Reliability and Safety of Cross-Leg Free Latissmus Dorsi Muscle Flap in Reconstruction of Mutilating Leg Injuries Using End-to-Side Anastomosis.

Background Free tissue transfer is considered the gold standard option for the reconstruction of distal leg defects. Free tissue transfer using recipient vessels in the contralateral leg (cross-leg bridge) is a potential option to supply the flap if there are no suitable recipient vessels in the injured leg. Most studies have described this technique using end-to-end anastomosis which sacrifices the main vessel in the uninjured leg. This study evaluated the use of a cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap for the reconstruction of defects in single-vessel legs, using end-to-side anastomosis to recipient vessels in the contralateral leg without sacrificing any vessel in the uninjured leg. Methods This is a retrospective study that included 22 consecutive patients with soft tissue defects over the lower leg. All the reconstructed legs had a single artery as documented by CT angiography. All patients underwent cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap using end-to-side anastomosis to the posterior tibial vessels of the contralateral leg. Results The age at surgery ranged from 12 to 31 years and the mean defect size was 86 cm 2 . Complete flap survival occurred in 20 cases (91%). One patient had total flap ischemia. Another patient had distal flap ischemia. Conclusion Cross-leg free latissimus dorsi muscle flap is a reliable and safe technique for the reconstruction and salvage of mutilating leg injuries, especially in cases of leg injuries with a single artery. As far as preservation of the donor limb circulation is concerned, end-to-side anastomosis is a reasonable option as it maintains the continuity of the donor leg vessels.

Introduction of Spring-Assisted Cranioplasty for Sagittal Craniosynostosis in a Craniofacial Service: A Report of Early Experience.

Spring-assisted cranioplasty (SAC) for the treatment of craniosynostosis uses internal springs to produce dynamic changes in cranial shape over several months before its removal. The purpose of this study was to report the first Egyptian experiences with SAC in the treatment of children with sagittal synostosis and evaluate the preliminary outcome. A total of 17 consecutive patients with scaphocephaly underwent SAC with a midline osteotomy along the fused sagittal suture and insertion of 3 springs with bayonet-shaped ends across the opened suture. Operative time, blood transfusion requirements and length of ICU, total hospital stay, and complications graded according to Oxford protocol classification were recorded. Spring removal was performed once re-ossification of the cranial defect occurred. All patients successfully underwent SAC without significant complications. The mean age at surgery was 6.8 months. The mean time of the spring insertion surgery was 63 minutes (SD 9.7). Blood transfusion was needed in less than half of the patients (41.2%).The mean duration of hospital stay was 3.2 days. The mean timing of spring removal was 5.5 months (SD 0.4). The mean time of the second surgery (spring removal) was 22.8 minutes (SD 3.6). In conclusion, SAC can easily be incorporated into the treatment armamentarium of craniofacial surgeons. The technique offers a safe and minimally invasive option for the treatment of sagittal craniosynostosis with the benefit of limited dural undermining, minimal blood loss, operative time, anesthetic time, ICU stay, and hospital stay.

Transnasal Medial Canthopexy Supported with Autogenous Bone Graft: A New Method for Repair of Traumatic Telecanthus.

INTRODUCTION: The medial canthus is an important structure to maintain the shape of the eye and assist in drainage of the lacrimal sac. Traumatic telecanthus is a difficult deformity to treat which involves both esthetic and functional aspects. Transnasal wiring remains the gold standard for repair of the medial canthal tendon (MCT) avulsion; however, it is often complicated by canthal drift, extrusion of wires, and in-fracture of the contralateral orbital bones from pressure by tied wires. In order to overcome traditional transnasal wiring technique pitfalls, this study proposes a transnasal wiring fixation method supported with a bone graft to treat patients presenting with telecanthus following complex nasoorbitoethmoid fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From December 2018 to October 2020, 12 patients with traumatic telecanthus underwent transnasal wiring fixation of the MCT supported with bone graft. The wire holding the MCT was delivered through a single hole to the contralateral side and secured to a small bone graft by passing the wire through 2 holes in the graft in a button-like fashion. Then the wire end is pulled again to the affected side through the same hole and the 2 wires ends are tightly twisted after setting the MCT posterior to the lacrimal crest. RESULTS: Restoration of the MCT to its normal position was achieved in all patients. There were no observed major complications. Only 2 cases of wound infection and 1 case of dacrocystitis were encountered, which settled with conservative management. The preoperative palpebral fissure width (mean: 28.33mm ± 2.188mm) was significantly lower than the postoperative palpebral fissure width (mean: 34.17mm ± 1.03mm) ( P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study introduces a modified technique of transnasal wiring fixation to restore palpebral shape and intercanthal distance. The proposed technique could eliminate most of the frequently observed complications of the traditional methods.

Lop Ear to Conchal Microtia: An Algorithmic Surgical Approach.

BACKGROUND: The lop ear deformity is defined by a deficient helix and scapha, underdeveloped anthelix, and downfolding of the helix. The terminology used is still confusing, and the treatment is not entirely structured. The aim of this study was to provide a new systematic surgical approach of this deformity based on our center's experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing surgical correction of lop ears between 2007 and 2019 at Great Ormond Street Hospital were included. Patients' data, surgical techniques, and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Based on our records, we identified 3 surgical techniques for the correction of lop ears, based on the degree of deformity encountered. In a mild lop ear, correction was achieved with a modified otoplasty technique by improving the definition of the antihelix and superior crus. In a moderate deformity, additional remodeling of the lidded helix was performed (extended otoplasty), whereas for the severe lop ear, the amount of cupping and the deficient cartilage required formal reconstruction using a carved rib cartilage framework. There were a total of 109 patients and 146 lop ears: 58 mild, 27 moderate, and 61 severe lop ears. CONCLUSION: We feel that there is a point in the spectrum of congenital ear deformity when a severe lop ear becomes a conchal microtia and recommend this approach to simplify the management of these cases. This is intended to bring greater clarity to how to deal with lop ears, based on the severity of the deformity and the surgical techniques used.

Modification of the cartilaginous framework for autologous ear reconstruction: Construction of a stable complete ring framework with grander highs and lows.

BACKGROUND: Successful microtia reconstruction involves fabrication of a framework with well-defined ear subunits. Tragal definition and deep conchal bowl are key elements to produce a natural well-defined and contoured ear. We describe a modification in the cartilage framework with the purpose of increasing framework stability, tragal definition and conchal bowl depth. METHODS: The tragus is placed on two cartilaginous bars (L-shaped), which are fixed to the framework base block creating a complete ring. These increase tragal projection and conchal depth. The tragus is carved angled posteriorly to have a shadowing effect on the absent auditory canal. Aesthetic outcome was assessed, at least 6 months after the second stage, on a 5-point ordinal scale (1-5) using the scoring system published in the UK microtia care standards and agreed on by the International Society for Auricular Reconstruction (ISAR). RESULTS: A total of 406 auricular reconstructions were performed in 363 patients (206 right, 114 left, 43 bilateral). After excluding cases who did not have second stage and those without complete photographs, 290 cases were assessed. The described modification in the framework carving was performed in 255 ears out of these 290 ears. The mean aesthetic score before and after the modification was 2.4 and 3.09 respectively for the tragus (p < 0.001), 2.2 and 2.95 for the intertragal notch (p < 0.001) and 2.77 and 3.49 for the concha (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This technical refinement has resulted in increased permanence and definition of the tragus and deeper and more aesthetic concha.

About the One Hemi-Uvula Repair Technique During Palatoplasty.

This is a response to a letter replying to our paper discussing the significance of the uvula during palatoplasty and our surgical technique of uvula repair. The hemi-uvula repair technique was developed independently in our department. In our publication, we fully cited the 2 studies by Rossell-Perry et al about uvula repair and acknowledged them to be the first to publish the concept of using one hemi-uvula. Upon further study, the mistake of omitting 2 references from the list, although they were cited in the text, was found to have occurred during the transition between publishers of this journal (corrected in Erratum). We highlighted some of the differences in the studies and techniques, which are already discussed in our paper, for further clarification.

Buccinator Re-Repair (Bs + Re: IVVP): A Combined Procedure to Maximize the Palate Form and Function in Difficult VPI Cases.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the outcome of a modified buccinator flaps' palatal lengthening combined with radical intravelar veloplasty (Bs + Re: IVVP) for the management of postpalatoplasty velopharyngeal incompetence and report the functional and structural changes occurring in the palate. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of consecutive cleft patients presenting with velopharyngeal incompetence and managed by buccinator re-repair procedure. Blind assessment of randomized recordings of speech and evaluation of velar form and function with nasoendoscopy and lateral videofluoroscopy were done. Patients' demographic data were also collected. PATIENTS: Among 30 consecutive cases who had Bs + Re: IVVP, 24 had adequate pre- and postoperative records of speech outcome data. SETTING: Multidisciplinary cleft team in a tertiary referral center. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in hypernasality, nasal emission, facial grimace and weak consonants, and overall intelligibility of speech. Endoscopy and lateral videofluoroscopy showed significant improvement in total and functional velar length, closure ratio, velopharyngeal gap at closure, palatal thickness, palatal convexity, and mobility. Regarding the procedure complications, no flap ischemia, fistula, or obstructive sleep apnea reported, but there were one cheek hematoma and two minor oral mucosal dehiscence which healed spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: Buccinator re-repair (Bs + Re: IVVP) has been shown to be an effective and safe procedure in treating difficult postpalatoplasty velopharyngeal incompetence. It was also shown that it is still a physiological nonobstructive procedure with low morbidity.

Refinements in Otoplasty Surgery: Experience of 200 Consecutive Cases Using Cartilage-Sparing Technique.

BACKGROUND: Many techniques have been described to correct prominent ears, including cartilage-suturing, cartilage-scoring, and cartilage-breaking techniques. Understanding the topography and anatomy of the auricular cartilage is crucial for performing safe otoplasty with consistent results. METHODS: Two hundred consecutive patients with prominent ears were operated on using a modified Mustardé and Furnas technique with some refinements and without performing any cartilage scoring or excision. Adequate dissection and exposure of cartilage and precise repositioning of the tail of helix (cauda helicis) are keys to correction of lobule prominence without the need for any adjunctive procedures such as skin excision from the back of the lobule or suture fixation of the lobular tissues to the concha, mastoid, or scalp. Detailed description of the technique and review of the complications are presented. RESULTS: This suturing-only technique had a low complication rate. Hematoma occurred in two patients only. Skin necrosis and wound dehiscence were not reported in any patient. Suture extrusion was the most common complication and was easily managed, mostly in the clinic. Relapse of deformity needing surgical correction occurred in eight cases. CONCLUSIONS: The series demonstrates that most of the potential complications of otoplasty can be avoided and favorable results can be obtained by paying attention to the anatomical details of the deformity and the auricular cartilage anatomy. The described cartilage-sparing otoplasty procedure with the refinements outlined resulted in a reproducible natural correction, with a low risk profile, that can be applied to almost all prominent ears. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Recommendations for the Development and Reform of Microtia and Atresia Services.

BACKGROUND: The initial step in setting up standardized microtia-atresia service is investigating the current status of the service and comparing this to internationally recognized guidelines or care standards. In many countries, documented information about microtia care is lacking. This study is an initiative to guide reform efforts of national microtia service in any country. The UK care standards for microtia-atresia can be a useful model to help set up a comprehensive microtia-atresia service. METHODS: The authors conducted a survey to investigate different aspects of microtia service in Egypt. The major plastic surgery centers (n = 22) were surveyed by a structured questionnaire. The results were compared with the UK care standards for microtia-atresia to identify the aspects that need improvement. Thorough analysis of the main problems in microtia-atresia service is presented. RESULTS: The authors found that microtia service is fragmented between the surveyed centers with 65% of the centers treating less than 10 microtia cases annually. Multiple surgeons are responsible for ear reconstruction in 90% of centers and only 25% of them practise a multidisciplinary team approach. None of the centers uses validated tools of aesthetic or psychological patient-reported outcome measures. RECOMMENDATIONS: These 5 recommendations are the keys to reforming microtia service in any country:(1) Establishing nationally designated centers to concentrate the required expertise.(2) Assigning fewer high-volume surgeons to optimize the surgical outcomes.(3) Providing treatment by experienced multidisciplinary teams.(4) Using validated tools of patient-reported outcome measures.(5) Collecting and keeping standardized records for regular audit and intercenter studies.

The Significance of Uvula After Palatoplasty: A New Technique to Improve the Aesthetic Outcome.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the importance of the uvula as a part of palatoplasty outcome and to assess the aesthetic results of the conventional versus a new technique for uvuloplasty. DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS: The study included 2 groups of patients undergoing palatoplasty. Group I consisted of 20 cleft palate patients repaired with the conventional uvula repair, combining the 2 hemi-uvulae. Group II consisted of 20 patients repaired with our new technique, sacrificing one hemi-uvula and centralizing the remaining one. The aesthetic outcome was assessed in both groups. A questionnaire was distributed to the families of both groups to assess their concern about the uvula after palate repair. SETTING: Cleft unit at a tertiary care center. RESULTS: Sixty-five percent of parents considered the uvula as important functionally and aesthetically after palate repair whereas 35% either did not care or were not sure about its importance. Results of the aesthetic outcome of the 2 techniques for uvula reconstruction showed that uvula was absent in 4 cases in group I versus 1 in group II ( P > .05), small in 8 cases of group I versus 4 in group II ( P > .05), bifid in 5 cases of group I versus none in group II ( P < .05), became deviated in no case of group I versus 4 in group II ( P > .05), and was satisfactory in 3 cases of group I versus 11 in group II ( P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Among the respondents, the uvula was a significant concern to the parents of cleft patients and should be given more attention during repair. The described technique had better aesthetic outcome over the conventional one of combining the 2 hemi-uvulae.

Management of cleft lip and palate in Egypt: A National survey.

BACKGROUND: Variable protocols for the management of cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) patients are currently used. However, to our knowledge, there are no previously published data about cleft management and practice in Egypt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred questionnaires were distributed to cleft surgeons attending the annual meeting of the Egyptian Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons in March 2016 to investigate timing, techniques and complications of cleft surgery. Seventy-two colleagues returned the questionnaire, and the data were analysed using Microsoft Excel software. RESULTS: The majority of cleft lip cases are repaired between 3 and 6 months. Millard and Tennison repairs for unilateral cleft lip, while Millard and Manchester techniques for bilateral cleft lip are the most commonly performed. Cleft palate is usually repaired between 9 and 12 months with the two-flap push-back technique being the most commonly used. The average palatal fistula rate is 20%. Pharyngeal flap is the method of choice to correct velopharyngeal incompetence. Polyglactin 910 is the most commonly used suture material in cleft surgery in the country. Multidisciplinary cleft management is reported only by 16.5% of participants. CONCLUSION: Management of CLP in Egypt is mainly dependent on personal preference, not on constitutional protocols. There is a lack of multidisciplinary approach and patients' registration systems in the majority of centres. The establishment of cleft teams from the concerned medical specialties is highly recommended for a more efficient care of cleft patients.

Comprehensive and reliable classification system for primary diagnosis of cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: Due to the lack of a universally accepted classification system, we are aiming to introduce a modified comprehensive, precise and relatively simple classification system for primary diagnosis of cleft lip and palate. METHODS: The proposed classification is based on the Kernahan's striped Y diagram with more details in cleft extent and with the addition of severity scores to each cleft component. Clear definitions of cleft extents and severity degrees were described based on 400 consecutive primary cases. Two medical students were taught the classification then diagnosed photographs of 100 cases twice to test its reliability. RESULTS: The students' results were 11% and 13% wrong diagnoses for student 1 and 2 in the first time, 8% and 10% in the second time, respectively. The inter-rater reliability for the two students in the first and second time was 0.716 and 0.878, respectively. The intra-rater reliability for student 1 and 2 were 0.826 and 0.755 respectively. The average duration to diagnose a case was less than a minute. CONCLUSION: This classification is comprehensive and records many diagnostic variables with high reliability and precision.