Objective quantification of the impact of blepharoplasty on the superior visual field

Background@#Blepharoplasty has both aesthetic and functional benefits in patients with pseudoptosis; however, previous studies could not demonstrate its beneficial effects quantitatively and objectively. The authors objectively analyzed the visual field before and after surgery and investigated whether measurements of the visual field can be applied as a suitable predictor of surgical outcomes. @*Methods@#In total, 18 eyelids in nine patients with pseudoptosis who had undergone simple skin excision blepharoplasty were evaluated prospectively from February to May 2016. The visual fields were analyzed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively using the Goldmann kinetic perimetry test. The visual field test area was assessed using Adobe Photoshop. @*Results@#Blepharoplasty had an average 4.99-fold beneficial effect on the superior visual field. In particular, more improvement was seen in the superior temporal quadrant than in the nasal quadrant. No correlation was found between the preoperative margin-to-reflex distance 1 (MRD1) and the surgical outcome (P=0.119). However, there was a strong correlation between the preoperative superior visual field and the surgical outcome (P=0.001). @*Conclusions@#Using the Goldmann kinetic perimetry test, we objectively and quantitatively proved the beneficial effect of blepharoplasty on patients with pseudoptosis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the preoperative visual field is a better preoperative surgical outcome predictive factor than the preoperative MRD1.

Freeze-dried bovine amniotic membrane as a cell delivery scaffold in a porcine model of radiation-induced chronic wounds

Background@#Locoregional stem cell delivery is very important for increasing the efficiency of cell therapy. Amnisite BA (Amnisite) is a freeze-dried amniotic membrane harvested from bovine placenta. The objective of this study was to investigate the retention of cells of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) on Amnisite and to determine the effects of cell-loaded Amnisite in a porcine radiation-induced chronic wound model. @*Methods@#Initially, experiments were conducted to find the most suitable hydration and incubation conditions for the attachment of SVF cells extracted from pig fat to Amnisite. Before seeding, SVFs were labeled with PKH67. The SVF cell-loaded Amnisite (group S), Amnisite only (group A), and polyurethane foam (group C) were applied to treat radiation-induced chronic wounds in a porcine model. Biopsy was performed at 10, 14, and 21 days post-operation for histological analysis. @*Results@#Retaining the SVF on Amnisite required 30 minutes for hydration and 1 hour for incubation. A PKH67 fluorescence study showed that Amnisite successfully delivered the SVF to the wounds. In histological analysis, group S showed increased re-epithelialization and revascularization with decreased inflammation at 10 days post-operation. @*Conclusions@#SVFs had acceptable adherence on hydrated Amnisite, with successful cell delivery to a radiation-induced chronic wound model.

Changes in the length and area of congenital nevi involving the face and extremities after two serial excisions

Background@#The objective of this study was to determine the outcome of serial excisions of congenital nevi involving the face and extremities and to calculate changes in the area and length of the nevi. @*Methods@#Data from 18 patients with congenital nevi who underwent serial excisions from 2005 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 12 congenital nevi involving the face and six involving the extremities. Two serial excisions were performed in all cases. The final diagnosis was confirmed by histology. Postoperative outcomes were analyzed photogrammetrically. The clinical outcomes were analyzed through ordinary scales. @*Results@#The mean age of patients and the median area, length, and width of congenital nevi on the face and extremities were 9.4 and 15.2 years, 189.8 and 487.8 mm2, 21.1 and 35.0 mm, and 13.2 and 19.6 mm, respectively. After the first operation, photogrammetric analysis showed a 64.6% reduction in the area of facial nevi and a 68.1% reduction for nevi on the extremities. The final scar length increased by 62.8% for the face and 73% for the extremities compared to before surgery. A clinical assessment demonstrated excellent results for the removal of the congenital nevi, without any deformation of the surrounding structures, and good final scar quality. @*Conclusions@#This study will contribute to the prediction of results of each stage when serial excision is required.

Freeze-dried bovine amniotic membrane as a cell delivery scaffold in a porcine model of radiation-induced chronic wounds

Background@#Locoregional stem cell delivery is very important for increasing the efficiency of cell therapy. Amnisite BA (Amnisite) is a freeze-dried amniotic membrane harvested from bovine placenta. The objective of this study was to investigate the retention of cells of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) on Amnisite and to determine the effects of cell-loaded Amnisite in a porcine radiation-induced chronic wound model. @*Methods@#Initially, experiments were conducted to find the most suitable hydration and incubation conditions for the attachment of SVF cells extracted from pig fat to Amnisite. Before seeding, SVFs were labeled with PKH67. The SVF cell-loaded Amnisite (group S), Amnisite only (group A), and polyurethane foam (group C) were applied to treat radiation-induced chronic wounds in a porcine model. Biopsy was performed at 10, 14, and 21 days post-operation for histological analysis. @*Results@#Retaining the SVF on Amnisite required 30 minutes for hydration and 1 hour for incubation. A PKH67 fluorescence study showed that Amnisite successfully delivered the SVF to the wounds. In histological analysis, group S showed increased re-epithelialization and revascularization with decreased inflammation at 10 days post-operation. @*Conclusions@#SVFs had acceptable adherence on hydrated Amnisite, with successful cell delivery to a radiation-induced chronic wound model.

Changes in the length and area of congenital nevi involving the face and extremities after two serial excisions

Background@#The objective of this study was to determine the outcome of serial excisions of congenital nevi involving the face and extremities and to calculate changes in the area and length of the nevi. @*Methods@#Data from 18 patients with congenital nevi who underwent serial excisions from 2005 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 12 congenital nevi involving the face and six involving the extremities. Two serial excisions were performed in all cases. The final diagnosis was confirmed by histology. Postoperative outcomes were analyzed photogrammetrically. The clinical outcomes were analyzed through ordinary scales. @*Results@#The mean age of patients and the median area, length, and width of congenital nevi on the face and extremities were 9.4 and 15.2 years, 189.8 and 487.8 mm2, 21.1 and 35.0 mm, and 13.2 and 19.6 mm, respectively. After the first operation, photogrammetric analysis showed a 64.6% reduction in the area of facial nevi and a 68.1% reduction for nevi on the extremities. The final scar length increased by 62.8% for the face and 73% for the extremities compared to before surgery. A clinical assessment demonstrated excellent results for the removal of the congenital nevi, without any deformation of the surrounding structures, and good final scar quality. @*Conclusions@#This study will contribute to the prediction of results of each stage when serial excision is required.

Open carpal release using local anesthesia without a tourniquet: Does bleeding tendency affect the outcome?

Background@#The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical results of minimal single palmar-incision carpal tunnel release without a tourniquet. @*Methods@#We reviewed the medical records of 75 patients (90 cases of carpal tunnel syndrome) who underwent minimal single-palmar incision carpal tunnel release without a tourniquet from June 2010 to January 2018. Ten patients had a bleeding tendency. We compared the preoperative and postoperative Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) scores. We also analyzed outcomes and complications according to the presence of a bleeding tendency. @*Results@#In all cases, there was a complete disappearance or marked improvement in symptoms within 6 months, with no recurrence. The postoperative BCTQ score showed a significant improvement compared to the preoperative score, and no statistically significant difference in BCTQ scores was detected according to the presence of a bleeding tendency. @*Conclusions@#Carpal tunnel release without a tourniquet using a minimal single palmar incision is effective and reliable. This technique prevents unnecessary pain associated with the tourniquet and is especially helpful in patients with a bleeding tendency or those treated with hemodialysis.

After bariatric surgery, do superficial fat and deep fat decrease differently?

Background@#With the increasing frequency of body contouring surgery following weight loss, plastic surgeons have paid considerable attention to subcutaneous fat. However, few studies have investigated superficial and deep fat changes after bariatric surgery, and such studies have been limited to macroscopic assessments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in superficial and deep fat in bariatric surgery patients using computed tomography (CT) to obtain quantitative measurements. @*Methods@#This study included 11 patients (five males, six females; average age, 27 years) who underwent bariatric surgery at Dongsan Medical Center from October 2013 to October 2016. We excluded patients with a body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m2 and those without both preoperative and postoperative CT images. We analyzed changes in subcutaneous fat area on CT images, with a mean follow-up of 5.5 months. We also performed a subgroup analysis using a BMI cutoff of 40 kg/m2. @*Results@#Patients undergoing bariatric surgery showed significant reductions in weight, total fat, and the area of superficial and deep fat (P=0.002). In patients with a BMI less than 40 kg/m2, the reduction rate of superficial subcutaneous adipose tissue (sSAT) tended to be higher than that of deep subcutaneous adipose tissue (dSAT). Conversely, in patients with a BMI over 40 kg/m2, the reduction rate of dSAT was higher than that of sSAT. @*Conclusions@#We observed a difference in the reduction rate of sSAT and dSAT during weight loss after bariatric surgery, although it was not statistically significant. The reduction rates differed according to BMI.

Effects of lesion size, shape, and resection amount on the final length of the scar in staged excision: An animal experiment in pigs

Background@#In staged excision procedures, it is difficult to estimate the number of excisions that will be required and the extent of scar lengthening. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the size, shape, and resection amount of lesions on the outcomes of staged excision through an animal experiment. @*Methods@#In total, 20 ellipses with five different designs (n=4) were evaluated on pig skin. The experiment consisted of two groups: group 1 had excisions of the same length, but with different widths, while group 2 had excisions of the same size, but with different amounts of resection. The size of the lesions and the amount of resection were analyzed in terms of the ratio of length (long axis) and width (short axis) (S/L ratio). @*Results@#In the first group, initial ellipses measuring 5×4, 5×3, and 5×2 cm increased in size to 9.25±0.07 (185%), 8.55±0.07 (171%), and 8.10±0.14 cm (162%), respectively. In the second group, in which all ellipses measured 5×3 cm, those with a resection amount of 5×1.5, 5×2, and 5×2 cm with a fish fin grew to 8.75±0.15 (175%), 8.55±0.07 (171%), and 8.60±0.17 cm (172%), respectively. In group 1, the larger the S/L ratio, the longer the final length. In group 2, a greater resection amount was associated with a shorter final length. @*Conclusions@#We believe that the measurements of this study in terms of shape, size, and excision amount will be reasonable predictive references for staged excision procedures.

Risk Factors of Donor Site Seroma Formation and Laboratory Analysis of Seromas after Breast Reconstruction with a Latissimus Dorsi Flap

BACKGROUND: Donor site seroma is the most frequent and troublesome complication of latissimus dorsi (LP) flaps. This study aimed to identify the risk factors of seroma formation after an LD flap and to evaluate the biochemical composition of seromas. METHODS: The medical records of 84 patients who underwent an LD flap from September 2007 to May 2017 were reviewed. Age; body mass index (BMI); the type of breast surgery, reconstruction, and nodal dissection; the usage of fibrin glue; smoking; chemotherapy; and history of diabetes mellitus or hypertension were evaluated. In 11 of the 84 patients, the levels of electrolytes, glucose, proteins, lipids, and inflammatory markers present in seromas were investigated. RESULTS: The overall incidence of seroma was 66.7%. Advanced age (≥45 years) and overweight (BMI ≥23 kg/m²) were significant risk factors for seroma. Patients who underwent an extended LD flap had a higher incidence of seroma than those who underwent a standard LD flap, while those who underwent breast-conserving surgery had a lower incidence of seroma than those who underwent other breast procedures. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in seromas on postoperative day 2 demonstrated a positive linear correlation with the duration of drainage, but this relationship did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced age, overweight, wider excision or mastectomy, and use of an extended LD flap were found to be risk factors for seroma formation after breast reconstruction with an LD flap. It may be possible to infer whether a seroma will be long-lasting by measuring LDH levels in the seroma.

Location of the umbilicus in Korean women and its changes after breast reconstruction with an ipsilateral pedicled rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap

BACKGROUND: The umbilicus makes an important contribution to the natural appearance of the abdomen. To date, studies on its position in Korean women are lacking, and no standards have been established. The purpose of this study was to investigate the position of umbilicus in Korean women and to review changes in its position after ipsilateral pedicled rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (IP-RAM) flap. METHODS: This research consisted of two studies. In first study, 100 females who visited the emergency department with gastroenteritis between 2007 and 2011 were included. In second study, 40 women who underwent IP-RAM flap in the same period were included. Using abdominal computed tomography, we measured the distance between xiphoid process and umbilicus, represented by value a, and the distance between umbilicus and symphysis pubis, represented by value b. Thus, the location of the umbilicus was represented by the ratio a/b. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation test and paired t-test. RESULTS: In study 1, the mean value of a/b was 1.07. Pearson correlation test revealed a significant correlation between age and a/b. In study 2, the mean value of a/b was 1.16 in preoperative measurements and 1.01 in postoperative measurements. The paired t-test showed a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative measurements, indicating cephalic migration of the umbilicus after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The natural position of the umbilicus showed caudal migration with aging. Additionally, in a comparison of preoperative and postoperative measurements in patients who underwent IP-RAM flap, cephalic migration of the umbilicus was observed after surgery.

Management of Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a frequent complication after the treatment of various cancers, particularly breast cancer, gynecological cancers, melanomas, and other skin and urological cancers. Lymphedema patients have chronic swelling of the affected extremity, recurrent infections, limited mobility and decreased quality of life. Once lymphedema develops, it is usually progressive. Over time, lymphedema leads to fat deposition and subsequent fibrosis of the surrounding tissues. However, there is no cure for lymphedema. Recently, the development of microsurgery has led to introduction of new surgical techniques for lymphedema, such as vascularized lymph node transfer. We report here the latest trends in the surgical treatment of lymphedema, as well as diagnosis and conventional treatments of lymphedema.

Changes in Eyebrow Position and Movement with Aging

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated dynamic changes in eyebrow position related to aging. METHODS: Female participants were recruited and separated into two groups aged 20–30 years (the younger group, n=20; mean age, 24.8 years) and 50–70 years (the older group, n=20; mean age, 55.8 years). Photogrammetry was used to determine the eyebrow position at the medial canthus (MC), lateral limbus, lateral canthus, and lateral end point (EP) for 6 actions: smooth opening (the reference action) and closing of the eye, forward gaze, maximum opening and closing of the eye, and maximum frown. Videos were also recorded. RESULTS: No differences in eyebrow position were detected at the MC when opening or closing the eyes smoothly, gazing straight ahead, or closing the eyes maximally. For all 6 actions, the position of the lateral EP in the older group was significantly lower than in the younger group (P=0.003), and the smallest degree of vertical movement at this point was found in both age groups (P<0.001). Vertical movement at the 4 landmarks of the eyebrows decreased with aging. CONCLUSIONS: Eyebrow position was unchanged at the MC with aging, except at maximal eye opening and maximal frown. No differences in eyebrow position were observed between the younger and older groups when eyes were maximally closed, except at the EP. It is important to focus on correction of the lateral EP for periorbital rejuvenation.

Vessel Remodeling after Intima-to-Intima Contact Anastomosis

BACKGROUND: Intima-to-intima microanastomotic vascular remodeling was explored, utilizing a polylactide-caprolactone absorbable vein coupler model (PAVCM), which was designed to simulate a non-absorbable counterpart system with the sole exception of being absorbable. METHODS: Six New Zealand white rabbits were used. After transection of the jugular vein, 2 PAVCMs were placed, 1 at each transected end. The stumps were slipped through the PAVCMs, and the venous wall was everted 90° to achieve intima-to-intima contact. Reanastomosis of the transected jugular vein was performed bilaterally in 3 rabbits. In the other 3 rabbits, the jugular vein (20 mm) harvested from one side was interpositionally grafted to the jugular vein on the opposite side to ease the anastomotic tension. Patency testing, ultrasonography, and histologic assessments were conducted postoperatively at weeks 2, 4, 12, 16, 22, and 26. RESULTS: All anastomotic sites were patent, without stenosis, occlusion, or dilatation. In the histologic sections, immature endothelial regeneration was observed at week 2, which was completed by week 4. Regeneration of the tunica media was noted at week 12. Between week 22 and week 26, the tunica media fully regenerated and the coupler dissipated entirely. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the absence of a coupler to act as an anastomotic buttress, the structure and function of all the vessels appeared normal, even histologically. These outcomes are true milestones in the development of an absorbable vein coupler.

Vertical Mammaplasty for Varying Degrees of Reduction

BACKGROUND: Vertical reduction mammaplasty has been criticized for its inability to address larger cases of mammary hypertrophy, with a relatively high frequency of sensory loss reported. This article describes our single-institution experience with modified vertical reduction mammaplasty for varying degrees of breast reduction. METHODS: Thirty-three patients underwent breast reduction using the modified vertical reduction mammaplasty technique with a superomedial dermoglandular pedicle and modifications involving breast parenchyma excision. The degree of sensory preservation in the nipple-areola complex (NAC) was compared with preoperative sensation using an ordinal scale (0, insensate; 10, unchanged). Postoperative outcomes were evaluated through a photogrammetric analysis. Satisfaction with postoperative outcomes was assessed using a telephone questionnaire survey (1, very poor; 5, very good). RESULTS: The modified vertical mammaplasty technique allowed for reductions of up to 1,800 g per side. The mean resection weight was 459.24 g per breast (range, 76-1,800 g). Of the 59 operations, 9 involved complications without significant morbidity. The sensibility of the NAC recovered in most patients by 5 months after the operation. The mean satisfaction score was 3.4, which was between 'no change' and 'satisfied.' CONCLUSIONS: Modified vertical reduction mammaplasty allows a single surgeon to address varying degrees of breast hypertrophy.

Radiation Therapy Following Total Keloidectomy: A Retrospective Study over 11 Years

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy treatment after keloidectomy is known to be an effective method for reducing the rate of recurrence. However, to date, the appropriate total radiation dose and fractionation have not yet been confirmed. The authors performed a retrospective analysis to identify the appropriate radiation dose and fractionation in post-keloidectomy radiotherapy. METHODS: From May 2000 to February 2011, postoperative radiotherapy was performed on 39 lesions in 28 patients after total keloidectomy. The keloid lesions were confined to the ear lobes. Between May 2000 and May 2004, 14 keloids were treated with surgical excision, followed by a total radiation dose of 1,200 cGy in three fractions over four to five days (group 1). Between June 2004 to February 2011, 25 keloids were treated with surgical excision, followed by a total radiation dose of 1,500 cGy in three fractions over four to five days (group 2). Patients were given a survey asking them to report their experiences regarding reoperation, recurrence of symptoms, recurrence of the lesion, and satisfaction with the operation. RESULTS: Of the 28 patients who were treated, 20 underwent follow-up. Group 2 had more cases showing elevation with erythematous changes, whereas group 1 had more cases showing progressive stages of elevation than group 2. These differences were statistically significant. Moreover, a correlation was observed between the level of keloid elevation and the extent of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest 1,500 cGy of radiation in three fractions following keloidectomy for ear lobe keloids. A further randomized study is needed to assess the recurrence of keloids after radiotherapy.

Long-Term Outcome of Free Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous Flap for General Soft-Tissue Reconstruction

PURPOSE: The rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (RAM) flap has contributed to the efficient reconstruction of soft tissue defects. The flap has the advantage of easy dissection, minimal donor site morbidity, and the constant vascular anatomy with long pedicle. Authors used the free RAM flap to reconstruct multi-located soft tissue defects while still considering functionality and aesthetics. We present the long-term outcomes and versatility of free RAM flaps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1994 to 2004, all patients who underwent soft tissue reconstruction with free RAM flap were reviewed retrospectively. The site of the reconstruction, vessels of anastomosis, type of RAM flap, and outcomes, including flap success rate, hospital stay after flap transfer, conduction of secondary procedure, flap complications, and donor-site complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients underwent 24 free RAM flaps in site of breast, face, upper extremity and lower extremity. Mean follow-up period was 36.1 months (range, 3~156 months). The overall success rate was 92% with only a loss of 2 flaps. Minor complications related to transferred flaps were necrosis of 2 partial flaps, hematoma formation in 3 cases, and a wound infection in 1 case. Donor site morbidity was not observed. Debulking surgery was performed in 4 patients, and scar revision was performed in 3 patients. CONCLUSION: Free RAM flap is a workhorse flap for general soft-tissue reconstruction with minimal donor site morbidity with aesthetically good results. Thus, the free RAM flaps are versatile, and sturdy for any sites of soft-tissue where reconstruction could be performed.

Vascular Remodeling with a Microvascular Anastomotic Coupler System: A Case Report

Despite increased utilization of microvascular anastomotic coupler (MAC) devices, the consequences have yet to be fully explored in terms of vascular regeneration. Removal of an exposed venous coupler is described herein, documenting normal circulatory flow through the remodeled site of application. A 25-year-old man who underwent open reduction and rigid fixation elsewhere for traumatic calcaneal fracture ultimately presented with a necrotic postoperative wound. The debrided defect was treated by free thigh perforator flap, incorporating a MAC device. Three months later, the flap remained viable, but the MAC itself was exposed. Structural integrity of the vessel and blood flow were sustained as the device was carefully removed, confirming true vascular remodeling in this example of MAC usage.

Apocrine Carcinoma of the Axilla Associated with Extramammary Paget's Disease: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

No abstract available.

Overview of Surgical Scar Prevention and Management

Management of incisional scar is intimately connected to stages of wound healing. The management of an elective surgery patient begins with a thorough informed consent process in which the patient is made aware of personal and clinical circumstances that cannot be modified, such as age, ethnicity, and previous history of hypertrophic scars. In scar prevention, the single most important modifiable factor is wound tension during the proliferative and remodeling phases, and this is determined by the choice of incision design. Traditional incisions most often follow relaxed skin tension lines, but no such lines exist in high surface tension areas. If such incisions are unavoidable, the patient must be informed of this ahead of time. The management of a surgical incision does not end when the sutures are removed. Surgical scar care should be continued for one year. Patient participation is paramount in obtaining the optimal outcome. Postoperative visits should screen for signs of scar hypertrophy and has a dual purpose of continued patient education and reinforcement of proper care. Early intervention is a key to control hyperplastic response. Hypertrophic scars that do not improve by 6 months are keloids and should be managed aggressively with intralesional steroid injections and alternate modalities.

Anatomical and Functional Recovery of Neurotized Remnant Rectus Abdominis Muscle in Muscle-Sparing Pedicled Transverse Rectus Abdominis Musculocutaneous Flap

BACKGROUND: Pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps typically sacrifice the entire muscle. In our experience, the lateral strip of the rectus abdominis muscle can be spared in an attempt to maintain function and reduce morbidity. When the intercostal nerves are injured, muscle atrophy appears with time. The severed intercostal nerve was reinserted into the remnant lateral strip of the rectus abdominis muscle to reduce muscle atrophy. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed 9 neurotized cases and 10 non-neurotized cases. Abdominal computed tomography was performed to determine the area of the rectus muscles. Electromyography (EMG) was performed to check contractile function of the remnant muscle. A single investigator measured the mean areas of randomly selected locations (second lumbar spine) using ImageJ software in a series of 10 cross-sectional slices. We compared the Hounsfield unit (HU) pre- and postoperatively to evaluate regeneration quality. RESULTS: In the neurotization group, 7 of 9 cases maintained the mass of remnant muscle. However, in the non-neurotization group, 8 of 10 lost their mass. The number of totally atrophied muscles in each of the two groups was significantly different (P=0.027). All of the remnant muscles showed contractile function on EMG. The 9 remaining remnant rectus abdominis muscles showed declined the HU value after surgery but also within a normal range of muscle. CONCLUSIONS: Neurotization was found to be effective in maintaining the mass of remnant muscle. Neurotized remnant muscle had contractile function on EMG and no fatty degeneration by HU value.