Predictors of long-term healing for endorectal advancement flap for anorectal fistulas

Introduction: Anorectal fistulas are some of the commonest surgical proctologic disorders treated by surgeons. Despite the recent introduction of various sphincter preserving techniques, the search for the optimal operation continues. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of long-term healing for the endorectal advancement flap. Methods: A retrospective review of a single surgeon experience with the endorectal advancement flap for anorectal fistulas over an 18-year period. The impact of various patient and fistula related factors were analyzed for their impact on the primary endpoint of long-term fistula healing. Results: 87 patients underwent endorectal advancement flap (Male/Female 42.5/57.5%). Median age was 41 years. Sixty-nine patients (79.3%) had anal fistula while 18 patients had rectal fistula (20.7%). An anterior based fistula was noted in 45 patients (51.7%). The most common etiology was cryptoglandular disease (87.4%). The median operative time was 75minutes (range 36-250). Postoperative septic complications were noted in 4 patients (4.6%). Fistula healing was documented in 80 patients (93%). During a median follow-up of 4 months (range 1-38, 1 patient lost to follow-up), recurrence was noted in 8 patients (9.3%), yielding an overall long-term success rate of 83.7%. The long-term healing rate was higher in patients with fistulas from cryptoglandular etiology (86.6%) compared to fistulas from other etiologies (63.6%) [p = 0.027]. Conclusions: The endorectal advancement is associated with a high healing rate, a low postoperative septic complication rate, and infrequent risk for recurrence. Long-term healing without recurrence is achieved more frequently in patients with cryptoglandular etiology of the fistula compared to patients with non-cryptoglandular etiology. (AU)

The effectiveness of the two-layered closure of persistent Oroantral Fistula using Buccal Fat Pad and Buccal Advancement Flap.

Background: A prospective clinical study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the two -layered closure of recurrent Oroantral Fistula using Buccal Fat Pad and Buccal Advancement Flap. Materials and methods: Twenty patients with persistent OAFs larger than 5 mm were treated with two layered closure using Buccal Fat Pad and Buccal Advancement Flap. They were followed clinically and radiographically for 5 years after surgery to monitor the durability and effectiveness of the two layered closure of the OAF. Result: The procedure was successful in all patients. The healing process was satisfactory,with no breakdown or liquefaction necrosis postoperatively. No complications were observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion: The results of this study support the view that the use of the double-layered closure using BFP with buccal advancement flap is a durable, convenient, and effective method for the treatment of a persistent large OAF.

V-Y advancement flap for treatment of children with foot spoke injury: Report of 8 cases / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of V-Y advancement flap in the treatment of foot spoke injury in children.Methods:Clinical data of 8 patients, including 6 males and 2 females aged 2.5-5.0 (mean, 3.5) years old with foot spoke injury admitted to the Third Ward of Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Xingtai General Hospital of North China Medical and Health Group from June 2019 to October 2021, were analysed retrospectively. Soft tissue defect around achilles tendon was 2.0 cm×3.0 cm-2.5 cm×4.0 cm. The size of the flap was 2.5 cm×3.5 cm-3.0 cm×4.5 cm. All patients underwent emergency debridement followed by V-Y advancement flap repair, and direct suture of the skin and tissues at donor site. The blood supply, survival and healing of flap of donor site were observed after operation. The shape of the heel and the functional recovery of the affected limb were examined on regular basis at the outpatient clinic.Results:All 8 flaps survived and the wounds had primary healing. The patients entered the follow-up for 6-12 months, with an average of 8 months. The texture and colour of the flap recipient site were good. The shape of the flap pedicle, the donor site and recipient site were satisfactory. The shoes wearing of the affected foot were not affected after surgery. The ankle function was good. The average extension was 25.8°(20°-30°), plantar flexion 32.5°(25°-40°), and the foot sensation and motion were close to normal. The average foot function score on American Association on Foot and Ankle Surgery(AOFAS) was 91.7±6.4. Five cases were excellent and 3 were good.Conclusion:The V-Y advancement flap demonstrates an ideal alternative method for treatment of small area of soft tissue defect around Achilles tendon, due to the simple operation, satisfactory shape of flap after repair, and favorable limb function.

Repair of fingertip defect with lateral V-Y advancement flap with one side palmar proper digital artery: Report of 27 cases / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To explore the method and effect in repairing the defect of fingertip with lateral V-Y advancement flap with one side palmar proper digital artery.Methods:From October 2014 to May 2019, Department of the Hand and Foot Surgery, the Third People's Hospital of Jining(Yanzhou District People's Hospital of Jining City) treated 34 digits of 27 cases with a defect area of 0.5 cm×0.5 cm-1.5 cm×2.0 cm. A lateral V-Y advancement flap with one side palmar proper artery was used to repair the fingertip defect, and the flap size was 1.7 cm×1.0 cm-4.5 cm×1.5 cm. Twenty cases entered long-time follow-up after operation, with 7 cases lost in follow-up, 16 cases were reviewed at outpatient and 4 by WeChat.Results:All the flaps of 34 digits of 27 cases survived. The color of the flaps were close to or completely normal to the surrounding tissue, the texture was soft and the appearance was good. The TPD of the flap was 2.0-6.0 mm. The follow-up time ranged from 22 to 77 months, with an average of 31.45 months. The flexion and extension function of the digits were good with total range of motion(ROM) of the thumb was > 90 °; total active motion (TAM) of the fingers was 260 °-200 °. The fingers of 1 case had hook nail or hook finger deformity. According to the Evaluation Trial Standard of Upper Limb Partial Function of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, 18 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good.Conclusion:The lateral V-Y advancement flap with one side palmar proper digital artery is easy to operate. The blood supply of the flap is reliable, with good sensation. The flexion and extension of the digits are good, and the appearance and texture of the flap are good.

Repair the donor site of ipsilateral fibular hallux flap with transverse V-Y advancement flap of the great toe / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical application and effect of repairing the donor site of ipsilateral fibular hallux flap with the transverse V-Y advancement flap of the great toe.Methods:Form January 2017 to January 2020, the donor sites of the ipsilateral fibular hallux flap were repaired by the transverse V-Y advancement flap of the great toe in the Department of Hand Surgery, 521 Hospital of Weapon Industry on 20 patients, including 16 males and 4 females with an average age of 33 (18-52) years old. First, the donor site of the fibular hallux flap was sutured to reduce the size of wound. The width of the remaining wound was 0.4 to 1.6 cm, and the area of the remaining wound was 0.5 cm×0.8 cm-1.6 cm×1.8 cm. Then the remaining wound was repaired with the transverse V-Y advancement flap of the ipsilateral great toe. The distance for transfer of transverse advancement V-Y flap was 0.2-0.8 cm, and the area of the transverse V-Y advancement flap was 1.0 cm×1.4 cm-1.8 cm×2.4 cm. The end of postoperative follow-up was scheduled in July 2021. The follow-up items included: survival of the transverse V-Y advancement flap, wound infection, appearance, shape, texture and sensation of the V-Y advancement flap, pain on the V-Y advancement flap and the great toe, cold tolerance and the scar condition at the donor site of the ipsilateral fibular hallux flap and the V-Y advancement flap, the appearance, sensation and flexion and extension of the great toe at the donor site, other discomforts in the donor site of great toe, walking and other functions affected by the discomforts.Results:The postoperative follow-up lasted from 12 to 18(average of 14) months. All the V-Y advancement flaps survived without infection at the donor sites of the great toe, and donor sites healed primarily. The appearance, shape and texture of the advancement V-Y flap were close to the skin of the same area of the contralateral great toe. The TPD of the V-Y advancement flap and the ipsilateral great toe ranged from 4 to 7 mm. The average score of the Visual analog scale(VAS) was 0.3 and 0.6 respectively in the evaluation of cold tolerance of the advancement V-Y flap and the ipsilateral great toe. The average score of the Vancouver scar scale(VSS) was 0.2 and 1.2 respectively in the scar evaluation of the V-Y advancement flap and the ipsilateral great toe. There was no visual difference between the appearance of the great toe at the donor site and the contralateral toe. There was no pain and other discomfort on the V-Y advancement flap and the ipsilateral great toe. The functions of the donor foot were not affected in walking, running, jumping and tiptoeing in all cases.Conclusion:It is a simple, safe and effective method to repair the donor site of the small-area ipsilateral fibular hallux flap by the transverse V-Y advancement flap of the great toe. It only causes a small wound but the appearance and function of the ipsilateral great toe can be repaired with a transverse V-Y advancement flap of the great toe.

Fisura anal: anatomía, patogenia y tratamiento / Anal fissure - anatomy, pathogenesis and treatment

RESUMEN La fisura anal es una patología proctológica frecuente caracterizada por un desgarro oval en el anoder mo que, si bien es pequeño, puede producir mucho dolor y angustia en el paciente. La etiología exacta aún se discute, pero está relacionada con una hipertonía del esfínter anal en la mayoría de los casos. El tratamiento inicial es médico, con fármacos que disminuyen el tono del esfínter anal. Las fisuras cróni cas generalmente requieren tratamiento quirúrgico. La esfinterotomía interna lateral tiene un elevado porcentaje de éxito y se considera el tratamiento de referencia. En este artículo haremos una revisión de la anatomía, fisiopatología y opciones terapéuticas actuales de las fisuras anales.

ABSTRACT Anal fissure is a common anorectal condition. While it often presents as a small oval tear in the anoderm, it can cause significant pain and anguish to the patient. The exact etiology is still debatable but increased anal tone is associated with most fissures. The initial management is medical with agents intended to reduce the anal tone. More chronic fissures usually require surgical intervention. Lateral internal sphincterotomy has a high success rates and is considered the gold standard of interventions. In this article we review the relevant anatomy, pathophysiology and contemporary treatment options for anal fissures.

Managing lip large papilloma extirpation defect by arterialized advancement vermilion flap

The close resemblance of squamous papilloma with verrucous carcinoma and the chief etiological factor associated with its development, the human papillomavirus (HPV) raises a doubt about its close association with malignancy. The best way to treat HPV growths is surgical removal and assessment of lesion by histopathology. The defect needs reconstruction with full function and aesthetic outlook. Thirty-seven years old young man with history of tobacco chewing developed slow growing papilloma in upper lip in one year. It was excised fully and the defect was repaired by arterialized lip vermilion mucosal flap based on slightly tortuous labial vessel and so the flap could be elastically stretched even up to fifty percent of lip length and applied successfully. Same patient developed papilloma in lower lip as a separate primary after two years of nonrecurrence of previous operated upper lip papilloma. Lower lip lesion was excised similarly and repaired with same type of vermilion mucosal advancement flap from adjacent part of lower lip defect created. The post-operative period was uneventful and after three years of last operation there is no recurrence in either lip. Vermilion flap which is based on labial artery containing composite tissue comprising of mucosa and portion of orbicularis muscle mainly has been utilized to reconstruct the post excision papilloma lip defect with excellent functional and aesthetic results. There was no microstomia. It is single stage not involving donor site like tongue or cheek mucosa and is good upto half of lower lip defects.

Anatomical basis of the V-Y advancement flap based on the dorsal carpal perforators / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To provide anatomical basis for the design of the V-Y advancement flap and investigate the morphological characters of the dorsal carpal perforators.Methods From August,2017 to October,2018,30 sides aduh specimens of hand were perfused with red latex.The following contents were observed under surgical magnifier:①The origin,courses,branches,and distribution of the dorsal carpal perforators.②The characters of dorsal carpal perforators in agreement with the antebrachial and dorsal metacarpal vascular net.Results The dorsal carpal vascular network was composed of deep vascular network (bone and joint network) and superficial vascular network (fasciocutaneous network).The deep vascular network was located at the deep aspect of the extensor tendons and was commonly formed by dorsal carpal branch of radial artery,dorsal carpal branch of anterior interosseous artery,ascending branch of the dorsal carpal perforator from the deep palmar arch,and dorsal carpal branch of ulnar artery.The superficial vascular network was located on the surface of the extensor tendons and was mainly formed by dorsal carpal branch of radial artery,dorsal carpal branch of ulnar artery,dorsal carpal branch of anterior interosseous artery,radial and ulnar myocutaneous branches of posterior interosseous artery,and the perforators from the deep vascular network.The 3rd and 4th perforators puncturing out from the ulnar and radial margins of the extensor tendon had a constant occurrence rate (100％) with an outer diameter of (0.7±0.3) mm and (0.6±0.2) mm,respectively,and a length of (1.1±0.4) cm and (0.9±0.4) cm,respectively.They were divided into the ascending branch,descending branch,and collateral branch.And finally anastomosis with antebrachial and dorsal metacarpal perforators.Conclusion The V-Y advancement flap based on the dorsal carpal perforators can be a good choice for restoring the dorsal metacarpal defects.

Evaluation of outcomes in fissurectomy and V-Y advancement flap for the treatment of chronic anal fissure / Avaliação de desfechos na fissurectomia e retalho de avanço em V­Y para o tratamento de fissura anal crônica

ABSTRACT Chronic anal fissure is difficult to treat. Surgery is usually recommended in the case of drug therapeutic failure. Fecal incontinence in patients with weaker sphincters (multipara older patients with a history of pelvic surgery etc.) is a major reason for rejecting surgery. Such these patients should be underwent fissurectomy and V-Y advancement flap in which sphincterotomy is not required. In this prospective study, we determined the outcomes and complications of fissurectomy and V-Y advancement flap in both groups of patients with low and high anal sphincter tones.

RESUMO A fissura anal crônica tem tratamento difícil. A cirurgia geralmente é recomendada em caso de falha do tratamento medicamentoso. A incontinência fecal em pacientes com esfíncteres mais fracos (pacientes multíparas mais velhas com história de cirurgia pélvica etc.) é uma razão importante para a rejeição da cirurgia. Esses pacientes devem ser submetidos a fissurectomia e retalho de avanço em V-Y no qual a esfincterotomia não é necessária. Neste estudo prospectivo, determinamos os desfechos e complicações da fissurectomia e o retalho de avanço em V-Y em ambos os grupos de pacientes com tônus baixo e alto do esfíncter anal.

Detail repair technique for alar deformity after the first stage reconstruction of alar defect / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To sum up the repair techniques of secondary alar deformity after the first phase reconstruction of alar defect.@*Methods@#From January 2010 to December 2017, 17 patients with secondary alar deformity were included. Secondary alar deformities after the first stage reconstruction of alar defect included the abnormalities of alar groove line, absence of alar-cheek groove and the notch of alar rim. Z-plasty, V-Y advanced flaps, local skin flap and other technologies were introduced to repair details.@*Results@#Infection was found in one case of the reconstruction of the alar-cheek groove and the wound was healed by treatment. There was no necrosis occurred in other flap. The shape of the alar was satisfactory and the anterior nostril was not narrow. Patients were followed up for 1 month to 1 year. The average follow-up time was 5 months. No recurrence of nasal alar tumor was found. The patients were satisfied with the appearance.@*Conclusions@#The symmetrical and satisfactory nasal shape can be obtained with local flaps such as Z-plasty, V-Y advancement of flaps for secondary alar deformities.

Microanatomy and clinical application of stepladder advancement flap pedicled with the radial proper digital artery of index finger / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To observe the anatomy of the radial proper digital arteries and their dorsal vessels of index fingers, and the relative position and orientation of them were summarized. To explore the surgical method and clinical appilication of the stepladder advancement flap pedicled with the radial proper digital artery of index finger in the finger tip defects. Methods From June, 2013 to June, 2016, 6 hand specimens were injected into the brachial artery with red latex to carry out the microanatomy of the index finger’s radial proper digital arteries and their dorsal vessels. And 1 vascular cast of hand specimen were observed the origin, number and oriention of the artery and its dorsal vessel. Ten cases with soft tissue defects of index finger in finger tip, were repaired with stepladder advance-ment flap pedicled with the radial proper digital artery. The evaluations and analysis were made in survival rate and finger's function by the postoperative regular consultations. Results There were 2 (4 hands) or 3 (2 hands) dorsal vessels in the proximal, and 2(6 hands) in middle segments of the radial proper digital arteries of index fingers in 6 hand specimens respectively. While the vascular cast of hand specimen showed that 3 dorsal vessels in the proximal, and 2 in the middle segments of the radial proper digital artery. Ten patients were performed the operation. The blood flow after the surgery were good and all flaps survived well. Followed-up time was 10-14 months. The color, feeling, contour and texture of flaps was good. The function of flexion and extension of the finger was good too, and no defor-mity of the purlicue. The resolution of static two points was 5.5-9.0 mm, averaged of 7.2 mm. Conclusion The stepladder advancement flap pedicled with the radial proper digital artery of index finger can extend the donor site. It is safe, reliable and effective, providing a alternation for the repair of the soft tissue defects of the index finger tip.

V-Y advancement flap based on the double perforators of the posterior tibial artery for reconstruction of small-area tissue defect in the achilles tendon / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of the V-Y advancement flap based on double perfo-rators of the posterior tibial artery for reconstruction of small-area tissue defect in the achilles tendon. Methods From June, 2014 to June, 2017, a total of 8 patients with small-area tissue defect in the achilles tendon were repaired by the V-Y advancement flap based on double perforators of the posterior tibial artery. The size of defects ranged from 1.5 cm ×3.5 cm to 3.5 cm ×5.0 cm, and the size of flaps ranged from 2.0 cm ×8.0 cm to 4.0 cm ×12.0 cm. The donor area was directly sutured. Eight cases were followed-up, and the appearance, quality, color and elasticity was raorded. Results All V-Y advancement flaps based on double perforators of the posterior tibial artery survived, and all donor sites were directly sutured. Followed-up for 3 to 12 months. All V-Y advancement flaps were flat with the sur-rounding tissue. The appearance, quality, color and elasticity of flaps were good. According to the related evaluation criteria made by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery Society (AOFAS), the results of 8 patients were ex-cellent in 6 cases, and good in 2 cases. The patients had a high degree of satisfaction. Conclusion Application of the V-Y advancement flap based on the double perforators of the posterior tibial artery is an ideal method to repair the small-area tissue defect in the achilles tendon. This kind of surgery is simple, safe and has minimal donor site mor-bidity.

Sphincteroplasty and perineoplasty with skin advancement flap in management of traumatic cloacal defect / Esfincteroplastia e perineoplastia com retalho cutâneo de avanço no tratamento de defeito cloacal traumático

ABSTRACT Background: Traumatic cloacal defect (TCD) is the condition that occurs in 0.3% of women who have experienced the third/fourth-degree perineal laceration during traumatic Natural Vaginal Delivery (NVD). This condition has many undesirable effects in their lives. Surgery is the best way to repair this deformity and will improve the quality of life in these patients. Design: In this study, we prospectively studied 19 patients who were referred to the hospital with symptoms of TCD within years 2011 and 2015 with the mean of 2.6-yrs follow-up. They all underwent sphincteroplasty and perineoplasty with skin advancement flap. Results: Of all 19 patients, incontinence to solid faeces in 16 patients (84%), incontinence to liquid stool in 15 patients (78%) and incontinence to flatus in 4 patients (21%) were completely resolved. The FI score was decreased from the mean of 12.7 to 2.6. Sexual function was significantly improved in all of them and dyspareunia was completely disappeared in 9 patients (50%). The quality of life score was increased from the mean of 45 to 95. Post-operation complications were occurred in 3 of patients (wound infection in 2-cases and recto-vaginal fistula in another). Conclusion: Our findings show that sphincteroplasty and perineoplasty with skin advancement flap is an effective surgical technique to repair the perineal body due to its benefits and few complications. In this study, there was significant improvement in quality of life of almost all patients after this reconstructive surgery. Consulting with a colorectal surgeon is recommended for these cases.

RESUMO Experiência: Defeito cloacal traumático (RCT) é a condição que ocorre em 0,3% das mulheres que sofreram laceração perineal de terceiro/quarto grau durante um parto vaginal natural (PNV) traumático. Essa condição causa muitos efeitos indesejáveis em suas vidas. A cirurgia é a melhor forma de reparar essa deformidade, e melhorará a qualidade de vida nessas pacientes. Modelo: Nesse estudo, estudamos prospectivamente 19 pacientes que foram encaminhadas ao hospital com sintomas de RCT entre 2011 e 2015, com uma media de 2,6 anos de seguimento. Todas foram submetidas a uma esfincteroplastia e perineoplastia, com retalho cutâneo de avanço. Resultados: Da totalidade de 19 pacientes, a incontinência para fezes sólidas em 16 pacientes (84%), a incontinência para fezes líquidas em 15 pacientes (78%) e a incontinência para flatos em quatro pacientes (21%) foram completamente resolvidas. Ocorreu redução no escore FI, de uma media de 12,7 para 2,6. A função sexual melhorou significativamente em todas as pacientes, e a dispareunia desapareceu completamente em nove pacientes (50%). O escore para qualidade de vida melhorou, da media de 45 para 95. Ocorreram complicações pós-operatórias em três pacientes (infecção da ferida em dois casos e fistula retovaginal no caso restante). Conclusão: Nossos achados demonstram que a esfincteroplastia e a perineoplastia com retalho cutâneo de avanço é técnica cirúrgica efetiva para o reparo do corpo perineal, graças a seus benefícios e às poucas complicações. Nesse estudo, foi observada melhora siga na qualidade de vida de praticamente todas as pacientes em seguida a essa cirurgia reconstrutiva. Para tais casos, é recomendável uma consulta com um cirurgião colorretal.

Lower eyelid reconstruction following a traumatic full thickness loss

Eyelid reconstruction is complex and challenging since it is not only for structural and functional restoration, but also for an acceptable aesthetic result. In full thickness eyelid injuries, it will involve both anterior and posterior lamella. Therefore, when reconstructing the defect, it requires at least two layers; one will be a flap with blood supply, and the other can be a free graft. In this case, a rotational advancement cheek flap and composite graft were used to reconstruct the lower eyelid.

The Adipofascial V-Y Advancement Flap with Skin Graft for Coverage of the Full-Thickness Burns of the Gluteal Region

Any types of burn injury that involve more than deep dermis often require reconstructive treatment. In gluteal region, V-Y fasciocutaneous advancement flap is frequently used to cover the defect. However, in case of large burn wounds, this kind of flap cannot provide adequate coverage because of the lack of normal surrounding tissues. We suggest V-Y adipofascial flap using the surrounding superficially damaged tissue. We present the case of a patient who was referred for full-thickness burn on gluteal region. We performed serial debridement and applied vacuum-assisted closure device to defective area as wound preparation for coverage. When healthy granulation tissue grew adequately, we covered the defect with surrounding V-Y adipofascial flap and the raw surface of the flap was then covered with split-thickness skin graft. We think the use of subcutaneous fat as an adipofascial flap to cover the deeper defect adjacent to the flap is an excellent alternative especially in huge defect with uneven depth varying from subcutaneous fat to bone exposure in terms of minimal donor site morbidity and reliability of the flap. Even if the flap was not intact, it was reuse of the adjacent tissue of the injured area, so it is relatively safe and applicable.

Naso-glabello-frontal advancement reconstruction for chondroid syringoma of the nasal tip

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> To   present   a   naso-glabello-frontal   advancement modification of   the   dorsal advancement  (Rintala)  flap  for reconstruction  of  an  unusual  case  of  chondroid  syringoma occurring at the nasal tip.<br /><strong>METHODS:</strong><br /><strong>  Design:</strong> Case Report<br /><strong>  Setting:</strong> Tertiary Government Training hospital<br /><strong>  Patient:</strong> One<br /><strong>RESULTS:</strong> A 23-year-old man who presented with a nasal tip mass initially diagnosed as a benign adnexal tumor underwent excision and reconstruction with a naso-glabello-frontal advancement flap modification of the dorsal advancement flap with median brow lift. The procedure resulted in nasal tip reconstruction with minimal scars, including a horizontal upper medial brow margin scar  that  eventually  became  less  apparent.  Final  histopathology  revealed  a  rare  benign  mixed tumor, chondroid syringoma.<br /><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> The naso-glabello-frontal advancement flap is a one-stage procedure that can be used to reconstruct such a cutaneous nasal defect after tumor excision. The modification observes nasal aesthetic subunits and may have a better aesthetic outcome than traditional rotational or advancement flaps.</p>

Clinical Significance of the Modified Triple Advancement Flap for Closing Skin Defects / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Triple advancement flap has been recently introduced to close the skin defect after Mohs microscopic surgery. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical advantage of the modified triple advancement flap compared with rhomboid excision and closure. METHODS: The modified triple advancement flap was performed on nine patients with skin cancer. We observed the clinical course after surgery and compared the scar length and the amount of removed normal skin in triple advancement flap with those in rhomboid excision and primary closure, by using an image-analyzing program. RESULTS: The overall cosmetic and functional result was good. Partial flap necrosis was detected in one of nine patients, and hypertrophic scar developed in one of nine patients. The average scar length from the modified triple advancement flap was 102.1 mm, whereas it was 95.0 and 111.0 mm in 1:3 and 1:3.5 rhomboid excision with closure. The amount of removed skin was 716.3 mm2 in modified triple advancement flap, whereas it was 794.0 mm2 (1:3) and 1116.9 mm2 (1:3.5) in rhomboid excision with closure. CONCLUSION: The triple advancement flap might be used to close a defect in the area of trifurcation or bifurcation of skin tension lines, to spare the normal surrounding tissue as much as possible.

Partial Eyebrow Reconstruction with Bilateral Advancement Flap and Tattooing

PURPOSE: Reconstruction of eyebrow defects after wide excision of the benign and malignant tumors present a cosmetic challenge to the plastic surgeon. There were several methods for reconstruction of partial eyebrow defect with local flaps except hair bearing composite graft. We introduce simple eyebrow reconstruction with bilateral advancement flap and tattooing on the idea that eyebrow tattooing is popular permanent eyebrow makeup among elderly Korean women. METHODS: The flaps were designed on both ends of the eyebrow defect along the upper and lower margin of the eyebrow. Both flaps were cut, undermined and were moved centrally to cover the defect. Both flaps were attached along the vertical suturing line. The rest of each flap was sown with dog-ears revised minimally. Scar lines would be hidden along the natural borders of the eyebrow if possible. The resulting vertical scar finally was covered with hair. After 8 months, eyebrow tattooing would be done to camouflage eyebrow shortening and scar. RESULTS: Partial eyebrow defect was reconstructed successfully with bilateral advancement flap and tattooing. The postoperative scar was inconspicuous and eyebrow looked symmetric. CONCLUSION: We recommend partial eyebrow reconstruction with bilateral advancement flap and tattooing for the elderly Korean female patients after excision of small tumor in and around eyebrow region.

Fístula rectovaginal posobstétrica: tratamiento quirúrgico mediante avance de colgajo endorrectal / Postobstetric rectovaginal fistula: surgical treatment using endorectal advancement flap

Introducción: Las fístulas rectovaginales ocurren con una frecuencia menor a 5 % respecto a otros tipos de fístulas de la región anorrectal; el trauma obstétrico es la causa más común de este tipo de fístulas. Existen diversos procedimientos quirúrgicos para la reparación de las mismas. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de 16 pacientes con diagnóstico de fístula rectovaginal posobtétrica, atendidas en el Hospital Juárez de México entre enero de 1992 y diciembre de 2006. Se analizó edad de las pacientes, tipo de trauma obstétrico, tiempo de inicio de la sintomatología después del parto, localización y tamaño de la fístula, índice de éxito y recidivas mediante el tratamiento con avance de colgajo endorrectal, y necesidad de esfinteroplastia complementaria. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 25.6 años. En todas las pacientes, la sintomatología inició después de un parto vaginal durante el cual se realizó episiotomía o hubo desgarro perineal. Todas las fístulas fueron menores de 2.5 cm de diámetro y de localización baja. Con el colon preparado, en todas las pacientes se reparó la fístula rectovaginal mediante avance de colgajo endorrectal. En dos pacientes se llevó acabo, además, esfinteroplastia del esfínter anal. Los resultados fueron satisfactorios en 15 pacientes (93.7 %); no hubo mortalidad operatoria y no fueron utilizados estomas de protección. Conclusiones: El colgajo endorrectal es un procedimiento seguro para la reparación de fístulas rectovaginales de origen posobstétrico, algunos casos pueden requerir esfinteroplastia del esfínter anal.

BACKGROUND: Rectovaginal fistulas account for <5% of all rectal fistulas. Obstetrical injuries are the most common cause of these types of fistulas. There have been a multitude of surgical approaches developed for operative repair. METHODS: Between January 1992 and December 2006, 16 patients with postobstetric rectovaginal fistula were treated at the Hospital Juárez of México. Age, type of obstetric trauma, time elapsed between delivery and beginning of symptoms, location, and size of the fistulas, rate of success and recurrence with the use of endorectal flap, and need for complementary sphincteroplasty were all evaluated. RESULTS: Median age of the patients was 25.6 years. All women reported that their symptoms began after a vaginal delivery that included an episiotomy or 4th degree laceration. All fistulas were low and small (<2.5 cm in diameter). Patients received bowel preparation and underwent rectovaginal repair using endorectal advancement flap. In two cases, additional overlap repair of the anal sphincter was performed. Result of repair was good to excellent in 15 patients (93.7%). There were no operative mortalities, and no covering stomas were used. CONCLUSIONS: Endorectal flap repair provides successful postobstetric rectovaginal fistula closure. Concomitant sphincteroplasty may be necessary in some cases.

Reconstruction of the Recurrent Ischial Sore with Modified Gluteus Maximus Myocutaneous V-Y Advancement Flap

PURPOSE: Recurrent ischial pressure sore is troublesome for adequate soft tissue coverage, because usually its pocket has a very large deep space and adjacent donor tissue has been scarred in the previous surgery. However, the conventional reconstructive methods are very difficult to overcome them. Modified gluteus maximus myocutaneous V-Y advancement flap from buttock can be successfully used in these circumstances. METHODS: From February 2007 to October 2008, modified gluteus maximus myocutaneous V-Y advancement flaps were performed in 10 paraplegic patients with recurrent ischial pressure sore. The myocutaneous flap based on the inferior gluteal artery was designed in V-shaped pattern toward the superolateral aspect of buttock and was elevated from adjacent tissue. Furthermore, when additional muscular bulk was required to obliterate dead space, the flap dissection was extended to the inferolateral aspect which can included the adequate amount of the gluteal muscle. After the advanced flap was located in sore pocket, donor defect was repaired primarily. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 46.9 and the average follow-up period was 12.4 months. The immediate postoperative course was uneventful. But, two patients were treated through readvancement of previous flap due to wound dehiscence or recurrence after 6 months. The long-term results were satisfied in proper soft tissue bulk and low recurrence rate. CONCLUSIONS: The modified gluteus maximus myocutaneous V-Y advancement flap may be a reliable method in reconstruction of recurrent ischial pressure sore, which were surrounded by scarred tissue because of its repetitive surgeries and were required to provide sufficient volume of soft tissue to fill the large pocket.