The Effects of Colchicine-Impregnated Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose on Capsular Contracture.

Capsular contracture is the most common complication of breast augmentation. Oxidized regenerated cellulose can be used as a matrix for drug transport. Colchicine is an antimitotic drug that interferes with various steps of wound healing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oxidized regenerated cellulose alone or in combination with colchicine on capsular contracture. Twenty-one adult female Wistar-Albino rats were divided into 3 groups. In group 1 silicone blocks only, in group 2 oxidized regenerated cellulose-wrapped silicone blocks, and in group 3 colchicine-impregnated oxidized regenerated cellulose-wrapped silicone blocks were inserted in the dorsal region. Four weeks later, implants were removed and histopathological examination was performed. Capsular thickness, inflammatory infiltrate degree, collagen fiber organization, and myofibroblast density were evaluated. Macroscopic examination revealed a distinct capsule formation only in group 1 animals, with average measurement being 134.65 µm on histopathological examination. In groups 2 and 3 animals, no distinct capsule formation was seen. Inflammatory infiltrate degree was found to be less in groups 2 and 3 animals than in group 1 animals. Collagen fiber organization around the implants was found to be parallel and organized in group 1 animals, whereas it was random and disorganized in animals in both groups 2 and 3. High myofibroblast density was observed in animals in groups 1 and 2, while no myofibroblast was found in animals in group 3. The results of our study suggest that coating silicone implants with oxidized regenerated cellulose or with colchicine-impregnated oxidized regenerated cellulose may be effective in preventing capsular contracture.

Analysis of Fractured Mandible Over Two Decades.

Mandible fractures have a special place within the injuries of the other bones of the maxillofacial system. In their management, cosmetic issues and functional aspects such as chewing, speaking, and swallowing become very important.In this study, a retrospective analysis of 419 mandible fractures in 283 patients was performed in relation to epidemiologic factors, treatment strategies, and complications. The average age was 32.14 years (4-69 years). The male/female ratio was 4/1. The most frequent etiologic factor was interpersonal violence (104 patients, 36.7%). The parasymphysis region was the mostly affected site (28.4%). A total of 157 patients (55.5%) were presented with single fracture and the rest with 2, 3, or 4 fracture lines on the mandible. The most common fracture combination was angulus-parasymphysis fracture combination (24.6%). Open reduction and fixation with mini plates and screws was the most preferred treatment strategy (48.2%). Transient short arch bars were not used intraoperatively for any of the patients. There was not any difference in terms of complications between the patients treated with plating systems and plating systems plus intermaxillary fixation.In conclusion, proper treatment of mandible fractures is critical. Except certain fracture types, the usage of intermaxillary fixation as an adjunct to fixation with plating systems is not necessary.

Prevention of unfavourable effects of cigarette smoke on flap viability using botulinum toxin in random pattern flaps: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: There are numerous clinical and experimental studies reporting unfavourable effects of cigarette smoke on skin flaps. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether unfavourable effects of cigarette smoke on flap survival could be reduced by botulinum toxin type A. METHODS: Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats (15 months of age, mean weight 210 g [range 180 g to 230 g]) were included. They were divided into four groups of seven animals each. The control group underwent the surgical procedure alone. Surgical procedure was performed after administration of botulinum toxin type A in the botulinum toxin (BTX) group, after exposure to cigarette smoke in the cigarette smoke (CS) group, and after BTX type A administration and exposure to CS in the CS+BTX (CS+BTX) group. Random pattern cutaneous flaps (3 cm × 9 cm) were elevated from the dorsum of all rats. Necrosis area was calculated in percentages (%) using Image J computer software. Tissue samples were examined histopathologically. RESULTS: The mean necrotic area in the control group (26%) and in the BTX group (21%) were similar (P=0.497), whereas administration of BTX type A significantly decreased flap necrosis area in the rats exposed to CS (the mean necrosis areas were 41.5% in the CS group, and 26% in the CS+BTX group; P<0.001). Histopathological examination findings corroborated the unfavourable effects of CS and preventive effects of BTX type A. CONCLUSION: Preoperative administration of BTX significantly enhanced flap viability in the rats exposed to CS. Further human studies are warranted to verify whether BTX type A could be used as an agent to reduce the risk of flap necrosis in patients who smoke.

HISTORIQUE: De nombreuses études cliniques et expérimentales font état des effets défavorables de la fumée de cigarette (FC) sur les lambeaux cutanés. OBJECTIF: Examiner s'il est possible de réduire les effets défavorables de la FC sur la survie des lambeaux grâce à la toxine botulique (TXB) de type A. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Vingt-huit rats albinos Wistar (15 mois, poids moyen de 210 g [plage de 180 g à 230 g]) ont participé à l'étude. Ils ont été répartis en quatre groupes de sept animaux. Le groupe témoin a subi seulement l'intervention chirurgicale. Après l'intervention, le groupe TXB a reçu de la TXB de type A, le groupe FC a été exposé à la FC et le groupe FC+TXB s'est fait administrer de la TXB de type A et a été exposé à la FC. Les chercheurs ont prélevé des lambeaux cutanés prélevés de manière aléatoire (3 cm × 9 cm) sur le dos de tous les rats. Ils ont calculé les zones nécrotiques en pourcentages (%) au moyen du logiciel ImageJ et fait l'examen histopathologique des échantillons de tissu. RÉSULTATS: Les zones nécrotiques moyennes étaient similaires dans le groupe témoin (26 %) et le groupe TXB (21 %) (P=0,497), mais l'administration de TXB de type A réduisait considérablement les zones nécrotiques des lambeaux chez les rats exposés à la FC (zones nécrotiques moyennes de 41,5 % dans le groupe FC et de 26 % dans le groupe FC+TXB; P<0,001). Les résultats de l'examen histopathologique corroboraient les effets défavorables de la FC et les effets préventifs de la TXB de type A. CONCLUSION: L'administration préopératoire de TXB améliore considérablement la viabilité des lambeaux chez les rats exposés à la FC. Il faudra réaliser d'autres études sur des humains pour vérifier si la TXB de type A peut être utilisée pour réduire le risque de nécrose des lambeaux chez les patients fumeurs.

Comparison of ischaemic preconditioning with surgical delay technique to increase the viability of single pedicle island venous flaps: an experimental study.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of ischaemic preconditioning compared with the surgical delay procedure in an effort to increase the survival rate of single pedicle island venous flaps. Eighteen male Wistar albino rats (250-350 g) were included. A 3 × 4 cm flap was planned at the right lower abdomen of the rat. Superficial epigastric vein constituted the pedicle of the flap. The rats were divided into three groups, each consisting of six rats. In the control group, a single pedicle venous island flap was elevated on each rat and no other surgical procedure was performed. In the ischaemic preconditioning group, ischaemic preconditioning was performed and, in the surgical delay procedure group, the surgical delay technique was performed before flap elevation. The mean necrosis areas were 56.85 ± 14.60%, 28.73 ± 15.60%, and 12.08 ± 3.65% in the control, ischaemic preconditioning, and surgical delay procedure groups, respectively. The necrosis areas were significantly smaller in the ischaemic preconditioning group and surgical delay procedure groups compared to the control group (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). The necrosis areas were similar in the ischaemic preconditioning and surgical delay procedure groups. Histopathological parameters including necrosis, abscess formation, and skin ulceration scores were significantly lower in the ischaemic preconditioning group than in the control group, whereas the study groups were similar. In conclusion, ischaemic preconditioning may serve as an adjuvant technique in increasing venous island flap viability.

Reconstruction of vermilion deficiencies: the running V-flap technique.

Notching, or 'whistle deformity', is a common vermilion deformity among patients with cleft lips. Vermilion volume deficiency may also be present secondary to trauma or tumour excision. Herein, we present a new flap model to repair such vermilion deformities. Six patients were included in the study. Running V-flaps prepared from the oral mucosa were used. While the underlying cause of vermilion deficiency was cleft-lip surgery in four of the patients, the indication for surgery was trauma related in two patients. In all patients, the volume deficiency was corrected. No patient exhibited scarring, colour mismatch or asymmetry. We believe that our new flap model can be a reliable alternative in secondary vermilion deficiencies.

Clinical management and reconstruction of isolated orbital floor fractures: the role of computed tomography during preoperative evaluation.

BACKGROUND: A common consent regarding repair indications, timing of repair and choice of reconstruction materials for isolated orbital base fractures does not yet exist. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our patients (41 male, 13 female) who were operated due to a diagnosis of isolated orbital floor fracture between 2002 and 2010. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients diagnosed with isolated orbital base fracture were found; 49 of 54 patients required surgery. The indications for surgery were restricted ocular motility and marked enophthalmos in 20.4% of the patients, whereas in 79.6%, surgical intervention was decided largely based on the coronal computed tomography images. 36.7% of the cases were operated earliest, in the first 16 hours, and 10.2% were operated the latest, in 72-96 hours. Ultra-thin porous polyethylene was used in the orbital base repair. Twelve patients contacted for this study were evaluated. Enophthalmia and exophthalmia were in normal limits in patients, and none of the patients displayed ectropion or scleral show findings or reported any complaints related to scar formation. CONCLUSION: When not treated in a timely manner and with appropriate materials, orbital base fractures might result in enophthalmia and diplopia. We believe that a good prognosis of orbital base fractures relies on the right decision for surgical indication, early surgical intervention, and repair with appropriate material.

Closure or reduction of the donor defect of a sural flap with a purse-string suture: long-term results.

We aimed to reduce the defect with a purse-string suture to minimise the deformity of the flap donor area and to assess the later efficiency at long-term follow-up. We studied 20 patients who required a sural flap for the reconstruction of defects of the lower extremity. The mean (SD) area of the donor defect was roughly 28.7 (20.3) cm(2). The mean (SD) defect area after closure with a purse-string was 8.2 (5.8) cm(2) (p < 0.001). The measurements made in the third year were 8.4 (5.3) cm(2). The purse-string can be used successfully in the distal lower extremity, the long-term cosmetic outcome is good, and the scar has not expanded since the postoperative period.

Manually adjustable conformer for socket reconstruction: a practical and simple method.

Loss of an eye can be a traumatic experience for a patient. The subsequent formation of scar tissue prevents the performance of daily function and, more important, is accompanied by social isolation. To ensure a permanent prosthesis, appropriate closure of the socket is proposed. A conformer is a good method to carry out such a closure. We propose a manually adjustable conformer for the socket reconstruction that is specially used for the first time for this purpose.

Follicular unit extraction in hair transplantation: personal experience.

Hair transplantation in the form of follicular units constitutes the cornerstone of hair-replacement surgery. Harvesting follicular units directly from the donor area by using punches is described as follicular unit extraction (FUE) technique, and it eliminates the need for excision of a hair-bearing strip. In this article, we presented our surgical approach for hair transplantation, which is based on performing follicular extraction in 2 phases: follicular unit isolation and follicular unit collection, and discussed some technical details of FUE and some advantages and disadvantages of this approach. We transplanted an average of 1651 follicular units in 1 day, 2610 follicular units in 2 days, and 3200 follicular units in 3 days.

An unusual and serious complication of topical wart treatment with monochloroacetic acid.

Numerous chemical agents are used in the topical treatment of warts. Monochloroacetic acid (MCAA) is one of these agents, which is used in low or high concentrations in most European countries. MCAA is a strong organic acid which is irritating and corrosive to the skin and has a high systemic toxicity. In addition to wart treatment, it is used for industrial purposes, such as the synthesis of certain organic chemicals. We present a case of joint deformity manifesting after the use of a preparation containing MCAA for topical wart treatment. This underlines the need to reassess the safety of MCAA use for topical wart treatment.

Maxillary sinus lipoma: an unanticipated diagnosis.

Subcutaneous tissue gives rise to numerous lesions such as lipoma, the most common benign soft tissue tumors. Lipoma is seen only extremely rarely in osseous units. In addition, craniofacial involvement of intraosseous lipoma may be misdiagnosed as a fibroosseous tumour such as fibrous dysplasia. Here, we present a case of an intraosseous lipoma obviously destroying and invading the maxillary bone.

Follicular unit transplantation for male-pattern hair loss: Evaluation of 120 patients.

The main aim in surgical hair restoration is to restore hair, making the scalp look natural. Interviews with earlier patients who received hair transplants revealed that their complaints were - a straight anterior hairline that looked unnatural, and hair that looked like 'sprouted grass'. The use of follicular unit transplantation (FUT) technique, where hair roots are harvested under magnification, is becoming widespread. In this technique, hair roots are harvested into natural follicular units that contain 1-4 hair roots. In this article, we present our results related to hair transplantation by FUT technique, performed on 120 patients between the ages of 21 and 75 years with male-pattern hair loss. We made simple yet useful interventions to avoid the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems. Initially, drawings based on the middle line and the two temporal regression points were made for a natural-looking anterior hairline. Following this, irregular seeding was done instead of seeding in rows, to obtain a natural hairline. To avoid the 'sprouted grass' look, single hair roots were placed on the anterior hairline taking into consideration the direction of hair growth. However, the FUT technique is not adequate on its own for natural-looking hair restoration. Good planning and creation of an anterior hairline suited to the individual's forehead structure is fundamental for successful results. In addition, we believe that hair texture is very important in hair transplantation and additional care should be given particularly to patients with dark-coloured and hard hair.

Reconstruction of small to medium defects in the soft tissues of the nose with nasalis musculocutaneous V-Y advancement flaps.

Defects in the soft tissues of the nose are usually reconstructed with skin grafts or frontal flaps. However, skin grafts may cause scar tissue and changes in colour. Frontal flaps, however, may be thicker than normal skin and may give unsatisfactory results. Nasalis musculocutaneous V-Y advancement flaps avoid these disadvantages. We suggest an algorithmic approach for the use of these flaps in the reconstruction of small to medium defects in the soft tissues of various regions of the nose. The pedicles of these flaps are the dorsal and lateral nasal arteries. This approach provides a simple, safe, and reliable reconstruction for small and medium defects in the soft tissues of the nose.

The thenar index: an objective assessment and classification of thenar atrophy based on static hand imprints and clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to test the effectiveness of the subjective clinical evaluation and to search for any possibility of constituting an objective assessment system for the diagnosis of thenar atrophy based on static hand imprints. METHODS: Static hand imprints were obtained from normal subjects (group A, n = 116) and carpal tunnel syndrome patients with thenar atrophy (group B, n = 26). Thenar index and the bilateral thenar index ratio were defined. Cutoff values were considered by analyses with receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference could be demonstrated in thenar index values of dominant and nondominant hands between genders and age groups (p > 0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed between severity groups in group B (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between thenar index and bilateral thenar index ratio values of groups A and B (p < 0.05). Cutoff values were considered a thenar index of 31 and a bilateral thenar index ratio of 0.8, which revealed acceptable specificity (95.3 percent) and sensitivity (77.4 percent). A new quantitative classification for thenar atrophy severity is proposed. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the true onset and natural progression of thenar atrophy can only be anticipated with the aid of an objective assessment system. Currently, this method should be regarded as a system for patient records and comparison for presurgical and postsurgical data. The authors believe that the thenar index classification has some merit for future use. It seems that additional objective and scientific evaluation systems and novel approaches are still needed to demystify the true nature of carpal tunnel syndrome.

The hatchet flap for reconstruction of fingertip amputations.

BACKGROUND: Emmett has described a single triangular flap that contains a partial skin bridge on one of its sides and called it the hatchet flap. It was successfully used for defects located on various body parts. The aim of this study was to present the authors' experience and results obtained with this flap in fingertip amputations. METHODS: Nine patients who have completed their 1-year follow-up period were included in the study. Two-point discrimination and stiffness were tested, and the patients were queried about the existence of cold intolerance, hypersensitivity, numbness, and pain in the early (3 months) and late (1 year) postoperative periods. RESULTS: The amputations were located on the thumb in three patients, index finger in one patient, middle finger in three patients, and ring finger in two patients. The average defect size was 2.1 x 1.5 cm. Partial wound dehiscence was observed in one patient. The flap has provided good protective padding and aesthetic contour for the fingers. All incisions healed with inconspicuous scars. Average two-point discrimination was 6.3 mm (range, 4 to 8 mm). Cold intolerance was observed in two (22.2 percent) and paresthesia in one patient (11.1 percent). Joint stiffness was not noted. Most patients could return to their normal routine in approximately 4 to 5 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The hatchet flap is a good alternative for transverse and lateral oblique fingertip amputations and valuable for volar oblique amputations (defects <2 cm) with more extensive flap designs. The technique is simple and safe and provides good protective padding and acceptable tactile gnosis.