An autoprosthesis technique for better breast projection in free nipple graft reduction mammaplasty.

BACKGROUND: Reduction mammaplasty for macromastia provides relief from uncomfortable symptoms and improves self-confidence and the ability to participate in sports activities. Reduction mammaplasty using the free nipple graft technique may result in bottoming-out deformity and a lack of upper-pole projection. We describe a modified breast reduction technique that combines the Graf and Thorek methods. METHODS: We operated on 26 patients with gigantomastia using this novel technique. Preoperative markings were planned according to the classic Thorek amputation technique using a Wise pattern. A 10-cm × 14-cm pyramidal inferior-based dermoglandular flap was prepared, passed under a transverse pectoral muscle loop, and then back-folded over the pectoral loop, thereby establishing an autoprosthesis to increase upper-pole fullness and prevent bottoming-out deformity. RESULTS: The average weight of the removed breast tissue was 1,634 g (range = 1,120-2,140 g) for the right breast and 1,630 g (range = 1,110-2,120 g) for the left breast. The average follow-up period was 22 months (range = 11-37 months). All samples were pathologically assessed. Minor complications included wound breakdown at the T-junction, fat necrosis, hypertrophic scarring, and partial necrosis of the nipple-areola complex (NAC). Loss of nipple projection and partial hypopigmentation of the NAC occurred in most patients. Mild glandular ptosis was observed in two patients, with no flattening or deflation, but no severe bottoming-out deformity was observed during long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: All patients were happy with their new bra size, breast projection, and breast weight. Our combined autoprosthesis technique resulted in satisfactory long-term breast projection and upper-pole fullness. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: 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 www.springer.com/00266 .

Beneficial effects of aminoguanidine on skin flap survival in diabetic rats.

Random flaps in DM patients have poor reliability for wound coverage, and flap loss remains a complex challenge. The protective effects of aminoguanidine (AG) administration on the survival of dorsal random flaps and oxidative stress were studied in diabetic rats. Two months after the onset of DM, dorsal McFarlane flaps were raised. Forty rats were divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) AG, (3) DM, and (4) DM + AG groups. Flap viability, determined with the planimetric method, and free-radical measurements were investigated. In addition, HbA1c and blood glucose levels, body weight measurements, and histopathological examinations were evaluated. The mean flap necrotic areas (%) in Groups I to IV were 50.9 ± 13.0, 32.9 ± 12.5, 65.2 ± 11.5, and 43.5 ± 14.7, respectively. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were higher in the DM group than in the nondiabetic group, while the reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were reduced as a result of flap injury. In the diabetic and nondiabetic groups, AG administration significantly reduced the MDA and NO levels and significantly increased GSH content and SOD enzyme activity. We concluded that AG plays an important role in preventing random pattern flap necrosis.

Viability of cartilage grafts in various forms.

The viability of cartilage grafts, in many forms, has been researched since the using of cartilage grafts in surgical procedures. Cryopreservation period and viability of cartilage grafts have remained unclear. This study was performed to investigate the durability, viability, and behavior of fresh or cryopreserved cartilage grafts when used as autografts or allografts in various forms.Six cartilage grafts (1 of each preparation type; 3 blocks and 3 diced) were prepared by wrapping with Surgicel or autogenous fascia, or they were left bare. After the graft preparation stage, the cartilage grafts were inserted into pockets prepared on the dorsum of each rabbit. Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 (6 rabbits in each group) received autogenous fresh grafts, allogenous fresh grafts, autogenous cryopreserved grafts, and allogenous cryopreserved grafts, respectively. All cartilage grafts were implanted for 2 months.At the end of the second month, specimens were harvested and analyzed. The bare grafts provided the most viable specimens. There was no significant difference between the frozen or fresh and allograft or autograft groups with respect to viability and resorption ratios. The bare block graft, in all groups, survived significantly more than the other graft types.Allografts (homografts), similar autografts, did not create major problems, and they had excellent host tolerance and low antigenicity, especially when the perichondrium was removed. Viability and durability of the bare grafts (diced and block) were better than fascia or Surgicel-wrapped cartilage graft forms.

Effects of high dose corticosteroids in open rhinoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Although some studies about the effects of steroids on surgical trauma in closed or combined (closed and open together) rhinoplasty have been reported in the literature, still more information is needed in order to enlighten rhinoplasty surgeons. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of steroids administered in high doses to prevent and decrease periorbital ecchymosis and oedema in patients who underwent open rhinoplasty with osteotomies by the same surgeon. This is the first study in open rhinoplasty alone. METHODS: The study was performed on 40 patients, under general anaesthesia. Patients were divided randomly into five groups (eight patients in each group); the groups comprised: a single 250 mg dose of methylprednisolone (Group I), a single 500 mg dose of methylprednisolone (Group II), four 250 mg doses of methylprednisolone (Group III), four 500 mg doses of methylprednisolone (Group IV) and placebo (Group V). Digital photographs were taken of each patient on the first, third and seventh postoperative days. Scorings of eyelid swelling and ecchymosis were evaluated separately using a graded scale from 0 to (+) 4 by three observers, independently. Additionally, blood samples were taken for the evaluations of C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) on the same days. RESULTS: Clinically and statistically significant difference was observed in the decrease of both ecchymosis and oedema, between the placebo and high dose methylprednisolone groups, which is effective to prevent and to decrease both the ecchymosis and oedema in open rhinoplasty with osteotomies. CRP was the most sensitive acute phase reactant among CRP, ESR and WBC. No complication was observed due to steroid usage. CONCLUSIONS: We can confidently say that high dose methylprednisolone is effective in preventing and reducing both the periorbital ecchymosis and oedema in open rhinoplasty with osteotomies and it can be used safely for this purpose.

Calf augmentation with autologous tissue injection.

BACKGROUND: Lean or asymmetric calves may cause body image problems. These deformities can be corrected by inserting a silicone calf prosthesis or silicone injection, and also through the use of an autologous fat or tissue cocktail. METHODS: Thin and asymmetric parts of the leg are marked while the patient is standing. Depressed areas are observed at the anteromedial part of the tibia from the knee to the ankle. Fat tissue harvested under general anesthesia, using a syringe and a 4-mm cannula, is centrifuged to eliminate blood and lipids, antibiotic is added, and small amounts of fat grafts are injected into different layers using a cannula 15 or 26 cm in length and 3 mm in diameter. For the preparation of the tissue cocktail, tissue (dermis, fascia, fat) was cut into very small pieces measuring 0.5 mm to be passed through 16-gauge needles. The amount injected depends on the severity of deformity and the size of the legs. Rather than overcorrecting, injections are repeated if necessary, two to four times at 3-month intervals. RESULTS: Between 1992 and 2003, 77 patients underwent calf augmentations with autologous fat and tissue cocktail injections, with follow-up from 1 to 8 years. Outcome was satisfactory in most patients, with moderate improvement in 10 patients (13 percent) and good improvement in 67 (87 percent). In 12 patients, small irregularities or asymmetries were seen after the first injection and were corrected with a second injection. No infection was reported in any case. CONCLUSION: Autologous augmentation and shaping offers scar-free, long-lasting results, with no late complications, and with the possibility of touchup.

Treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids using intense pulsed light (IPL).

BACKGROUND: Keloids and hypertrophic scars are extremely disturbing to patients, both physically and psychologically. This study prospectively assessed the safety and efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) on scars originating from burns, trauma, surgery, and acne. METHODS: Hypertrophic scars in 109 patients, originating from surgical incisions (n = 55), traumatic cuts (traffic accidents) (n = 24), acne scars (n = 6), keloids (n = 5), and burns (n = 19), were treated using an IPL Quantum device. Treatment was administered at 2-4-week intervals, and patients received an average of 8 treatments (range = 6-24). Using digital photographs, Changes in scar appearance were assessed by two physicians who were blinded to the study patients and treatments. The photographs were graded on a scale of 0 to 4 (none, minimal, moderate, good, excellent) for improvement in overall clinical appearance and reduction in height, erythema, and hardness. RESULTS: An overall clinical improvement in the appearance of scars and reductions in height, erythema, and hardness were seen in the majority of the patients (92.5%). Improvement was excellent in 31.2% of the patients, good in 25.7%, moderate in 34%, and minimal in 9.1%. Over half the patients had good or excellent improvement. In the preventive IPL treatment group, 65% had good to excellent improvement in clinical appearance. Patient satisfaction was very high. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that IPL is effective not only in improving the appearance of hypertrophic scars and keloids regardless of their origin, but also in reducing the height, redness, and hardness of scars.

Combined cervical and vaginal reconstruction with prefabricated pudendal thigh flap in a case with cervical and vaginal agenesis (MURCS syndrome): a new and original technique.

In the presence of functional endometrium, in addition to the construction of anatomically, functionally normal and sensitive neovagina and cervix, the preservation of the uterus for future possible pregnancies must also be considered as the main goal in this process. So far, hysterectomy was the general treatment modality in such cases. For maintaining cervical patency, there were no reports in the literature related to cervical prefabrication using flaps. In this report we present a case with cervical and vaginal agenesis (MURCS syndrome). In this case combined cervical and vaginal reconstructions were successfully performed by using bilateral pudendal thigh flaps; a real-like cervix and cervical canal had been previously prefabricated on the distal part of one of the pudendal thigh flaps. Sensitivity and function were both preserved and maintained at the end of this operation.

Management of necrotizing fasciitis in diabetic patients.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a life-threatening condition in diabetic patients; its management and salvage of the patient is a formidable challenge. Diabetes mellitus is one of the serious conditions associated with necrotizing fasciitis. It is a disorder that primarily affects the microvascular circulation. We review our experience and present our approach to necrotizing fasciitis in patients with diabetes mellitus. All cases of necrotizing fasciitis treated at Inonu University, Turgut Ozal Medical Center, from January 1997 to December 2003 were reviewed. A review of 59 charts identified 11 cases that met the study criteria. Cases with necrosis due to other obvious causes were excluded. Three patients had spread of infection with no fatality. An average of 42 hospital days (22-64 days), 17 intensive care unit days (7-28 days), and three surgical procedures (2-7) per patient was required. Necrotizing fasciitis is an extremely serious exceptional infectious process affecting subcutaneous soft tissue with skin gangrene and vascular thromboses. Clearly, the mortality and morbidity associated with necrotizing fasciitis even in diabetes can be decreased with clinical awareness, early diagnosis, effective surgical debridement, and intensive supportive care.

Beneficial effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on the ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rat skin flaps.

BACKGROUND: Reperfusion injury is a phenomenon that occurs when tissues are subjected to ischaemia for a variable period of time, after which they are reperfused. Many factors have been implicated in the cause of reperfusion injury including free radicals and neutrophils. Caffeic acid (3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid) phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an active component of propolis from honeybee; it has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, and protective effects against ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. We investigated the effects of CAPE on the survival of skin flaps in the rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen Wistar rats were used, and randomly divided into three groups (n=6 rats each group): the control group (Group 1), ethanol group (Group 2), and CAPE group (Group 3). A caudally based rectangular flap, 3x10 cm in size, was elevated on the back of the rat, according to the method described by Khouri and colleagues. The flap was sutured back into its original place. In the control group, saline 0.2 ml/day was given intraperitoneally (i.p.). Five percent ethanol 0.2 ml/day was administered i.p. in the ethanol group, and CAPE 50 micromol/kg/day i.p. in the CAPE group. To observe the effects of CAPE, levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured from extracted skin tissue. Flap viability was evaluated seven days after the initial operation, measuring necrotic areas of flaps and total flap areas. RESULTS: MDA and NO levels were significantly decreased in CAPE group; and however, GSH, GSH-Px, and SOD enzyme activities were significantly increased in CAPE group. We believed that the CAPE had beneficial effects to improve the survival of skin flaps since it has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, and protective effects against I/R injury.

Augmentation mentoplasty with diced high-density porous polyethylene.

BACKGROUND: Augmentation mentoplasty is a common procedure, applied especially in conjunction with rhinoplasty. Although various materials have been used for this procedure, diced high-density porous polyethylene (Medpor) has not been used so far. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of diced high-density porous polyethylene in chin augmentation. METHODS: A subperiosteal pocket is prepared through submental incision. A high-density porous polyethylene block is diced into 1 x 1.5-mm pieces, to be placed into the subperiosteal pocket as much as needed by wrapping into oxidized cellulose (Surgicel). Immediately after the incision is closed, shaping with external massage is performed and an external bandage is applied. RESULTS: This procedure was performed in 20 patients, in addition to rhinoplasty, with a mean follow-up of 14 months (range, 8 to 20 months). Five to 14 mm of augmentation was achieved. There were no complications, except for early seroma formation in three patients, which required aspiration by syringe. It is easy to give shape to diced high-density porous polyethylene by means of massage 3 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Diced high-density porous polyethylene in augmentation mentoplasty is cheap, easy to insert, and moldable by external massage, and has flexibility in conforming to the shape of the mandible. It also avoids all the disadvantages of monobloc implants, allowing postoperative ingrowth of fibrous tissues, precluding late displacement, and giving a natural feel to the reconstructed area.

Effects of antineoplastic agents on the peripheral nerves under a surgical tissue expansion procedure: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Elongation of peripheral nerve by the use of a tissue expander is helpful to repair nerve defects. This study was designed to investigate the effects of some antineoplastic agents on the peripheral nerves under a surgical tissue expansion procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five Wistar rats were used in this study. Following the exposition of the sciatic nerve and placement of two 10/0-nylon sutures in the epineurium 20 mm apart, a tissue expander was then placed under it. Inflation of the expander was immediately accomplished by the separate percutaneous injections of 6, 6, and 8 ml for every 3 min under general anesthesia. The expander was fully deflated at the end of each 3 min The distance between two sutures was measured 1 h later to measure the rate of elongation. Rats were randomly divided into five groups (according to the administered drugs), each consisting of five rats (10 sciatic nerves). Normal saline (1 ml) in the control group (group I), cyclophosphamide (15 mg/kg) in the group II, cisplatinum (3 microg/kg) in the group III, mitomycin-C (0.5 mg/kg) in the group IV and 5-fluorouracil (10 mg/kg) in the group V were injected intravenously. Intravenous injections of drugs were performed via the tail vein 30 min before expansion, 48 and 96 h after removal of expander. The incision was reopened on the third and seventh postoperative days, and five sciatic nerves of each group were exposed and then the pinching test was performed to measure regeneration distance. Electroneurographic changes were recorded. The expanded portion of the sciatic nerve between two sutures was harvested for histological evaluation. RESULTS: There is no significant difference between the elongation rates of all groups (P < 0.05). Histologic evaluation showed that inflammatory changes, vacuolization, intraneural edema, demyelination, axonal changes in the control group, the cisplatinum group, and the mitomycin-C group. These changes were significantly decreased in the cyclophosphamide group and the 5-fluorouracil group. In the cyclophosphamide group and the 5-fluorouracil group, the amplitude of compound action potential (CAP) values were significantly higher and the latency was significantly shorter (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: We believed that cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil may be helpful in tissue expansion of peripheral nerves, by decreasing the effects of the ischemia-reperfusion injury on the expanded peripheral nerves.

The protective effect of melatonin on ischemia-reperfusion injury in the groin (inferior epigastric) flap model in rats.

Inadequate blood perfusion and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in the surgical skin flap are believed to be the major factors that cause harmful changes within the tissue and vasculature, resulting in flap necrosis. Reactive oxygen radical species (ROS), in part, are believed to play an important role in this injury. Melatonin, in many physiological conditions, has been shown to have direct and indirect antioxidative effects and free-radical-scavenging properties. Therefore, it may have a beneficial effect on I/R-induced flap injury. In this study, the possible protective effects of melatonin were investigated in I/R injury of rat epigastric (axial pattern) flaps. Ischemia was achieved for 12 h by occlusion of inferior epigastric artery. Melatonin or vehicle was administered 1 h before flap elevation and was continued for 6 days after ischemia. I/R injury elevated malondialdehyde (MDA), an end product of lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide (NO) levels while the glutathione (GSH) content was reduced. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, which is known to be related to tissue neutrophil accumulation, was found to be statistically higher in the I/R group when compared with the sham group. Administration of melatonin significantly decreased MDA, NO and MPO levels and elevated the GSH content. Moreover, melatonin reduced the flap necrosis area, which was determined using a planimetric method. In conclusion, melatonin, a potent scavenger of free radicals, plays a major role in preventing the inferior epigastric arterial I/R-induced flap necrosis, based on planimetric flap survival and biochemical results. The beneficial effects of melatonin in I/R injury implies the involvement of free radicals in flap damage.

Effects of different corticosteroids on edema and ecchymosis in open rhinoplasty.

A double-blind, randomized trial with placebo control was planned to evaluate the effects of corticosteroids (betamethasone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone) in approximately equivalent doses (8 mg dexamethasone/day), and to compare their effects with that of tenoxicam, an antiinflammatory drug, on both the edema and ecchymosis in open rhinoplasty with osteotomies. For this study, 40 patients were divided randomly into five groups of 8 patients each, which received, respectively, betamethasone (group 1), dexamethasone (group 2), methylprednisolone (group 3), tenoxicam (group 4), and placebo (group 5). Open rhinoplasty with osteotomies was performed by the same surgeon with the patient under general anesthesia. Drugs were administered just before the induction of anesthesia and continued for 3 days. Only acetaminophen was used to control postoperative analgesia. Digital photographs of each patient were taken on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7. Scoring was performed separately for eyelid swelling and ecchymosis by three observers independently using a graded scale from 0 to 4. No statistically significant differences existed among the five groups in terms of age, sex, duration of surgery, amount of bleeding, and intravenous fluid administration during the surgery. On postoperative days 1, 3, and 7, no differences in the levels of ecchymosis or edema among the steroid groups, the tenoxicam group, and the control groups were observed. In conclusion, the authors observed no significant differences among the different kinds of steroids administered in equivalent doses (8 mg dexamethasone/day). Steroids used in these doses were not effective in preventing or reducing edema and ecchymosis after open rhinoplasty with osteotomies. Tenoxicam also was not effective. No complications caused by the use of steroids were observed during the 6-month follow-up period.

Correction of the crooked nose using custom-made high-density porous polyethylene extended spreader grafts.

Correction of the crooked or deviated nose, a complex cosmetic and functional problem, is a big challenge for the rhinoplasty surgeon. Although corrections using a wide range of surgical techniques to straighten the nose and maximize nasal function have been proposed, recurrence is very common because of cartilage memory and scar contracture. Therefore, to prevent recurrence and to maintain the correction of the septum, a permanent support that is stable and strong, with the ability to maintain its given shape after placement on one or both sides of the septum, is needed. For this purpose, the authors planned to use a pair of custom-made high-density porous polyethylene (HDPP) extended spreader grafts. In this study, the concept and technique of HDPP, composed of a nonresorbable alloplastic material for correction of the crooked nose, and the authors' experience using it, are presented. Currently, HDPP is readily available on the market as a thin plain sheet (0.85 x 38 x 50 mm) that can be cut to an appropriate size for spreader grafts. Ingrowths of fibrous tissue inside and around HDPP stabilize the upper lateral cartilages and septum in their new corrected position and maintain the corrected/straightened position. This material was used in 20 patients with crooked noses (9 with C-type and 11 with S-type noses). During a mean follow-up period of 18 months (range, 8-30 months), there were no complications, recurrences, or extrusions. Functional evaluation was performed using a visual analog scale before surgery and 6 months after surgery. Patients were asked to score their nasal breathing on a scale ranging from 0 to 100. The mean preoperative value was 32.50% +/- 11.18%, and the postoperative value was 88.75% +/- 8.71%. In conclusion, the use of custom-made HDPP extended spreader grafts is a safe, effective, reliable, and permanent method for correction of the crooked nose. In the long term, the authors believe that custom-made HDPP extended spreader grafts provide functional recovery and increased strength against further trauma or forces of scar contracture, and have the ability to prevent recurrence attributable to cartilage memory.

Protective effects of some antineoplastic agents on ischemia-reperfusion injury in epigastric island skin flaps.

Neutrophil depletion has a beneficial effect on ischemic myocardium and skeletal muscle upon reperfusion. Antineoplastic agents reduce blood neutrophils effectively, and lead to neutrophil depletion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of four antineoplastic agents in low doses (cyclophosphamide, cisplatinum, mitomycin-C, and 5-fluorouracil) on ischemia-reperfusion injury, using an epigastric island skin-flap model in rats. Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 250-300 g, were randomly divided into five groups, each consisting of 10 rats: control, cyclophosphamide, cisplatinum, mitomycin-C, and 5-fluorouracil groups. Epigastric island skin flaps (measuring 3.5 x 4 cm) were raised and subjected to 10 h of in situ ischemia, followed by 7-day reperfusion and evaluation. Treatment with antineoplastic agents (cyclophosphamide, cisplatinum, mitomycin-C, and 5-fluorouracil) was used to introduce neutropenia. Complete blood counts, cutaneous bleeding time, and skin-flap survival were evaluated. Additionally, levels of malonyldialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured from extracted skin tissue. Numbers of leukocytes and platelets were decreased in all experimental groups. However, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were not seen. Cutaneous bleeding activity was prolonged in all experimental groups, but not above the normal value. MDA and NO levels were found to be lower in all four antineoplastic agent groups than in the control group, while GSH, GSH-Px, and SOD enzyme activities were significantly higher (P < 0.05). However, MDA and NO levels were significantly decreased in the cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil groups, as compared to the cisplatinum and mitomycin-C groups (P < 0.01). Also, GSH, GSH-Px, and SOD enzyme activities were significantly increased in the cyclophosphamide and 5-fluorouracil groups, compared to the other two antineoplastic agent groups (P < 0.01). We conclude that antineoplastic agents have beneficial effects on ischemia-reperfusion injuries when their doses are carefully adjusted, by decreasing the number of leukocytes and platelets, and altering the activity of free oxygen radicals.

The use of high-density porous polyethylene as a custom-made nasal spreader graft.

The concept and technique of using high-density porous polyethylene (HDPP), a nonresorbable synthetic material, for nasal spreader grafts, are presented. This material is thought to be particularly useful in revision (secondary or tertiary) rhinoplasty, in which internal valve collapse frequently is confronted and septal cartilage often is unavailable because it has been harvested for spreader or other grafts. Sold as a thin plain sheet (0.85 x 38 x 50 mm) that can be cut to an appropriate size for spreader grafts, HDPP is a ready-to-use material commercially available on the market. Because HDPP permits ingrowths of fibrous tissue inside and around, it is a nonabsorbable material that stabilizes the upper lateral cartilages in their new position and maintains the appropriate internal valve angle. The authors used this material for 15 patients undergoing secondary (n = 12) and tertiary (n = 3) rhinoplasty because of valvular collapse. During the mean follow-up period of 16 months (range, 8-30 months), neither complication nor recurrence of airway obstruction occurred.