Pedicle First Anterior Approach to Harvest Anterolateral Thigh Flap-Review of 304 Cases.

Background Although considered as a workhorse flap, the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has a steep learning curve that makes it difficult for microsurgeons to perform it early in their practice. In over 85% of patients, the perforator takes an intramuscular course making it difficult for beginners to safely secure the perforator dissection. In this technique, the pedicle is dissected first, utilizing the proximal incision by palpating the groove in between vastus lateralis and rectus femoris on the anterior aspect and extending the incision from 2 to 3 cm distal to the inguinal ligament to the flap markings caudally. Exposing the pedicle first makes it easier to proceed toward the skin perforator due to its easy identification and larger size at its origin. Patients and Methods This retrospective study was conducted from 2005 to 2020 in which 304 ALT flaps were performed by the pedicle first technique. Flap harvest time, incidence of injury to the skin perforator during harvest, flap re-exploration rates, and postoperative complications including incidence of flap necrosis, infection, and bleeding were the parameters that were measured. Results This study included a total of 304 patients of which 220 were male (72.3%). The average flap harvest time was 26 ± 3.2 minutes. Adverse events included perforator injury ( n = 1), flap re-exploration ( n = 15), and complete flap loss ( n = 8). The last eight patients were reconstructed secondarily with ALT flap from the opposite side and free latissimus dorsi flap ( n = 2). Conclusion The pedicle first technique makes ALT flap harvest easy, safe, and faster for plastic surgeons. The chances of injury to the skin perforator are markedly less thereby reducing postoperative complications.

Religion, Psychiatry, and Alternate Sexuality.

Religious institutions tend to display a conservative view towards individuals with alternate sexuality or identity. For managing patients with alternate sexuality, it is imperative that clinicians understand and take into account religious views and its effects on a person's mental health. We review the literature on religion, alternate sexuality, and psychiatry to ascertain their interaction and impact on the mental health of individuals with alternate sexuality or identity. Differing but overlapping perspectives on alternate sexuality persist across world religions. Individuals with conflict between religious and sexual identities are prone to have adverse mental health outcomes; adequate social supports result in more positive mental health outcomes. Education on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex-related topics in mental health professionals leads to better recognition of the issue and provision of respectful, effective mental health care within the context of socio-religious identity and background.

A comparative study of tissue expansion and free parascapular flaps in extensive facial burn scar reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Large post burn scars are a very difficult problem to treat. Available methods include skin grafts and tissue expansion. The reconstructive method used should be tailored according to individual patient rather than following a textbook approach in each. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was done of cases with extensive facial burn scars in whom secondary reconstruction was done with either free parascapular flap cover or tissue expansion and flap advancement following facial burn scar excision by a single surgeon (GSK) in Department of Burns, Plastic and reconstructive surgery. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients with free parascapular flap and 15 patients with tissue expansion followed by flap advancement were analyzed in the group. There were no free flap failures, but 2 patients required skin graft at donor site. In patients undergoing tissue expansion, minor complication was noted in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Tissue expansion is a useful technique in reconstruction of post burn scars, but has its limitations, especially in patients with extensive burns in head and neck region with limited local tissue availability. Parascapular free flap may provide a good alternative option for reconstruction in such cases.

Ovarian reserve may be compromised after adnexal surgery: Are we sufficiently fertility- focused in our surgical training?

There is a general trend towards delay in childbearing age amongst women. The ovarian reserve clearly falls with increasing age and the impact is greater with advancing age, particularly from late 30s. Presence of other risk factors can increase the risk of subfertility. A large number of women are exposed to pelvic surgery for various reasons, both elective and emergency. There is evidence that some of the pelvic surgery performed around ovaries and tubes has a negative impact on the ovarian reserve and in turn may cause a decline in woman's ability to conceive. A fertility-sparing focus on all pelvic surgery is likely to prevent further decline in ovarian reserve for women who are already at higher risk. Such focus seems to be currently lacking. It is proposed that integrating fertility-sparing focus to structured gynaecological surgical training will benefit women.

Innovative technique: Distal venous cannulation for salvaging free flap venous thrombosis by heparinised saline irrigation.

INTRODUCTION: Successful free tissue transfer depends on a multitude of factors, and adequate drainage of venous blood is one of the most critical part of successful free tissue transfers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report 6 cases of microvascular free flaps used for covering various defects, which developed venous congestion, that were salvaged with heparinised saline irrigation through the distal end of the congested vein by the help of an intravenous cannula. The irrigation was continued for 5 days. RESULTS: All the flaps were successfully salvaged. CONCLUSION: This method has potential applications in situations for successful salvage of free tissue transfer particularly due to venous thrombosis.

Cameron lesions in patients with hiatal hernias: prevalence, presentation, and treatment outcome.

Cameron lesions, as defined by erosions and ulcerations at the diaphragmatic hiatus, are found in the setting of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in patients with a hiatus hernia (HH). The study aim was to determine the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of Cameron lesions. We performed a retrospective cohort study evaluating consecutive patients undergoing upper endoscopy over a 2-year period. Endoscopy reports were systematically reviewed to determine the presence or absence of Cameron lesions and HH. Inpatient and outpatient records were reviewed to determine prevalence, risk factors, and outcome of medical treatment of Cameron lesions. Of 8260 upper endoscopic examinations, 1306 (20.2%) reported an HH. When categorized by size, 65.6% of HH were small (<3 cm), 23.0% moderate (3-4.9 cm), and 11.4% were large (≥5 cm). Of these, 43 patients (mean age 65.2 years, 49% female) had Cameron lesions, with a prevalence of 3.3% in the presence of HH. Prevalence was highest with large HH (12.8%). On univariate analysis, large HH, frequent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, GI bleeding (both occult and overt), and nadir hemoglobin level were significantly greater with Cameron lesions compared with HH without Cameron lesions (P ≤ 0.03). Large HH size and NSAID use were identified as independent risk factors for Cameron lesions on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Cameron lesions are more prevalent in the setting of large HH and NSAID use, can be associated with GI bleeding, and can respond to medical management.

Survey of instructions to authors in Indian and British Dental Journals with respect to ethical guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Publication can become a symbol of presenting how meticulously a person has followed ethical principles in research. It is the duty of the investigators or authors to carefully read the instructions to authors and generate data with honesty and genuineness. In fulfillment of the basic requisite to publish, clearly defined instructions to authors should be provided by the journal. AIMS: To assess the pattern of instructions regarding the ethical requirements given to authors in Indian Dental Journals and tried to compare the same with British Dental Journals. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey of 'instructions for authors,' for analysis of guidelines on ethical processes, was done. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Instructions to authors of Indian and British Dental Journals indexed in PubMed were reviewed for guidelines with regard to seven key ethical issues. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive statistics were used and results were expressed in percentages as well as numbers. RESULTS: Of the 10 Indian Dental Journals, 7 (70%) cited ethical guidelines such as International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, Committee on Publication Ethics, Indian Council of Medical Research guidelines whereas out of 27 British Dental Journals, 16 (59.25%) cited these. Protection of human subjects such as approval from an institutional/independent ethics committee, obtaining informed consent and maintenance of confidentiality of patient records was covered with 8 (80%) Indian and 19 (70.3%) British Dental Journals. Four (40%) Indian and 13 (48.1%) instructed about animals welfare. Nine (90%) of the Indian and 25 (92.5%) British Dental Journals required declaration of conflicts of interest by authors. Publication issues and authorship/contributorship criteria were specified by all 10 Indian and 25 (92.5%) and 24 (88.8%) British journals respectively. 6 (60%) of Indian and 11 (40.75%) of British Journals explained about data management, in case of clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of Indexed Indian and British Dental Journals did not provide adequate instructions to authors regarding ethical issues.

Posttraumatic intradiploic epidermoid cyst of frontal bone.

Intracranial epidermoid cysts constitute about 1% of all intracranial tumors. They are usually congenital in origin and are thought to derive from ectodermal cell inclusions occurring during closure of the neural tube. Twenty-five percent of these are found in the skull as intradiploic epidermoid cysts. These intradiploic cysts are usually congenital, slow growing, and can grow to large size without causing symptoms. We present a case of intradiploic epidermoid cyst of frontal bone developed due to childhood trauma. The cyst expanded and eroded the walls of the frontal sinus causing proptosis, diplopia, and restricted eye movements with frontal headache. The bicoronal flap approach was used for complete removal of the cyst. Complete removal of the cyst wall is necessary to avoid recurrence.

The conundrum of prolonged delirium.

Withdrawal delirium in alcohol dependence usually lasts 48 to 72 hours. However, certain factors can prolong delirium. We report a 39-year-old man with long-standing alcohol use who presented with delirium, which failed to resolve with treatment. On evaluation, he was found to have AIDS and limbic encephalitis due to herpes simplex virus.

Mental health promotion: guidance and strategies.

Public mental health incorporates a number of strategies from mental well-being promotion to primary prevention and other forms of prevention. There is considerable evidence in the literature to suggest that early interventions and public education can work well for reducing psychiatric morbidity and resulting burden of disease. Educational strategies need to focus on individual, societal and environmental aspects. Targeted interventions at individuals will also need to focus on the whole population. A nested approach with the individual at the heart of it surrounded by family surrounded by society at large is the most suitable way to approach this. This Guidance should be read along with the European Psychiatric Association (EPA) Guidance on Prevention. Those at risk of developing psychiatric disorders also require adequate interventions as well as those who may have already developed illness. However, on the model of triage, mental health and well-being promotion need to be prioritized to ensure that, with the limited resources available, these activities do not get forgotten. One possibility is to have separate programmes for addressing concerns of a particular population group, another that is relevant for the broader general population. Mental health promotion as a concept is important and this will allow prevention of some psychiatric disorders and, by improving coping strategies, is likely to reduce the burden and stress induced by mental illness.

Psychiatric aspects of organ transplantation.

Surgical transplantation of human organs from deceased as well as living donors to sick and dying patients began after the Second World War. Over the past 50 years the transplantation of human organs, tissues and cells has become a worldwide practice which has extended, and greatly enhanced the quality of hundreds of thousands of lives. The field of transplantation medicine provides an important chance for liaison between psychiatric professionals and other transplant physicians and surgeons. The discrepancy between the ever-increasing demand for organs but the decreasing supply makes it important to evaluate and prioritize individuals who are in dire need of the organ. However, this also gives rise to certain ethical questions. The following paper discusses various psychiatric aspects of organ transplantation in general.

Representation of organ transplantation in cinema and television.

Media whether print or visual such as films and television remains an important source of information and education for the general population even if it is not meant to be such. Films in particular have significant impact on the individual psyche. Films are meant for entertainment but it is inevitable that they will reflect the attitudes of society and in turn will influence the way societies and their members perceive conditions. In this paper we describe the use of films in making audiences aware of issues related to organ-donation. We review how films have dealt with the issue of organ transplantation over the years and suggest that a positive portrayal of organ transplantation in films and other media channels will allay negative attitudes in people and may act as catalysts of behavior change. This can motivate more people to donate organs posthumously. The portrayals of the act itself, its sequelae for the recipient and the donor's families will be discussed.

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis fixation technique with ultra thin silicon sheet.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular joint ankylosis is a highly distressing condition in which the joint space is obliterated by scar tissue and the patient has an inability to open the mouth. Different autogenous and alloplastic interposition materials have been used after the resection of the ankylotic bone to achieve desirable and long lasting results. The recurrence of disease is most distressing for both patients and surgeon. We have been using ultra thin silicon sheet as our preferred material for providing proper fixation and cover to the joint. We have been encouraged by good patient compliance, no implant extrusion and favourable outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical study included 80 patients with temporomandibular joint ankylosis, treated between April 2001 and March 2009. In all patients, temporomandibular joint ankylosis had resulted following trauma. Diagnosis was based on clinical assessment supplemented by radiographic examination consisting of a panoramic radiograph, axial and coronal computer tomography. The technique of using ultra thin silicon sheet covering whole of the joint space fixed with non-absorbable nylon 3-0 suture both medially to medial pterygoid muscle and laterally to periosteum of zygomatic arch was employed in all patients. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients were in this study (59 males and 21 females). The aetiology of temporomandibular joint ankylosis was post-traumatic in all cases. The patients' age ranged from 5 to 45 years. The disease was unilateral in 61 cases and bilateral in 19 cases. Twelve patients, who had previous surgery done in the form of gap arthroplasty in 6 cases, costochondral graft in 4 cases and temporalis muscle in 2 cases, presented with recurrence on the same side. The pre-op inter-incisal mouth opening ranged from 4 to 12 mm. The intraoperative inter-incisal mouth opening ranged from 28 to 46 mm. An additional procedure was done in 13 patients, including placement of costochondral graft with coronoidectomy in 4 of these cases. There was no immediate complication and no incidence of facial nerve injury. There was no extrusion of the implant in immediate and follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The use of alloplastic implants with less volume and proper fixation covering all the raw bone joint space prevents reunion of bone; fixation of the sheet prevents its movement and thus extrusion.

Prevention of blood staining of endoscope tip during Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: sleeve technique.

Optimisation of the endoscopic view during FESS may require correction of a deviated septum. The resulting incision leads to bleeding which could obscure the view of the endoscope. Repeated cleaning of the endoscope intraoperatively is time consuming and traumatisation of the lining of the nasal mucosa may lead to formation of adhesions post operatively. We discuss the use a segment of suction tubing that can act as a conduit or sleeve for the passage of the endoscope into the nasal cavity. This protects the endoscope tip from the bleeding area.

Transcatheter closure of ruptured sinus of valsalva aneurysm.

Percutaneous transcatheter closure of ruptured sinus of valsalva aneurysm was attempted in eight patients between January 1995 and March 2003 as an alternative strategy to surgery as this technique at present is an accepted therapeutic modality for various intracardiac defects. The age range was 14-35 years, all were male, seven in symptomatic class III and one in class IV on medical treatment. Two-dimensional and color Doppler echocardiography revealed rupture of an aneurysm of right coronary sinus into right ventricle in five and noncoronary sinus into right atrium in three and none had associated ventricular septal defect. The echo estimated size of the defect was 7-12 mm. On cardiac catheterization left ventricular end-diastolic pressure ranged from 20 to 40 mmHg and the calculated Qp/Qs ratio was 2-3.5. In all patients the defect was crossed retrogradely from the aortic side and over an arterio-venous wire loop after balloon sizing, devices were successfully deployed by antegrade venous approach (Rashkind umbrella device in two and Amplatzer occluders in six, which included Amplatzer duct occluder in five and Amplatzer septal occluder in one). One patient who had residual shunt developed hemolysis on the next day and was taken up for reintervention. That patient continued to have intermittent hemolysis and was sent for surgical repair. On follow-up (2-96 months), there was no device embolization, infective endocarditis, and aortic regurgitation. One patient died of progressive congestive heart failure while other six are asymptomatic. These data highlight that transcatheter closure is feasible and effective, especially safe with the available Amplatzer devices. Definitely, it has the advantage of obviating open heart surgery but complete occlusion is mandatory to prevent hemolysis and infective endocarditis.

Transcatheter closure of congenital ventricular septal defects: experience with various devices.

Transcatheter closure of congenital ventricular septal defect (VSD) using various devices is gaining acceptance in selected cases of perimembranous and muscular defects, avoiding the inherent risks of cardiopulmonary bypass. The procedure was attempted in 137 patients having congenital defects using Rashkind Umbrella Device (RUD) in 29 patients, Amplatzer ventricular septal occluder (AVSO) in 107 patients, and Detachable Coil in one. All patients were selected using stringent criteria by detailed transthoracic echocardiography and/or transesophageal echocardiography. The location of VSD was perimembranous in 91 patients and was muscular trabecular in 46 patients. Seven patients had left ventricle (LV) to right atrium (RA) communication. Thirty-five patients with perimembranous and two with muscular VSD had aneurysm formation. The patients were 3 to 33 years old, and the diameter of VSD ranged from 3 to 12 mm. The pulmonary to systemic flow ratio was > or = 2:1 in 47 (34.3%) patients. The procedure was successful in 130 (94.8%) patients, with a success rate of 86.2% with RUD and 97.1% with AVSO. Residual shunt at 24 hours was seen in eight (32%) patients with RUD and in one patient (0.9%) with AVSO. Three (2.8%) developed transient bundle branch block, and two (1.9%) patients had complete heart block. New tricuspid stenosis and tricuspid regurgitation was observed in one patient each with AVSO. After immediate balloon dilatation, the mean pressure gradient across tricuspid valve decreased from 11 to 3 mmHg in the patient with tricuspid stenosis. On a follow-up of 1 to 66 (mean 35.2 +/- 10.7) months, the device was in position in all. None developed late conduction defect, aortic regurgitation, infective endocarditis, or hemolysis. At 9-month follow-up, the mean pressure gradient across the tricuspid valve was 3 mmHg in the patient with tricuspid stenosis. Complete occlusion of the shunt was achieved in 129(99.2%) patients. One patient with RUD having persistent residual shunt underwent a second procedure with AVSO. Three out of 107 patients with AVSO had an unsuccessful procedure where the defect was perimembranous with a superior margin of defect less than 3 mm away from the aortic valve, and the specially designed perimembranous AVSO had to be retrieved because of hemodynamic compromise due to significant acute aortic regurgitation, whereas in all others, the defect was either > or = 3 mm away from the aortic valve or had aneurysm formation. All seven patients with LV to RA communication showed complete abolition of the shunt. Thus, in properly selected cases of perimembranous and muscular ventricular septal defects, the transcatheter closure is safe and efficacious using appropriate devices. The success rate is higher with AVSO compared with the previously used devices, as well as more successful for the muscular defects than those that are perimembranous in location.

Initial human experience with the Amplatzer perimembranous ventricular septal occluder device.

Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects with coils or devices designed to close other lesions may be complicated by embolization or aortic insufficiency. A new asymmetric Amplatzer perimembranous ventricular septal occluder and delivery system was specifically designed for perimembranous defects. This report describes the first use of this device in 27 patients. Implantation was successful in 25 (93%), with 1 removed for device-related aortic insufficiency and inability to position the delivery sheath in another. Device orientation was excellent when the device was initially advanced through a standard delivery sheath positioned in the left ventricular apex. Twenty-three had complete occlusion within 1 week (92%), with a tiny (< 2 mm) residual shunt in the other two. In the 25 subjects with the device left in place, device-related aortic or tricuspid insufficiency, arrhythmias, and embolization were not observed. These excellent acute results need to be confirmed by long-term follow-up.

Propagation of linear waves in relativistic anisotropic magnetohydrodynamics.

Gedalin [Phys. Rev. E 47, 4354 (1993)] derived a dispersion relation for linear waves in relativistic anisotropic Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). This dispersion relation is used to point out the regions where the relativistic anisotropic MHD leads to new results that cannot be obtained using usual collisional relativistic MHD. This is highlighted by plotting a Fresnal ray surface. Conditions for the onset of firehose and mirror instabilities are also indicated. Such a study can be applied to astrophysical features such as pulsar winds, propagation of cosmic rays, etc.

Proboscis lateralis of nose.

A rare case of congenital malformation of the nose that was successfully corrected surgically is reported.