The heart-lung machine in major limb replantation: Report of two cases.

Replantation of amputated limbs after long ischemic hours almost always comes with reperfusion syndrome and poor outcomes. An ischemic time of greater than 6 h is often considered unsuitable for major limb replantation. However, usage of extracorporeal perfusion has been shown to prolong the viability of major limbs in animal studies. The aim of this report is to show that extracorporeal perfusion with cardiopulmonary bypass machine (CPBM) is a safe and reliable technique in improving limb survival as illustrated by our cases. We report two cases of successful major limb replantation with late presentation. One case involved a 31-year-old man with shoulder disarticulation and the other involved a 30-year-old man sustained proximal transtibial amputation. Both patients, who were generally fit, were involved in major road traffic accidents. The amputated segments were connected to a CPBM to expedite reperfusion and to flush away anaerobic metabolic products. The major vessels were cannulated and connected to a bypass machine that was initially primed with heparinized saline and perfused with packed cells at 100% oxygen concentration. The perfusion was carried out at 35°C with low pressure to prevent edema and low flow to reduce reperfusion injury. Venous blood was drained completely before replantation. Total ischemia times were 7 h 40 min and 9 h, respectively. No evidences of perioperative reperfusion syndrome were seen. Both of the replanted limbs survived and patients had regained better-than-expected limb functional outcomes at 5-year and 2-year follow-up, respectively. CPBM may be safely used in major replantation surgery to enhance limb survival and therefore warrants further research.

Systemic microvascular endothelial function with arteriovenous fistula creation in chronic kidney disease.

Background: This study aimed to determine changes in microvascular endothelial function with upper arm arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation and maturation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was performed at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. Forty CKD patients (stage 4-5) who were scheduled for elective AVF creation over the upper extremity for maintenance hemodialysis were recruited using convenience sampling method. Microvascular endothelial-dependent vasodilation was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry and the process of iontophoresis preoperatively and postoperatively at weeks 2 and 6. Fistula maturation was assessed at week 6. Results: Thirty-two patients had successful AVF maturation. Endothelial-dependent vasodilation (acetylcholine (Ach)% was higher (246.48 [standard deviation (SD) 209.38] vs. 104.95 [SD 43.29], P = 0.001) while systolic blood pressure was lower (142.25 [SD 21.50] vs. 162.25 [SD 13.26], P = 0.017) in this group as compared to unsuccessful AVF group. No significant changes were seen in overall microvascular endothelial-dependent vasodilation during the 6-week study period (day 0, 246.48 [SD 209.38]; week 2, 201.14 [SD 198.19]; and week 6, 203.53 [SD 145.89]). Conclusion: Upper arm AVF creation does not affect microvascular endothelial function up to 6 weeks post operation and may not contribute to the success of AVF maturation. However, the lower microvascular endothelial-dependent vasodilation and higher systolic blood pressure in unsuccessful AVF subjects need to be further studied.

Outcome of the Modified Meek Technique in the Management of Major Pediatric Burns.

INTRODUCTION: The modified Meek micrografting technique has been used in the treatment of severely burned patients and a number of articles have examined the use of the modified Meek technique in adults and in mixed-age groups. However, there is a paucity of research pertaining to the outcome in the pediatric age group. The aim of this study is to present our favorable outcome in pediatric major burns using the modified Meek technique. METHODS: A retrospective review of burn cases in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from 2010 to 2015 was conducted. Cases of major burns among pediatric patients grafted using the Meek technique were examined. RESULTS: Twelve patients were grafted using the Meek technique. Ten (91.7%) patients were male, whereas 2 (8.3%) were female. The average age of patients was 6 years (range, 2-11 years). The average total body surface area was 35.4% (range, 15%-75%). Most burn mechanisms were due to flame injury (66.7%) as compared with scalds injury (16.7%) and chemical injury (16.7%). There was no mortality. All patients were completely grafted with a good donor site scar. The average graft take rate was 82.3%, although 8 cases had positive tissue cultures from the Meek-grafted areas. The average follow-up duration was 3.6 years (range, 1.1-6.7 years). Only 1 case developed contracture over minor joint. CONCLUSIONS: The Meek technique is useful when there is a paucity of donor site in the pediatric group. The graft take is good, contracture formation is low, and this technique is cost-effective.

Functional Outcomes After Heel Pad Reconstruction: A Review of 7 Cases.

Sensate, durable heel pad reconstruction is challenging. The present study assessed the functional outcomes after heel pad reconstruction using various flap techniques at our institution. From June 2011 to June 2016 (5-year period), 7 consecutive patients underwent heel pad reconstruction for various etiologies, with 3 microvascular free flaps (42.9%; 2 musculocutaneous flaps [66.7%] and 1 contralateral medial plantar flap [33.3%]) and 4 local pedicle flaps (57.1%; 3 instep medial plantar artery flaps [75.0%] and 1 distally based reverse sural flap [25.0%]). The patient records and demographic data were reviewed, and surgically related information was obtained and analyzed. The subjective components of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot clinical ratings scale were used to evaluate the pain and functional outcomes. Sensation was assessed using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, and ulcer recurrence was recorded. The mean age of the patients was 41.7 (range 11 to 70) years, the mean defect size was 59 (range 12 to 270) cm2, and the mean follow-up duration was 22 (range 15 to 43) months. Complete flap survival was achieved without significant complications in all 7 patients. Patients treated with the sensate medial plantar artery flap recorded the highest mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score of 57.3 (maximum score of 60) and experienced a return of deep sensation at 6 (range 6 to 24) months and protective sensation at 1 year. This was followed by the reverse sural flap and the musculocutaneous flap. No recurrent heel ulceration was observed in our series of patients. In conclusion, the sensate medial plantar flap is a satisfactory method for coverage of small- to moderate-size heel defects.

Discovery of candidate genes for nonsyndromic cleft lip palate through genome-wide linkage analysis of large extended families in the Malay population.

BACKGROUND: Nonsyndromic orofacial clefts are one of the most common birth defects worldwide. It occurs as a result of genetic or environmental factors. This study investigates the genetic contribution to nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate through the analysis of family pedigrees. Candidate genes associated with the condition were identified from large extended families from the Malay population. RESULTS: A significant nonparametric linkage (NPL) score was detected in family 100. Other suggestive NPL and logarithm of the odds (LOD) scores were attained from families 50, 58, 99 and 100 under autosomal recessive mode. Heterogeneity LOD (HLOD) score ≥ 1 was determined for all families, confirming genetic heterogeneity of the population and indicating that a proportion of families might be linked to each other. Several candidate genes in linkage intervals were determined; LPHN2 at 1p31, SATB2 at 2q33.1-q35, PVRL3 at 3q13.3, COL21A1 at 6p12.1, FOXP2 at 7q22.3-q33, FOXG1 and HECTD1 at 14q12 and TOX3 at 16q12.1. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified several novel and known candidate genes for nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate through genome-wide linkage analysis. Further analysis of the involvement of these genes in the condition will shed light on the disease mechanism. Comprehensive genetic testing of the candidate genes is warranted.

Endothelium dependent hyperpolarization-type relaxation compensates for attenuated nitric oxide-mediated responses in subcutaneous arteries of diabetic patients.

Diabetes impairs endothelium-dependent relaxations. The present study evaluated the contribution of different endothelium-dependent relaxing mechanisms to the regulation of vascular tone in subcutaneous blood vessels of humans with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subcutaneous arteries were isolated from tissues of healthy controls and diabetics. Vascular function was determined using wire myography. Expressions of proteins were measured by Western blotting and immunostaining. Endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine were impaired in arteries from diabetics compared to controls (P = 0.009). Acetylcholine-induced nitric oxide (NO)-mediated relaxations [in the presence of an inhibitor of cyclooxygenases (COX; indomethacin) and small and intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium channel blockers (UCL1684 and TRAM 34, respectively)] were attenuated in arteries from diabetics compared to controls (P < 0.001). However, endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH)-type relaxations [in the presence of indomethacin and the NO synthase blocker, l-NAME] were augmented in arteries from diabetics compared to controls (P = 0.003). Endothelium-independent relaxations to sodium nitroprusside (NO donor) and salbutamol (ß-adrenoceptor agonist) were preserved, but those to prostacyclin were attenuated in diabetics compared to controls (P = 0.017). In arteries of diabetics, protein expressions of endothelial NO synthase, prostacyclin synthase and prostacyclin receptors were decreased, but those of COX-2 were increased. These findings suggest that in human diabetes, the impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxations is caused by a diminished NO bioavailability; however, EDH appears to compensate, at least in part, for this dysfunction.

Reduced expression of prostacyclin synthase and nitric oxide synthase in subcutaneous arteries of type 2 diabetic patients.

Diabetic endothelial dysfunction is characterized by impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation. In this study, we measured the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostacyclin synthase (PGIS), and prostacyclin receptor (IP) in subcutaneous arteries of type-2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Subcutaneous arteries were dissected from tissues from seven diabetics (4 males and 3 females) and seven non-diabetics (5 males and 2 females) aged between 18 to 65 years, who underwent lower limb surgical procedures. Diabetics had higher fasting blood glucose compared to non-diabetics, but there were no differences in blood pressure, body mass index and age. Patients were excluded if they had uncontrolled hypertension, previous myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, renal or hepatic failure and tumor. The relative expression levels of eNOS, COX-1, COX-2, PGIS and IP receptor were determined by Western blotting analysis, normalized with the ß-actin level. Increased expression of COX-2 was observed in subcutaneous arteries of diabetics compared to non-diabetics, whereas the expression levels of eNOS and PGIS were significantly lower in diabetics. There were no significant differences in expression levels of COX-1 and IP receptor between the two groups. Immunohistochemical study of subcutaneous arteries showed that the intensities of eNOS and PGIS staining were lower in diabetics, with higher COX-2 staining. In conclusion, type-2 diabetes is associated with higher COX-2 expression, but lower eNOS and PGIS expression in subcutaneous arteries. These alterations may lead to impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation, and thus these proteins may be potential targets for protection against the microvascular complications of diabetes.

Long-Term Nasolabial Appearance Post-Unilateral Cleft Lip Repair in a Single Center: A Descriptive Study.

Introduction Modern treatments still aim to keep the impact of surgical intervention low and the outcome of surgeries as good as a surgeon can. Assessing the long-term nasolabial appearance of patients who underwent cleft lip (CL) repair surgery is one of the methods of evaluating the outcomes of cleft surgery. Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study of data records of unilateral CL patients. The data records of all patients who underwent unilateral CL repair by the reconstructive science unit at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) within the first two years of their lives and whose current age is 14 years or above were accessed and analyzed. Results The data records of 50 patients were analyzed, including 13 (26%) males and 37 (74%) females. The surgeons opined that 28% of the patients had an acceptable nasolabial appearance, while there were 10 (20%) patients whose nasolabial appearance was considered unacceptable by the reviewing surgeons. Fifteen (30%) patients were described as having an acceptable lip appearance with secondary nasal deformity, and 11 (22%) patients had an acceptable nasal appearance with secondary lip deformity. There were no surgical modifications or postoperative complications among the patients. None of our variables reported a significant association with long-term nasolabial appearance. Conclusion The long-term evaluation of the nasolabial appearance in individuals with CL following surgical correction significantly improves the service and care provided to patients to achieve optimum results. Although our results showed no relationship between gender, age at operation, type or diagnosis of cleft, and family history and long-term nasolabial appearance, frequent assessments will enhance surgical results.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with secondary parotid metastasis: a case report.

Background: Majority of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) originate in the head and neck region, with 1-3% have been found to have parotid or periparotid lymph nodes metastases. The significance of secondary parotid metastases from cSCC lies in its propensity of cervical lymph node spread and distant metastases leading to a dismal prognosis, and therefore the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Case Description: An 85-year-old gentleman with prior history of right temporal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) presented with a new onset left cheek cSCC. He underwent complete excision with clear margin. Four months following initial surgery, he developed ulcerative mass at left angle of mandible. CT scan revealed an underlying left parotid gland tumor, which was confirmed to be SCC by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). He was then surgically treated with nerve-sparing total parotidectomy, modified radical neck dissection, soft tissue reconstruction using free anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous flap and adjuvant radiotherapy with satisfactory outcomes. Conclusions: Although rare, metastatic cutaneous SCC to parotid gland represents a unique group of locally advanced cutaneous SCC. Multimodal treatment approach consisting of total parotidectomy, ipsilateral neck dissection and adjuvant radiotherapy has been shown to improve the locoregional control of the disease and limit the propensity to distant metastasis.

Penile Keloid Successfully Cured in a Keloid High-Tendency Patient.

Keloid scars are a relatively common condition but extremely rare in the penis. This case aims to be added to the previous 34 cases of penile keloid reported in the literature. We present the case of a 15-year-old patient with a high keloid-forming tendency who was successfully cured of penile keloid scarring with excision alone and without any adjuvant therapy. No recurrence was reported over eight years of follow-up. In contrast, at the same time, recurrence is frequently observed in other body parts after excision, making this particular part of the body an area of less keloid occurrence and recurrence.

Orbital Exenteration and Reconstruction Using a Free Radial Forearm Flap in Conjunctival Melanoma: Old but Gold.

Conjunctival melanoma is a rare and potentially deadly tumor. Therefore, adequate oncological resection is essential, commonly leading to total orbital exenteration, which causes patients' extensive functional and cosmetic impairment. As a result, it is essential to reconstruct the orbital region post-exenteration to obliterate the cavity, provide adequate and pliable cutaneous covering, and restore a stable vascularized tissue that can withstand adjuvant radiotherapy. In recent years, the techniques used for orbital reconstruction have included the transorbital temporoparietal fascial flap, the anterolateral thigh flap, and local flaps, such as the paramedian forehead flap. A free radial forearm flap is currently not commonly used for orbital reconstruction due to potential donor site morbidity and cosmetic issues. In our case, we report a free radial forearm fasciocutaneous flap that has been utilized with promising surgical outcomes to reconstruct the orbital region following orbital exenteration.

Bi-pedicled Visor Flap for Coverage of Two Skull Defects: A Practical Flap Option for Metastatic Scalp Lesions With a Favorable Cosmetic Outcome.

Reconstruction of the scalp after acquired defects poses a great challenge to reconstructive surgeons. In oncologic resections, the defect must be covered with well-vascularized tissue to withstand radiotherapy post-surgery. However, due to the limited scalp tissue mobility, primary closure or loco-regional flaps are challenging and limited in choice. Fortunately, with the current understanding of the robust blood supply system to the scalp tissue, they can survive with the closure under tension. In this paper, we present a case of scalp reconstruction using a bi-pedicled visor flap to cover the two skull defects after ablative surgery. In addition, this article highlights the reason for the option, the surgical procedure, and the cosmetic outcome of the surgery.

Atypical Presentation of Lip Nodules in Clinically Diagnosed Juvenile Hyaline Fibromatosis.

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis (JHF) is a rare, hereditary disease characterized by abnormal hyaline deposits within the skin, soft tissues, joints, and bones. The condition itself is often debilitating, with no curative treatment available. A definitive diagnosis is established by genetic testing. However, the hallmarks of gingival hypertrophy, subcutaneous scalp nodules, and joint contractures can be used as a clinical guide when genetic testing is unavailable. Here, we report an unusual case of a five-year-old child clinically diagnosed with juvenile hyaline fibromatosis with atypical nodules exclusively confined to the perioral region.

Surgical correction of Tessier cleft no. 7: A single center 18-year experience.

INTRODUCTION: Tessier cleft 7 are rare craniofacial clefts. Live-birth incidence varies from 1/80,000 to 1/300,000, with the incidence of 1 in 120 craniofacial clefts among Asians. Its clinical presentation varies widely in severity, thus, complicating diagnosis and contributing to the lack of consensus regarding its surgical management. The aim of this study is to describe clinical findings, types of Tessier cleft 7 soft tissue repair, and its outcomes in Kuala Lumpur Hospital. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed records of children operated from January 2001 to July 2019. Data regarding concurrent congenital anomalies, complications, type of surgery, etc., were collected from outpatient records, operative notes, and clinical photographs. RESULTS: Twenty-eight children were treated, and 33 clefts (5 bilateral) were repaired. The male-to-female ratio was 1.3:1 (16 males and 12 females). Twenty-three patients had unilateral clefts (82.14%), with 14 right (60.86%) and 8 left (34.78%). Bilateral clefts were less common (17.86%). Twenty-three patients (82.14%) were Malay, 3 (10.71%) Chinese, 1 (3.57%) Indian, and 1 (3.57%) Cambodian. Eleven medical records were untraceable (discontinued due to duration of inactivity). There were 10 straight-line repairs, 5 Z-plasties, and 1 W-plasty performed; 3 cases did not detail the type of repair. One child required scar revision, and 1 had hypertrophic scarring requiring corticosteroid injection-no disturbances in speech or oral incompetency while eating were reported. Duration of follow-up ranged from 3 to 14 years. CONCLUSION: Our center has a higher rate of Tessier cleft 7 attendance. Straight-line cutaneous repairs combined with inferior vermilion mucosal flap can be used with low rates of complication and revision surgery.

Atypical Chest Pain in a Patient With Breast Implant.

Breast implant surgery typically improves patient breast satisfaction and health-related quality of life. However, breast implants are also linked to long-term local problems like capsular contracture and breast discomfort. Chest pain is one of the reasons that patients with breast implants seek consultations, which is not typically attributable to cardiovascular reasons. The potential reasons for atypical chest pain are diverse. The absence of a precise diagnosis may also result in incorrect examinations and management, leading to further worry and wasted work time. A 55-year-old woman with a breast implant 10 years prior to the incident, presented with atypical chest pain on and off for a year and was treated as a case of unstable angina, costochondritis, and vasospastic spasm. Despite multiple visits, her symptoms did not resolve. Later, the patient presented with a lump over the left breast, associated with constitutional symptoms. Examination revealed a left breast implant with capsular contracture grade III, and ultrasonography showed signs of a ruptured implant. Symptoms eventually resolved after the removal of the breast implant.

Carcinosarcoma: A Rare and Aggressive Breast Tumor in a Young Lady.

Carcinosarcoma of the breast is a subtype of metaplastic breast carcinoma characterized by differentiation of the neoplastic epithelium toward mesenchymal-looking elements. It is a highly aggressive rare subtype of invasive breast neoplasm that exhibits a distinct histologic entity. Only a limited number of reports related to this type of disease have been reported. Here, we present a case of breast carcinosarcoma in a lady in her early 20s, which is relatively young among all cases published. It was challenging to achieve diagnosis preoperatively with histopathological evaluation of the ultrasound-guided tru-cut biopsy sample. With no evidence of distant metastasis clinically and radiologically, a surgical option was opted for. Left mastectomy and left chest wall reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric artery free flap were performed. Post-excision specimen was confirmed to be carcinosarcoma.

Perception of the most perfect female breast shape among Malays, Chinese, and Indians community.

Researchers have long tried to search for the 'perfect' aesthetic outcome of breast surgery. Although lots of anthropometric studies have been done, there is no consensus when dealing with harmony, abstract, and proportion that make up for its ideal shape. This study was convened via a survey to find the most perfect breast shape by assessing the upper pole contour and upper pole to lower pole ratio (UP:LP) preference among the Malays, Chinese, and Indians races. Hundred thirty-five individuals partook in this survey. Most of the participants generally preferred a more convex shape of upper pole contour with the Malay (50%) and Indian (35.7%) favored a more convex shape while the Chinese preferred it to be just slightly convex (42.8%). Single unmarried individuals (64.7%) significantly preferred a more convex upper pole contour (p = 0.018). The UP:LP ratio of 45:55 (p = 0.002) was the most significantly preferred proportion (37.8%) which largely comprised of the Chinese (51%), followed by Indian (21.6%) and Malay (19.6%). With these findings, using a controlled perception-preference method is a more preferred choice when describing an ideal breast shape as compare to an anthropometric measurement that might be less accurate. Therefore, breast and plastic surgeons alike need to look beyond the anthropometric numbers and should consider the other 'abstract' aesthetic shape which difficult to measure including the upper pole breast that has more convexity and the UP:LP ratio of 45:55 which showed to be the most aesthetically perfect form as agreed in the current works of literature.

A Lucky Case of Successful Free Fibula Osteocutaneous Flap Harvest in Peronea Arteria Magna.

The free fibula flap (FFF) is based on the peroneal artery (PA) system, and it is well known that several anatomical variations of the lower limb vascular system exist, including peronea arteria magna (PAM). PAM is a rare congenital variation in which both anterior tibial artery and posterior tibial artery are either aplastic or hypoplastic, and as a result, PA will be the dominant blood supply to the foot. This variation was described as type III-C in Kim-Lippert's Classification of the Infra-Popliteal Arterial Branching Variations. The awareness of its existence is crucial as it often precludes FFF from being harvested due to the risk of significant limb ischemia and limb loss. Despite some literature reporting donor site complications and impending limb loss following FFF harvest in PAM, preoperative vascular mapping before FFF transfer remains controversial among the microsurgeons. We present a case with an incidental intraoperative finding of PAM that had a successful FFF harvest by luck, without preoperative vascular mapping.

Reversed Abdominoplasty in Aggressive Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Defect: A Safe Option for High Recurrence Risk Patients.

The reverse abdominoplasty technique has uses that extend past cosmetic surgery into the field of reconstructive surgery. With a thorough understanding of the technique and modifications, this method may be used to cover extensive chest wall defects post-mastectomy in select patients. Reconstructive algorithms for locally advanced breast cancer tend to favor microsurgical techniques. However, the surgeon needs to choose the optimal reconstructive option based on the defect size, disease stage, future oncological therapeutic approach, and patients' general condition. Patients with aggressive forms of breast cancer have higher risks of recurrence despite advances in chemotherapy. This subset of patients may be poor responders to adjuvant or neoadjuvant oncological drugs, may require postoperative radiotherapy, or be at high risk for early recurrence. In this subset of patients, we advocate the use of a reverse abdominoplasty for immediate autologous soft tissue coverage of the chest wall after breast cancer resection. It provides a robust soft tissue cover for radiotherapy and spares potential future autologous donor sites for delayed breast reconstruction while facilitating early clinical detection of recurrence. Here, we discuss a case treated with this technique and explore the surgical technique, pitfalls, and advantages of this technique with the outcome that validates decision-making.