A Free Bypass Flap for Chronic Limb-threatening Ischemia.

Background: Recently, significant inframalleolar disease seems to increase in chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients, making identifying sufficient outflow vessels in the foot challenging. In these difficult situations, free tissue transfer is a valuable tool to provide a low-resistance vascular bed to the affected part. However, there remains concern that free tissue transfer may impede adequate perfusion of the higher resistance diseased vascular bed. Methods: To improve perfusion of the affected area directly, the authors have developed a concept of a free bypass flap, adding bypass surgery to free tissue transfer. After anastomosis with the recipient vessels in a conventional manner for free tissue transfer, bypass surgery to the foot is performed by anastomosis of the branch of the flap pedicle with the diseased artery to the foot. A retrospective chart review of nine CLTI patients was performed to analyze the outcomes of free bypass flap transfer between 2018 and 2023. Results: The flap success rate was 100% (n = 9). Postoperative angiography or echo confirmed the patency of all but one bypass vessel (n = 8). There were six fatalities, however, due to causes other than foot lesions, with an average observation period of 16 months. The limb salvage rate was 89% (n = 8). Conclusions: A free bypass flap enhances the overall blood circulation to the foot. Due to its high patency rate of bypass vessels, it is a valuable method for preserving the limbs of highly comorbid patients with CLTI.

A Novel Risk Model for Predicting Dysphagia after Tongue Reconstruction: A Retrospective Multicenter Study in Japan.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the postoperative outcomes of tongue reconstruction. Therefore, the authors developed a novel risk model for predicting dysphagia after tongue reconstruction. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted by the Oral Pharyngeal Esophageal Operation and Reconstruction Analytical, or OPERA, group across 31 cancer centers and university hospitals in Japan. A total of 532 patients [390 (73.3%) men and 142 (26.7%) women; median age at surgery, 60 years (range, 15 to 88 years)] who were diagnosed with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma and underwent tongue reconstruction following glossectomy between 2009 and 2013 were included. Independent risk factors were identified using univariate regression analysis and converted to a binary format for multivariate analysis. An integer value was assigned to each risk factor to calculate a total score capable of quantifying the risk of feeding tube dependence. RESULTS: Overall, 54 patients (10.2%) required a feeding tube at the time of evaluation. Predictive factors for feeding tube dependence were advanced age, lower American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, low body mass index, lower serum albumin, comorbid hypertension and diabetes, extended tongue defect, resection beyond the tongue, laryngeal suspension, postoperative radiation therapy, and no functional teeth. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age greater than or equal to 58.5 years, postoperative radiation therapy, wider tongue defect, and body mass index less than 21.27 kg/m 2 earned 6, 4, 3, and 2 points, respectively, for a maximum total score of 15. CONCLUSION: The authors' risk model provides a mathematical tool for estimating the individual risk of postoperative feeding tube dependence before tongue reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

A case of penile self-mutilation during a suicidal attempt successfully treated using a multidisciplinary approach.

Introduction: Penile self-mutilation is predominantly associated with psychiatric disorders and rarely occurs during suicide attempts by men with depressive mood disorders. Herein, we have reported a case of penile self-mutilation by a patient with depression. Case presentation: A 63-year-old man with a 20-year treatment history of depression presented to our hospital an hour after cutting his penile shaft during a suicide attempt. Hemostasis was achieved by urologists, and his psychiatric condition was evaluated by psychiatrists. The patient and his family hoped for penile replantation. His mood disorders were controllable, and microscopic replantation was performed by plastic surgeons after multidisciplinary discussion. The patient recovered, urinated without any signs of urinary stricture, showed no progression of depression, and did not repeat the mutilation. Conclusion: Penile self-mutilation during suicide attempts is a rare urological emergency that requires multidisciplinary management involving urologists, psychiatrists, and plastic surgeons.

Short-Term Resorption of Grafted Bone After Split Calvarial Bone Grafting for an Occipital Skull Defect in a Patient With Multisystem Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis.

ABSTRACT: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease in which LCH cells derived from myeloid dendritic cells proliferate and invade single or multiple systems. We have encountered a case of short-term resorption of the grafted bone after split calvarial bone grafting for an occipital skull defect in a 6-year-old girl with multisystem LCH in remission who was referred to our department for reconstructive surgery. We performed cranioplasty using a split calvarial bone graft. Two months after surgery, computed tomography scans revealed that most of the grafted bone had been resorbed. To our knowledge, there have been no such reports previously. There are 2 possible explanations for the resorption of an autologous bone graft in this patient. The first possibility is that the recipient site contained an active lesion and the second is that the bone resorption occurred because the bone graft was placed on the periosteum.

Atlantoaxial Rotatory Fixation after Microtia Reconstruction Surgery.

Nontraumatic atlantoaxial rotatory fixation after microtia reconstruction surgery is a rare complication. Intraoperative cervical hyperextension and/or excessive rotation and postoperative inflammation have been reported as causes of atlantoaxial rotatory fixation. We herein describe cases of atlantoaxial rotatory fixation after microtia reconstruction surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 80 patients (165 surgeries) who underwent microtia reconstruction surgery in Dokkyo Medical University Hospital between April 2006 and December 2012. The patient- and operation-related variables were obtained from medical charts. Neck radiographs and computed tomography scans of patients with atlantoaxial rotatory fixation were evaluated to check for cervical spine abnormalities. RESULTS: Five cases of atlantoaxial rotatory fixation after microtia reconstruction surgery were recorded. Three of these five cases were diagnosed with Klippel-Feil syndrome after the onset of atlantoaxial rotatory fixation. No significant difference was found in the operative duration and other variables between patients with atlantoaxial rotatory fixation and those without. All patients immediately underwent conservative treatment and showed complete recovery and no recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Although atlantoaxial rotatory fixation is a rare complication, surgeons should consider it in patients with neck problems following microtia reconstruction surgery. A patient with microtia may have unrecognized Klippel-Feil syndrome. Patients with Klippel-Feil syndrome are more likely to develop atlantoaxial rotatory fixation, which may have severe consequences. Thus, it is crucial to preoperatively identify Klippel-Feil syndrome with neck radiography and to detect atlantoaxial rotatory fixation at the earliest.

Erratum to "Extensor tendon repairing with a rolled deep temporal fascial graft and a free temporoparietal fascial flap as a gliding bed: A case report" [JPRAS Open Volume 23, March 2020, Pages 75-79].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.jpra.2019.11.007.].

A Herniorrhaphy Lamination Technique for the Reconstruction of Midline Abdominal Wall Defects.

The primary goal of abdominal wall reconstruction is to prevent hernia recurrence through robust and durable repair. Synthetic mesh utilization can provide sound strength but is susceptible to extrusion, infection, and intestinal fistulization. The use of autologous fasciae latae to reinforce the primary fascial reapproximation has mostly been abandoned, presumably because synthetic patches are readily available. There is a specific demand for a sustainable, less-invasive, and ready-to-use repair method without mesh. The authors devised a herniorrhaphy lamination technique using local musculofascial flaps inspired by composite laminates. In this procedure, the primary fascial reapproximation is reinforced with 3 additional laminated musculofascial layers: (1) turnover hinge flaps of the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis, (2) bilateral rectus abdominis, and (3) advancement flaps of newly generated edges of the fascia of the rectus sheath. Our technique's stability is essentially due to the mechanical superiority of the centralized pipe-like structure of musculofascia. Between February 2009 and November 2019, we used the lamination technique to repair midline incisional hernias in 10 patients. The operative procedure was successful in all patients, and there has been no evidence of recurrence. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 69 months, with a mean follow-up of 35 months. The herniorrhaphy lamination technique to reinforce the primary repair can help prevent hernia recurrence. Although our technique is suitable for a small-sized defect, it is less invasive, and can be readily applied. Because it does not include any mesh, it is suitable for the contaminated abdominal wall reconstruction.

Extensor tendon repairing with a rolled deep temporal fascial graft and a free temporoparietal fascial flap as a gliding bed: A case report.

Reconstruction of combined skin and tendon loss in an injury of the dorsum of the hand is a challenging problem because it is required to achieve adequate excursion of the tendon. We herein report our case of extensor tendon repair for a dorsal hand injury using a rolled deep temporal fascial (DTF) graft and a free temporoparietal fascial flap. The patient regained satisfactory hand function with minimal donor site morbidity. DTF utilization as tendon grafts spares another incision for tendon grafting. Furthermore, one can integrate all the donor sites into the temporal region by choosing the scalp as a donor site for skin grafting. Patients can benefit from this procedure, which provides a functional reconstruction of the hand and leaves only inconspicuous donor site scars.

Reconstruction of esophageal stenosis that had persisted for 40 years using a free jejunal patch graft with virtual endoscopy assistance: A case report.

In this report, we present a case in which good results were achieved by treatment using a free jejunal patch graft with virtual endoscopy (VE) assistance in a patient whose swallowing had failed to improve for 40 years after he mistakenly swallowed sulfuric acid, despite pectoralis major myocutaneous flap grafting and frequent balloon dilatation surgery. During the last 20 years, virtual computed tomography imaging has improved remarkably and continues to be used to address new challenges. For reconstructive surgeons, the greatest advantage of VE is that it is a noninvasive modality capable of visualizing areas inaccessible to a flexible endoscope. Using VE findings, we were able to visualize the 3-dimensional shape beyond the stenosis. VE can also help predict the area of the defect after contracture release.

A Novel Approach for Hepatic Arterial Reconstruction after Total Pancreatectomy with Common Hepatic Artery Resection Using Inferior Phrenic Artery.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Because of the anatomical characteristics, pancreatic cancers (PC) can easily invade to visceral vessels such as celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery, common hepatic artery (CHA) and portal vein, which makes curative resection difficult. In this study, we report an R0 resection for locally advanced PC by total pancreatectomy, combined resection of CHA, and reconstruction of hepatic artery using autologous left inferior phrenic artery (IPA). METHODS: A 47-year-old woman with complaints of low back pain was referred to our department. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a hypo-attenuation tumor of the pancreatic body measuring 70 mm, which completely encased the CHA. When unresectable locally advanced PC was diagnosed, systematic chemotherapy was administrated. After downstaging, she underwent surgery with curative intent. The tumor completely infiltrated the peripheral part of the CHA and gastroduodenal artery. As the tumor also extended to the head of the pancreas, total pancreatectomy and combined resection of CHA were performed. Then the exposed left IPA and proper hepatic artery were anastomosed with a microvascular technique. RESULTS: R0 resection was performed for restoring hepatic arterial flow and the postoperative course was uneventful without any postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSION: Hepatic artery reconstruction using IPA is a simple and safe procedure in selected patients.

Quadruped and Dermal Bridge Flap for Nipple Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: This report describes the authors' novel preferred method of nipple reconstruction over 10 years. METHODS: The procedure was used in 39 patients (unilateral 38, bilateral 1). The circle is designed as the new nipple cap. Then, 4 fan-shapes (one-quarter of the circle) are drawn so that the base portion is in contact with the circumference. These fanshapes are deepithelialized, and their linear portions are cut with full thickness of skin and elevated as dermal flaps. Then, the cross-type flap is elevated with sufficient subcutaneous fat. The two pairs of dermal flaps are sutured to each other on a diagonal line. Double-layer dermal bridge flaps sustain the base of the pocket. As a result, the cross flap becomes a birdcage-like tower. The rolled auricular cartilage is placed into the pocket. RESULTS: In one early case, the cartilage was exposed. Early postoperatively, the other three cases underwent reoperation during other procedures because the reconstructed nipple was too large or too small. The projection of the flap was designed to be 7-15 mm (average, 9.3 mm). The average follow-up period was 25.7 ± 22.0 months. The reconstructed nipple projection was maintained at 4.4 ± 2.4 mm (maintenance rate, 48.4% ± 27.0%). CONCLUSIONS: All scars were contained within the periareolar region and thus could be completely camouflaged by tattooing. The perfusion of the skin flap is stable because of sufficient circulation from quadruped pedicle. The cartilage supported by the double-layered dermal bridge flaps contributes to nipple projection. We recommend it for patients seeking nipple reconstruction.

Sound lateralization ability of patients with bilateral microtia and atresia after bilateral reconstruction of auricles and external auditory canals and fitting of new canal-type hearing aids to replace a bone conduction hearing aid.

CONCLUSION: Each of eight patients with bilateral microtia and atresia underwent bilateral reconstruction of the auricles and external auditory canals and were fitted bilateral canal-type hearing aids in the operated ears to replace a bone conduction hearing aid. The ability to discriminate inter-aural intensity difference (IID) and even inter-aural time difference (ITD) was retained in all these patients. OBJECTIVE: This study studied the post-operative sound lateralization ability of patients with bilateral microtia and atresia after total reconstruction of both auricles and external auditory canals, followed by fitting of bilateral canal-type hearing aids. METHODS: Eight patients with bilateral microtia and atresia ranging in age from 13-43 years were recruited in this study. Each of them underwent bilateral reconstruction of the auricles and external auditory canals and were fitted canal-type hearing aids in both the operated ears to replace a bone conduction hearing aid. A sound lateralization test was conducted to determine IID and ITD discrimination ability thresholds. RESULTS: In all the patients, the IID discrimination ability thresholds of the patients were more than 3-fold those of the controls, the ITD discrimination ability threshold was more than 5-fold those of controls, and binaural hearing was retained.

Costal cartilage graft with perichondrium, a possible anti-adhesive material.

BACKGROUND: Adhesion occurs as a part of the wound healing process, but it sometimes compromises patients' daily activities. The authors were looking for materials and methods that could prevent adhesion, and noticed that the costal cartilage has possibility. The anti-adhesive property of the costal cartilage was examined histologically. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with microtia who provided consent for participating in this study were enrolled between April 2008 and March 2015. In the first stage of microtia reconstruction surgery, the excess cartilage was used to create these three types of specimens: (A) a piece of cartilage retaining the perichondrium on one side, (B) a piece of only cartilage parenchyma sliced with a plane parallel to the long axis of costal cartilage, and (C) the costal cartilage in a plane perpendicular to the long axis sliced pieces. These specimens were implanted into the subcutaneous fat of the chest. After at least 6 months in the second stage of surgery (i.e. auricular elevation), these specimens, wearing a little around the adipose tissue, we removed and examined histologically. RESULT: A fibrosis formation of the perichondrium side of Specimen A was thicker significantly than that of the cartilage side. A fibrosis formation of Specimen B was thicker significantly than that of the cartilage side of Specimen A. CONCLUSION: It was suggested that, if there is perichondrium, the costal cartilage parenchyma surface makes less adhesion with surrounding tissues. Costal cartilage with unilateral perichondrium is likely to be an effective surgical material for adhesion prevention.

A Temporoparietal Fascia Pocket Method in Elevation of Reconstructed Auricle for Microtia.

BACKGROUND: In two-stage procedures for reconstruction of microtia, an axial flap of temporoparietal fascia is widely used to cover the costal cartilage blocks placed behind the framework. Although a temporoparietal fascia flap is undoubtedly reliable, use of the flap is associated with some morbidity and comes at the expense of the option for salvage surgery. METHODS: The authors devised a simplified procedure for covering the cartilage blocks by creating a pocket in the postauricular temporoparietal fascia. In this procedure, the constructed auricle is elevated from the head superficially to the temporoparietal fascia, and a pocket is created under the temporoparietal fascia and the capsule of the auricle framework. Then, cartilage blocks are inserted into the pocket and fixed. A total of 38 reconstructed ears in 38 patients with microtia ranging in age from 9 to 19 years were elevated using the authors' method from 2002 to 2014 and followed for at least 5 months. To evaluate the long-term stability of the method, two-way analysis of variance (p < 0.05) was carried out to analyze the effect on the projection angles of the method (an axial temporoparietal fascia flap method versus a temporoparietal fascia pocket method) over long-term follow-up. RESULTS: Good projection of the auricles and creation of well-defined temporoauricular sulci were achieved. Furthermore, the sulci had a tendency to hold their steep profile over a long period. CONCLUSIONS: The temporoparietal fascia pocket method is simple but produces superior results. Moreover, pocket creation is less invasive and has the benefit of sparing temporoparietal fascia flap elevation. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Sound lateralization test in patients with unilateral microtia and atresia after reconstruction of the auricle and external canal and fitting of canal-type hearing aids.

CONCLUSION: In patients with unilateral microtia and atresia after reconstruction of the auricle and external canal and fitting of a canal-type hearing aid for the operated ear, the ability to discriminate the inter-aural intensity difference (IID) was acquired in all of the patients, whereas that to discriminate inter-aural time difference (ITD) was acquired in one-half of the patients. OBJECTIVE: To study the post-operative sound lateralization ability in patients with unilateral microtia and atresia after reconstruction surgery of the auricle and external canal and fitting of a canal-type hearing aid of the operated ear. METHODS: Eighteen patients with unilateral microtia and atresia ranging from 13-24 years of age were recruited in this study. All of them underwent reconstruction of the auricle and external canal and were fitted a canal-type hearing aid for the operated ear. The sound lateralization test was conducted to determine IID and ITD using a self-recording apparatus. The test stimulus was a continuous narrow-band noise at 500 Hz and 50 dBHL presented to the right and left ears through the air conduction receivers. RESULTS: IID could be measured in all of the patients, whereas ITD could be measured in only nine out of the 18 patients. Post-operative binaural hearing could be acquired in all the patients.

Value of remote ischaemic preconditioning in rat dorsal skin flaps and clamping time.

OBJECTIVE: According to previous reports, remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a "delay" procedure that is highly likely to be useful for preventing skin flap necrosis. Differences in the extent of necrosis in rat dorsal skin flaps when different clamping times were used in RIPC were compared among the four groups described below. METHODS: Group A was a control group in which no prior ischaemic area was created, and both back legs were devascularised for 15 min in Group B, 30 min in Group C, and 60 min in Group D. The experiments were performed on 10 rats in each group, and the surviving area was measured. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's multiple comparison test were used for analysis, with p < 0.05 regarded as significant. RESULTS: The surviving area of the skin flap was 15.4 ± 1.8 cm(2) in Group A, 15.4 ± 2.0 cm(2) in Group B, 17.9 ± 2.0 cm(2) in Group C, and 19.2 ± 3.4 cm(2) in Group D, with significant differences between Groups A and D and between Groups B and D. CONCLUSIONS: RIPC consisting of 60 min of ischaemic preconditioning may be clinically useful as a method of preventing skin flap necrosis.