, the displacement of the flap was measured under a standardized tension of 1 Ncm. Then, a 2-step periosteal releasing incision was placed in the internal aspect of the flap, and the displacement was remeasured using the same standardized tension. Keratinized tissue width and mucosal thickness at the surgical site were recorded. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed at the 7- and 14-day recall visits. Flap displacement (primary outcome) was calculated before and after periosteal-releasing incisions. Multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate the influence of mucosal thickness on flap displacement and adjusted for Keratinized tissue width. Primary wound closure was achieved in all patients. The mean difference in flap coronal displacement before and after the periosteal-releasing incisions was 8.2 mm (p < .0001). Adjusted regression models showed no association between mucosal thickness and keratinized tissue width with the amount of flap displacement (p = .770). Patient-reported outcome measures for pain, swelling, and bleeding amounted to 1.28 ± 1.93, 1.36 ± 1.87, and 0.0 ± 0.0 at 7 days and 0.11 ± 0.57, 0.56 ± 1.03, and 0.0 ± 0.0 at 14 days, respectively. Periosteal-releasing incisions using the 2-step procedure described here are a predictable technique to obtain coronal flap displacements >8 mm without increased surgical complications.

Outcomes of urethral meatal preservation ventral urethroplasty for female urethral stricture: a series of cases.

Objective: To present a series of cases with our initial experience and short-term outcomes of a modified vaginal mucosal flap urethroplasty. Methods: Patients diagnosed with urethral stricture and operated by the same operative technique between January 2012 and January 2018 were followed for at least 6 months. Uroflowmetry and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Results: Nineteen patients were included with an average age of 56.4 years, mean preoperative Qmax of 5.3 ml/s, and PVR of 101.4 mL. After 6 months of the procedure, the mean Qmax improved to 14.7 mL/s (p<0.05), PVR decreased to 47.3 mL (p<0.05), and 84.2% of all patients reported improvement in clinical self-reported symptoms. There was an improvement in symptoms such as voiding effort in 84.2% of patients, weak stream (89.5%), and recurrent urinary tract infection (85.7%). The success rate (absence of symptoms and normal Qmax with no significant PVR) of the procedure was 84.2%. Conclusion: The described technique was considered effective for the treatment of female urethra stricture, with a high clinical success rate and an objective improvement of Qmax and decrease in PVR after 6 months of the procedure.

Outcomes after elevation of serratus anterior fascia flap versus serratus muscle flap in direct-to-implant breast reconstruction following mastectomy: a prospective study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative pain between SF flap and serratus anterior muscle (SM) in direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study that included 53 women diagnosed with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy and one-stage implant-based breast reconstruction from January 2020 to March 2021. Twenty-nine patients (54.7%) had SF elevation, and 24 patients (45.3%) underwent SM elevation. We evaluated patient-reported early postoperative pain on the first day after surgery. Also, it was reported that all surgical complications in the first month and patient reported outcomes (PROs) were measured with the BRECON 23 questionnaire. Results: The serratus fascia group used implants with larger volumes, 407.6 ± 98.9 cc (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the fascial and muscular groups regarding the postoperative pain score reported by the patients (2 versus 3; p = 0.30). Also, there was no difference between the groups regarding early surgical complications and PROs after breast reconstruction. Conclusion: The use of SF seems to cause less morbidity, which makes the technique an alternative to be considered in breast reconstruction. Although there was no statistical difference in postoperative pain scores between the fascia and serratus muscle groups.

Flange depth for scleral pocket vs no pocket techniques for intrascleral intraocular lens fixation.

PURPOSE: To compare flange depth for a modified scleral pocket (SP) vs no scleral pocket (NSP) technique (Yamane technique) for intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation. SETTING: Instituto de Oftalmología Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, single-surgeon, observational study. METHODS: Eyes with aphakia and no capsular support were included. They were divided into 2 groups: one was programmed for a double-needle flanged intrascleral IOL fixation as originally described by Shin Yamane with NSP and the second group had a modified SP technique. Flange depth was measured with anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively, and the results were compared. RESULTS: Each group comprised 18 eyes of 18 patients, giving a total of 36 flanges per group. The groups were comparable preoperatively. At 12 months, uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were not statistically different for both groups (P = .333; P = .448). Spherical equivalent (SEQ) was not significantly different between groups at 12 months postoperatively (P = .078). AS-OCT revealed a significantly deeper flange position for the SP group at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: When performing a double-needle intrascleral IOL fixation in aphakic eyes with no capsular support, a modified scleral pocket technique provides a significantly deeper flange position with no difference in CDVA or SEQ 12 months postoperatively.