Microsurgical Urethroplasty for Complex Bulbar Urethral Strictures Using the Radial Forearm Free Flap Prelaminated with Buccal Mucosa.

Background Complex bulbar urethral strictures are a heterogeneous group, including those secondary to radiotherapy, failed previous open urethroplasty, and total bulbar necrosis following pelvic trauma. Traditional urethroplasty techniques in this group are unpredictable. We describe a novel technique of a buccal mucosa-prelaminated radial forearm free flap urethroplasty, which seeks to improve the quality of life for this group of patients. Methods Known, reliable techniques from two surgical specialties were combined to create a novel surgical solution, consisting of a radial forearm free flap prelaminated with buccal mucosa. Prospective data were collected on patient and stricture characteristics, complications, and results, including voiding flow rates, urethrography, and cystourethroscopy. Success was defined as the ability to void per urethra. The procedure was performed in four patients, previously considered unreconstructable and who were suprapubic catheter dependent. Results Microsurgical transfer was successful in all four cases. All patients were voiding per urethra and remained catheter free at a minimum of 12-month follow-up. There was no significant donor morbidity and all patients were able to return to their usual occupation. Mean voiding flow rates were 17.3 mL/s. Flexible cystoscopy revealed well-vascularized, patent neomucosa. Conclusions We demonstrate proof of concept for a novel technique of microsurgical urethroplasty. We believe this technique may have widespread application in the treatment of radiation-induced and other complex urethral strictures where traditional urethroplasty has limited success.

Mandibular ameloblastoma: clinical experience and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma is a locally aggressive odontogenic tumour of the mandible and maxilla that, if neglected, can cause severe facial disfigurement and functional impairment. A thorough understanding of its clinicopathological behaviour is essential to avoid recurrence associated with inadequately treated disease. Currently, wide resection and immediate reconstruction is the treatment of choice in most cases of mandibular ameloblastoma. We present our experience in the management of this disease and review the current status of the literature. METHOD: Retrospective review of all patients between 1996 and 2006 with histologically confirmed ameloblastoma. A literature review on the current understanding of this disease and its management is then presented. RESULTS: Six patients were identified, ranging between 23 and 54 years old. All were females. Two tumours involved the angle and posterior body of the mandible, one the angle and ramus, one the body and two the anterior mandibular. Four patients underwent mandibular reconstruction with free tissue transfer and two by non-vascularized bone grafts. All procedures were successful. One patient developed deep vein thrombosis requiring anticoagulation. Another developed a collection at the mandibular surgical site requiring drainage. Satisfactory union was achieved in all cases with no evidence of recurrence. All patients had adequate cosmesis, masticatory efforts and speech. CONCLUSION: Management of ameloblastoma remains a challenge and requires a thorough understanding of the behaviour of its different clinicopathological variants. We have found segmental mandibulectomy and immediate reconstruction to be an excellent treatment option in our series of patients.

Lateral supramalleolar flap in reconstruction of pressure ulcers in patients with spinal cord injury.

Pressure ulcers are a major source of morbidity in patients with spinal cord injury. Soft tissue reconstruction of pressure ulcers around the lateral malleolar region continues to be a challenge. Numerous techniques have been described in the published reports, each with their own limitations. We review our clinical experience with the lateral supramalleolar flap for reconstruction of difficult lateral malleolar pressure ulcers in patients with spinal cord injury. This study is a retrospective review of all patients who underwent this procedure between 1991 and 2005. This fasciocutaneous flap is raised on a peroneal artery perforator as its pedicle, without compromising the three vessels supplying the foot. A split-skin graft is placed on the secondary defect. The patient remains in bed for 4-6 weeks before mobilization is allowed. Eight flaps on seven patients were carried out over the study period. Patients' age ranged from 37 to 67 years (mean 56.6 years). Three patients had procedures carried out on the right and three had on the left. One patient had bilateral procedures. All flaps survived, and there were no recurrences of the pressure areas. One patient had a small area of wound breakdown at the edge of the flap, requiring debridement and split-skin graft. Another patient developed a seroma under the split-skin graft over the secondary defect, which resolved with dressings. The lateral supramalleolar flap is a simple, safe and durable flap for lateral malleolar pressure ulcer reconstruction in patients with spinal cord injury.