Treatment of Fingertip Amputation in Adults by Palmar Pocketing of the Amputated Part

BACKGROUND: First suggested by Brent in 1979, the pocket principle is an alternative method for patients for whom a microsurgical replantation is not feasible. We report the successful results of a modified palmar pocket method in adults. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2008, we treated 10 patients by nonmicrosurgical replantation using palmar pocketing. All patients were adults who sustained a complete fingertip amputation from the tip to lunula in a digits. In all of these patients, the amputation occurred due to a crush or avulsion-type injury, and a microsurgical replantation was not feasible. We used the palmar pocketing method following a composite graft in these patients and prepared the pocket in the subcutaneous layer of the ipsilateral palm. RESULTS: Of a total of 10 cases, nine had complete survival of the replantation and one had 20% partial necrosis. All of the cases were managed to conserve the fingernails, which led to acceptable cosmetic results. CONCLUSIONS: A composite graft and palmar pocketing in adult cases of fingertip injury constitute a simple, reliable operation for digital amputation extending from the tip to the lunula. These methods had satisfactory results.

Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor of Abdomen

PURPOSE: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor without neurofibromatosis type 1 is very rare neoplasm. Development in the superficial soft tissue is exremely rare. Authors experienced one rare case of primary malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor developed on abdomen. The clinical and histologic findings were described. METHODS: An 83-year-old man visited hospital with an 11x6.5x4.5 cm sized ulcerated and hemorrhagic mass on abdomen. The tumor was localized in abdominal skin and started growing 3 years ago. RESULTS: Wide excision with safety margin of 2cm and limberg flap was done. The postoperative biopsy revealed a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. There was no evidence of recurrence of tumor for 16 months. CONCLUSION: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor is an aggressive malignant tumor. An abrupt enlargement of size, ulceration and bleeding are suggestive of malignant chnages of the tumor. We recommand early wide excision with enough safety margin as treatment of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.

Difference of Gene Expression between Hypertrophic Scar Keratinocytes and Normal Keratinocytes

PURPOSE: There is no clear evidence of the original cause of hypertrophic scar, and the effective method of treatment is not yet established. Recently the steps of searching in gene and molecular level are proceeding. we are trying to recognize the difference between keratinocytes of hypertrophic scar and normal skin. Then we do support the comprehension of the scar formation mechanism and scar management. METHODS: Total RNAs were extracted from cultured keratinocytes from 4 hypertrophic scars and normal skins. The cDNA chips were prepared. A total of 3063 cDNAs from human cDNA library were arrayed. And the scanning data were analyzed. RESULTS: On microarray, heat shock protein, pyruvate kinase, tumor rejection antigen were more than 2 fold intensity genes. Among them, heat shock 70 kd protein showed the strongest intensity difference. CONCLUSION: In this study, it can be concluded that heat shock proteins play an important role in the process of wound healing and scar formation. This study provides basic biologic information for scar research. The new way of the prevention and treatment of scar formation would be introduced with further investigations.

Stress Induced Cardiomyopathy after Local Infiltration of Epinephrine for Plastic Surgery in Young Adult

PURPOSE: Epinephrine itself exhibits some cardiotoxicity. However, it rarely induces cardiomyopathy when used in standard doses during surgery for local hemostasis. This paper reports a rare case of stress-induced cardiomyopathy in a young woman after the local infiltration of epinephrine. METHODS: Corrective rhinoplasty was planned in a 20-year-old woman. Lidocaine mixed with epinephrine 1:100,000 was injected around the skin of the nose and nasal septum after inducing anesthesia, which resulted in sinus tachycardia and hypotension. Postoperative ECG showed a T wave inversion in the lead V2 and echocardiography revealed transient hypokinesia in the cardiac apex. Cardiac enzyme was mildly elevated. RESULTS: Symptoms and laboratory findings improved considerably, and the patient was discharged from hospital without complications on the sixth day after surgery. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy is generally favorable. However, it is important to be aware of the possible adverse effects of local epinephrine infiltration. This case highlights the need for caution when using epinephrine.

The Usefulness of Allogenous Costal Cartilage Graft for Correction of Short Nose and Tip Plasty

PURPOSE: Autogenous cartilage is generally first choice in rhinoplasty because of its biocompatibility and resistance to infection. On the other hand, allogeneous cartilage graft might preferred over an autogenous graft to avoid additional donor site scars, morbidity and lengthened operating time. Allogenous costal cartilage(Tutoplast(R)) not only have the advantage of averting donor site morbidity but also are resistant to infection, resembling autogenous cartilage graft. We report here a technique for rhinoplasty by using allogenous costal cartilage graft. METHODS: Through open rhinoplastic approach, alar cartilage is released from upper lateral cartilage and relocated caudally. After relocation of alar cartilage, allogenous costal cartilage is immobilized by nonabsorbable suture material at caudal aspect of septal cartilage. Caudal end of allogenous costal cartilage is sutured between medial crura of alar cartilage. Tip projection is improved by using interdormal suture, transdormal suture and shield-shape cartilage graft which is harvested from concha RESULTS: No significant resorption and infection was detected in any of patients. Aesthetic and functional results were satisfactory. CONCLUSION: The low incidence of major complication and versatility of allogeneous costal cartilage graft make safe and reliable source of cartilage graft in rhinoplasty

The Usefulness of Allogenous Costal Cartilage Graft for Correction of Short Nose and Tip Plasty

PURPOSE: Autogenous cartilage is generally first choice in rhinoplasty because of its biocompatibility and resistance to infection. On the other hand, allogeneous cartilage graft might preferred over an autogenous graft to avoid additional donor site scars, morbidity and lengthened operating time. Allogenous costal cartilage(Tutoplast(R)) not only have the advantage of averting donor site morbidity but also are resistant to infection, resembling autogenous cartilage graft. We report here a technique for rhinoplasty by using allogenous costal cartilage graft. METHODS: Through open rhinoplastic approach, alar cartilage is released from upper lateral cartilage and relocated caudally. After relocation of alar cartilage, allogenous costal cartilage is immobilized by nonabsorbable suture material at caudal aspect of septal cartilage. Caudal end of allogenous costal cartilage is sutured between medial crura of alar cartilage. Tip projection is improved by using interdormal suture, transdormal suture and shield-shape cartilage graft which is harvested from concha RESULTS: No significant resorption and infection was detected in any of patients. Aesthetic and functional results were satisfactory. CONCLUSION: The low incidence of major complication and versatility of allogeneous costal cartilage graft make safe and reliable source of cartilage graft in rhinoplasty

Combination Treatment of Osmidrosis by Liposuction and Rasping

PURPOSE: Excessive apocrine gland secretion and bacterial decomposition cause axillary osmidrosis, which results in physical discomforts and social problems of patients. Many surgical procedures have been introduced such as skin excision and simple closure, local flap, skin graft, subcutaneous shaving and liposuction method, but the results were not satisfactory to patients and several complications, such as symptom recurrence, hematoma, seroma, delayed wound healing, skin flap necrosis and scarring remain as problems. METHODS: For the purpose of reducing these problems, we employed combined treatment of liposuction and rasping method. From January 2006 to February 2008, total of 54 patients were treated with this procedure for bilateral axillary osmidrosis. RESULTS: Follow-up evaluation period was from 2 months to 12 months, and the results were satisfactory. In our method, the length of skin incision is less than 1 cm, so the resultant scar is negligible. Apocrine glands in subcutaneous tissue were mostly removed by liposuction apparatus and remained other glands in subdermal area were mostly removed by rasping. The recurrence rate and postoperative complication were minimal. CONCLUSION: Our method is very simple, short in operation time, and generates excellent results without specific complication.

Aesthetic Labia Minora Reduction with Bilateral Deepithelialization and Straightforward Technique

The hypertrophic labia minora presents many problems in both cosmetic and functional aspects. Local irritation, problems of personal hygiene during menses or after bowel movements, interference with sexual intercourse, and discomfort during cycling, walking, or sitting are generally accepted as indications for surgical reduction. We preserved the natural contour and anatomy of the labia minora by simply reducing its most prominent part (anterior two thirds) width through bilateral deepithelialization and primary closure of the edges with preservation of the neurovascular supply to the edges. This method is very simple and straightforward technique only the most prominent part of the tissue removed without morphologic alteration and minimal aesthetic and functional morbidity. Six patients have undergone this aesthetic procedure with excellent results without specific complications. This new technique is very simple and effective wound healing methods and can greatly enhance the patient`s confidence.

Various Clinical Application of the Bead Stitch Method

A double eyelid plasty is performed by an incision technique or a nonincision technique, the latter comprising a stitch method and a buried suture method. With this surgery, an appropriate design and operative technique must be selected into careful consideration of patient's desire and eyelid condition. Patients were classified into four groups according to age and upper eyelid condition and got double eyelid plasty, modified techniques based on the Shirakabe's bead stitch method by each group. From above mentioned techniques, authors obtained a relatively successful result, so authors would like to report the outcome of the modified surgery methods. In this study, bead stitch method was performed in 405 patients(402 females, 3 males, average 31.2 years) from January to December of 2001. The follow up period ranged from one month to four years. Preoperatively, considering the patient's age, skin laxity of the upper eyelid and quantity of periorbital fat, patients was divided into four groups. For the bead stitch method, the eyelid is everted by raising the eyelash, and No. 2 braided white silk suture 16 cm in length is thrust from the two third of upper tarsal rim on the conjunctival side to the anticipated point on the skin side by using No. 5 round needle. The other end of the suture is guided out at a 4 to 5 mm distance from that point in a similar manner, such a procedure is usually carried out six to seven times for each eye. Simultaneously, if necessary, defattimg, skin undermining and upper blepharoplasty was also performed. Most of our patients were satisfied except thirteen cases with minor complications(mild asymmetry: 7 cases, sunken eye: 3 cases and high fold: 3 cases). But, the post operative palpabral swelling is comparatively strong. In conclusion, Some of the positive aspects were the followings: Lowering the chance getting an infection from stitches, the prevention of loosening by the scars forming double eyelids, and the development of natural double eyelids coming from the even pressure on the upper eyelids by the glass beads. Moreover, the new method improves, by combining the bead stitch method with the blepharoplasty, the prior incision method, which was difficult to apply to eyelids with excessive skin, therefore being able to expect more successful results from all age groups.