Long-term aesthetics, patient-reported outcomes, and auricular sensitivity after microtia reconstruction: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Auricular reconstruction for microtia is most frequently performed using autologous costal cartilage (ACC) or porous polyethylene (PPE) implants. Short-term results are generally promising, but long-term results remain unclear. Long-term outcomes were explored in this systematic review, and minimal reporting criteria were suggested for future original data studies. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception through October 14, 2020. Articles on auricular reconstruction in patients with microtia using ACC or PPE were included if postsurgical follow-up was at least 1 year. Outcome reporting was split into separate publications, and results on complications were reported previously. This publication focused on long-term aesthetic, patient-reported, and sensitivity outcomes. RESULTS: Forty-one publications reported on these outcomes. Both materials led to aesthetically pleasing results and high rates of patient satisfaction. ACC frameworks grew similarly to contralateral ears, and the anterior surface of auricles regained sensitivity. Furthermore, postoperative health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes were generally good. Data synthesis was limited due to considerable variability between studies and poor study quality. No conclusions could be drawn on the superiority of either method due to the lack of comparative analyses. CONCLUSION: Future studies should minimally report (1) surgical efficacy measured using the tool provided in the UK Care Standards for the Management of Patients with Microtia and Atresia; (2) complications including framework extrusion or exposure, graft loss, framework resorption, wire exposure and scalp/auricular scar complications and (3) HRQoL before and after treatment using the EAR-Q patient-reported outcome measure (PROM).

Long-term complications of microtia reconstruction: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Microtia is a rare disorder characterized by malformation or even complete absence of the auricle. Reconstruction is often performed using autologous costal cartilage (ACC) or porous polyethylene implants (PPE). However, the long-term outcomes of both methods are unclear. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to analyze long-term complications and suggest minimal reporting criteria for future original data studies. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception through October 14, 2020. Articles on auricular reconstruction in patients with microtia using ACC or PPE were included provided that the follow-up period was at least one year. This publication focused on long-term complications reported in patients with a postoperative follow-up period of at least one year. RESULTS: Twenty-nine publications reported on complications during long-term follow-up. Overall long-term complication rates were not reported. The incidence of individual complications during long-term follow-up was less than 10% after ACC reconstruction and less than 15% in PPE reconstruction. Framework resorption and wire exposure were reported even after an extended follow-up of more than five years after ACC reconstruction, while reports on the extended long-term results of PPE reconstruction are limited. Data synthesis was limited due to heterogeneity and poor study quality. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies should report on long-term complications including framework exposure or extrusion, graft loss, framework resorption, wire exposure and scalp and auricular scar complications. We recommend a surgical follow-up of at least five years.

MHC-class-II are expressed in a subpopulation of human neural stem cells in vitro in an IFNγ-independent fashion and during development.

Expression of major histocompatibility antigens class-2 (MHC-II) under non-inflammatory conditions is not usually associated with the nervous system. Comparative analysis of immunogenicity of human embryonic/fetal brain-derived neural stem cells (hNSCs) and human mesenchymal stem cells with neurogenic potential from umbilical cord (UC-MSCs) and paediatric adipose tissue (ADSCs), while highlighting differences in their immunogenicity, led us to discover subsets of neural cells co-expressing the neural marker SOX2 and MHC-II antigen in vivo during human CNS development. MHC-II proteins in hNSCs are functional, and differently regulated upon differentiation along different lineages. Mimicking an inflammatory response using the inflammatory cytokine IFNγ induced MHC-II up-regulation in both astrocytes and hNSCs, but not in UC-MSCs and ADSCs, either undifferentiated or differentiated, though IFNγ receptor expression was comparable. Together, hypoimmunogenicity of both UC-MSCs and ADSCs supports their suitability for allogeneic therapy, while significant immunogenicity of hNSCs and their progeny may at least in part underlie negative effects reported in some patients following embryonic neural cell grafts. Crucially, we show for the first time that MHC-II expression in developing human brains is not restricted to microglia as previously suggested, but is present in discrete subsets of neural progenitors and appears to be regulated independently of inflammatory stimuli.

Nanotechnology for Stimulating Osteoprogenitor Differentiation.

BACKGROUND: Bone is the second most transplanted tissue and due to its complex structure, metabolic demands and various functions, current reconstructive options such as foreign body implants and autologous tissue transfer are limited in their ability to restore defects. Most tissue engineering approaches target osteoinduction of osteoprogenitor cells by modifying the extracellular environment, using scaffolds or targeting intracellular signaling mechanisms or commonly a combination of all of these. Whilst there is no consensus as to what is the optimal cell type or approach, nanotechnology has been proposed as a powerful tool to manipulate the biomolecular and physical environment to direct osteoprogenitor cells to induce bone formation. METHODS: Review of the published literature was undertaken to provide an overview of the use of nanotechnology to control osteoprogenitor differentiation and discuss the most recent developments, limitations and future directions. RESULTS: Nanotechnology can be used to stimulate osteoprogenitor differentiation in a variety of way. We have principally classified research into nanotechnology for bone tissue engineering as generating biomimetic scaffolds, a vector to deliver genes or growth factors to cells or to alter the biophysical environment. A number of studies have shown promising results with regards to directing ostroprogenitor cell differentiation although limitations include a lack of in vivo data and incomplete characterization of engineered bone. CONCLUSION: There is increasing evidence that nanotechnology can be used to direct the fate of osteoprogenitor and promote bone formation. Further analysis of the functional properties and long term survival in animal models is required to assess the maturity and clinical potential of this.

A matter of identity - Phenotype and differentiation potential of human somatic stem cells.

Human somatic stem cells with neural differentiation potential can be valuable for developing cell-based therapies, including treatment of birth-related defects, while avoiding issues associated with cell reprogramming. Precisely defining the "identity" and differentiation potential of somatic stem cells from different sources, has proven difficult, given differences in sets of specific markers, protocols used and lack of side-by-side characterization of these cells in different studies. Therefore, we set to compare expression of mesenchymal and neural markers in human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs), pediatric adipose-derived stem cells (p-ADSCs) in parallel with human neural stem cells (NSCs). We show that UC-MSCs at a basal level express mesenchymal and so-called "neural" markers, similar to that we previously reported for the p-ADSCs. All somatic stem cell populations studied, independently from tissue and patient of origin, displayed a remarkably similar expression of surface markers, with the main difference being the restricted expression of CD133 and CD34 to NSCs. Expression of certain surface and neural markers was affected by the expansion medium used. As predicted, UC-MSCs and p-ADSCs demonstrated tri-mesenchymal lineage differentiation potential, though p-ADSCs display superior chondrogenic differentiation capability. UC-MSCs and p-ADSCs responded also to neurogenic induction by up-regulating neuronal markers, but crucially they appeared morphologically immature when compared with differentiated NSCs. This highlights the need for further investigation into the use of these cells for neural therapies. Crucially, this study demonstrates the lack of simple means to distinguish between different cell types and the effect of culture conditions on their phenotype, and indicates that a more extensive set of markers should be used for somatic stem cell characterization, especially when developing therapeutic approaches.

Treatment of postpneumonectomy syndrome with tissue expanders: the Great Ormond Street Hospital experience.

Postpneumonectomy syndrome (PPS) is a rare syndrome whereby the airway and oesophagus become obstructed due to extreme rotation of the mediastinum after pneumonectomy. Our treatment of this condition involved mediastinal repositioning and placement of a saline filled tissue expander into the pleural space. This has not been reported in the plastic surgical literature and we describe technical difficulties and how they were overcome.

Autologous microtia reconstruction combined with ancillary procedures: a comprehensive reconstructive approach.

INTRODUCTION: Autologous microtia reconstruction is generally performed in two stages. The second stage presents a unique opportunity to carry out other complementary procedures. The present study describes our approach to microtia reconstruction, wherein the second stage of reconstruction is combined with final refinements to the ear construct and/or additional procedures to enhance facial contour and symmetry. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent two-stage microtia reconstruction by a single surgeon (NWB) was conducted in order to ascertain those that had ancillary procedures at the time of the second stage. Patient and operative details were collected. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (male, 15, median age and age range at second stage, 11 and 10-18 years, respectively) who had complementary procedures executed during the second stage of auricular reconstruction were identified. Collectively, these included centralizing genioplasty (n = 1), fat transfer (n = 22), ear piercing (n = 7), and contralateral prominauris correction (n = 7). Six patients had correction for unilateral isolated microtia and in the remaining 28 patients, auricular reconstruction for microtia associated with a named syndrome. All patients reported a high rate of satisfaction with the result achieved and the majority (85%) reported no perceived need for additional surgical refinements to the ear or procedure(s) to achieve further facial symmetry. No peri- or post-operative complications were noted. CONCLUSION: Combining the final stage of autologous microtia reconstruction with other ancillary procedures affords a superior aesthetic outcome and decreased patient morbidity.

The Bilhaut-Cloquet procedure for Wassel types III, IV and VII thumb duplication.

Five cases of Wassel types III, IV and VII thumb duplication underwent a Bilhaut-Cloquet procedure. A stable and mobile metacarpophalangeal joint was achieved in all cases. Interphalangeal joint motion was limited but this joint was stable in all cases. The nail ridge in these thumbs was minimal. A strong, stable thumb of normal size and good appearance can result from the Bilhaut-Cloquet procedure. When one nail is 70% of normal width, a modified procedure using the whole of one nail will avoid the nail ridge, but the nail will still differ from normal.

Free tensor fasciae latae musculofasciocutaneous flap in reconstructive surgery: a series of 85 cases.

The use of tensor fasciae latae was first described as a rotation or island flap and evolved into a free flap in the late 1970s. This series of 85 patients undergoing free tensor fasciae latae transfer includes complex head and neck, abdominal wall and lower limb reconstruction. The overall success rate was 93% (79 patients), partial flap loss, 5% (four cases), and flap failure, 2% (two patients). Twelve patients (14%) required unplanned return to theatre for exploration resulting in a 75% salvage rate. We believe this series demonstrates the great versatility of this flap and highlights particular indications for its use.

Acute bilateral forearm compartment syndrome of unknown aetiology.

This is the first reported case of non-traumatic, acute bilateral forearm compartment syndrome. Despite a delay of over 24 hours until surgical decompression and 50% muscle fibre necrosis in the histopathological examination, the clinical outcome was excellent after fasciotomy, delayed primary wound closure and early institution of a range of motion exercise programme. The literature on non-traumatic causes of compartment syndrome is reviewed.

The use of the Siamese combined free flap to reconstruct challenging defects: twin and triplet variants.

The reconstruction of large and intricate defects may need the use of combined flaps due to either the size or requirement for multiple surfaces. The combination may be between free and pedicled tissue transfer, and combined or connected free flaps classified by Koshima. We will discuss the use of the Siamese combined free flap as a method of the reconstructing challenging cases, including one of the largest free tissue transfer reported.

Extensor tendon rehabilitation a prospective trial comparing three rehabilitation regimes.

Forty-two patients with 46 complete extensor tendon injuries were prospectively allocated to one of three rehabilitation regimes: static splintage; interphalangeal joint mobilization with metacarpophalangeal joint immobilization or; the "Norwich" regime. All 42 patients were operated on by one surgeon and assessed by one hand therapist. At 4 weeks the total active motion in the static splintage group was significantly reduced but by 12 weeks there was no difference between the regimes. There was no difference in total active motion between the repaired and uninjured hand at 12 weeks, with all patients achieving good or excellent results. However, grip strength at 12 weeks was significantly reduced compared to the uninjured hand after static splintage. There was no difference in hand therapy input between the regimes.

A prospective randomised clinical trial of the intra-operative use of 5-fluorouracil on the outcome of dupuytren's disease.

5-Fluorouracil reduces proliferation rates of fibroblasts, myofibroblast differentiation and contractility of ocular fibroblasts in vitro. This double-blind randomized clinical trial assesses whether intra-operative topical treatment with 5-fluorouracil reduces the recurrence rate after limited excision of Dupuytren's tissue. Patients with two-digit disease were randomized to having 5-fluorouracil (25mg/ml) treatment for 5 minutes on one digit and placebo on the other. Fifteen patients were enrolled with 18 months follow-up. There were no peri-operative complications. Wound healing was not delayed and there was no deterioration in the flexion deformity of the 5-fluorouracil treated digits. Patients were subsequently assessed by joint angle measurement at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. There was no significant difference between control and 5-fluorouracil treated digits.

Granular cell tumour of the glans penis.

Granular cell tumour of the glans penis is a rare finding with only two other cases reported. This case highlights the importance of achieving the correct diagnosis, as differing excision margins are critical, particularly in this site.

Otoplasty by percutaneous anterior scoring. Another twist to the story: a long-term study of 114 patients.

A large number of techniques have been described for the correction of prominent ears to improve the cosmetic outcome and reduce the complication rates. The procedure favoured by the senior author brings together a number of refinements, notably, percutaneous anterior scoring using a modified green needle, control over the degree of fold created and a simple but effective dressing. 114 consecutive patients underwent the correction of 214 ears, with a mean follow up of 3 years and 11 months (9 months to 9 years and 6 months). The senior author performed 100 of these procedures and supervised a senior trainee for the remainder. The mean patient age was 18 years 3 months (3 to 66 years). 57 males and 57 females. 56 general anaesthetic and 58 local anaesthetic. Post-operative complications were; haemorrhage, one ear (required a dressing change); infection, four ears (treated with antibiotics); hypertrophic scarring, two ears which settled (no keloid); recurrence one ear (repeated surgery); continued prominence six ears (two had repeated surgery). No prominent sutures, no anterior skin necrosis, no visible irregularity of the anterior surface of the cartilage and no haematoma occurred. We feel that the low complication rate is due to maximising the advantages and minimising the disadvantages of the different techniques and refinements. We recommend this technique for the routine correction of prominent ears due to a poorly formed antihelical fold or deep conchal bowl.

Long-term prospective follow-up of botulinum toxin treatment for facial rhytides.

Some wrinkles and unsightly facial expressions are due to hyperactivity of the underlying facial musculature. Clostridium botulinum type A exotoxin reversibly paralyzes selected muscles and is a safe, helpful adjunct to many other treatments for facial rejuvenation. Fifty-two patients were treated and all data recorded in a prospective fashion. Only areas requested by the patient were treated. The dosage and dilution given in each area were carefully noted and all patients had pretreatment and posttreatment photographs. The effect of botulinum toxin injections on the horizontal brow rhytides was recorded by measuring the distance from the frontal hairline to the superior edge of the eyebrow in the mid-pupillary line. Patients were followed for one to three years (mean 16.3 months). One patient was not responsive to botulinum toxin in spite of repeated injections. Three further patients required touch-up injections two weeks after the initial treatment due to a weak initial response. Repeat injections were required every three to six months (mean 4.05) to maintain the desired improvement. Asymmetry of the brow was seen in two patients and corrected with further administration of botulinum toxin. Twenty-five patients had their forehead rhytides injected and the appropriate measurements taken. Brow ptosis occurred in 22 of the 25 patients and varied 1-6 mm with a mean value of 2.3 mm. This difference was statistically significant (paired t-test p <0.001). Two patients reported dryness and flakiness of the frontal area after injections. No cases of eyelid ptosis or hypersensitivity were seen. Botulinum toxin injections are safe and all undesired effects are reversible. Great care has to be taken not to aggravate the degree of brow ptosis. Injection of the forehead depressors minimizes the risk of brow ptosis. Careful planning of injection sites and doses avoids a mask-like upper face. The use of botulinum toxin provides a useful adjunct to laser and surgical procedures for facial rejuvenation.

Prediction of cosmetic outcome following conservative breast surgery using breast volume measurements.

This study was undertaken to examine the feasibility of breast volume estimation as a predictor of cosmetic outcome. We looked at the cosmetic result of conservative surgery related to the percentage of breast tissue removed. The breast tissue excised was calculated by comparing the breast volume, calculated from the mammogram, and the specimen volume. A total of 24 patients were recalled to a special clinic and were assessed for their cosmetic result by the clinician, independent observer and the patient. The assessment was based on a scale of 1 to 4 (poor to excellent). Our results show that if less than 20% of the breast was removed, all assessors felt that the cosmetic result was at least fair. If more than 20% of the breast was removed, the cosmetic score was poor as assessed by the clinician and independent observer. When excision of greater than 20% of breast tissue is anticipated, then a breast reconstruction procedure should be considered, if cosmetic outcome is to be enhanced.

Repair of ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is worthwhile in selected cases.

INTRODUCTION: The risks and benefits of operating on patients with ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) have not been defined. The aim of the present study is to report this unit's experience with operations performed for ruptured TAAA over a 10-year period. METHODS: Interrogation of a prospectively gathered computerised database. PATIENTS: Between 1 January 1983 and 30 June 1996, 188 consecutive patients with TAAA were operated on, of whom 23 (12%) were operated for rupture. RESULTS: There were nine survivors (40%). Patients whose preoperative systolic blood pressure remained above 100 mmHg were significantly more likely to survive (4/8 vs. 13/15, p = 0.03 by Fisher's exact test). Survival was also related to Crawford type: type I (two of three survived); II (none of six); III (two of six); and IV (five of eight). All non-type II, non-shocked patients survived operation. Survivors spent a median of 28 (range 10-66) postoperative days in hospital, of which a median of 6 (range 2-24) days were spent in the intensive care unit. Survivor morbidity comprised prolonged ventilation (> 5 days) (n = 3); tracheostomy (n = 1); and temporary haemofiltration (n = 2). No survivor developed paraplegia or required permanent dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in shock with a Crawford type II aneurysm have such a poor prognosis that intervention has to be questioned except in the most favourable of circumstances. However, patients with types I, III and IV who are not shocked on presentation can be salvaged and, where possible, should be transferred to a unit where appropriate expertise and facilities are available.

Neonatal gastrointestinal pseudohaemorrhage.

Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract is uncommon in the first few hours of life. On rare occasions swallowed maternal blood mimics gastrointestinal haemorrhage and causes concern in an otherwise healthy infant. We present a case and discuss how we arrived at the diagnosis, through a careful history and the use of a simple laboratory test.