Vasoespasmo en microcirugía: revisión de la literatura y recomendaciones para su manejo / Vasospasm in microsurgery: literature review and clinical recommendations

Introducción y objetivo: Los colgajos libres microquirúrgicos se han convertido en una herramienta indispensable en Cirugía Reconstructiva. El vasoespasmo es una entidad que puede producir fallo del colgajo. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar las distintas medidas terapéuticas para la prevención y tratamiento del vasoespasmo y proponer un algoritmo de manejo para esta complicación. Material y método: Revisión bibliográfica de estudios de diseño experimental o cuasi experimental que evalúen el efecto de distintas intervenciones para la prevención y el tratamiento del vasoespasmo. Resultados: Incluimos 31 estudios experimentales, de los cuales 5 analizan intervenciones no farmacológicas y 26 intervenciones farmacológicas. Todos los estudios experimentales fueron realizados en modelos animales. Dentro de las intervenciones no farmacológicas estudiadas, la adventicetomía y el adecuado control de la hemostasia mostraron ser medidas efectivas para la prevención del vasoespasmo. Dentro de las intervenciones farmacológicas tópicas, la lidocaína, la papaverina, el sulfato de magnesio al 10% y el verapamilo demostraron consistentemente su efectividad en la prevención y tratamiento del vasoespasmo. Dentro de las intervenciones farmacológicas sistémicas, la pentoxifilina y la prostaglandina E1 fueron las más efectivas para el manejo del vasoespasmo. Otros fármacos mostraron evidencia controvertida: nifedipino, nicardipino y prostaglandina E1 (todos de aplicación tópica); nicardipino, nifedipino y verapamilo (todos de aplicación sistémica). Conclusiones: La evidencia actual respecto a la efectividad de medidas orientadas al manejo del vasoespasmo en microcirugía se basan principalmente en estudios animales. El algoritmo de manejo del vasoespasmo que presentamos se sustenta en la experiencia clínica acumulada y la mejor evidencia actualmente disponible...

Background and objective: Microsurgical free flaps have become an indispensable tool in Reconstructive Surgery. Vasospasm is an entity that can cause flap failure. Our objective is to evaluate the different therapies for vasospasm prevention and treatment and to propose a management algorithm for this complication. Methods: Bibliographic review of studies of experimental or quasi-experimental design that assesed the effect of interventions for the prevention and treatment of vasospasm. Results: Thirty one experimental studies were included, of which 5 analyzed non-pharmacological interventions and 26 pharmacological interventions. All experimental studies were performed in animal models. Among the non-pharmacological interventions studied, adventicetomy and adequate control of hemostasis proved to be effective measures for the prevention of vasospasm. Within topical pharmacological interventions, lidocaine, papaverine, 10% magnesium sulfate, and verapamil consistently demonstrated their effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of vasospasm. Within the systemic pharmacological interventions, pentoxifylline and prostaglandin E1 were the most effective interventions for the management of vasospasm. Other drugs showed controversial evidence: nifedipine, nicardipine and prostaglandin E1 (topicallys); nicardipine, nifedipine and verapamil (systemics). Conclusions: The current evidence regarding the effectiveness of measu-res aimed at managing vasospasm in microsurgery is based mainly on animal studies. The vasospasm management algorithm presented is based on accumulated clinical experience and the best currently available evidence. Having this therapeutic strategy makes it possible to standardize management in clinical practice for rapid decision-making. Level of evidence 5c Therapeutic.(AU)

A Comprehensive Approach to Posttraumatic Lymphedema Surgical Treatment.

Background Posttraumatic lymphedema (PTL) is sparsely described in the literature. The aim of this study is to propose a comprehensive approach for prevention and treatment of PTL using lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) and lymphatic vessels free flap, reporting our experience in the management of early-stage lymphedema. Methods A retrospective observational study was performed between October 2017 and July 2022. Functional assessment with magnetic resonance lymphangiography and indocyanine green lymphography was performed. Patients with lymphedema and functional lymphatic channels were included. Cases with limited soft tissue damage were proposed for LVA, and those with acute or prior soft tissue damage needing skin reconstruction were proposed for superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator lymphatic vessels free flap (SCIP-LV) to treat or prevent lymphedema. Primary and secondary outcomes were limb volume reduction and quality of life (QoL) improvement, respectively. Follow-up was at least 1 year. Results Twenty-eight patients were operated using this approach during the study period. LVA were performed in 12 patients; mean reduction of excess volume (REV) was 58.82% and the improvement in QoL was 49.25%. SCIP-LV was performed in seven patients with no flap failure; mean REV was 58.77% and the improvement QoL was 50.9%. Nine patients with acute injury in lymphatic critical areas were reconstructed with SCIP-LV as a preventive approach and no lymphedema was detected. Conclusion Our comprehensive approach provides an organized way to treat patients with PTL, or at risk of developing it, to have satisfactory results and improve their QoL.

Extremity reconstruction with superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator free flap: Refinements and innovations after 101 cases.

INTRODUCTION: The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap is based on perforators originated on the superficial circumflex iliac artery. This flap is thin and pliable, of moderate size, and has a concealed donor site. The authors report their experience, innovations, and refinements in both planning and execution, and the outcomes obtained after 101 extremity reconstruction consecutive cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 101 superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flaps were prospectively reviewed and followed up for at least one year at Hospital del Trabajador. The flaps were used for both upper (n = 21) and lower limbs (n = 80), planned with computed tomography angiography/augmented reality, and raised above the superficial fascia using a standardized approach. Demographic data, anatomy of the flap, surgical technique, and the results were assessed. RESULTS: Average flap size was 90.5 cm2, ranging from 25 to 212 cm2. Total flap loss occurred in 6 flaps (5.9%). Four patients developed complications at the donor site. Debulking surgery was performed in 7 patients (6.9%). The average follow-up period was 850 days (range, 370-1405 days). CONCLUSIONS: The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap is versatile, thin, and pliable, suitable for covering even large defects in either the upper or lower extremities, obtaining a shallow contour and optimal esthetics results. The elevation can be standardized, but requires training and proper planning. This is the largest series in a Western country reporting the experience, refinements, and innovation that allows for better results in limb reconstruction.

Interface Fluid Syndrome After Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in Patients With History of LASIK.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the visual, pachymetric, tomographic, and biomicroscopic findings in a series of cases with laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap interface fluid syndrome (IFS) after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). METHODS: Six cases were included in this study; all patients had a history of LASIK and underwent DMEK for the treatment of bullous keratopathy. After uneventful surgery, all patients presented with corneal edema and IFS under the LASIK flap, which was demonstrated with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Visual acuity, clinical findings, pachymetry, endothelial cell count, and AS-OCT were documented during the management of these cases. RESULTS: IFS appears 2.33 days (±1.03) after DMEK. One case improved with conservative treatment. In 5 cases, the LASIK flap was lifted, the fluid was drained, and the flap was replaced. The mean best-corrected visual acuity after fluid drainage was 0.44 logMAR (range 0.18-1.0) and mean central corneal thickness was 538 µm ± 160. Total resolution of the IFS was achieved at 14.5 days (range 4-30) after DMEK. AS-OCT showed resolution of the flap interface in 5 of 6 cases, while 1 patient required second DMEK due to reaccumulation of the interface fluid. CONCLUSIONS: IFS can occur after DMEK in patients with previous LASIK. AS-OCT is a valuable tool for monitoring these cases preoperatively and postoperatively. Early surgical management is often needed to achieve resolution.

Femtosecond laser-assisted Bowman layer transplantation for advanced keratoconus.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To assess the technical feasibility and outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted Bowman layer transplantation (FLABOLT) in stabilizing progressive, advanced keratoconus, which is ineligible for corneal crosslinking. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included 50 eyes of 49 patients with progressive advanced keratoconus, ineligible for corneal crosslinking, that underwent FLABOLT with both the donor graft and recipient mid-stromal pocket using a femtosecond laser. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 13.2 ± 4.9 months (range 7-35 months). Donor graft preparation and accurate dissection of the recipient mid-stromal pocket were successful in 96% and 100% of cases, respectively. The mean maximum keratometry decreased by 1.93 D at 6 months after surgery and there was no change in the mean preoperative best contact lens-corrected visual acuity (BCLVA). Three eyes developed hydrops postoperatively and recovered after clinical treatment. One eye that achieved useful BCLVA postoperatively, worsened 2 years after the surgery due to progressive corneal scarring and required corneal transplantation for visual rehabilitation. Preoperative corneal scarring was a risk factor for BCLVA loss. All other eyes remained stable (92%), and no other procedure was required until the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: In this series, FLABOLT was successfully performed as an alternative to stabilize advanced progressive keratoconus. This technique is highly reproducible for graft preparation and recipient pocket dissection when assisted by femtosecond laser. Despite promising initial results, more studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of FLABOLT in stabilizing advanced progressive keratoconus.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Corneal Transplantation in Brazil.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on corneal transplantation (CT) in Brazil. METHODS: Data from patients who underwent CT at the Hospital Oftalmológico de Sorocaba (HOS), Brazil, were analyzed. National and state numbers of keratoplasties, patients added to the CT waiting list, and total patients on the waiting list were also obtained. Baseline prepandemic (from January 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020) data were compared with 2 time frames of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: elective CT suspension period (between April 1, 2020, and September 31, 2020) and after elective CT resumption (between October 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021). RESULTS: Despite elective CT resumption after the moratorium, the monthly CT rates did not return to baseline at HOS (-14.7%, P = 0.007), São Paulo state (-19.1%, P = 0.001), or Brazil (-30.1%, P < 0.001). The waiting list increased significantly regionally (P < 0.001) and nationally (P < 0.001). Among optical keratoplasties performed at HOS after resuming elective CTs, the proportion of endothelial keratoplasties declined from 38.2% to 30.0% (P < 0.001), whereas penetrating keratoplasties increased from 33.2% to 39.5% (P < 0.001) when comparing with prepandemic data. CONCLUSIONS: Keratoplasty numbers dropped significantly locally, regionally, and nationally. Hence, the CT waiting lists had a progressive increase, with significant long-term implications. An estimated increment on monthly CT rates of approximately 34% in São Paulo state, and 91% in Brazil, is required for the CT waiting list to get back to prepandemic numbers over the next 2 years.

Pushing the Limits in Extremity Reconstruction Using Virtual Surgical Planning: A Case Series Study.

SUMMARY: Technology is advancing in benefit to solving complex problems. Preoperative planning is essential in any reconstructive process given the importance of achieving good results. New technologies facilitate the process to anticipate intraoperative findings. Virtual surgical planning has contributed in the evolution of craniomaxillofacial surgery. However, limited reports have been published regarding its usefulness in extremity reconstruction. The aim of this study was to push the limits and evaluate the use of virtual surgical planning with three-dimensional images for reconstruction of complex extremity defects using a free, open-source software. Patient candidates for upper or lower extremity microsurgical reconstruction with multiple defects or defects requiring reconstruction of various tissue components were included. Computed tomography angiography images were analyzed for virtual surgical planning using Horos software (Horos, Annapolis, Md.). Two upper and eight lower extremities were reconstructed with free flaps using virtual surgical planning; six cases had multiple defects, and four cases underwent different tissue components reconstruction. The postoperative period was uneventful, and there was no flap failure. A didactic video of the process and examples of some cases are presented. Virtual surgical planning is a powerful planning method, and the authors propose its use in complex extremity defects reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Pre-Descemet's endothelial keratoplasty: a simple, Descemet's membrane scoring technique for successful graft preparation.

PURPOSE: Pre-Descemet's endothelial keratoplasty (PDEK) donor tissue preparation involves the intrastromal injection of air to create a type 1 big bubble (BB) and avoidance of the creation of a type 2 BB. The purpose of this study was to design and test a technique to consistently creates a type 1 BB without risk of creating a type 2 BB. METHODS: A prospective matched study with 64 human donor sclerocorneal discs, which were not suitable for corneal transplantation, was conducted. The corneas were divided into two groups, of which 32 were subjected to the standard technique of preparing the PDEK donor tissue (group 1, control) and 32 new technique, where in the donor Descemet's membrane was scored with a Sinskey hook. Frequency of occurrence of different types of BB was compared and statistically analysed. RESULTS: With the standard technique (group 1), type 1 BB occurred in 53.1%, type 2 BB in 34.4% and mixed BB in 12.5% of samples. With the scoring technique (group 2), a type 1 BB occurred in 100% of the samples. No type 2 or mixed BB occurred in any case in group 2. The difference in creation of a type 1BB between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.00). CONCLUSION: The scoring technique is a simple, inexpensive and reproducible option to consistently achieve a type 1 BB to prepare PDEK graft tissue. The next step would be to study the clinical outcomes of PDEK performed with tissue obtained by the scoring technique.

Trends in Corneal Transplantation in a Tertiary Hospital in Brazil.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the evolving trends of surgical techniques and indications of corneal transplantation (CT) at a tertiary hospital in Brazil. METHODS: The medical records of all patients who underwent CT at the Hospital Oftalmológico de Sorocaba (Sorocaba Eye Hospital) from the Banco de Olhos de Sorocaba (Sorocaba Eye Bank) group in Sorocaba, Brazil, from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2019, were analyzed. Data regarding age, sex, transplant indication, and surgical technique were collected. RESULTS: A total of 16,250 CTs were performed. There was a statistically significant decreasing trend of keratoconus-related CT ( P < 0.0001), with rates dropping from 41.7% among all CTs in 2012 to 25.5% in 2019. Penetrating keratoplasty, anterior lamellar keratoplasty, and endothelial keratoplasty (EK) accounted for 59.3%, 27.1%, and 7.8% of the CTs performed in 2012 and 33.3%, 16.4%, and 39.9% in 2019, respectively. A statistically significant decreasing trend was observed for penetrating keratoplasty ( P < 0.0001) and anterior lamellar keratoplasty ( P < 0.0001), whereas EK showed a statistically significant increasing trend during the period ( P < 0.0001). Among EKs, Descemet membrane EK increased statistically significantly from 12.8% in 2012 to 74.4% in 2019 ( P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows relevant evolving trends in indications and preferred CT techniques in a tertiary hospital in Brazil.

International Microsurgery Club Webinar Series-Bridging the Knowledge Gap during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak shut down most conferences. To minimalize the influence, virtual meetings sprang up subsequently. International Microsurgery Club (IMC), as one of the largest professionals-only online microsurgery education groups worldwide, began to host regular weekend webinars during the pandemic to fill the knowledge gap. This study aims to discuss how webinars have fundamentally changed the way knowledge is delivered and exchanged. METHODS: From February 29, 2020 to March 14, 2021, 103 IMC webinars were reviewed and analyzed in detail to determine the use, benefit, and effect. A comparison between webinars hosted by the different societies was made as well. A questionnaire survey focusing on attendees' behavior, attitude, and using habit about webinars was also made. RESULTS: As for the 103 IMC webinar events, the peak participants were 112.3 people in average. The members requesting to join IMC abruptly increased during the pandemic, and the group activity increased dramatically. From the questionnaire (n = 68), the satisfaction level was high (8.88 ± 1.18/10). The respondents were most satisfied with the good quality of the speakers (73.5%). Not only hosts our webinar series but IMC also serves as the platform that welcomes webinars from other societies to share their information. In September 2020, International Microsurgery Webinar League was established via the significant webinar hosts, with more than 300 recorded webinar talks connected successfully. CONCLUSION: As the knowledge revolution driven by COVID-19 will continue, IMC will keep playing an essential role in exploring new and emerging opportunities to improve knowledge dissemination worldwide beyond the space-time boundary.

Dysregulation of Lysyl Oxidases Expression in Diabetic Nephropathy and Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Lysyl oxidases (LOXs) are amino oxidase enzymes that catalyze the oxidative deamination of lysine and hydroxylysine residues to form allysine, the first step towards the development of the final cross-linking reaction in collagens, a crucial macromolecule that reinforces extracellular matrices. Basement membranes are specialized extracellular matrices that are essential components of the glomerular filtration barrier, which also support tubular epithelial cells. Lysyl oxidases are post-translational enzymes indispensable for tissue architecture, participating actively in the development and function of kidneys. The differential expression and dysregulation of these enzymes promote diabetic nephropathy, one of the major complications observed in end-stage renal diseases. In addition, these enzymes act as transcription factors that trigger the epithelial-mesenchymal transition responsible for the generation of different cancers. In the kidney, the expression studies in physiological conditions identified LOXL1 and LOXL2 as constituent proteins of glomerular basement membranes. Besides, LOX and LOXL2 are upregulated in fibrosis and renal cell carcinoma. The current review summarizes the physiological expression of LOXs enzymes in the nephrons, including glomerulus and tubules. Their roles in renal diseases are particularly highlighted in diabetic nephropathy and renal cell carcinoma, two pathophysiological conditions where these enzymes have been demonstrated to participate. The focus of the present study is to describe and discuss the current understanding in this field. The current potential of LOXs enzymes as a biomarker and pharmacological target to kidney diseases that involves extracellular matrix cross-linking enzymes is also discussed. LOXs isoforms and their capacity as therapeutic targets could be used for diagnostic and prognostic purposes and in treating these renal complications.

Partial-Thickness Intrastromal Lamellar Keratoplasty for Corneal Pellucid Marginal Degeneration.

PURPOSE: Pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) is a bilateral corneal ectatic disorder, characterized by thinning of the inferior cornea. Numerous surgical procedures have been described in the literature, and there is a lack of consensus regarding the best available surgical management. Recently, full-thickness intrastromal lamellar keratoplasty (ILK) was described as an option for treating PMD and emerged as a promising technique. However, ILK results in an irregular surface, leading to a significant residual against-therule (ATR) astigmatism. METHODS: This study describes a variation of the ILK technique, using a partial-thickness graft to treat 2 cases of PMD. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, both patients improved visual acuity and had their mean simulated keratometry flattened, although a residual ATR astigmatism remained. CONCLUSIONS: The ILK technique modification might lead to a more regular thickness pattern, although it did not seem efficient in reducing the ATR astigmatism.

Long Pedicled Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Flap Based on a Medial Superficial Branch.

BACKGROUND: A superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap has several advantages, such as reduced thickness, minimal donor-site morbidity, and inconspicuous scar. However, the application of a superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap is restricted because of its limited pedicle length. The aim of this article was to outline the technical modifications of superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap elevation to obtain long pedicles. METHODS: This is a prospective study of 31 consecutive patients who required a long pedicled superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap between September of 2016 and December of 2019 at the authors' center. According to a preoperatively marked pathway of the superficial branch of the superficial circumflex iliac artery, the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap was designed. During the elevation, the design was modified according to the perforator location in the free-style technique. The characteristics of the patients and the flaps, including pedicle length, were recorded. The revision rate, complication rate, and need for a secondary procedure were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 563 days (range, 92 to 1383 days). The mean length of the pedicle obtained was 6.9 cm (range, 6 to 8 cm) from the point where the pedicle merges into the flap. Long pedicles were anastomosed to the main source vessel or branch without tension. No major complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Overcoming the short pedicle length of a superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap by designing the flap laterally and performing an intraflap dissection is a reliable option when a longer pedicle is required, irrespective of the specific anatomy of the superficial circumflex iliac artery. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Accuracy of infrared thermography for perforator mapping: A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies.

INTRODUCTION: Infrared thermography allows the detection of infrared radiation which can be reliably associated with skin temperature. Modern portable thermography devices have been used to identify the location of skin perforators by detecting subtle differences in skin temperature. The aim of this study is to conduct a diagnostic accuracy systematic review to determine the specificity and sensitivity of infrared thermography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted, scrutinising PUBMED and EMBASE databases for diagnostic studies measuring the accuracy of infrared thermography for perforator identification. Article screening, review and data gathering was conducted in parallel by two independent authors. Eligible studies were subject to a formal risk of bias was assessment using the QUADAS2 instrument. RESULTS: A total of 254 entries were obtained, of which 7 satisfied our pre-established inclusion criteria. These studies reported a total of 435 perforators in 133 individuals. The most commonly investigated locations were the antero-lateral thigh and abdominal wall. Reported sensitivity values ranged from 73.7% to 100%. A meta-analysis demonstrated a cumulative sensitivity of 95%. Specificity was not routinely reported. All studies presented a moderate to high risk of bias according to QUADAS2. DISCUSSION: Affordable infrared thermography devices are an interesting alternative to traditional preoperative investigations for perforator mapping. They are sensitive enough to reliably identify a large proportion of perforators as "hot-spots". However, there is limited evidence to estimate the specificity of this technology, as studies have failed to report true negative values associated with "cold-spots".

Stem cell transplantation uncovers TDO-AHR regulation of lung dendritic cells in herpesvirus-induced pathology.

The aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is an intracellular sensor of aromatic hydrocarbons that sits at the top of various immunomodulatory pathways. Here, we present evidence that AHR plays a role in controlling IL-17 responses and the development of pulmonary fibrosis in response to respiratory pathogens following bone marrow transplant (BMT). Mice infected intranasally with gamma-herpesvirus 68 (γHV-68) following BMT displayed elevated levels of the AHR ligand, kynurenine (kyn), in comparison with control mice. Inhibition or genetic ablation of AHR signaling resulted in a significant decrease in IL-17 expression as well as a reduction in lung pathology. Lung CD103+ DCs expressed AHR following BMT, and treatment of induced CD103+ DCs with kyn resulted in altered cytokine production in response to γHV-68. Interestingly, mice deficient in the kyn-producing enzyme indolamine 2-3 dioxygenase showed no differences in cytokine responses to γHV-68 following BMT; however, isolated pulmonary fibroblasts infected with γHV-68 expressed the kyn-producing enzyme tryptophan dioxygenase (TDO2). Our data indicate that alterations in the production of AHR ligands in response to respiratory pathogens following BMT results in a pro-Th17 phenotype that drives lung pathology. We have further identified the TDO2/AHR axis as a potentially novel form of intercellular communication between fibroblasts and DCs that shapes immune responses to respiratory pathogens.

Influence of upper blepharoplasty on intraocular lens calculation.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of upper blepharoplasty on corneal topography and intraocular lens power calculation using Galilei and IOLMaster. METHODS: Thirty patients submitted to upper blepharoplasty from May 2014 to March 2017 at the Hospital Oftalmológico de Sorocaba (São Paulo, Brazil) were included in this observational case series. All patients underwent imaging sessions with Galilei and IOLMaster preoperatively (baseline) and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Primary outcome measures using both devices included flattest, average, and steepest corneal curvature, corneal astigmatism, and blepharoplasty-induced corneal astigmatism. Determination of axial length and lens power calculation were performed using only IOLMaster (Holladay formula). Paired t-test and vectorial analysis were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Sixty eyes from 30 patients were prospectively included. Vectorial analysis showed that 6 months after surgery, blepharoplasty induced on average 0.39 D and 0.31 D of corneal astigmatism, as measured with Galilei and IOLMaster, respectively. IOLMaster measurements showed that average corneal curvature (44.56 vs 44.64 D, p=0.01), steepest corneal curvature (45.17 vs 45.31, p=0.01) and corneal astigmatism (1.22 vs 1.34, p=0.03) were higher 6 months after surgery. IOLMaster measurements also showed that intraocular lens power was significantly smaller 6 months after surgery (22.07 vs 21.93, p=0.004). All other parameters showed no change for comparisons between baseline and 6 months (p>0.05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION: Upper eyelid blepharoplasty influenced intraocular lens calculation using the IOLMaster. However, the influence was not clinically significant. No topographic changes were found using Galilei.

Influence of upper blepharoplasty on intraocular lens calculation / A influência da blefaroplastia superior no cálculo da lente intraocular

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the effect of upper blepharoplasty on corneal topography and intraocular lens power calculation using Galilei and IOLMaster. Methods: Thirty patients submitted to upper blepharoplasty from May 2014 to March 2017 at the Hospital Oftalmológico de Sorocaba (São Paulo, Brazil) were included in this observational case series. All patients underwent imaging sessions with Galilei and IOLMaster preoperatively (baseline) and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Primary outcome measures using both devices included flattest, average, and steepest corneal curvature, corneal astigmatism, and blepharoplasty-induced corneal astigmatism. Determination of axial length and lens power calculation were performed using only IOLMaster (Holladay formula). Paired t-test and vectorial analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results: Sixty eyes from 30 patients were prospectively included. Vectorial analysis showed that 6 months after surgery, blepharoplasty induced on average 0.39 D and 0.31 D of corneal astigmatism, as measured with Galilei and IOLMaster, respectively. IOLMaster measurements showed that average corneal curvature (44.56 vs 44.64 D, p=0.01), steepest corneal curvature (45.17 vs 45.31, p=0.01) and corneal astigmatism (1.22 vs 1.34, p=0.03) were higher 6 months after surgery. IOLMaster measurements also showed that intraocular lens power was significantly smaller 6 months after surgery (22.07 vs 21.93, p=0.004). All other parameters showed no change for comparisons between baseline and 6 months (p>0.05 for all comparisons). Conclusion: Upper eyelid blepharoplasty influenced intraocular lens calculation using the IOLMaster. However, the influence was not clinically significant. No topographic changes were found using Galilei.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar o efeito da blefaroplastia superior na topografia corneana e no cálculo do poder das lentes intraoculares usando Galilei e IOLMaster. Métodos: Trinta pacientes submetidos a blefaroplastia superior de maio de 2014 a março de 2017 no Hospital Oftalmológico de Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brasil foram incluídos neste estudo de série de casos observacional. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a sessões de imagem com Galilei e IOLMaster antes da cirurgia (exame de base) e no 1º e 6º mês pós-operatório. Os resultados primários utilizando os dois aparelhos incluíram ceratometria, astigmatismo corenano e astigmatismo corneano induzido pela blefaroplastia. O comprimento axial e o cálculo do poder da lente intraocular foram realizados unicamente com o IOLMaster (fórmula de Holladay). Teste-t pareado e análise vetorial foram usados na análise estatística. Resultados: Sessenta olhos de 30 pacientes foram incluídos prospectivamente. A análise vec­torial mostrou que após 6 meses da cirurgia, a blefaroplastia superior induziu na média 0,39 D de astigmatismo corneano medido com o Galilei e 0,31 D com IOLMaster. As medidas com o IOLMaster mostraram que a ceratometria média (44,56 vs 44,64 D, p=0,01), ceratometria máxima (45,17 vs 45,31, p=0,01) e o astigmatismo corneano (1,22 vs 1,34, p=0,03) foram maiores após 6 meses da blefaroplastia. As medidas com IOLMaster mostraram que o poder da lente intraocular foi significativamente menor 6 meses após a blefaroplastia (22,07 vs 21,93, p=0,004). Todos os outros parâmetros não mostraram mudanças entre o pré-operatório e o 6º mês da cirurgia (p>0,05 para todas as comparações). Conclusões: A blefaroplastia superior influenciou o cálculo da lente intrao­cular utilizando o IOLMaster. Contudo, a influência não foi cli­­nicamente significativa. Não foram encontradas mudanças topográficas com o Galilei.

Smartphone Thermography for Lower Extremity Local Flap Perforator Mapping.

BACKGROUND: The versatile application of local perforator flaps for coverage throughout the lower extremity has already been well proven. Often a "free-style" approach has been used to design these flaps, as conventional imaging devices for perforator identification may be too expensive or unavailable. The recent adaptation of Smartphone thermal digital imaging may now prove to be a cheaper and more readily available means for identifying the requisite perforators that will sustain these local flaps. METHODS: Over the past year, a prospective study was undertaken of all patients having a local perforator flap for coverage of a lower extremity defect. Twenty-eight local perforator flaps involving all subtypes were utilized in 25 patients. Smartphone thermography was used in all patients preoperatively to identify preferable perforator or vascular network "hot spots" that allowed appropriate flap design. Intraoperative and postoperative monitoring was similarly done for all flaps to determine outcomes. RESULTS: All local perforator flaps were based on perforators identified using smartphone thermography. All flaps (23 or 82.1%) that the thermal digital image predicted 100% viability totally survived. Five flaps were predicted to have marginal viability, but two nevertheless survived completely while the others required only minor readjustments. Peninsular and keystone variety perforator flaps were those most commonly used.Thermography always facilitated making the correct decision as to whether a proximal- or distal-based peninsular flap would be superior. Subfascial elevation of cool spots in keystone flaps were found to be least likely to interfere with flap perfusion. CONCLUSION: Smartphone thermography is an inexpensive and expeditious means for identification of "hot spots" that is always used by us to ensure perfusion to lower extremity perforator local flaps. This is a complementary technique for their safer design, harvest, and subsequent monitoring in conjunction with more complex screening tools as indicated.

Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in Children.

PURPOSE: To describe the outcomes of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) performed in amblyopic aged (younger than 8 years) children. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective study, including 11 eyes (7 congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy and 4 congenital glaucoma) of 6 children in amblyopic age undergoing DMEK by a single surgeon (N.C.P.) at Sorocaba Eye Hospital from December 2015 to November 2017. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, biomicroscopy, pachymetry, endothelial cell density, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: No intraoperative complications occurred. Graft detachment occurred in 1 eye (9.1%) and was successfully managed with rebubbling. No primary graft failure or pupillary block was observed. All pachymetric measurements improved, and the corneal edema clinically resolved in all eyes within 2 weeks after the procedure. At the last follow-up (mean 30 months), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was ≥20/40 in 7 (77.8%) of 9 eyes from patients cooperative enough to assess vision. All children began visual stimulation therapy and amblyopic treatment within 1 month of surgery, and all grafts remained clear until the last follow-up. The mean preoperative donor endothelial cell density was 2588 ± 236 cells/mm, which decreased to 1726 ± 292 cells/mm 2 years after surgery, yielding a 33% reduction (P < 0.001). No immunologic graft reaction, secondary graft failure, or cataracts were observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, DMEK was performed to successfully treat endothelial dysfunction in children. However, the procedure is more challenging, and more studies with more patients and longer follow-up are needed to confirm the superiority of DMEK in treating endothelial dysfunction in children.