Modified Application of the Abdominal Re-Approximation Anchor Device in the Closure of Septic Open Abdomen in a Patient With Class III Obesity.

The Abdominal Re-Approximation Anchor (ABRA®) is a pivotal dynamic wound closure system utilized for achieving primary fascial closure in patients undergoing open abdomen surgeries. However, its efficacy can be hindered in patients with class III obesity due to anatomical complexities and compromised tissue characteristics. Here, we present the unique case of a 25-year-old woman with class III obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2) who required primary abdominal closure following complications of an ileostomy repair. Traditional placement of the ABRA device was not feasible due to thick subcutaneous tissue layers. Consequently, a modified application of ABRA was decided based on clinical judgment, whereby the ABRA button anchors were strategically placed internally under the subcutaneous tissue instead of externally on the skin surface. The patient completed six intraoperative tightenings of the ABRA device via this novel technique and was treated with washouts over the course of two months until complete resolution was achieved. The presented case demonstrates a successful modification of the ABRA wound closure device to suit an open abdomen patient with class III obesity.

Evidence-Based Performance Measures for Reconstruction after Skin Cancer Resection: A Multidisciplinary Performance Measure Set.

BACKGROUND: The American Society of Plastic Surgeons commissioned the multidisciplinary Performance Measure Development Work Group on Reconstruction after Skin Cancer Resection to identify and draft quality measures for the care of patients undergoing skin cancer reconstruction. Included stakeholders were the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the American College of Mohs Surgery, the American Society for Mohs Surgery, and a patient representative. METHODS: Two outcome measures and five process measures were identified. The outcome measures included the following: (1) patient satisfaction with information provided by their surgeon before their facial procedure, and (2) postprocedural urgent care or emergency room use. The process measures focus on antibiotic stewardship, anticoagulation continuation and/or coordination of care, opioid avoidance, and verification of clear margins. RESULTS: All measures in this report were approved by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Quality and Performance Measures Work Group and Executive Committee, and the stakeholder societies. CONCLUSION: The work group recommends the use of these measures for quality initiatives, Continuing Medical Education, Continuous Certification, Qualified Clinical Data Registry reporting, and national quality reporting programs.

Surgical approach to internal and external jugular venous agenesis: case report.

PURPOSE: During reconstructive planning for mandibular resection and reconstruction, it was noted that the left internal and external jugular veins were absent, with a considerable compensatory internal jugular vein present on the contralateral side. METHODS: An accidental finding in the CT angiogram of the head and neck was assessed. RESULTS: Osteocutaneous fibular free flap is a well-established reconstructive surgery for mandibular defects that can involve anastomosis of the internal jugular vein and its tributaries. A 60-years-old man with intraoral squamous cell carcinoma, initially treated with chemoradiation, developed osteoradionecrosis of his left mandible. The patient then underwent resection of this portion of the mandible with reconstruction by osteocutaneous fibular free flap with virtual surgical planning. During reconstructive planning for the resection and reconstruction, it was noted that the left internal and external jugular veins were absent, and a noteworthy compensatory internal jugular vein was present on the contralateral side. We report a rare case of this combination of anatomical variations within the jugular venous system. CONCLUSION: Unilateral agenesis of the internal jugular vein has been reported, but a combined variation with ipsilateral agenesis of the external jugular vein and compensatory enlargement of the contralateral internal jugular vein has, to our knowledge, not been reported on previously. The anatomical variation reported in our study will be useful during dissection, central venous catheter placement, styloidectomy, angioplasty/stenting, surgical excision, and reconstructive surgery.

Congenital Lower Extremity Anomaly Pathology and Reconstruction: A Review of the Literature.

SUMMARY: With the advent of the subspecialty of orthoplastic surgery, there has been a greater involvement of plastic surgeons in limb reconstruction, congenital anomalies, and salvage procedures. Understanding embryology helps plastic surgeons better understand how to reconstruct lower extremity congenital defects and how development of the lower limb affects what can be done to reconstruct the adult lower limb. There is significant discussion in the literature regarding embryology and development of craniofacial structures and the upper extremity; however, the development of the lower limb remains largely unexplored. This review aims to elucidate the embryologic development of the lower limb, congenital anomalies that may present to the plastic surgeon, and reconstructive options.

Successful management of mucormycosis infection secondary to motor vehicle accident in a healthy adolescent: A case report.

Mucormycosis in healthy adolescents is a rare etiology of infection that does not have a commonly known protocol for management. This report describes an adolescent male who developed soft tissue mucormycosis secondary to a motor vehicle accident with severe lower extremity injuries. Treatment involved topical amphotericin B washouts and beads, serial aggressive debridement, and isavuconazole. To our knowledge, this is one of few documented cases of successful lower extremity salvage in an immunocompetent adolescent infected with mucormycosis and treated with isavuconazole.

Cutaneous Blastomycosis Presenting as a Nonhealing Wound in the Northeast United States: A Case Report.

Primary cutaneous blastomycosis is a rare presentation of infection caused by direct inoculation of a wound. We present a 61-year-old male with an extensive history of wound dehiscence and wound care noncompliance after a bite from a brown recluse spider on the left thigh while on vacation in Cape Cod in September of 2020. After antibiotic therapy and culture, treatment involved debridement, split thickness skin grafting, strict wound vacuum-assisted closure care, and oral itraconazole. This brief demonstrates a case of blastomycosis arising from trauma in a non-endemic region for infection and serves as an example of successful management of the longstanding wound.

Transition from trainee to educator in the operating room: A needs assessment and framework to support junior faculty.

BACKGROUND: Transitioning from trainee to attending surgeon requires learners to become educators. The purpose of this study is to evaluate educational strategies utilized by surgeons, define gaps in preparation for operative teaching, and identify opportunities to support this transition. METHODS: A web-based, Association of Surgical Education approved survey was distributed to attending surgeons. RESULTS: There were 153 respondents. Narrating actions was the most frequently reported educational model, utilized by 74% of junior faculty [JF] (0-5yrs) and 63% of senior faculty [SF] (>6yrs). Other models used included educational time-outs (29% JF, 27% SF), BID teaching model (36% JF, 51% SF), and Zwisch model (13% JF, 25% SF). Compared with 91% JF, 65% SF reported struggling with instruction (p < 0.001). Five themes emerged as presenting difficulty during the resident to attending transition: lack of relationships, ongoing learning, systems-based, cognitive load, impression management. CONCLUSIONS: Our results represent a needs assessment in the transition from learner to educator in the OR.

Full versus Baby Dose Aspirin for Antithrombotic Prophylaxis in Free Tissue Transfer: Does Size Matter?

The postoperative prophylactic use of aspirin is a common practice among plastic surgeons after free tissue transfer. The use of baby aspirin (81 mg) has become more popular due to previously published literature in other fields. We hypothesized that a full dose daily aspirin is nonsuperior to a baby dose daily aspirin in preventing arterial thrombosis in free tissue transfer. Methods: All patients undergoing free tissue transfer of the extremities from 2008 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into two groups based on the postoperative dose of aspirin administered (full versus baby dose). The decision to administer full or baby dose was based on the surgeon's preference. Primary outcome was revision of the arterial anastomosis. Secondary outcomes included flap complications. Results: A total of 183 patients were identified. Out of those, 78 patients received full dose aspirin postoperatively, whereas 105 received a baby dose of aspirin. Patients who received baby aspirin did not have a higher incidence of returning to the operating room for revision of their arterial anastomosis [7.6% versus 7.7%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.93 (95% confidence interval, 0.28-3.11); adjusted P, 0.906]. No differences were found between the two groups in complete and partial flap loss, wound dehiscence, or infection. None of the patients experienced any aspirin-related gastrointestinal complications. Conclusions: In patients undergoing free tissue transfer, thrombosis of the arterial anastomosis is rare. Administration of a full dose of aspirin postoperatively was not superior to a baby dose of aspirin in preventing arterial-related complications.

Best Solutions for Perineal and Pressure Sore Reconstruction.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand variations of the myocutaneous rectus abdominis muscle flap as it is used for perineal reconstruction and discuss common and alternative options for perineal defect reconstruction. 2. Review primary options and alternatives to pressure sore reconstruction if the primary option is not available and recognize when pressure sore reconstruction is not feasible. 3. Highlight pertinent anatomy and techniques for the flaps described. SUMMARY: Perineal reconstruction following tumor resection is often complicated by irradiated tissue and multiple comorbidities, making reconstruction challenging. Management of these conditions can have complication rates as high as 66 percent, which further compounds the costs and implications of managing these wounds. These complication rates can be significantly decreased using flap closure rather than primary closure. Pressure ulcers also occur in patients with poor overall health, multiple comorbidities, and often numerous prior failed reconstruction attempts. Comprehensive management of pressure sores is a significant burden to the health care system, at a cost of $9.1 to $11.6 billion per year. There exists an extensive body of literature describing the pathophysiology and management strategies for these problems. The focus of this article is to discuss best solutions for perineal and pressure ulcer reconstruction, and to explore alternative options for reconstruction.

The miR-182-5p/FGF21/acetylcholine axis mediates the crosstalk between adipocytes and macrophages to promote beige fat thermogenesis.

A dynamically regulated microenvironment, which is mediated by crosstalk between adipocytes and neighboring cells, is critical for adipose tissue homeostasis and function. However, information on key molecules and/or signaling pathways regulating the crosstalk remains limited. In this study, we identify adipocyte miRNA-182-5p (miR-182-5p) as a crucial antiobesity molecule that stimulated beige fat thermogenesis by promoting the crosstalk between adipocytes and macrophages. miR-182-5p was highly enriched in thermogenic adipocytes, and its expression was markedly stimulated by cold exposure in mice. In contrast, miR-182-5p expression was significantly reduced in adipose tissues of obese humans and mice. Knockout of miR-185-5p decreased cold-induced beige fat thermogenesis whereas overexpression of miR-185-5p increased beiging and thermogenesis in mice. Mechanistically, miR-182-5p promoted FGF21 expression and secretion in adipocytes by suppressing nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (Nr1d1) at 5'-UTR, which in turn stimulates acetylcholine synthesis and release in macrophages. Increased acetylcholine expression activated the nicotine acetylcholine receptor in adipocytes, which stimulated PKA signaling and consequent thermogenic gene expression. Our study reveals a key role of the miR-182-5p/FGF21/acetylcholine/acetylcholine receptor axis that mediates the crosstalk between adipocytes and macrophages to promote beige fat thermogenesis. Activation of the miR-182-5p-induced signaling pathway in adipose tissue may be an effective approach to ameliorate obesity and associated metabolic diseases.

The Influence of the Insertion Angle on Middle and Lower Face Tissue-Mechanics When Treating the Nasolabial Folds with Facial Suspension Threads-An Experimental Split-Face Cadaveric Study.

A novel treatment approach to address the nasolabial fold is the insertion facial suspension threads. However, there is a paucity of data available to guide insertion techniques and material selection. Three female and two male cephalic specimens of Caucasian ethnicity (73.6 ± 6.5 years; 21.41 ± 2.2 kg/m2) were included into this experimental split-face study. One facial side was treated with polycaprolactone (PCL) thread: 180 mm, bidirectional, 18G 100 mm cannula, 20 degrees trajectory, preauricular approach whereas the contralateral side was treated with polydioxanone (PDO) thread: 100 mm, bidirectional, 19G, 60 mm cannula, 50 degrees trajectory, infraorbital approach. Three-dimensional imaging outcome measures included vertical and horizontal skin displacement and volume changes at the nasolabial sulcus, at the labiomandibular sulcus, and along the jawline. Comparing PCL 180 mm 20 degrees to PDO 100 mm 50 degrees: vertical lifting effect 1.42 ± 2.63 mm versus 1.24 ± 1.88 mm (p = 0.906); horizontal lifting effect 3.42 ± 1.44 mm versus -2.02 ± 1.84 mm (p = 0.001); nasolabial volume change -0.80 ± 0.65 mL versus -0.52 ± 0.17 mL (p = 0.367); labiomandibular volume change -0.45 ± 0.42 mL versus -0.16 ± 0.16 mL (p = 0.191); jawline volume change 0.02 ± 0.43 mL versus -0.01 ± 0.21 mL (p = 0.892). The study provides objective evidence for the short-term effectiveness of facial suspension threads in treating the nasolabial folds. The results point toward a better aesthetic outcome when utilizing long facial suspension threads that can effect full-face changes as compared with short facial suspension threads.

Facial Safe Zones for Soft Tissue Filler Injections: A Practical Guide

OBJECTIVE: Vascular events are among the most dreaded complications of safe soft tissue filler injections. The aim of the present study is to present a practical guide for regional facial soft tissue filler injections, which is founded in anatomy and considers safety as its first priority. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 20 fresh (non-embalmed) hemi-faces from 10 Caucasian body donors (7 females, 3 males) with a mean age of 83.5±6.8 years and a mean BMI of 25.3±4.3 kg/m2. Injections of the upper, middle and lower faces of the body donors were performed using a commercially available hyaluronic acid based soft tissue filler. RESULTS: The results of the layer by layer dissections revealed that the injected material was separated from crucial neuro-vascular structures by fascial and/or muscular planes, which were not permeated by the product. Utilizing a single cutaneous access point per facial region, safe planes can be reached. CONCLUSION: This study provides a practical guide for safe soft tissue filler injections for the upper, middle, and lower face. Using cadaveric dissections and dyed product revealed that the targeted facial planes are separated either by fascial planes or by muscular tissue from arterial vasculature. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(9):896-902.

Potential Roles of Adiponectin Isoforms in Human Obesity with Delayed Wound Healing.

Adiponectin is an adipokine with anti-insulin resistance and anti-inflammatory functions. It exists in serum predominantly in three multimeric complexes: the trimer, hexamer, and high-molecular-weight forms. Although recent studies indicate that adiponectin promotes wound healing in rodents, its role in the wound healing process in humans is unknown. This study investigated the expression levels of adiponectin in adipose tissue and serum of women who experienced either normal or delayed wound healing after abdominal plastic surgery. We found that obese women with delayed healing had slightly lower total adiponectin levels in their adipose tissue compared with women with normal healing rates. Among the different isoforms of adiponectin, levels of the trimer forms were significantly reduced in adipose tissue, but not the serum, of obese women with delayed healing compared to women who healed normally. This study provides clinical evidence for a potential role of low-molecular-weight oligomers of adiponectin in the wound healing process as well as implications for an autocrine and/or paracrine mechanism of adiponectin action in adipose tissues.

Ethnic differences in platysmal perforators and its relevance for the platysma myocutaneous flap.

BACKGROUND: Variable flap loss rates for the platysma myocutaneous flap have been reported for the Caucasian and the Asian population, which are 10.1% and 1.6%, respectively. This study was designed to investigate ethnic differences in the number and location of platysmal perforators that influence flap survival rates. METHODS: The number and location of platysmal perforators were investigated in a total of 60 platysma muscles: bilaterally in 20 Caucasian (13 males and 7 females) and 10 Asian (5 males and 5 females) specimens using cadaveric dissections. Adjustment for inter-individual variability in platysma length and width was performed by standardizing each x-value to mandibular length and each y-value to mandibulo-clavicular distance. RESULTS: A total of 64% of all detected platysmal perforators were found in the medial half of the muscle following the pathway of the external carotid artery. Individuals of Caucasian ethnicity had a mean number of 7.60 ± 2.0 perforators per side, whereas individuals of Asian ethnicity had a mean number of 13.05 ± 1.76 perforators per side (p < 0.001). Individuals of Asian ethnicity had a statistically significant increased number of platysmal perforators in the medial middle (2.95 ± 1.05 vs. 1.60 ± 1.08; p < 0.001) and lower (1.60 ± 1.35 vs. 0.73 ± 0.85; p = 0.003) regions of the platysma compared to those of Caucasian individuals. CONCLUSION: A significantly higher number of platysmal perforators were identified in the investigated Asian population. This provides a potential explanatory model for the reported lower platysma myocutaneous flap loss rates in the Asian population than in the Caucasian population.

Influences of Age, Gender, and Body Mass Index on the Thickness of the Abdominal Fatty Layers and its Relevance for Abdominal Liposuction and Abdominoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Liposuction and lipoabdominoplasty procedures frequently involve the treatment of the superficial and deep fatty layers of the abdomen. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present investigation was to provide comprehensive data on the thickness of the abdominal fatty layers in relation to age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). METHODS: The study investigated 150 Caucasian individuals; there was an equal distribution of males and females (each n = 75) and a balanced distribution of age (n = 30 per decade: 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60-69 years) and BMI (n = 50 per group: BMI ≤24.9, 25.0-29.9, and ≥30 kg/m2). Ultrasound-based measurements of the superficial and deep abdominal fatty layers were performed. RESULTS: An increase in BMI was associated with an increase in total abdominal wall fat thickness. The measured increase was related more to the thickness of the deep fatty layer than to the thickness of the superficial fatty layer (Z = 1.80, P = 0.036). An increase in age was associated with a decrease in thickness of the superficial fatty layer (rp = -0.104, P = 0.071) but with an increase in thickness of the deep fatty layer (rp = 0.197, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Age and BMI can change the thickness of both the superficial and deep fatty layers of the anterior abdominal wall, thus influencing the plan and conduct of cosmetic surgical procedures. Knowledge of the layered anatomy of the anterior abdominal wall, as well as its associated blood supply, is important for surgeons performing procedures in this area.

Septicemia secondary to ileus in trauma patients: a human model for bacterial translocation.

Paralytic ileus is a common problem in trauma patients. We present two cases of ileus leading to septicemia. Both patients developed sudden septicemia on hospital day six and underwent urgent exploratory laparotomies, and both were found to only have paralytic ileus without evidence of bowel injury or obstruction. We attribute the cause of septicemia to bacterial translocation secondary to ileus.

Impact of preinjury anticoagulation in patients with traumatic brain injury.

INTRODUCTION: This study was undertaken to examine the impact of various anticoagulation agents in head injury patients. METHODS: The medical records and trauma registry were used to analyze the data. All adult trauma patients using aspirin, clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin), or heparin and admitted to the hospital with computed tomography (CT) scan evidence of brain injuries were included in the study. Patients were classified into three groups based on medication used. RESULTS: From July 2004 through December 2006, 29 patients admitted to the trauma center were found to be on anticoagulation or antiplatelet agents. The control group consisted of 63 patients with CT evidence of head injury not on antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications. There were no significant differences among the groups regarding age, gender, Glasgow Coma Scale, Injury Severity Score, mortality (P = 0.65), ventilator days (P = 0.69), intensive care unit (ICU) days (P = 0.65), total hospital days (P = 0.41) or discharge disposition (P = 0.65). CONCLUSION: Pre-head injury anticoagulation did not have any significant impact on outcomes.

Effectiveness of adenotonsillectomy in the resolution of nocturnal enuresis secondary to obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome and nocturnal enuresis (NE) in patients who required tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review with prospective collection of data. METHODS: All charts of patients ages 2 to 18 years that had tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy over a 44 month period were reviewed for presence of NE and indication for surgery. Those patients with a positive history of both NE and OSA were surveyed to determine whether there was no change in enuresis, decreased enuresis, or no enuresis postoperatively. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-six children who had undergone tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy had data regarding enuresis available in their charts. One hundred seven of these 326 (32.8%) children had a positive history of enuresis. Of the 107 children with a positive history, 44 (41.1%) were female, and 63 (58.9%) were male. All 107 children with enuresis underwent adenotonsillectomy for OSA. None of the children who had a history of recurrent adenotonsillitis or chronic tonsillitis reported enuresis as a presenting symptom. Of the 107 children with a positive preoperative history of NE, 57 (53.3%) agreed to participate in the second phase of the study. Postoperatively, 61.4% (35) of the children were free of enuresis, 22.8% (13) had a decrease in enuresis, and 15.8% (9) had no change in enuresis. A chi-square test showed a statistically significant difference among the groups (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: NE is a relatively common finding in children with OSA symptoms. NE resolves or markedly improves in the vast majority of these patients postoperatively.