Tracheocutaneous Fistula Closure: Comparison of Rhomboid Flap Repair with Z Plasty Repair in a Case Series of 40 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Tracheocutaneous fistula (TCF) is one of the recognized sequelae of a long-term tracheostomy resulting from mucocutaneous overgrowth which prevents closure of the artificial lumen at the site of tracheostomy. Primary closure of TCF has disappointing results and may lead to complications like pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema, and depressed scar. OBJECTIVE: To compare TCF repair using fistulectomy followed by rhomboid flap versus fistulectomy followed by Z plasty repair. METHODS: In this prospective study, 40 patients of either sex with persistent TCF were included. All patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group I had 20 patients who underwent TCF repair using a technique in which fistulectomy was done followed by its closure in layers, and finally closing the defect using a rhomboid flap. The remaining 20 were included in group II who underwent TCF repair using a technique in which fistulectomy was done followed by layered closing, and final closure of the defect was done using Z plasty. The follow-up period was 3 months. RESULTS: Out of 40 patients, all but 8 experienced a successful outcome without any complications, and complete aesthetic satisfaction, with improvement in phonation, and no soiling of clothes with mucus or sputum. The 8 unsuccessful patients belonged to group II (Z plasty group). CONCLUSION: Both techniques have been described in the literature and are proven to give good results. Our study emphasizes the fact that in our experience, the rhomboid flap was a better alternative for TCF repair than Z plasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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.

O to T Flap for Central Forehead Defect Reconstruction.

The reconstruction of central forehead defect is challenging because of the paucity of the adjacent extensible tissue and aesthetic importance of the area. Reconstruction of this region should be done keeping in mind brow symmetry and natural hairline. Camouflaging the final scar lines in wrinkles or hairline should be the final goal. Even small resections in this region can be surprisingly difficult owing to resistance offered by galea to advancement despite significant undermining due to its inelastic composition and position over the skull's natural convexity. Following, we present a case report wherein we describe a technique for the reconstruction of central forehead defects using simple Burrow's triangles.

Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap-an Effective Reconstructive Option for Extensive Buccal Cancer Resection in Resource Constrained and Salvage Settings.

Free flaps are the gold standard for reconstruction of extensive buccal cancer resections. However, salvage surgeries in previously operated and radiated necks, cost, increased operating time, and patient co-morbidities limit their routine use in high volume and resource-constrained settings. Pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap is the mainstay of reconstruction of large buccal defects. However, reconstruction becomes a challenge during salvage of recurrences where PMMC has been utilized in previous reconstruction and in female patients where PMMC harvest results in major donor site morbidity. A retrospective analysis of clinical data of 13 consecutive patients (eight male and five female) with through and through buccal cancer resection defects reconstructed using pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) flap from July 2018 to September 2019 was performed. The indications of using an LD flap were salvage surgeries for recurrences where PMMC was used in earlier reconstruction, medical co-morbidities, vessel depleted necks, and financial constraints precluding use of free flaps. The mean follow-up period was 9.84 months. The mean operating time post-resection was 2 h and 26 min. The mean hospital stay was 12.61 days. All patients could be decannulated successfully (mean duration 9.69 days) and 12 could be weaned off feeding tube. None of the patients had any major flap related or donor site complications. Pedicled LD flap has a limited but an effective reconstructive role for extensive buccal cancer ablation as an alternative to free flaps and PMMC in salvage and resource-constrained situations.

Second Branchial Anomalies: A Study of 94 Cases.

Ninety-four patients with second branchial anomalies were retrospectively analysed at a tertiary care centre from January 2006 to September 2016 to determine the demographical data and management. Branchial sinus and fistula presented earlier as compared to branchial cyst. The mean age at presentation in case of branchial sinuses, fistulae and cysts was 5.07, 5.79 and 7.31 years respectively. There was preponderance in males as compared to females, more so in bilateral cases. Male to female sex ratio was 2.91:1. The branchial fistulae were the most common type of lesions, followed by the branchial sinuses. The branchial anomalies were more on the right side (65.96%) probably due to right handedness of the population. Only eight patients (8.51%) had bilateral anomalies. Four patients had familial association, it was seen in bilateral cases and they presented earlier than unilateral cases. Early and complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Preoperative sinogram/fistulogram and intraoperative methylene blue dye injection is not mandatory for excision of a branchial sinus/fistula. Post-operative wound infection was the most common complication (4.25%).

Angiomatous Hamartoma - A Rare Presentation.

Eccrine Angiomatous Hamartoma (EAH) is a benign rare skin neoplasm characterised histologically by abnormal proliferation of sweat glands and surrounding capillaries and other dermal elements like fatty lobules and hair. It usually presents at birth or in early childhood in the form of solitary nodules mostly affecting the extremities. Here, we report a case of angiomatous hamartoma over the face which presented as a cystic swelling in preauricular region in a 55-year-old man. The late onset and a rare site for presentation of EAH prompted us to report the case. There is not even a single case of EAH arising in the "preauricular" region, reported.

Primary Extracranial Meningioma as a very Rare Cause of Nasal Mass and Epistaxis in an Elderly.

Meningioma is known to be an intracranial pathology, but it can also present extracranially. We report a case of a 55-year-old female who presented to the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) emergency with a complaint of epistaxis for 1 day. There was a 7-8years history of self-resolving intermittent epistaxis. Nasal examination revealed a mass from which biopsy was taken. The specimen showed meningioma on histopathological examination. The mass was excised by ENT surgeons through lateral rhinotomy incision. It was confirmed to be a meningioma by final histopathological examination. The patient was discharged on 10th post-operative day after suture removal under stable condition and was symptom free on regular follow-ups. Worldwide there have been very less number of cases of primary extracranial meningioma causing symptoms of epistaxis, nasal obstruction and a large sinonasal mass in an elderly.