The Nuances and Techniques of Deep Plane Face and Neck Lifting to Maximize the Defined Neck and Jawline and Obtain a Sharp and Beautiful Neck Contour.

This article seeks to expand on our understanding of lifting by utilizing the benefits of deep plane release and repositioning. The deep plane is a more logical and natural approach to lifting of the face and neck, lifting along the natural anatomic glide planes. Deep plane face and neck lifting have demonstrated superior results in the authors' experience with less dependence on ancillary measures such as fat grafting or implantation for midface volumization. The deep plane technique allows for the face and neck to be treated and lifted as a single composite unit, providing a more natural and long-lasting result and less distortion of underlying structures (i.e., mimetic muscle function). Among facelift surgeons, there is still debate and discussion over treatment of various regions including submandibular gland prominence, jowling and deepened prejowl sulcus, anterior digastric prominence, and a low hyoid. In this article, given the opportunity to share personal experiences, we seek to provide additional insight on the merits of deep plane release in rhytidectomy and our novel approaches to avoiding surgical failures.

Radiological studies after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: routine or selective?

Early detection of complications after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) can be difficult because of the subtle clinical findings in obese patients. Consequently, routine postoperative upper gastrointestinal contrast studies (UGI) have been advocated for detection of leak from the gastrojejunostomy. The medical records of 368 consecutive patients undergoing LRYGB were analyzed to determine the efficacy of selective use of radiological studies after LRYGB. Forty-one patients (11%) developed signs suggestive of complications. Of the 41 symptomatic patients, two were explored urgently, 39 (10%) had radiological studies, and 16 of them (41%) were diagnosed with postoperative complications. Overall morbidity of the series was 4.8 per cent. Four patients (1.1%) developed a leak from the gastrojejunostomy and were correctly diagnosed by computerized tomography (CT). The sensitivity and specificity of CT in determining leak was 100 per cent, with positive and negative predictive value of 100 per cent. The mortality of the series was 0 per cent. No radiologic studies were performed in asymptomatic patients, and no complications developed in these patients. Our results show that selective radiological evaluation in patients with suspected complications after LRYGB is safe. High sensitivity makes CT the test of choice in patients with suspected complication after LRYGB. Routine radiological studies are not warranted.

Laparoscopic lysis of adhesions.

The surgical treatment of small bowel obstruction is evolving. Laparoscopic exploration and adhesiolysis is increasingly being utilized. We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients who were operated on and discharged with the diagnosis of adhesiolysis for small bowel obstruction (SBO) from July 1999 to October 2000 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. There were a total of 75 patients. Patients were grouped based on the type of operation: laparoscopic (lap), open, and converted. Thirty-four patients were attempted laparoscopically, 11 of those requiring conversion to open. Fifty-two patients were treated with a laparotomy. Complications contributing to morbidity were significantly lower in the lap group (P < 0.01). There was no difference in morbidity between the converted and open groups. There were fewer pneumonias and wound infections in the lap group when compared to the open group, although it did not reach statistical difference. The reduction of post-op ileus in the lap group was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Statistically significant differences between the lap and open groups were also found in estimated blood loss (EBL) (P < 0.004), length of stay (LOS) (P < 0.01), bowel resection (P < 0.01) and op-time (P < 0.003). Laparoscopic release of adhesions is a viable option in the surgical management of small bowel obstruction. A prospective randomized trial comparing both surgical techniques is needed to further validate the laparoscopic approach to small bowel obstruction.

The incidence of thromboembolism in the surgical intensive care unit.

The clinical diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is unreliable. Studies have been performed examining the utility of frequent duplex scans. However, these studies included patients outside of the intensive care unit. The incidence of venous thromboembolism and the effect of a less intense surveillance protocol was prospectively examined at a level-1 urban trauma center for a 6 month period. During the study period there were 726 admission to the surgical intensive care unit. Sequential compression devices (SCDs) were used for DVT prophylaxis in 93 per cent of the admissions. A total of 114 duplex scans were ordered: 42 per cent for surveillance and the rest for evaluation of a clinical indication. Twelve DVTs were discovered (11% overall DVT rate). No patient on subcutaneous heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin developed a DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE). Four patients suffered a PE; however, none were found to have a lower extremity DVT on duplex ultrasound and all received SCD prophylaxis. Overall, proper use of DVT prophylaxis for intensive care unit days 1-14 was 77 per cent. The incidence of venous thromboembolism in a group of patients at overall high risk was low. A program of DVT surveillance with duplex ultrasound was not cost-effective.