Effects of Systemic and Local Caffeine on Vessel Diameter, Anastomosis Patency, and Intimal Hyperplasia in the Rat.

BACKGROUND: The use of caffeine is not recommended prior to elective microsurgery due to its demonstrated negative effects on vessel anastomosis by the presumed sympathomimetic induction of vasoconstriction. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the systemic and local effects of caffeine on vessel diameter, anastomosis patency, and degree of intimal hyperplasia during the healing process. METHODS: Twenty-five rats were randomly assigned to five groups: (1) negative control, (2) preoperative systemic caffeine, (3) postoperative systemic caffeine, (4) perioperative systemic caffeine, and (5) a local caffeine group. Both the right and left femoral arteries were used. Ten anastomoses were performed per group. The arterial diameter was measured by micrometer, anastomosis patency was assessed surgically and histologically, and the histological examination was conducted 3 weeks postoperatively to determine intimal hyperplasia. RESULTS: The overall patency rate was 96%. Mild vasoconstriction was observed in the systemic caffeine groups (statistically insignificant); however, there were no negative effects on anastomosis patency. Local caffeine irrigation resulted in significant vasodilatation in the local caffeine group (p = 0.001); a similar effect was not observed in the other groups. There was a significant decrease in the intima/media ratio in the local caffeine group (p < 0.01), when compared with the control and systemic caffeine groups. No other intima/media ratio differences were observed among other comparison groups. CONCLUSION: The systemic administration of caffeine, although statistically insignificant, has an observable effect on vasoconstriction. However, it does not appear to have negative effects on anastomosis patency regardless of its application period (pre-, post-, or perioperatively). The local application of caffeine resulted in considerable vasodilatation as opposed to the vasoconstriction effect in the systemic caffeine groups. Decreased intimal hyperplasia at the anastomosis edge, and antifibrotic properties in the surgical field were also observed in this group. Histologically, the local caffeine group demonstrated an additional beneficial effect on anastomosis remodeling.

Microvascular Tissue Transfers for Midfacial and Anterior Cranial Base Reconstruction.

Reconstruction of a midfacial defect can represent a difficult challenge for the plastic surgeon. Although many midfacial deformities have traumatic or congenital origins, the vast majority of head and neck defects occur after resection of malignant head and neck neoplasms. Autogenous reconstruction is now routinely performed for larger, complex defects resulting from surgical resection or trauma. In this study, the authors present 27 patients with midfacial defects reconstructed with free flaps. Twenty-two of the defects were created by surgical ablation of cancer (maxillectomy) and the others were traumatic. The maxillectomy defects were classified into 4 according to the classification proposed by Cordeiro. Eighteen of the patients were male and 9 were female. Twenty-nine free flaps were performed. Six different types of flaps including radial forearm flap, vertical rectus abdominis (VRAM) flap, anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap, tensor fasciae latae (TFL) flap, fibula osteocutaneous flap, and iliac osteocutaneous flap were accomplished. Types I and II defects were reconstructed with radial forearm flap. Type III defects were reconstructed with VRAM and ALT. Type IV defects were reconstructed with VRAM and TFL. Two patients underwent a second flap reconstruction due to recurrent disease (9.1%). Average patient age was 53.1 years. Free-flap survival was 100%. Free tissue transfer is the method of choice in midfacial reconstruction. Following a reconstructive algorithm is useful in the decision-making process for patient evaluation and treatment. Every reconstructive microsurgeon might have different experiences with different flaps. Therefore, the algorithm for flap choices is not universal among surgeons.

Microvascular tissue transfers in the elderly: safety analysis for a challenging area.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Due to increased average life expectancy, the number of elderly patients requiring complex reconstructive microsurgical procedures is rising. Age, comorbid conditions, and location of operation are all possible risk factors. The aim of this study is to evaluate surgical outcomes to set the right criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1996 and 2014, the data of 30 patients over the age of 70, who were treated with microsurgical techniques in our clinic, were extracted from patient records and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: In this patient population, flap success rate was 94%. Systemic and surgical complication rates were 40% and 48%, respectively. Complication rates were higher in head and neck cases but there was no statistically significant difference compared to reconstructions in other areas. Loss of oral lining, as a serious complication, had no effect on complications in head and neck reconstruction patients in our series. Conclusions: Flap success is comparable to younger age groups but procedures are associated with a high rate of complications Evaluating and controlling comorbid conditions is important. The American Society of Anesthesiologists scoring system is reliable in this patient population. Although complications are more common, these procedures can be performed safely in elderly populations with careful patient selection.

Intraoral use of extraoral implants for oral rehabilitation of a pediatric patient after resection of ewing sarcoma of the mandible and reconstruction with iliac osteocutaneous free flap.

Large osseous defects secondary to resection of the mandibular segment may lead to significant facial deformity, functional disabilities, and associated psychologic problems. The therapeutic approach is more complicated in pediatric patients because it must not interfere with normal craniofacial growth process. Here, we present a clinical report to emphasize the application of extraoral short implants with magnetic abutments used for mandible of a growing patient reconstructed with free iliac flap after resection of Ewing sarcoma. A 5-year-old boy, complaining of an ulcerated mass of the anterior mandibular area and floor of the mouth, was referred to our clinic. Incisional biopsy from the lesion confirmed the diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma. After resection, free iliac osteocutaneous flap, with a 6.5 × 4.0-cm skin paddle and based on the deep circumflex iliac vessels, was used to reconstruct the mandibular integrity and to cover the floor of the mouth simultaneously. Nine months after the operation, the patient was referred for oral rehabilitation. Prosthodontic plan included the placement of 5 extraoral implants with magnetic abutment and fabrication of an implant-retained overdenture. Magnetic abutment was preferred not to interfere with the expected craniofacial growth. During a follow-up period, radiographic images showed no pathologic signs with consideration of overall bone loss and recurrence of the tumor; 12 months after the initiation of prosthetic loading, no peri-implant bone loss was observed. In conclusion, this reported case would be an example for the management of challenging pediatric mandibular tumor cases in terms of resection, reconstruction and dental rehabilitation.

Reconstruction of external auditory canal with a laterocervical twisted (snail) flap.

There are several different causes of the deformities of the external auditory canal requiring reconstruction such as tumors, burns, trauma, and malformations. Many surgical approaches with varying success for the reconstruction of the external auditory canal (EAC) have been favored, including secondary healing, skin grafting, and a variety of local skin flaps. Unfortunately, the major drawback of the previously defined techniques is the resulting stenosis of the EAC. A 73-year-old white man was admitted to our clinic because of an unhealing ulcerated lesion at the superior and posterior one third of the left external auditory canal, involving the most internal part of the concha. Preserving the superior one third of the helix, left auricle and the EAC was surgically removed en bloc. To reconstruct the surgical defect, a snail flap was designed on the ipsilateral cervical region and based posteriorly on the left mastoid region. Twisting the flap on its main axis, as mentioned, created a final shape resembling a snail and a tube with epithelium-lined canal inside. At the postoperative first-year visit, the patient's endoscopic examination showed no sign of recurrence, tympanoplasty graft was intact, and the EAC was patent without signs of stenosis. Our experience with the laterocervical flap supports the fact that this flap does not cause stenosis, hearing loss, and therefore should be concerned as one of the first choices of treatment for the reconstruction of EAC.

Enhancement of venous drainage with vein stripper for reversed pedicled neurocutaneous flaps.

The flaps based on the vascular axis of superficial sensitive cutaneous nerves had gained increased popularity in reconstructive surgery because of such major advantages as preservation of major extremity arteries and avoidance of microsurgical procedures. However, postoperative venous congestion resulting in partial or total necrosis is still a common problem for these flaps. The aim of the current study is to introduce a new method for reducing the postoperative venous congestion of neural island flap with the results of reconstruction of the soft tissue defects of foot and ankle. This method was used to treat 19 patients with various chronic soft tissue defects of the foot and ankle between 2011 and 2012. We observed that the novel method presented in this report enables effective venous drainage, solving the postoperative venous congestion problem of these flaps.

A new flap design: prefabricated neuro-osseous flap.

We hypothesized that an osseous tissue can be prefabricated with a peripheral nerve by vascular induction, and by using a rat model, we tested this hypothesis.Twenty Wistar rats were used in the prefabricated neuro-osseous flap study. Bilateral sciatic nerves were placed linearly within the medullary cavities of the femurs. Left femurs were accepted as the experimental group. The right femurs of all the rats were used as internal control where the sciatic nerves were ligated at the bony entrance of the flap.After 6 weeks, all experimental femur flaps were viable. Radioactivity counts and metabolic activity studies showed viable and functional bone tissue in experimental group compared with control group (P = 0.001). On microangiographic evaluation, significant dilatation of the perineural vasculature was observed in experimental group. Histologic investigations showed viable bone tissue only in the experimental group flaps.Due to its easy applicability, reproducibility, and robust circulation, the prefabricated neuro-osseous flap would be an option in reconstructive surgery.

The histopathological effects of tamoxifen in the treatment of pubertal gynecomastia.

Pubertal gynecomastia is the glandular proliferation of male breast tissue. It is regarded as a physiological phenomenon, arising due to a presumed transient imbalance in the ratio of free androgen to free estrogen. Treatment with tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor blocker, has been shown to effectively reduce the disc size and is generally considered for treatment when the disc diameter is > 3-4 cm. For severe or persistent cases, surgery is considered the mainstay of treatment. We present three cases who reported dissatisfaction with the results of tamoxifen treatment and were therefore submitted to adenectomy by Webster's technique preceded by liposuction. Pathology results showed adipose tissue alone, with no evidence of intraductal epithelial proliferation. The results showing a lack of residual glandular breast tissue after treatment using tamoxifen proves that it is effective in histopathologically eliminating pubertal gynecomastia.

A new microvascular anastomosis technique using muscle graft.

A novel microvascular anastomosis technique is described. Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided equally into three groups before undergoing femoral artery anastomosis. The first group received standard eight-suture anastomotic repair. Group 2 (muscle group) received three sutures plus autogenous muscle graft wrapped around the anastomosis. In group 3 (fascial surface group), a muscle graft was wrapped around the anastomosis with the fascial side of the graft facing the anastomosis. Significantly less time and suture usage were noted using both fascial surface and muscle groups compared with controls (p < 0.05). No significant difference regarding patency rates or aneurysm formation existed among the three groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, grade 2 anastomotic leakage was less frequent in the study groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). This new microvascular anastomosis technique took less time and achieved better performance than standard anastomotic repair.

Iliac crest flap for mandibular reconstruction after advanced stage mandibular ameloblastoma resection.

Ablative surgeries for neoplastic processes of the oral cavity, traumas, infections/inflammations, osteoradionecrosis, and congenital deformities are the most common causes of large mandibular defects. Ameloblastoma is a locally aggressive tumor that, if not treated, can gain an enormous size and cause severe facial disfigurement and functional impairment. Although the smaller lesions of ameloblastoma in the mandible are treated by conservative approaches such as marsupialization, enucleation, and curettage combined with liquid nitrogen spray cryosurgery, larger lesions require radical surgical ablation procedures resulting in large tissue defects. A large mandibular defect has deleterious effects on a person's life, with a significant loss in the quality of life unless it is reconstructed successfully. The aim of present case series report is to show the results of the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with advanced stage ameloblastoma, including tumor resection, simultaneous reconstruction with iliac crest flap, followed by placement of endosseous dental implants, and finally the prosthodontic rehabilitation.

Soft-tissue management with immediate free flap transfer in segmental prosthetic replacement of proximal tibia sarcomas.

Knee reconstruction with endoprosthesis after tumor resection is accepted as superior when compared with the other methods. But sometimes soft tissue reconstruction would be a challenging problem in this way of treatment. Five patients who were operated for tumor resection in this location, followed by reconstruction were presented with their one-year post operative results. Four latissimus dorsi and one rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flaps were used in these patients in order to manage soft tissue problems. All patients underwent chemotherapy in postoperative period. All flaps were successful in one year post operative examination. In this report we would like to stress the importance of surgical planning and soft tissue reconstruction of a specific patient population. We think that large musculocutaneous flaps such as latissimus dorsi and rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps should be preferred in soft tissue reconstruction of knee region after tumor resection followed by prosthetic replacement. Additionally, this way of treatment is superior when compared to the other methods in order to prevent complications such as prosthesis exposure or infection.

The effects of hyperhomocysteinemia on the microcirculation of skin flaps.

BACKGROUND: Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for atherothrombotic disease and venous thrombosis. The effects of hyperhomocysteinemia on the microcirculation were studied in vascular diseases. The authors aimed to investigate the effects of hyperhomocysteinemia on the microcirculation of random-pattern skin flaps. METHODS: Twenty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into two groups, were used in this study. The rats in group 1 (control) were fed the TD.07112 diet, and the rats in group 2 (experimental group) were fed the TD.07114 diet, enriched in methionine for 30 days, to induce severe hyperhomocysteinemia. The plasma homocysteine, folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 levels were evaluated on days 0 and 30. Distally based skin flaps were elevated on day 30 and evaluated by direct observation, microangiography, and light microscopy on day 37. RESULTS: Mean homocysteine blood levels were 211.76 ± 56.55 µM/liter in group 2 and 14.48 ± 2.00 µM/liter in group 1 on day 30. The rate of necrosis was significantly higher in group 2 (59.00 ± 4.38 percent) compared with group 1 (32.54 ± 6.13 percent; p < 0.01). Microangiographic findings were similar to direct observation results. Microvessel calibration was reduced in group 2. In group 1, structures of epidermis and dermis were normal; however, there was a slight mononuclear cell infiltration along with thick collagen fibers. A more prominent mononuclear cell infiltration with fields of loose epidermis, associated with inflammation and infiltration, were observed in group 2. CONCLUSION: The authors demonstrated, for the first time, that hyperhomocysteinemia severely suppressed the microvasculature of skin flaps, as shown by increased flap necrosis and reduced microvessel calibration in the experimental group.

Reconstruction of the soft tissue defects of foot and ankle with neural-island flaps: mono-institutional case series.

The aim of this report is to show the results obtained from using the neural-island flap to cover the soft tissue defects of the foot and ankle. This is the first report of the neural-island flap series since the introduction of this flap to the literature in 2003. Between 2002 and 2009 "neural-island flap" was used to treat 20 patients of various lesions on the foot and ankle. All of the patients had serious soft tissue defects that compromised tendons, bones, or joints. In 16 patients, the tissue defects were completely and successfully covered with an uncomplicated postoperative course. In 4 patients the flaps presented venous congestion and intermittent bleeding and leech application was performed for 2 to 3 days postoperatively. Two of these flaps healed completely without any flap loss. In one patient because the partial flap necrosis occurred in distal one-fourth of the flap, skin grafting was performed after 1 week of vacuum-assisted closure application. Total flap necrosis occurred in only one patient who was suffering from Buerger disease. The authors conclude that the neural-island flap is a highly versatile, easy, and reproducible flap that avoids the use of complicated and risky reconstruction options. It can be considered as an alternative reconstruction option particularly in problematic cases that are not suitable for local or free tissue transfers.

Prefabricated osteocutaneous neural island flap model.

Neural-based flaps are an interesting clinical choice particularly in difficult cases that may not be reconstructed with known techniques. Their popularity is gradually increasing because these flaps offer the advantage of preservation of major extremity arteries and avoidance of microsurgical techniques. Our aim was to explore the feasibility of prefabrication of an osteocutaneous neural island flap model in this study. A peripheral nerve of the rat was implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of a skin flap that was connected to a segment of bone by a soft-tissue bridge, to prefabricate an osteocutaneous flap that was supplied only by the intrinsic vasculature of that nerve after a preliminary delay period. At the end of this study, based on direct observation, microangiographic findings, and additionally, a detailed histologic analysis consisting of both qualitative and quantitative assessments, we have proved that it was possible to prefabricate an osteocutaneous composite flap based on the vascularity of a peripheral nerve after a 2-step delay period. We believe that the clinical application of this new flap will gradually develop based on further experimental studies.

Implant stability and peri-implant parameters in free vascularized iliac graft transplantation patients: report of three ameloblastoma cases.

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma, a benign but locally aggressive tumor, accounts for 9% to 11% of all odontogenic tumors. Radical procedures, including resection, are performed. To restore functions after resection, free vascularized iliac grafts followed by a dental implant-supported prosthesis are used as a successful treatment option. The aim of this case report is to evaluate the peri-implant clinical status and stability of dental implants placed in patients with advanced-stage mandibular ameloblastomas. METHODS: Examinations of three patients revealed extensive ameloblastomas, and hemimandibulectomies were performed. Six months after surgeries, two to four dental implants were placed. After 6 months of healing, one fixed prosthesis and two removable prostheses were delivered. The stability of implants was evaluated at the surgical baseline and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery by resonance-frequency (RF) analysis. Peri-implant clinical parameters (i.e., plaque index [PI], gingival index [GI], gingival bleeding time index [GBTI], and peri-implant probing depth [PD]) were recorded at the delivery of the prosthesis and at follow-ups at 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: Nine implants that supported one removable prosthesis and two fixed prostheses were placed. RF analysis revealed no significant changes in implant stability during 12 months of follow-up. Peri-implant clinical parameters (PI, GI, and GBTI) showed slight improvements during follow-up. Although advancements were observed in 6 months, PDs were found to be deeper than optimal measurements for the whole observation time. CONCLUSION: The implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation of patients with ameloblastomas reconstructed with free vascularized iliac crest grafts can be a predictive alternative for improving the quality of life of patients in which a high implant stability and acceptable peri-implant health may be achieved.

A new experimental reversed-flow flap model: tail artery based skin flap on the dorsum of the rat.

Reversed-flow flaps are widely preferred particularly in reconstruction of the defects of distal part of the extremities. To overcome the drawbacks faced during clinical practice of this flap type, experimental models in economical species are required. This study provides a new reversed-flow flap model on the dorsum of the rat which is supplied by the ipsilateral lateral caudal artery. It is designed as a triangle with a 4-cm long base and 5 cm long height and it is well protected from autocannibalization and environmental conditions because of its dorsal location. When compared with the present models, we believe that this simple, reproducible, and practical flap model can be considered as advantageous, and will be preferred by the researchers for future experimental studies in hemodynamics and physiology of reversed-flow flaps.

A new flap prefabrication model: prefabricated neural-island flap.

The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of a new flap prefabrication method. A peripheral nerve was implanted into the subcutaneous tissue to prefabricate a skin flap that was supplied solely by the intrinsic vasculature of that nerve after a preliminary delay period. The study was composed of 2 parts. In the first part, anatomic dissections were performed to discover the anatomy and the potential nerve to be used as a pedicle for prefabrication of a skin flap. At the end of these dissections, we decided to use the sciatic nerve as the vascular source and the lumbar region skin for prefabrication of the flap. In the second part, 2 groups were formed. In the first group (prefabricated neural island flap group) after dissection of the nerve, it was transected from its distal part, rotated to the dorsum of the rat, and implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of the skin flap prepared in this area. The delay procedure was completed in 2 periods and at the end of the second delay period, the neural island flap was harvested solely based on the nerve itself. In the second group, the same procedures were repeated with the exception that the sciatic nerve supplying the island flap was ligated and transected just after the second delay period, and the skin flap was replaced in situ as a graft. The mean survival of the skin flaps in the prefabricated neural island flap group was 93.9% ± 4.40%, whereas the survival in the graft group was 0.9% ± 1.44% on postoperative day 7. The microangiographic and the histologic findings were in accordance with direct observation. In this study, we have experimentally demonstrated that, a skin flap that is supplied solely by the intrinsic vasculature of a nerve can be prefabricated after the implantation of that nerve into the subcutaneous tissue of that flap after a preliminary delay period. We termed this "Prefabricated Neural-Island Flap." We believe that the clinical application of this new flap will gradually develop on the basis of further experimental studies.