Non-surgical treatment for pressure ulcer

Pressure, friction, shear force, and micromoisture can cause pressure ulcer. With the increase of the elderly population in Korea, the number of decubitus pressure ulcer patients is increasing due to worsening medical conditions by aging. In the case of quadriplegic and hemiplegic patients, there is considerable interest in the prevention and self-treatment of pressure ulcer following daily life recovery through rehabilitation. It is important to recognize that pressure ulcer can sometimes be avoided and can sometimes occur inevitably, and that preventive measures should be put in place. For the improvement of pressure ulcer, the patient’s systemic condition and the understanding of indications for local treatment should be improved. Recently, guidelines for dressing formulations related to exudate absorption capacity were introduced. For the successful treatment of pressure ulcer, adequate support of nutrition, control of stiffness, prevention of bacterial bioburden, removal of dead tissue (debridement), moisturizing of the skin, and selection of appropriate dressing materials should be applied comprehensively for individual patients.

Aging-related changes in the mid-face skin elasticity in East Asian women

BACKGROUND: Age-related changes in facial skin is a major concern in women. This study aimed to objectively evaluate normal skin elasticity and age-related differences in the faces of East Asian women. There are no standard values for data related to normal skin on East Asian women. METHODS: We studied 129 healthy East Asian women without a history of cosmetic procedures or surgeries. Skin elasticity was assessed at the cheek and lower eyelid points, which were assessed on both the right and left sides of the face. RESULTS: The age of the subjects showed significant negative correlations with the R2 and R7 parameters, which represent skin elasticity after deformation. CONCLUSION: We therefore concluded that the primary decrease in skin elasticity in East Asian women occurs in the midface region.

New economical and simple device for intraoperative expansion on small and medium sized soft tissue defects

Intraoperative expansion has been used to cover small to large defects without disadvantages of the conventional tissue expanders. Various materials, for example, expanders and Foley catheters are being used. We introduce a new, convenient and economical device immediately available in the operating room, according to the defect size for intraoperative expansion, with latex gloves or balloons. The retrospective study was done with 20 patients who presented with skin and soft tissue defects. During the operation, expansion was done with latex gloves or balloons inflated with saline through an intravenous line and a three-way stopcock. After the inflation, the glove was removed and skin was covered with expanded tissue. A careful decision was made regarding the inflation volume and placement of the expander according to the defect size. There were no postoperative complications. The skin contracture and tension was minimal with a texture similar to the adjacent tissue. The new intraoperative expansion devices with latex gloves and balloons were cheap and made easily right in the operation room. The reconstruction of small to large sized skin defects can be done successfully, functionally and aesthetically without using expensive commercial materials.

Bowel Perforation Due to Immobilization after Resurfacing Thumb with Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap in an Elderly Diabetic Woman

Inevitable immobilization after surgery on lower extremities can induce chronic constipation. Elderly diabetic women usually express ambiguous gastrointestinal symptoms and signs. We present here a case of panperitonitis developed from severe fecal impaction in an elderly diabetic woman after hand reconstruction using material harvested from the lower extremities. A 68-year-old diabetic female underwent anterolateral thigh free flap and wound revision twice on the left thumb. Three weeks after surgery, she complained about mild abdominal pain though she had daily defecation. Despite encouraging ambulation, her compliance was low. Resection of the sigmoid colon and colostomy were performed after diagnosis with bowel perforation. However, the patient went into septic shock and died with multiorgan failure after the guardians issued a DNR (do not resuscitate) order. For preventing bowel perforation, increased uptake of dietary fiber and early ambulation postoperatively should be encouraged, after even hand surgeries.

Is Robot-Assisted Surgery Really Scarless Surgery? Immediate Reconstruction with a Jejunal Free Flap for Esophageal Rupture after Robot-Assisted Thyroidectomy

Esophageal perforation is a rare but potentially fatal complication of robot-assisted thyroidectomy (RAT). Herein, we report the long-term outcome of an esophageal reconstruction with a jejunal free flap for esophageal rupture after RAT. A 33-year-old woman developed subcutaneous emphysema and hoarseness on postoperative day1 following RAT. Esophageal rupture was diagnosed by computed tomography and endoscopy, and immediate surgical exploration confirmed esophageal rupture, as well as recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. We performed a jejunal free flap repair of the 8-cm defect in the esophagus. End-to-side microvascular anastomoses were created between the right external carotid artery and the jejunal branches of the superior mesenteric artery, and end-to-end anastomosis was performed between the external jugular vein and the jejunal vein. The right recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was repaired with a 4-cm nerve graft from the right ansa cervicalis. Esophagography at 1 year after surgery confirmed that there were no leaks or structures, endoscopy at 1 year confirmed the resolution of vocal cord paralysis, and there were no residual problems with swallowing or speech at a 5-year follow-up examination. RAT requires experienced surgeons with a thorough knowledge of anatomy, as well as adequate resources to quickly and competently address potentially severe complications such as esophageal rupture.

Silicone Implant-Based Paranasal Augmentation for Mild Midface Concavity

BACKGROUND: Midface concavity is a relatively common facial feature in East Asian populations. Paranasal augmentation is becoming an increasingly popular procedure for patients with mild concavity and normal occlusion. In this study, we evaluate clinical outcomes following a series of paranasal augmentation. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for patients with Class I occlusion who had undergone bilateral paranasal augmentation using custom-made silicone implants, between October 2005 and September 2013. Patient charts were reviewed for demographic information, concomitant operations, and postoperative complications. Preoperative and postoperative (1-month) photographs were used to evaluate operative outcome. RESULTS: The review identified a total of 93 patients meeting study criteria. Overall, aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory. Five-millimeter thick silicone implant was used in 81 cases, and the mean augmentation was 4.26 mm for this thickness. Among the 93 patients, 2 patients required immediate implant removal due to discomfort. An additional 3 patients experienced implant migration without any extrusion. Nine patients complained of transient paresthesia, which had resolved by 2 weeks. There were no cases of hematoma or infection. All patients reported improvement in their lateral profile and were pleased at follow-up. Complications that arose postoperatively included 9 cases of numbness in the upper lip and 3 cases of implant migration. All cases yielded satisfactory results without persisting complications. Sensations were fully restored postoperatively after 1 to 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: Paranasal augmentation with custom-made silicone implants is a simple, safe, and inexpensive method that can readily improve the lateral profile of a patient with normal occlusion. When combined with other aesthetic procedures, paranasal augmentation can synergistically improve outcome and lead to greater patient satisfaction.

Reconstructive Modalities According to Aesthetic Consideration of Subunits of the Cheek after Wide Excision of Skin Cancer

BACKGROUND: Defects of the cheek present a reconstructive challenge because of the visibility of the site, as well as the limited local tissue supply. In addition, the cheek abuts several structures with expressive function, such as the eye, mouth, and surrounding facial musculature. This report describes a system of classifying cheek defects according to tumor size and location and present corresponding reconstruction techniques used to accomplish three-dimensional restoration of all missing components and adequate texture matching. METHODS: From 2008 to 2013, 27 patients with cheek defects resulting from skin cancer excision were treated. According to the size of the defect, location on the cheek, and relationships to adjacent structures and existing skin tension lines, different surgical methods were applied. RESULTS: The procedures used for cheek reconstruction included direct closure, Limberg flap, V-Y advancement flap, slide-swing flap, cheek rotation flap, and full-thickness skin graft. All flaps healed well without major complications, and no cancer recurrence was detected during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomic classification of skin cancers and surgical protocols described in this report is simple and appropriate for reconstruction involving the cheek. Wide excision of skin cancer and appropriate, relatively easy-to-perform flaps based on this classification system can successfully produce safe and aesthetically-pleasing surgical outcomes.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy of Chronically Infected Wounds Using 1% Acetic Acid Irrigation

BACKGROUND: Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) induces angiogenesis and collagen synthesis to promote tissue healing. Although acetic acid soaks normalize alkali wound conditions to raise tissue oxygen saturation and deconstruct the biofilms of chronic wounds, frequent dressing changes are required. METHODS: Combined use of NPWT and acetic acid irrigation was assessed in the treatment of chronic wounds, instilling acetic acid solution (1%) beneath polyurethane membranes twice daily for three weeks under continuous pressure (125 mm Hg). Clinical photographs, pH levels, cultures, and debrided fragments of wounds were obtained pre- and posttreatment. Tissue immunostaining (CD31, Ki-67, and CD45) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], vascular endothelial growth factor receptor [VEGFR]; procollagen; hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha [HIF-1-alpha]; matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-1,-3,-9; and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase [TIMP]) were also performed. RESULTS: Wound sizes tended to diminish with the combined therapy, accompanied by drops in wound pH (weakly acidic or neutral) and less evidence of infection. CD31 and Ki-67 immunostaining increased (P<0.05) post-treatment, as did the levels of VEGFR, procollagen, and MMP-1 (P<0.05), whereas the VEGF, HIF-1-alpha, and MMP-9/TIMP levels declined (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: By combining acetic acid irrigation with negative-pressure dressings, both the pH and the size of chronic wounds can be reduced and infections be controlled. This approach may enhance angiogenesis and collagen synthesis in wounds, restoring the extracellular matrix.

Benign Lymphoepithelial Lesion of Parotid Gland and Secondary Amyloidosis as Concurrent Manifestations in Sjogren's Syndrome

No abstract available.

Effect of Endogenous Bone Marrow Derived Stem Cells Induced by AMD-3100 on Expanded Ischemic Flap

The purpose of this study was to devise an expanded ischemic flap model and to investigate the role of AMD-3100 (Plerixafor, chemokine receptor 4 inhibitor) in this model by confirming its effect on mobilization of stem cells from the bone marrow. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used as an animal research model. The mobilization of stem cells from the bone marrow was confirmed in the AMD-3100-treated group. The fractions of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) 2+ cells in the peripheral blood were increased in groups treated with AMD-3100. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was increased in response to expansion or AMD injection. The expression of stromal cell derived factor (SDF)-1 and VEGFR2 were increased only in unexpanded flap treated with AMD-3100. Treatment with AMD-3100 increased both the number and area of blood vessels. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the survival area or physiologic microcirculation in rats from the other groups. This endogenous neovascularization induced by AMD-3100 may be a result of the increase in both the area and number of vessels, as well as paracrine augmentation of the expression of VEGF and EPCs. However, the presence of a tissue expander under the flap could block the neovascularization between the flap and the recipient regardless of AMD-3100 treatment and expansion.

Treatment of Botulinum Toxin Type A in Parotid Fistula after Face Lifting

Botulinum toxin type A has an inhibitory action not only on neuromuscular junctions, but also postganglionic sympathetic and cholinergic autonomic parasympathetic acetylcholine release at the secretary end of the salivary gland. Use of botulinum toxin to treat sialorrhea was first reported in 1997 by Bushara. Parotid duct or gland injuries with parotid fistula are uncommon but troublesome complications of surgical trauma. Here, we report two patients with constant leakage of serous fluid and a swelling cheek after facelift surgery. Each patient underwent an amylase test, starch iodine test, and sialography. After diagnosis of parotid fistula, a total of 50 units botulinum toxin was injected into the parotid gland. Facial bandage, scopolamine, and minimizing temporomandibular joint motion were instructed. Leakage volume decreased gradually, and symptoms subsided within 2 weeks. Neither functional problems nor complications occurred. In conclusion, a parotid fistula after facial surgery can be treated effectively with botulinum toxin; this treatment option should be considered before proceeding with invasive surgical treatment.

Correction of Severely Asymmetric Calf using Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Free Flap and Customized Silicone Implant

Calves can be easily seen in daily life and are an important part of the body contour. Asymmetric calves can develop from unbalanced distribution and deposition of fat and muscles between the legs. Calf asymmetry may be due to congenital factors, disease (e.g., poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy, or infection), spinal cord injury, or the effects of surgical treatment and may have severe adverse psychological and social implications. Generally, an asymmetric calf is diagnosed when the difference of the longest circumference between both calves is more than 2 cm. Several surgical methods have been introduced for the correction of an asymmetric calf. Implant insertion or fat injection is used to augment a hypotrophic calf. Selective neurectomy, liposuction, muscle resection, radiofrequency, and botulinum toxin injection are used to treat a hypertrophic calf. With the development of microsurgery, the authors planned to use a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap (LDMC free flap) with silicone implant to add calf volume to obtain natural calf contour. The authors present the first successful case of correction of a severely asymmetric calf using an LDMC free flap and customized silicone implant.

Treatment Algorithm of Complications after Filler Injection: Based on Wound Healing Process

Soft tissue filler injection has been a very common procedure worldwide since filler injection was first introduced for soft tissue augmentation. Currently, filler is used in various medical fields with satisfactory results, but the number of complications is increasing due to the increased use of filler. The complications after filler injection can occur at any time after the procedure, early and delayed, and they range from minor to severe. In this review, based on our experience and previously published other articles, we suggest a treatment algorithm to help wound healing and tissue regeneration and generate good aesthetic results with early treatment in response to the side effects of filler. Familiarity with the treatment of these rare complications is essential for achieving the best possible outcome.

Arteriovenous Fistula Formation Using Microscope Rather than Surgical Telescope

The number of patients with chronic renal failure who require renal replacement therapy is increasing and dialysis is still the mainly used renal replacement therapy. The first choice of surgical technique currently used is side-to-end anastomosis of the radial artery and the cephalic vein. The authors report on a case of an effective arteriovenous shunt operation performed using microscopy. A 53-year-old male with chronic renal failure was referred to plastic and reconstructive surgery department to undergo an arteriovenous shunt operation. Venography was performed before surgery in order to find the appropriate vessel for the arteriovenous shunt operation. The cephalic vein on the wrist showed a diameter of over 4 mm, which was appropriate for an arteriovenous shunt operation. Anastomosis of the vessels was performed under microscopy using Nylon #9-0. Blood flow and vessel diameter were evaluated by venography after surgery and showed well maintained function of the shunt. Complications such as bleeding, edema of the upper arm, and wound dehiscence did not occur. Many factors and certain complications may affect the long-term patency of an arteriovenous shunt; however, exquisite surgical technique is the most important factor in a successful operation. Thus, arteriovenous shunt operation using microscopy is thought to be a good treatment option.

Reply: Multiple Large Cysts Arising from Nevus Comedonicus

No abstract available.

Chest Wall Fibromatosis in the Axilla

No abstract available.

Multiple Large Cysts Arising from Nevus Comedonicus

Nevus comedonicus is a type of hamartoma that arises from a developmental anomaly of the mesodermal part of the pilosebaceous gland. In most cases of nevus comedonicus, an acne-like skin condition develops. Repeated inflammation can cause a morphological change to the cyst, papule, to abscess. We experienced a case of congenital nevus comedonicus, which led to the formation of large multiple cysts. A 50-year-old man was referred with a 12.5x10 cm lobulated mass on the posterior neck and upper back. The patient had a widespread presence of nevus comedonicus in the region ranging from the right superior chest to the posterior neck. The patient had a 30-year history of six prior excisions. A magnetic resonance imaging review led to a diagnosis of nevus comedonicus. Surgical treatment consisted of excision of the mass and wide excision for the patch type of nevus comedonicus around the neck. On histopathology, multiple masses were diagnosed as typical cysts containing keratinized tissue. The diffuse comedone lesions were diagnosed as nevus comedonicus. This case shows that large, multiple cysts can occur as a long-term complication of nevus comedonicus, and also highlights the importance of radical resection to prevent its further invagination.

Craniofacial Deformity in a Patient with Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome: A Case Report

PURPOSE: The Dyke-Davidoff-Masson syndrome is a rare disease entity that was first reported in 1993, and it is characterized by not only the cerebral hemiatrophy that is accompanied by the ipsilateral ventriculomegaly and ipsilateral compensatory osseous hypertrophy, but also the overgrowth of the paranasal sinuses. No studies have attempted to examine it from perspectives of the skull deformity and plastic surgery. Here, we report our case with a review of the literatures. METHODS: A 45-year-old man with Dyke-Davidoff-Masson visited our medical institution with nasal bone fracture. Based on the previously taken brain MRI scans, we measured the degree of craniofacial deformity, and the horizontal distance, which is based on the margin of the skull, as well as the falx cerebri. RESULTS: We made a comparison of the degree of craniofacial deformity. This showed that the mean horizontal distance on the axial view was shorter by approximately 28.46%, as compared with that of the left unaffected side. CONCLUSION: The Dyke-Davidoff-Masson is characterized by a concurrent presence of the atrophy of the cerebral hemisphere, with the cranial deformity. For the reconstruction of the bone and soft-tissue deformity with Dyke-Davidoff-Masson syndrome, it is needed to perform objective assessments.

Craniofacial Deformity in a Patient with Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome: A Case Report

PURPOSE: The Dyke-Davidoff-Masson syndrome is a rare disease entity that was first reported in 1993, and it is characterized by not only the cerebral hemiatrophy that is accompanied by the ipsilateral ventriculomegaly and ipsilateral compensatory osseous hypertrophy, but also the overgrowth of the paranasal sinuses. No studies have attempted to examine it from perspectives of the skull deformity and plastic surgery. Here, we report our case with a review of the literatures. METHODS: A 45-year-old man with Dyke-Davidoff-Masson visited our medical institution with nasal bone fracture. Based on the previously taken brain MRI scans, we measured the degree of craniofacial deformity, and the horizontal distance, which is based on the margin of the skull, as well as the falx cerebri. RESULTS: We made a comparison of the degree of craniofacial deformity. This showed that the mean horizontal distance on the axial view was shorter by approximately 28.46%, as compared with that of the left unaffected side. CONCLUSION: The Dyke-Davidoff-Masson is characterized by a concurrent presence of the atrophy of the cerebral hemisphere, with the cranial deformity. For the reconstruction of the bone and soft-tissue deformity with Dyke-Davidoff-Masson syndrome, it is needed to perform objective assessments.

Removal of Odontogenic Keratinocyst using Versatile Maxillary Window in BCNS

PURPOSE: Basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS), also known as Gorlin syndrome, is a rare autosomal dominant disorder. It is characterized by complex neoplastic syndrome with multisystemic manifestations, involving six major features. This article presents a rare genetic disorder and usage of the author's methods for odontogenic keratocyst, developed in the maxillary sinus. METHODS: A 67-year-old man was presented with large calcified maxillary mass and multisystemic manifestations and findings that matched with basal cell nevus syndrome. The calcified maxillary mass was removed via the versatile maxillary window and maxillary bone segment was repositioned. RESULTS: Histopathologic findings revealed that maxillary and mandibular lesions were odontogenic keratocysts and the skin lesions were basal cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Basal cell nevus syndrome is a rare genetic disease that requires surveillance and care for basal cell carcinoma and multisystemic problems. The author's method was satisfactory for maxillary odontogenic keratocyst in the aspect of the approach and reconstruction.