Presence of parasite DNA in clinically unaffected nasal mucosa during cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to detect Leishmania DNA carriage in nasal mucosa of individuals with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in all individuals with CL without nasal lesions (n = 153) attended within 2 years in an endemic area of L. (Viannia) braziliensis in Bahia (Brazil). An otorhinolaryngologist assessed the clinical status of the nasal mucosa by anterior rhinoscopy and endoscopic examinations. Swab samples were collected for parasite DNA detection by PCR from all individuals before standard treatment for leishmaniasis. A second evaluation 3 months after treatment was performed to assess clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Parasite DNA was detected in 7.8% (12/153) of clinically healthy nasal mucosa of individuals with CL. Interestingly, DNA was more frequently identified in individuals with more skin lesions (median 1.5, interquartile range (IQR) 1-3.5 versus 1.0, IQR 1-1.5; p 0.044), or larger injuries (median 2.7, IQR 2-3.8 versus 1.6, IQR 1-2.5; p 0.013). Additionally, the disease of those individuals with positive PCR evolved more frequently to unusual forms of leishmaniasis (recidiva cutis and disseminated) (45.5% (5/11) versus 11.5% (14/122); p 0.009), and required more cycles of treatment to reach clinical cure (median 2, IQR 1-4 versus 1, IQR 1-2; p 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest an early parasite tropism to nasal mucosa in L. (Viannia) braziliensis infection and a clinical phenotype of CL cases associated with parasite DNA in nasal mucosa. Future studies should evaluate whether PCR of nasal swab samples could serve as a prognostic tool for individuals at risk of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis.

Lipoinjertos de gran volumen en la mama / Large volume fat grafting to the breast

No disponible

Comparison of personal characteristics, tobacco use, and health states in Chaldean, Arab American, and non-Middle Eastern White adults.

This study compared and contrasted personal characteristics, tobacco use (cigarette and water pipe smoking), and health states in Chaldean, Arab American and non-Middle Eastern White adults attending an urban community service center. The average age was 39.4 (SD = 14.2). The three groups differed significantly (P < .006) on ethnicity, age, gender distribution, marital status, language spoken, education, employment, and annual income. Current cigarette smoking was highest for non-Middle Eastern White adults (35.4%) and current water pipe smoking was highest for Arab Americans (3.6%). Arab Americans were more likely to smoke both cigarettes and the narghile (4.3%). Health problems were highest among former smokers in all three ethnic groups. Being male, older, unmarried, and non-Middle Eastern White predicted current cigarette smoking; being Arab or Chaldean and having less formal education predicted current water pipe use.

Metacarpal synostosis: a simple classification and a new treatment technique.

The current classification of metacarpal synostosis is based on the extent of the synostosis. The authors propose a new classification that takes into account the shape of the metacarpal bones, the curvature of the epiphysis, and the discrepancy in length between the two bones. This classification provides better guidelines for the correction of all components of the deformity. The classification is based on the authors' observations of and experience with 36 cases of metacarpal synostosis; 13 of the deformities were surgically corrected. The I-shaped deformity, whether with distinct (type d) or fused (type f) metacarpophalangeal joints, does not require surgical correction. The U-shaped deformity has parallel epiphysis and does not require surgery unless the two metacarpals are asymmetrical in length (type a) or tightly fused (type t); in these cases, simple lengthening or widening of the space with a bone graft is sufficient. Y-shaped synostosis should be separated whether the branches are symmetrical or asymmetrical, the latter having one branch shorter than the other. Because the epiphyses are already divergent, simple separation does not effectively correct Y-shaped synostosis. The authors propose an osteotomy to isolate a trapezoidal segment of bone from the bifurcation. The isolated bone segment is then reversed in the proximal-distal direction to provide a "plateau" upon which the two distal metacarpals can be realigned. Two cases of Ys (symmetrical) synostosis were successfully treated with this technique; one case of Ya (asymmetrical) synostosis also required distraction lengthening of the shorter metacarpal to achieve an excellent result. One of the most difficult types of metacarpal synostosis to treat is k-shaped synostosis, observed only between the fourth and fifth metacarpals; in this type, the head of the short fifth metacarpal abuts the metaphysis of the fourth. Osteotomy and distraction lengthening provide predictable results for correction of this deformity. The authors suggest that k-shaped synostosis might represent a late evolution of untreated Ua synostosis.

Correction of first web space deficiency in congenital deformities of the hand with the pseudokite flap.

The authors describe a new flap to enlarge or create a first web in patients with congenital deficiencies of the hand. This lozenge-shaped flap is harvested from the dorsoradial aspect of the index finger based on a narrow proximal skin bridge protecting its axial vascularization. A dorsal skin graft of the donor site is avoided by closure using a rhomboid flap. Procedures in 16 patients were performed and reviewed; the only complication was insertion of a small split-thickness graft in five patients to avoid tension at the metacarpophalangeal joint level. The flap lengthened the web fold an average of 3.2 cm without "pseudolengthening" the thumb.

A phase II trial of intraluminal irrigation with recombinant human tissue factor pathway inhibitor to prevent thrombosis in free flap surgery.

A multicenter, multinational, blinded, randomized, parallel-group, phase II study was conducted to investigate the use of recombinant human tissue factor pathway inhibitor (rhTFPI; SC-59735) as an antithrombotic additive to the intraluminal irrigating solution during microvascular anastomosis in free flap reconstructive surgery. A total of 622 patients undergoing free flap reconstruction were randomly assigned to three groups. For each group, a different intraluminal irrigating solution was administered at completion of the microvascular arterial and venous anastomoses and before blood flow to the flap was reestablished: rhTFPI at a concentration of 0.05 or 0.15 mg/ml (low-dose or high-dose group, respectively) or heparin at a concentration of 100 U/ml (current-standard-of-practice group). There were no other differences in treatment among the groups. Patient characteristics, risk factors, and surgical techniques used were similar among all three groups. Flap failure was lower (2 percent) in the low-dose rhTFPI group than in the high-dose rhTFPI (6 percent) and heparin (5 percent) groups, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.069). There were no significant differences in the rate of intraoperative revisions of vessel anastomoses (11 percent, 12 percent, and 13 percent) or postoperative thrombosis (8 percent, 8 percent, and 7 percent) among the low-dose rhTFPI, high-dose rhTFPI, and heparin groups, respectively. The rate of postoperative wound hematoma was significantly lower in the low-dose rhTFPI group (3 percent) than in the high-dose rhTFPI (8 percent) and heparin (9 percent) groups (p = 0.040). There were no differences in blood chemistry or coagulation values among the three study groups. Other than hematomas, there were no differences in the incidence or severity of adverse reactions among the three groups. It is concluded that use of rhTFPI as an intraluminal irrigant during free flap reconstruction is safe, well tolerated, and as efficacious as use of heparin for preventing thrombotic complications during and after the operation. Furthermore, the lower dose of rhTFPI (0.05 mg/ml) may reduce the occurrence of postoperative hematoma and help prevent flap failure.

Nonsurgical breast enlargement using an external soft-tissue expansion system.

Less than 1 percent of the women interested in having larger breasts elect to have surgical augmentation mammaplasty with insertion of breast implants. The purpose of this report is to describe and test the efficacy of a nonsurgical method for breast enlargement that is based on the ability of tissues to grow when subjected to controlled distractive mechanical forces. Seventeen healthy women (aged 18 to 40 years) who were motivated to achieve breast enlargement were enrolled in a single-group study. The participants were asked to wear a brassiere-like system that applies a 20-mmHg vacuum distraction force to each breast for 10 to 12 hours/day over a 10-week period. Breast size was measured by three separate methods at regular intervals during and after treatment. Breast tissue water density and architecture were visualized before and after treatment by magnetic resonance imaging scans obtained in the same phase of the menstrual cycle. Twelve subjects completed the study; five withdrawals occurred due to protocol noncompliance. Breast size increased in all women over the 10-week treatment course and peaked at week 10 (final treatment); the average increase per woman was 98 +/- 67 percent over starting size. Partial recoil was seen in the first week after terminating treatment, with no significant further size reduction after up to 30 weeks of follow-up. The stable long-term increase in breast size was 55 percent (range, 15 to 115 percent). Magnetic resonance images showed no edema and confirmed the proportionate enlargement of both adipose and fibroglandular tissue components. A statistically significant decrease in body weight occurred during the course of the study, and scores on the self-esteem questionnaire improved significantly. All participants were very pleased with the outcome and reported that the device was comfortable to wear. No adverse events were recorded during the use of the device or after treatment. We conclude that true breast enlargement can be achieved with the daily use of an appropriately designed external expansion system. This nonsurgical and noninvasive alternative for breast enlargement is effective and well tolerated.

A prospective study of microvascular free-flap surgery and outcome.

Over a 6-month period, 23 members of the International Microvascular Research Group participated in a prospective survey of their microvascular free-flap practice. Data were recorded with each case for 60 variables covering patient characteristics, surgical technique, pharmacologic treatment, and postoperative outcome. A total of 493 free flaps were reported with a representative demographic distribution for age, sex, indications for surgery, risk factors, flap type, surgical technique, and pharmacologic intervention. Mixed effects logistic regression modeling was used to determine predictors of flap failure and associated complications. The overall incidence of flap failure was 4.1 percent (20 of 493). Reconstruction of an irradiated recipient site and the use of a skin-grafted muscle flap were the only statistically significant predictors of flap failure, with increased odds of failure of 4.2 (p = 0.01) and 11.1 (p = 0.03), respectively. A postoperative thrombosis requiring re-exploration surgery occurred in 9.9 percent of the flaps. The incidence of this complication was significantly higher when the flap was transferred to a chronic wound and when vein grafts were needed, with increased odds of failure of 2.9 (p = 0.02) and 2.5 (p = 0.02), respectively. There was a lower incidence of postoperative thrombosis when rectus/transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flaps were used, where odds of failure decreased by 0.36 (p = 0.04), and when subcutaneous heparin was administered in the postoperative period, where odds decreased by 0.27 (p = 0.04). There was an overall 69-percent salvage rate for flaps identified with a postoperative thrombosis. Intraoperative thrombosis occurred in 41 cases (8.3 percent) and was observed more frequently in myocutaneous flaps or when vein grafts were needed (5.5 and 5.0 greater odds, respectively; p < 0.001) but was not associated with higher flap failure (2 of 41 cases; 4.9-percent failure rate). The incidence of a hematoma and/or hemorrhage was increased in obese patients and when vein grafts were needed [2.7 (p = 0.02) and 2.6 (p = 0.03) greater odds, respectively], whereas this complication was significantly decreased in muscle flaps (myocutaneous or skin-grafted muscle), in tobacco users, when a heparinized solution was used for general wound irrigation, and when the attending surgeon performed the arterial anastomosis (in contrast to the resident or fellow on staff) (p < 0.05 for each factor). With the multivariable analysis, many factors were found not to have a significant effect on flap outcome, including the recipient site (e.g., head/neck, breast, lower limb, etc.); indications for surgery (trauma, cancer, etc.); flap transfer in extremes of age, smokers, or diabetics; arterial anastomosis with an end-to-end versus end-to-side technique; irrigation of the vessel without or with heparin added to the irrigation solution; and a wide spectrum of antithrombotic drug therapies. These results present a current baseline for free-flap surgery to which future advances and improvements in technique and practice may be compared.

Long-term results of total penile reconstruction with a prefabricated lateral arm free flap.

PURPOSE: We present 5-year followup results of patients who underwent total penile reconstruction with a prefabricated lateral arm free flap technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated 3 female-to-male transsexuals and a man with penile amputation with a 2-stage technique of total penile reconstruction. In the first stage the neourethra is constructed as a tubed skin graft incorporated in the territory of the lateral arm flap. Three to 6 months later the lateral arm flap with its well epithelialized conduit is fashioned into a penis, an inflatable prosthesis is incorporated and the construction is transferred to the pubis with vascular, urethral and nerve repairs. RESULTS: In addition to the 2 surgical procedures required to construct the penis, the patients have required an average of 3 revisions. There were no complications beyond the first year postoperatively. All 4 patients are able to void in the standing position and are free of fistulas or strictures. The inflatable prosthesis allows them to achieve penetration during sexual intercourse. All reconstructed penises have recovered erogenous and tactile sensibility. Patient satisfaction with the reconstructed penis is high. All transsexuals are married and fully integrated as men. CONCLUSIONS: With the prefabricated lateral arm free flap technique it is possible to achieve a fully functional penis with stable long-term results and excellent patient satisfaction. To our knowledge our series represents the first report of a technique for functional penile reconstruction with at least 5 years of followup.

[A new method of microvascular anastomosis: clips with a soluble stent]. / Eine neue Methode der mikrovaskulären Anastomose: Clips mit einem auflösbaren Stent.

In this study, we investigated a new method of microvascular anastomosis using titanium clips combined with a soluble intraluminal stent. This method was used to perform anastomoses of the common carotid artery in five NZW rabbits and the abdominal aorta in five rabbits. Five rabbits ears were isolated on their central vascular pedicles. The central ear artery was transected and anastomosed using the stent/clip technique. In five carotid arteries, a conventional sutured anastomosis was performed. All anastomoses were patent at POD 1, 7 and 21. The average time to perform stent/clip anastomoses was significantly (p < 0.001) shorter than conventional sutured anastomoses (2.5 min vs. 9 min). There was no observable side effect from the stent material and no evidence of peripheral emboli. The stent/clip technique is an easy, fast and safe method of microvascular anastomosis.

Simultaneous bilateral breast reconstruction with the transverse rectus abdominus musculocutaneous free flap.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to assess the results and morbidity associated with simultaneous bilateral TRAM free flap breast reconstruction and describe refinements in its surgical technique. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Bilateral prophylactic total mastectomies might be an agreeable option for those patients at highest risk for breast cancer if autogenous tissue breast reconstruction could be performed with reasonable technical ease and acceptable morbidity. However, some surgeons harbor reservations regarding the extensiveness of the surgery, the associated morbidity, and the aesthetic quality of the resulting outcome. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective review of clinical experience with 120 consecutive patients who underwent 240 simultaneous bilateral TRAM free flap breast reconstructions was developed. RESULTS: The average operating time, including the time required for the breast ablative portion of the procedures, was 8.6 hours. The average length of hospitalization was 7.6 days. However, for the last 40 patients, these figures were reduced to 7.1 hours and 6.1 days, respectively. Nonautologous blood transfusions were needed in 33 cases (28%), but only 1 was required in the last 40 patients. Thromboses developed in six of 240 flaps (2.5%): 4 were arterial and 2 were venous. Re-exploration allowed us to restore circulation in five flaps, whereas one flap was unsalvageable and was replaced successfully with an alternate flap. An uncomplicated deep vein thromboses developed in one patient with a history of recurrent deep vein thromboses that had no adverse effect on her outcome. Minor complications developed in 18 patients (15%) (e.g., hematoma, partial wound necrosis, wound infection, or prolonged postoperative ileus) that did not affect the long-term outcome. Fourteen patients (11.6%) had abdominal wall weakness or hernias. Follow-up time averaged 37.2 months (range, 14-62 months). On last follow-up, patients' self-reported overall satisfaction with the procedure was 56% excellent, 40% good, and 4% fair. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous bilateral free flap reconstruction is technically feasible with a high rate of success and an acceptable morbidity. When performed by experienced surgeons, bilateral prophylactic total mastectomies combined with simultaneous bilateral TRAM free flap reconstruction may provide an adequate surgical option with aesthetically acceptable results for patients at high risk for breast cancer.

Osteochondral allografts with an intramedullary muscle flap in rabbits.

A model for hemijoint reconstruction using partially demineralized and lyophilized osteochondral allografts combined with an intramedullary muscle flap is described. The proximal 2/3 of the humerus was resected in 10 rabbits. The remaining defect was reconstructed with either a control lyophilized osteochondral allograft or a lyophilized allograft with a muscle flap filling the marrow cavity. Graft healing was followed by serial radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging. The grafts were harvested at 5 weeks for histologic analysis. By 5 weeks, 4 of 5 control allografts had fractured. In contrast, only 1 allograft with an intramedullary muscle flap showed evidence of a cortical break. Magnetic resonance imaging of control allografts showed a persistent large dead space within the marrow cavity and callus formation only at the outer cortical surface. Magnetic resonance imaging of allografts with an intramedullary muscle flap showed muscle obliterating the marrow cavity and areas of callus formation at both the outer and inner cortical surfaces. Histologically, graft incorporation was occurring at the outer cortical surface of the control allografts. In contrast, graft incorporation was occurring at both the outer and inner cortical surfaces of the allografts with an intramedullary muscle flap. The articular surface of the control allografts was severely degenerated. In allografts with an intramedullary muscle flap, the articular surface was smoother. Joints reconstructed with allografts with an intramedullary muscle flap had a significantly better range of motion at 5 weeks compared with control allografts. These results suggest that an intramedullary muscle flap can improve the functional results of joints reconstructed with partially demineralized and lyophilized osteochondral allografts by providing both vascularity and an increased population of mesenchymal stem cells capable of responding to bone morphogenetic proteins that reside in the partially demineralized allograft.

Digital reconstruction with island flaps.

Better understanding of the vascular anatomy of the hand and of flap perfusion allows the hand surgeon to perform single-stage reconstruction of digital defects through a multitude of island flap transfers. The usefulness of more than 20 separate island flaps is discussed, and the technique of flap transfer is presented for each.

Reconstruction of the hand with forearm island flaps.

From all of the flaps reviewed, it is important to know how to select the most suitable choice in each case. Aside from the technical expertise of the surgeon, the indication depends on the size and the location of the substance loss. For large defects in any location, the radial forearm flap remains the most reliable and safest choice. For children and women, the authors prefer distant pedicled transfers or free flaps to minimize cosmetic donor site morbidity. For small or medium defects that cannot be managed by a local transposition flap, the indication is based on the location of the wound. Palmar defects, if proximal and ulnar, may be covered using the dorsal ulnar flap, with little morbidity in the donor area. The anterior interosseous flap seems a better choice whenever vascularized tendon, nerve, or bone are needed also. For the first web space and neighboring radial defects, the posterior interosseous flap provides a reasonable alternative. Dorsal defects of the hand can be reconstructed with a posterior interosseous flap, provided there is no suspicion of injury to the anastomotic dorsal system of the wrist. The anterior interosseous flap is a good choice for composite osteocutaneous transfers. For complex composite defects, the ulnar artery forearm flap distally based may be indicated for reconstructive problems requiring vascularized flexor tendons. The anterior interosseous flap is able to provide excellent quality vascularized bone. Indications depend above all on the surgeon's experience and on the different schools. As always, the better flap is that which is performed by the surgeon who has mastered the particular surgical technique. In conclusion, this article is devoted to an update on forearm flaps and illustrates the innovative strength of this specialty. It also points out that, through in depth knowledge of the anatomy, flaps may be raised from many anatomic regions of a limb without disturbing the main vascular axis of that extremity. Minimizing the donor site morbidity while maximizing the quality of the reconstruction is the primary concern when indications are established for reconstructive hand surgery, which is where one of the authors' main research efforts resides.

Free flap coverage of the hand.

Microvascular free tissue transfer has been a major advancement in the treatment of soft-tissue defects of the hand. Free tissue transfers have expanded our options and have altered our approach to hand defects. It is no longer satisfactory to cover hand wounds with unsightly, bulky flaps of tissue. Microsurgical free tissue transfers have given us the tools for more refinement in hand soft-tissue reconstruction and have changed the standards for a successful outcome.

Local irrigation with tissue factor pathway inhibitor inhibits intimal hyperplasia induced by arterial interventions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the capacity of local irrigation with tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) to inhibit vessels from neointimal lesion formation following intimectomy or balloon angioplasty. DESIGN: The common carotid arteries in New Zealand white rabbits were subjected to either intimectomy or balloon angioplasty. INTERVENTION: Before restoring blood flow, the lumina of the vessels were irrigated with 1 mL of Dulbecco phosphate-buffered saline either with TFPI (100 micrograms/mL [TFPI group, n = 10]) or without TFPI (control group, n = 10). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The area of neointimal formation and the ratio of the intimal to medial areas (I/M) were determined from elastin-stained sections. RESULTS: The area of neointima and the I/M ratio were not significantly different at 2 weeks postoperatively. However, at 4 weeks, TFPI-treated vessels demonstrated a significant reduction in the neointimal lesion and the I/M ratio compared with those of controls, following both angioplasty and intimectomy. Transmission electron microscopy showed a lack of platelet aggregation and thrombus formation at the intimal surface in the TFPI-treated vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Local irrigation with TFPI at the time of arterial interventional therapy inhibits intimal hyperplasia following either balloon angioplasty or intimectomy. We hypothesize that TFPI binds to the injured vessel surface and inhibits the cascade of thrombotic events that promote intimal hyperplasia.

Prevention of ischemia-reperfusion injury with a synthetic metalloprotein superoxide dismutase mimic, SC52608.

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) scavenges free superoxide radicals generated during reperfusion of ischemic tissue and decreases cellular injury. A synthetic manganese-based metalloprotein superoxide dismutase mimic, SC52608 (Monsanto Co.), was tested in the isolated rabbit rectus femoris muscle flap to determine its effects on ischemia-reperfusion injury. The results of our experiments analyzing 38 isolated rectus femoris muscles in 19 New Zealand White rabbits show that administration of SC52608 at the onset of 4 hours of warm ischemia and before reperfusion significantly increases the survival of the muscle from 20.0 +/- 4.9 percent (control, HEPES) to 81.5 +/- 4.6 percent (SC52608) (p < 0.001). It preserved functional contraction in 8 of 10 muscles; only 1 of 12 control muscles (control, HEPES) had contractions (p = 0.0015). SC52608 decreased the neutrophil density from 4.63 +/- 0.6 x 10(4) cells/mm2 in the control (HEPES) muscle to 2.71 +/- 0.6 x 10(4) cell/mm2 in muscles perfused with SC52608 (p = 0.03). The level of malonyldialdehyde decreased from 6.12 +/- 0.26 nmol/gm (control, HEPES) to 4.64 +/- 0.41 nmol/gm (SC52608) (p = 0.0028). Postoperative weights of the muscles showed no statistical difference (p = 0.14) between the controls (16.0 +/- 0.9 gm) and the SC52608 (18.1 +/- 0.7 gm). Our investigation shows that direct intraarterial infusion of a synthetic superoxide dismutase mimic at the onset of ischemia and prior to reperfusion can reduce reperfusion injury in skeletal muscle.

Free flaps as flow-through vascular conduits for simultaneous coverage and revascularization of the hand or digit.

In complex extremity injuries, which include volar skin loss and ischemic digits, simultaneous coverage and revascularization are required. In this series of 12 patients, free-tissue transfers were utilized to provide both soft tissue coverage and a flow-through arterial conduit for revascularization. Eleven cases involved the hand or digits, and one case involved the great toe. Six cases were performed for acute ischemia associated with traumatic soft-tissue loss. The remaining six flaps were utilized to lengthen contracted vascular pedicles and provide vascularized soft-tissue coverage during reconstruction of severe hand and foot contractures. Nine temporoparietal fascia free flaps were used for hand or digit revascularization. Two fillet flaps were created, one from a nonreplantable foot and another from an isolated index amputation. The distal end of the axial artery of the flap was anastomosed to a digital artery to restore circulation. Fascial flaps were covered with full-thickness skin grafts. Primary wound healing was achieved in all patients. There were no flap losses or other complications. All the distal parts were revascularized adequately by the axial arteries of the flaps, and functional recovery was good. In this technique, the flap satisfied the need for both coverage and revascularization. Vein grafts were not needed. This series further describes the utility of flow-through flaps in the revascularization of digits.