Salvage of Devascularized and Amputated Upper Extremity Digits with Temporary Ectopic Replantation: Our Clinical Series.

BACKGROUND: One of the reasons for unsuccessful replantation is recipient site problems. In cases where proximal stump status cannot be predicted exactly, reamputation may be required depending on the result of infection and tissue necrosis. The ectopic banking method has been defined for this type of injury. In this study, we presented the amputated or devascularized upper extremity digit ectopic banking application results in our clinical practice. METHODS: Nineteen digits (17 patients) banking ectopically were included in the study. All digits ectopically banked in the forearm volar of the non-injured upper limb. Transfers were made after waiting for the appropriate time. Ectopic banking periods, postoperative complications, and other descriptive data were recorded. In the postoperative 6th month, the range of motion (ROM) values of the digits were measured and compared with the ROM values of the same digit on the non-injured extremity.Also, in the postoperative 6th month, a questionnaire with a score of 1-5 was conducted for cosmetic results. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 13.6 months. The mean patient age was 39.5 years. The ectopic banking success rate is 94.1% (16/17). The orthotopic/heterotopic transfer success rate is 100% (17/17). Ectopic banking time is, on average, 19.2 days (min 5-max 55). Average cosmetic scale is 3.54. CONCLUSIONS: We think that the results of our study will shed light on surgeons who make ectopic banking applications.

Free ALT Perforator Flap in Nonobese Patients: The Recontouring of Soft Tissue Defects Around Foot.

BACKGROUND: The anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap is well-described and versatile option for reconstruction of soft tissue defects around foot and ankle. This retrospective review was performed for reconstruction of soft tissue defects around foot with ALT perforator flaps in patients with normal and overweight body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Between January 2016 and November 2020, ALT flaps were used in 30 patients for foot defects. RESULTS: Etiologic factors were trauma (18 patients), diabetic foot ulcer (6 patients), tumor (3 patients), infection (2 patients) and burn contracture (1 patient). Mean body mass index (BMI) value was 24.9 ± 4.1 (17-30). Mean flap dimension was 145 ± 86 (40-420) cm2. Recipient vessels were anterior tibial artery in 17 patients (56%), posterior tibial artery in 12 patients (40%), reversed flow dorsalis pedis artery in 1 patient (3.3%). In 24 patients (80%), 2 vein anastomoses were done. Debulking were applied in two patients (6.6%). Donor area was grafted in four patients (13.3%). Mean flap score was 1.25 ± 0.5. Mean flap thickness was 10 ± 2 (7-14) mm. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score was 7.75 ± 1.04 (6-10). The patients were followed up for a mean of 14 ± 11 (1-30) months. CONCLUSION: We think that ALT flap is still reliable and precious option because it provides ideal soft tissue reconstruction by means of recontouring of foot in nonobese patients.

The Roles of Injury Type, Injury Level and Amputation Type in the Need for Revision Surgery after Replantation: Retrospective Clinical Outcome with 296 Finger Replantation.

BACKGROUND: With the development of microsurgical techniques, the replantation survival rate has increased, but in some cases, revision surgery is required. Although there are many studies on replantation survival rate, studies on revision surgery are limited. In this study, we evaluated replantation patients requiring revision surgery in terms of amputation level, injury type, and amputation type (single-multiple). METHODS: This is a retrospective study.Two hundred fifty-six patients (296 fingers) who were operated on for total finger amputation in our hospital between 2013 and 2018 were included in the study. In the postoperative period, revision surgery was required for 24 fingers due to vascular insufficiency. Patients were evaluated in terms of amputation level, injury type, and amputation type. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-four fingers were saved after primary surgery. Eight fingers failed before they could undergo revision surgery. Revision surgery was performed for 24 fingers. After revision surgery, 19 fingers were saved, and five fingers were failed. There was no significant effect of gender and age in terms of revision (p > 0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in injury level and injury type, but there was a statistically significant difference in terms of amputation type (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Despite advanced microsurgery and experience, vascular insufficiency can be observed after replantation. Surgical re-exploration is necessary for salvage.

Effect of Axonal Length on Direct Neuromuscular Neurotization: An Experimental Study.

AIM: To compare the effect of long and short axonal lengths on neuromuscular neurotization (NMN). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, 18 male Wistar rats were divided into two groups. In each group, the peroneal nerve and soleus muscle were dissected. In Group1, the muscle was neurotized after the peroneal nerve was dissected until bifurcation. In Group2, the nerve was transected 1 cm proximal from the most distal site, and the muscle was neurotized with a shorter nerve than that in Group1. RESULTS: In Group2 (0.84), the compound muscle action potential amplitude ratio was statistically higher than that in Group1 (0.42). Upon pathological examination, the cross-sectional area was statistically larger in Group2. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme levels in Groups1 and 2 were 37.73 and 45.47, respectively. CONCLUSION: Considering that NMN with shorter axons showed better results than that with longer axons, nerve transfers using nerves as short as possible should be preferred in clinical applications.

Preoperative Simulation in Planning Rhinoplasty: Evaluation from Patients' and Surgeons' Perspectives.

Among aesthetic surgery procedures, rhinoplasty is one of the most common. Preoperative simulations have become increasingly commonplace through the recent years along with a controversy regarding their use. Although capable of building a solid rapport between the surgeon and the patient by visualizing the end result, it can also prove to be a liability for a surgeon who is not confident about delivering the result which has been put on screen. The objective of this study is to evaluate the outlook of the surgeons and patients on preoperative simulations. Plastic surgeons who perform rhinoplasty and individuals who consider rhinoplasty were surveyed via an online questionnaire system. Their opinions about the practice of simulation were questioned and they were asked to distinguish between simulated and actual postoperative results. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Major factors influencing the decision-making process of patients were the availability of preoperative simulation, being shown appealing results of the surgeon's previous work and a personal reference from a patient with an appealing result. Within the health care professionals, it has been observed that experienced surgeons are more confident about using simulations, while inexperienced ones are daunted by being bound with a visual contract (p < 0.05). However, it has been noted that the preference of withholding the simulation or providing a copy to the patient was similar in all experience levels (p > 0.05). In conclusion, our findings suggest that the patients' self-consciousness regarding preoperative simulations seem to grow faster than the surgeons' confidence in their use. Level of evidence is Level V.

Evaluation of forearm arterial repairs: Functional outcomes related to arterial repair.

BACKGROUND: There are few studies of single forearm arterial injury repair that compare long-term results of intact and obliterated forearm arterial repair. Aim of the present study was to compare long-term results of forearm arterial repair using Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score and color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS). METHODS: Records of 166 consecutive patients with forearm arterial injury were reviewed, and 30 patients with same injury (ulnar artery, ulnar nerve, and tendon injuries at flexor zone V) were called back for CDUS and QuickDASH scoring. Patients evaluated with CDUS were divided into 2 groups according to results: patent vessels (Group 1) and obliterated vessels (Group 2), and statistical analysis was performed to compare QuickDASH scores of groups. RESULTS: Difference in QuickDASH scores was statistically significant: Group 1 had lower score (24.27) than Group 2 (36.34), indicating better outcome in patients with patent vessels. CONCLUSION: Vascular repair that achieved vessel patency led to better functional outcome with lower QuickDASH score and less cold intolerance.

Prevalence of pneumatized uncinate process and accompanying neighboring variations.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of uncinate process (UP) pneumatization and also to investigate the association of UP pneumatization with concurrent morphological variations in neighboring structures and the presence of maxillary sinusitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study where coronal computed tomography scans of 1,500 UPs in 750 patients (483 males, 267 females; mean age 36.3±14.7 years; range 7 to 84 years) were examined to determine the prevalence of UP pneumatization and to assess any concurrent neighboring anatomical structures and the presence of maxillary sinusitis between January 2013 and June 2013. RESULTS: Uncinate process pneumatization was identified in a total of 6.26% of our patients with 1.60% being bilateral, 2.53% on the right only, and 2.13% on the left side only. Other than concurrent occurrences of right maxillary sinus septa (p=0.046), growth of the right ethmoidal bulla (p=0.044) and presence of maxillary sinusitis (right side: p=0.046, left side: p=0.035) were seen. CONCLUSION: We detected a 6.2% prevalence of UP pneumatization in our study group. An abnormally sized and over-pneumatized UP can cause narrowing of the infundibulum and impaired sinus drainage. Such functional blockage can lead to recurrent maxillary sinusitis, stuffiness, and decreased olfaction.

Comparison of the effects of different vasoactive and antiplatelet drugs on perforator flap viability. An experimental study.

Perforator flaps are very popular in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects. As these flaps generally depend on a single perforator, drugs that increase the perfusion of the flap and/or prevent vascular complications may increase flap survival. In this study, we compared the effects of systemically administered hydralazine (arterial vasodilator via potassium channels), nifedipine (arterial vasodilator via calcium channels), piracetam (antiplatelet and regulator of microcirculation) and alprostadil (vasodilator, antiplatelet, rheological and cytoprotective) on flap survival in a rat epigastric artery perforator flap model. The percentage of necrosis was measured on each flap and evaluated using one-way analysis of variance (Anova). Histopathological analyses were also performed. Mean flap survival area was 3.85 cm(2) in the control group. Mean flap survival area was 4.88 cm(2) in the nifedipine group, 4.69 cm(2) in the hydralazine group, 10.55 cm(2) in the piracetam group and 11.3 cm(2) in the alprostadil group. When compared with the control group, all drugs except hydralazine improved flap survival; piracetam and alprostadil yielded significantly better results than nifedipine. Only the alprostadil group showed signs of improved vascularity in the histological analysis. As far as perforator flap survival is concerned, drugs that regulate the microcirculation by a combination of different antiaggregation mechanisms appear more beneficial than single action vasodilators. Alprostadil, a synthetic PGE-1 analogue, has combined antiplatelet and vasoactive effects that further increase flap survival.

Our Treatment Approaches in Severe Maxillofacial Injuries Occurring After Failed Suicide Attempts Using Long-Barreled Guns.

Maxillofacial traumas with long-barreled guns may sometimes cause catastrophic results by means of smashing in facial structures. In these patients, reconstruction strategies of both fragmented/lost soft and hard tissues still remain controversial. In their clinic, the authors treated 5 patients with severely injured face after failed suicide attempt between 2008 and 2013. In this study, the authors aimed to present their clinical experiences on these severely injured maxillofacial gunshot traumas and offer a treatment algorithm to gain a result as possible as satisfactory in terms of functionality and appearance.

The Effect of Epigallocatechin Gallate on Flap Viability of Rat Perforator Abdominal Flaps.

Background Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a substance abundant in green tea. In this study, the effects of EGCG on perforator flap viability were investigated. Methods A total of 40 rats were assigned to four groups of 10 each. In each subject, a 4 × 6 cm abdominal skin flap was raised and adapted back onto its place. In the control group, no further procedures were taken. In the flap group, 40 mg/kg/d EGCG was injected into the flap. In the gavage group, 100 mg/kg/d EGCG was given through a feeding tube. In the intraperitoneal group, 50 mg/kg/d EGCG was injected intraperitoneally. On the 7th postoperative day, flaps were photographed and the viable areas were measured and compared via a one-way analysis of variance. Results The ratios of viable and contracted flap area were 9.15/12.01, 4.59/16.46, 11.56/11.20, and 11.65/10.77 cm(2) for the control, flap group, gavage group, and intraperitoneal group, respectively. While the flap group yielded the worst results in the sense of flap contraction and viability (p < 0.001), the gavage and intraperitoneal groups were significantly better than those of the control group (p = 0.03). Histologically, epidermal, papillary dermal, and capillary tissue volumes were evaluated. In comparison to the control group, the flap group yielded significantly increased epidermal and dermal volumes (p = 0.03), however, these values were significantly decreased (p = 0.04) in the gavage and intraperitoneal groups. Capillary volumes were significantly decreased in EGCG treatment groups (p < 0.01). Conclusion Our experiment has shown that oral and intraperitoneal administration of EGCG increases the perforator flap viability when compared with controls, while direct injection decreases the viability.

Hemangioma of the Zygomatic Bone.

Benign masses arising from facial bones have been reported several times in the literature. Hemangiomas are one of the uncommon benign tumors. In this study, the authors aimed to present a rare patient of zygomatic intraosseos hemangioma and their management. A 40-year-old woman with a mass in her left lateral cantus admitted to our clinic. Preoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an osseos mass in her left zygoma. The authors conclude that it should be kept in mind that although they are very rare benign tumors, intraosseos hemangiomas can cause facial masses. Meticulous radiologic examination can give important clues for differential diagnosis before the surgery.

Unintentional Complications After Uneventful Rhinoplasty Operations: Case Reports and a Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: No surgical procedure is free of complications; however, some of these complications are unintentional. Plastic surgeons may be unfamiliar with certain complications after rhinoplasty operations. In this study, we aimed to present four unintentional complications that have occurred in our patients and review the literature related to these complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we conducted a review of 1400 patients who were operated on from 2007 to 2015. The medical recordings of all patients were investigated. Four patients with unintentional complications after rhinoplasty operations are presented and the related literature was reviewed. CASES: Cases 1 and 2: These patients included a 26-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man who developed herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections after a primary septorhinoplasty. Case 3: This was a 25-year-old woman who developed periorbital emphysema after a primary rhinoplasty operation. Case 4: This was a 22-year-old woman who developed a second-degree burn on the nasal dorsum. All patients healed without sequel or scars. DISCUSSION: Many unexpected complications have been reported in the literature. Some of these complications include bleeding disorders, allergic reactions, dermatitis, visual loss, gastric bleeding, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, false aneurysm after rhinoplasty, pneumocephalus, Tapia's syndrome, cavernous sinus syndrome, and skin reactions to prolene. CONCLUSION: Meticulous patient histories, consistent surgical routines, careful radiologic examinations, and frequent patient visits can help surgeons control these types of complications. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Multiple Subungual Pyogenic Granulomas Following Levothyroxine Treatment.

Pyogenic granulomas are benign vascular lesions that can result from a large number of etiological factors. Drugs are one etiological factor involved in pyogenic granuloma development. In this study we present our experience of multiple pyogenic granulomas following levothyroxine administration suggesting that levothyroxine hormone replacement therapy might play an important role in the formation of pyogenic granuloma. We also reviewed the literatures regarding drug-induced pyogenic granulomas.

A Rare Cutaneous Adnexal Tumor: Malignant Proliferating Trichilemmal Tumor.

Proliferating trichilemmal tumors (PTTs) are neoplasms derived from the outer root sheath of the hair follicle. These tumors, which commonly affect the scalp of elderly women, rarely demonstrate malignant transformation. Although invasion of the tumors into neighboring tissues and being accompanied with anaplasia and necrosis are accepted as findings of malignancy, histological features may not always be sufficient to identify these tumors. The clinical behavior of the tumor may be incompatible with its histological characteristics. Squamous-cell carcinoma should certainly be considered in differential diagnosis because of its similarity in morphological appearance with PTT. Immunostaining for CD34, P53, and Ki-67 is a useful adjuvant diagnostic method that can be used in differential diagnosis aside from morphological findings. In this study, we aimed to present the case of a 52-year-old female patient with clinicopathological features. We reported a low-grade malignant proliferating trichilemmal tumor in this patient and detected no relapse or metastasis in a 24-month period of follow-up.

Nasal septal perforation reconstruction with superior-based pedicled nasolabial island flap in a patient with the Raynaud phenomenon.

Perforation of the nasal septum may have multiple causes, and there are lots of options for reconstruction. We discuss a septal perforation case with Raynaud phenomenon.

A rare complication of rhinoplasty: periorbital emphysema.

UNLABELLED: Subcutaneous emphysema is a clinical entity that may be associated with trauma. Rhinoplasty is not an atraumatic procedure. This report presents a case of acute periorbital emphysema after cosmetic rhinoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The effect of twisting on single and double based perforator flap viability: an experimental study in rats.

In this study, the histological and vital effects of rotation on multiple and single based perforator flaps were evaluated. A 6 cm × 6 cm abdominal perforator flap model was used on 80 male rats; half of these received a single-pedicled flap, and the other half double-pedicled. The flaps of control subgroups were raised and sutured without rotation. In rotation subgroups 90-, 180-, 270-degree rotations were performed, and rotation effects on flap viability and histological changes were analyzed. Among single- and double-pedicled perforator flaps, respectively, mean survival area was 12.59 cm(2) and 27.84 cm(2) in non-rotated subgroups, 12.49 cm(2) and 17.06 cm(2) in 90-degree rotation subgroups, 5.96 cm(2) and 9.96 cm(2) in 180-degree rotation subgroups, and 1.45 cm(2) and 1.70 cm(2) in 270-degree rotation subgroups. While survival areas of double- and single-pedicled perforator flaps with the same rotation degree showed no statistically significant difference, non-rotated double-pedicled perforator flaps had a statistically larger survival area compared to single-pedicled perforator flap (P = 0.001). In the single-pedicled flap group, there were no statistical differences between survival flap areas of the non-rotated subgroup and the 90- and 180-degree rotation subgroups (P > 0.05), but the non-rotated subgroup had a statistically larger survival area compared to the 270-degree rotation subgroup (P = 0.003). In double-pedicled perforator flap group, the control subgroup had a statistically larger flap survival area compared to 90-degree, 180-degree, and 270-degree rotation subgroups (P = 0.004, P = 0.002, P = 0.001). Degenerative histological changes gradually increased in correlation with the rotation angle in both single- and double-pedicled groups. When double- and single-pedicled groups were compared; degenerative histology score displayed no statistical difference between control subgroups and rotated subgroups (P > 0.05). In this rat abdominal propeller perforator flap model, we found that double perforators without pedicle rotation could support larger flap survival when compared to the single pedicle. However, double perforators did not cause an increase of survival area when pedicles were rotated. In the single-pedicled perforator flap, the flap survival area did not significantly decrease until 180-degree pedicle rotation. In the double-pedicled perforator flap, the flap survival area decreased when the degree of rotation increased. The degenerative changes increased in correlation with the rotation degree in both single- and double-pedicled perforator flaps.