Uses of Smartphone Thermal Imaging in Perforator Flaps as a Versatile Intraoperative Tool: The Microsurgeon's Third Eye.

Introduction: In this study, we evaluate the versatility of smartphone thermal imaging technology as a valuable intraoperative modality in different stages of perforator flap surgery aiming to minimize the complications and achieve the best postoperative outcome. Patients and methods: Thermography was performed in 20 perforator flaps in 20 patients at different surgical stages in three different ways to identify the most dominant perforator: first, by measuring the surface temperature of the skin; second, by using the dynamic infrared thermography technique; and third, by assessing the perfusion pattern when the flap was supplied by each perforator separately. Thermography was used to help in discarding the least perfused area of the flap. After microvascular anastomosis, the flap reheating pattern was evaluated. Results: Seventeen free and three pedicled perforator flaps were included. Intraoperatively, each of the selected perforators had a corresponding hotspot. The perforator with the hottest hotpot, best rewarming, and provision of best flap perfusion on thermography was found clinically dominant. After microvascular anastomosis in free flaps, rapid rewarming was recorded in 15 cases. In two deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps, no rapid rewarming was observed. The pedicle was kinked in one case and there was a venous insufficiency in another case that required a cephalic turndown. All flaps showed good perfusion on thermography after inset. Conclusion: Smartphone thermography has proven to be a valuable, cheap, rapidly employed, and objective tool not only for the design of perforator flaps, but also for the decision making intraoperatively to achieve the best surgical outcome.

Three-Dimensional Evaluation of Skeletal Stability following Surgery-First Orthognathic Approach: Validation of a Simple and Effective Method.

Background The three-dimensional (3D) evaluation of skeletal stability after orthognathic surgery is a time-consuming and complex procedure. The complexity increases further when evaluating the surgery-first orthognathic approach (SFOA). Herein, we propose and validate a simple time-saving method of 3D analysis using a single software, demonstrating high accuracy and repeatability. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 12 patients with skeletal class 3 malocclusion who underwent bimaxillary surgery without any presurgical orthodontics. Computed tomography (CT)/cone-beam CT images of each patient were obtained at three different time points (preoperation [T0], immediately postoperation [T1], and 1 year after surgery [T2]) and reconstructed into 3D images. After automatic surface-based alignment of the three models based on the anterior cranial base, five easily located anatomical landmarks were defined to each model. A set of angular and linear measurements were automatically calculated and used to define the amount of movement (T1-T0) and the amount of relapse (T2-T1). To evaluate the reproducibility, two independent observers processed all the cases, One of them repeated the steps after 2 weeks to assess intraobserver variability. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated at a 95% confidence interval. Time required for evaluating each case was recorded. Results Both the intra- and interobserver variability showed high ICC values (more than 0.95) with low measurement variations (mean linear variations: 0.18 mm; mean angular variations: 0.25 degree). Time needed for the evaluation process ranged from 3 to 5 minutes. Conclusion This approach is time-saving, semiautomatic, and easy to learn and can be used to effectively evaluate stability after SFOA.

Are We Correctly Measuring Mandibular Stability After Surgery-First Approach? A Comparative Study Based on Novel 3-Dimensional Measurements.

Using traditional measures to assess mandibular stability after the surgery-first approach (SFA) may produce inaccurate results because unlike the conventional orthodontic-first approach (OFA), the main dental movements occur after surgery in SFA, which produce unavoidable mandibular movements, especially in cases with postsurgical premature dental contact. As these movements are part of the surgical-orthodontic plan, they should not be considered an actual relapse. In this study, to avoid postsurgical dental movement effects, the authors used the relationship between proximal and distal mandibular segments to evaluate stability after SFA. Four easily located points on computerized tomography/cone-beam computerized tomography reconstructed 3-dimensional images were used to calculate 4 measurements between proximal and distal mandibular segments across the osteotomy line in two matched groups of patients (SFA and OFA) at 3 different time points (before, immediately after, and 1 year after the surgery). A high level of skeletal stability was found in the SFA group, with changes 1 year after surgery not exceeding 0.5 mm. The SFA was as skeletally stable as OFA, and the mandibular counterclockwise rotation after surgery was related to the planned dental movements and not the instability of the surgery itself. To avoid the illusion of this preplanned relapse, stability should be measured as a relation between proximal and distal mandibular segments, across the osteotomy and fixation line, and not as a relation between maxillary and mandibular landmarks or between the mandible and facial planes as classically described.

Postbariatric Abdominal Contouring: Technical Approach and Quality of Life.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal contouring is a common procedure after bariatric surgery, but few studies on its outcomes have been conducted. The authors measured surgical and functional outcomes after postbariatric abdominal contouring and their effects on quality of life. METHODS: Thirty patients, male and female, of different age groups, underwent postbariatric abdominal contouring using traditional abdominoplasty, fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, or belt lipectomy. The technical approach was decided according to each patient's presentation regarding the amount and extent of skin redundancy. All patients were given a booklet containing simplified questionnaires to assess quality of life and appearance to fill out both before and 6 months after the procedure. Data were collected face-to-face at the outpatient clinic during follow-up, by e-mail, or by messaging. RESULTS: The authors performed traditional abdominoplasty (seven cases), fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty (eight cases), or belt lipectomy (15 cases). Surgical outcomes (operative time, resection weight, blood transfusion, postoperative hemoglobin level, postoperative albumin level, hospital stay, drain period, and complications) were influenced significantly by the procedure type ( p ≤ 0.01). Health-related quality-of-life and appearance scale scores changed significantly from the precontouring stage to the postcontouring stage. This significant change in functional outcome was not correlated to the technical approach. CONCLUSION: Abdominal contouring surgery improves quality of life after bariatric surgery irrespective of the procedure type. . CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Gluteal Region Reshaping of Massive Weight Loss Patients-A Decision-Making Strategy.

Background Massive weight loss (MWL) is a very common presentation that you may face as a plastic surgeon. Each patient has his own individual criteria, so, you should work according to a well-organized plan, especially when such cases have concerns about their gluteal area contour that were neglected before by many surgeons. A decision-making strategy was used to give a personalized treatment for targeting gluteal region reshaping of MWL patients. Methods This study considered all patients with MWL subjected to buttock reshaping. There was no randomization in treatment; there was a case-by-case assessment. We analyzed the features of the buttocks, the type of surgery performed, the outcomes, and the complications. Results Fifty two patients were included (41 females and 11 males), ages ranged between 21 and 66 years. Demographic data, preoperative body mass index (BMI), duration of surgery, type of surgery, and postoperative complications were collected. Statistically significant improvements were observed in gluteal ptosis and patient satisfaction grades. Conclusion Aesthetic improvement of the buttocks involves either augmentation or contouring that may be obtained by liposculpture, surgical lifting, or combination. Patients with MWL have high expectations and are often treated with multiple procedures. Thus, an easy strategic approach personalized on each patient to treat multiple adjacent areas in one operation is necessary. Adipose tissue distribution, gluteal skin status, and BMI were the main factors that can forcefully affect our plan to guarantee reduction of unpleasant results and complications and improve patient satisfaction.

Chemotherapy-induced coronary arteries calcium score deterioration as detected with unenhanced CT portion of FDG PET/CT.

This study aims to detect the potential impact of chemotherapy on the coronary calcium scoring (CCS) in lymphoma patients undergoing FDG-PET/CT at baseline and for therapy response using the CT portion of the exam to calculate the CCS. One hundred twelve lymphoma patients were included in the study based on having both baseline and at least 2 post-chemotherapy scans. The unenhanced CT portions of the scans were reviewed to measure the CCS which was then extracted using the Toshiba Vital Program. Agatston scores were assessed as category 1 with zero CCS unit and categories 2 to 5 having more than >1, 11, 101, and 400 CCS units respectively. For statistical analysis, paired T-Tests were used to compare results. The overall changes in total coronary artery calcium (CAC) from baseline to last treatment showed a statistically significant increase in CAC with an average increase of at least 35% in the CAC score. We also compared the overall changes in CAC with patients having category 1 and 2 Agatston at baseline and found no statistical increase in CAC post-chemotherapy. Additionally, we compared the overall changes in CAC with patients having category 3 and 4 Agatston at baseline and found statistically significant increase in CAC post-chemotherapy. In lymphoma patients, chemotherapy may cause worsening of CCS and this can serve as an early indicator of chemotherapy-induced cardiac toxicity. When present, such CCS deterioration can be detected by the unenhanced CT portion of routine oncologic FDG PET/CT scans.

Condylar Fractures: Review of 40 Cases.

PURPOSE: To put an algorithmic approach for the treatment of condylar fractures according to the condition of occlusion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study had been carried out between May 2016 and April 2017. Forty patients were included (6 females and 34 males) with their ages ranged between 3 and 60 years. Patients were managed through two approaches as follows: maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) only regimen and MMF with open reduction and internal fixation regimen. The operated cases were 12 with bilateral condylar/subcondylar fractures, and the rest were unilateral 28 cases. RESULTS: Data were assessed demographically, time lapse before the intervention, surgically, functionally, and radiologically. In general, there were no significant differences between closed and open methods. CONCLUSION: Retromandibular approach was convenient for internal fixation of condylar fracture with a good outcome. In our work, there were no significant differences between closed and open methods in the treatment of condylar fractures.

Non-microsurgical skin flaps for reconstruction of difficult wounds in distal leg and foot.

PURPOSE: To express the versatility of a variety of non-microsurgical skin flaps used for coverage of difficult wounds in the lower third of the leg and the foot over 4 years period. Five kinds of flaps were used. Each flap was presented with detailed information regarding indication, blood supply, skin territory and technique. METHODS: Altogether 26 patients underwent lower leg reconstruction were included in this study. The reconstructive procedures applied five flaps, respectively distally based posterior tibial artery perforator flap (n = 8), distally based peroneal artery perforator flap (n = 4), distally based sural flap (n = 6), medial planter artery flap (n = 2) and cross leg flaps (n = 6). RESULTS: In all cases, there were no signs of osteomyelitis of underlying bones or discharge from the undersurface of the flaps. Fat necrosis occurred at the distal end of posterior tibial artery perforator flap in one female patient. The two cases of medial planter artery flap showed excellent healing with closure of donor site primarily. One cross leg flap had distal necrosis. CONCLUSION: Would at lower third of leg can be efficiently covered by posterior tibial, peroneal artery and sural flaps. Heel can be best covered by nearby tissues such as medial planter flap. In presence of vascular compromise of the affected limb or exposure of dorsum of foot, cross leg flap can be used.

Coverage of the scrotum after Fournier's gangrene.

Background: Fournier's gangrene is a necrotizing fasciitis caused by mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and results in loss of skin and subcutaneous tissue in the perineal area. Coverage of testis varies from closure of the defect primarily, burying inside the thigh, using the remnants of the scrotum for tissue expansion and coverage by flaps. In this manuscript, scrotal advancement flaps and pudendal thigh flaps were used for coverage of the testis unilaterally or bilaterally according to the size of the defect following Fournier gangrene. Patients and methods: From June 2015 to March 2017, twelve cases were admitted to our department. The patients' ages ranged from 37-59 years and they all had suffered from Fournier's gangrene in the perineal area. Results: Of the twelve cases, two cases showed penile involvement. A skin graft was used for coverage of the penile shaft with excellent take. Four cases were closed primarily. This was applied to cases where loss of skin was less than 50%. The rest of the cases were reconstructed by pudendal thigh flap. The reconstructed cases were covered by bilateral pudendal thigh flap (4 cases) and unilateral pudendal thigh flap (4 cases). The follow-up extended up to 16 months. Conclusion: Scrotal advancement flap was suitable for small and medium size defects due to the elasticity of the scrotal skin. Pudendal thigh flap was efficient for the reconstruction of large defects of the scrotum.

Cerebral Oxygenation of Premature Lambs Supported by an Artificial Placenta.

An artificial placenta (AP) using venovenous extracorporeal life support (VV-ECLS) could represent a paradigm shift in the treatment of extremely premature infants. However, AP support could potentially alter cerebral oxygen delivery. We assessed cerebral perfusion in fetal lambs on AP support using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and carotid arterial flow (CAF). Fourteen premature lambs at estimated gestational age (EGA) 130 days (term = 145) underwent cannulation of the right jugular vein and umbilical vein with initiation of VV-ECLS. An ultrasonic flow probe was placed around the right carotid artery (CA), and a NIRS sensor was placed on the scalp. Lambs were not ventilated. CAF, percentage of regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) as measured by NIRS, hemodynamic data, and blood gases were collected at baseline (native placental support) and regularly during AP support. Fetal lambs were maintained on AP support for a mean of 55 ± 27 hours. Baseline rSO2 on native placental support was 40% ± 3%, compared with a mean rSO2 during AP support of 50% ± 11% (p = 0.027). Baseline CAF was 27.4 ± 5.4 ml/kg/min compared with an average CAF of 23.7 ± 7.7 ml/kg/min during AP support. Cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE) correlated negatively with CAF (r = -0.382; p < 0.001) and mean arterial pressure (r = -0.425; p < 0.001). FTOE weakly correlated with systemic O2 saturation (r = 0.091; p = 0.017). Cerebral oxygenation and blood flow in premature lambs are maintained during support with an AP. Cerebral O2 extraction is inversely related to carotid flow and is weakly correlated with systemic O2 saturation.

Selective Scalp Nerve Block: A Useful Technique With Tissue Expansion in Postburn Pediatric Alopecia.

BACKGROUND: Scalp defects can be reconstructed either with skin graft, local flaps, free flaps, or tissue expansion. Tissue expanders have been proved to be fruitful in the pediatric population. Scalp expansion has proved to be useful in the reconstruction of posttraumatic and postburn alopecic defects. Selective nerve block can be added for attenuation of sympathetic stimulation and decrease surgical stress in cranial surgeries. In this study, a comparison was done between using selective nerve block and without selective nerve block in both stages of tissue expansion procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 32 different children who underwent tissue expansions in the management of postburn alopecia. Pediatric patients presented with postburn alopecia of the scalp with mature scar were included in this work. RESULTS: Postoperative analgesics were less in children who had received scalp block, whereas it was shorter in patients who did not receive any scalp block. Meperidine consumption was much more less in patients who received selective scalp nerve block. Pain score was markedly decreased in children who had received selective scalp nerve block in the immediate postoperative period. Children who received scalp block showed marked attenuation in the surgical stress responses with minimal changes in heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure after skin incision. CONCLUSIONS: Scalp nerve block is considered an excellent choice for postoperative pain control with less need for opioid analgesia.

The use of mastoid fascia for dorsal nasal augmentation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dorsal augmentation of the nose is needed after trauma, rhinoplasty or for ethnic reasons. Alloplastic or autogenous materials may be used. In this paper, postauricular mastoid fascia was used for dorsal nasal augmentation. METHODS: This study included ten patients who underwent dorsal nasal augmentation. Fascia over mastoid area was taken in all cases and was fixed with Steri-Strips and external nasal splints. RESULTS: All patients were female except one case. Five patients had the operation because of ethnic causes and five patients did the operation due to post traumatic deformity. Donor sites healed uneventfully. Digital photography was taken to assess the grafts and follow up was extended up to 9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Mastoid fascia is a reliable method and its donor site is hidden. In addition, it can be a potential site for conchal graft if needed.

Modern trends in lipomodeling.

Lipomodeling is the process of relocating autologous fat to change the shape, volume, consistency, and profile of tissues, with the aim of reconstructing, rejuvenating, and regenerating body features. There have been several important advancements in lipomodeling procedures during the last thirty years. Four clinical steps are important for the success of engraftment: fat harvesting, fat processing, fat reinjection, and preconditioning of the recipient site. With the discovery of adipose derived stem cells and dedifferentiated cells, fat cells become a major tool of regenerative medicine. This article reviews recent trends in lipomodeling trying to understand most of the issues in this field.

Usage of a rotational flap for coverage of a large central forehead defect.

Background: The forehead is a donor site for facial reconstruction but has no generous donor site for its coverage. All options of the reconstructive ladder can be used. A large rotation flap was used to reconstruct a big central forehead defect following failed previous repair in an elderly diabetic patient after a motor car accident. Case presentation: A 64-year-old diabetic man presented with an extensive central forehead defect after failed previous repair following a motor car accident. Coverage of the defect was performed using a flap based around the ear on one side in a rotation movement. An accepted functional and esthetic result was achieved after 3 months of follow-up. Conclusion: A rotation flap based on arteries around the ear can be used for coverage of a difficult lesion in the central forehead. Level of evidence: Level V, therapeutic study.

Negative pressure wound therapy: An update.

PURPOSE: To get the maximum benefit of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) in the management of acute and chronic wounds without abuse or misuse. METHODS: Fourty one patients were included in the study. Among them, 9 patients had chronic wounds and the rest 32 patients had acute wounds. In acute wounds, 19 patients had co-morbid conditions. Seven patients had gaped wounds, 4 patients had necrotizing fasciitis and 2 patients had enterocutaneous fistula. RESULTS: The hospitalization period varied from 1 to 6 weeks. The follow-up period was up to 6 months. No mortality was recorded during this study. All skin grafts showed complete healing. Necrotizing fasciitis was managed with good outcome. Wounds with enterocutaneous fistula have improved. In chronic wounds, good healing and excellent outcome were obtained. CONCLUSION: The VAC therapy is an essential element for the management of problematic acute and chronic wounds.

Versatility of V-Y Flap in Gluteal Area.

BACKGROUND: Lesions in perineal area are common. The usual treatment is coverage by skin graft and flaps which may be local, pedicled or free types. In this paper V-Y flaps were used to cover the defects. METHODS: V-Y flaps were used in the gluteal area in 15 patients. Lesions were due to different causes. RESULTS: Of 15 patients, 11 were males and 4 were females. Their ages ranged from 3 weeks to 52 years old. Two cases were due to myelomeningocele, necrotizing fasciitis (2 cases) and the rest were due to bed sores (11 cases). The flaps were located over the trochanter (3 cases), ischial (6 cases) and sacral (6 cases). Good healing and durable coverage were obtained in all cases except one case. CONCLUSION: V-Y flap as a working horse flap is recommended in the gluteal area.

Davis flap: the glory still present.

BACKGROUND: Upper third defects of the ear are too large to be closed primarily without distorting the auricle. Full thickness defects can be reconstructed with local flaps. In this article, Davis flap was used to fill the upper third defects of the ear with some modifications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight patients underwent reconstruction of full thickness auricular defects with Davis flaps from July 2012 to December 2014. The posterior surface of the flap and the raw area of conchal area were covered by full thickness graft taken from posterior surface of ear. RESULTS: All flaps survived. No congestion was noted. The donor sites and skin grafts healed uneventfully. CONCLUSION: Davis flap is a simple and reproducible tool for reconstruction of upper third of ear.

Combined approach for gynecomastia.

BACKGROUND: Gynecomastia is a deformity of male chest. Treatment of gynecomastia varied from direct surgical excision to other techniques (mainly liposuction) to a combination of both. Skin excision is done according to the grade. In this study, experience of using liposuction adjuvant to surgical excision was described. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between September 2012 and April 2015, a total of 14 patients were treated with liposuction and surgical excision through a periareolar incision. Preoperative evaluation was done in all cases to exclude any underlying cause of gynecomastia. RESULTS: All fourteen patients were treated bilaterally (28 breast tissues). Their ages ranged between 13 and 33 years. Two patients were classified as grade I, and four as grade IIa, IIb or III, respectively. The first 3 patients showed seroma. Partial superficial epidermolysis of areola occurred in 2 cases. Superficial infection of incision occurred in one case and was treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: All grades of gynecomastia were managed by the same approach. Skin excision was added to a patient that had severe skin excess with limited activity and bad skin complexion. No cases required another setting or asked for 2(nd) opinion.

Simple Technique for Facial Dimple.

BACKGROUND: Subjects seeking aesthetic surgery for facial dimples are increasing in number. Literature on dimple creation surgery are sparse. Various techniques have been used with their own merits and disadvantages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Facial dimples were created in 23 cases. All the subjects were females. Five cases were bilateral and the rest were unilateral. RESULTS: Minor complications such as swelling and hematoma were observed in four cases. Infection occurred in two cases. Most of the subjects were satisfied with the results. CONCLUSIONS: Suturing technique is safe, reliable and an easily reproducible way to create facial dimple. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV: Case series.