Our Experience in the Surgical Management of Arterio-Venous Malformations of the head and neck.

Introduction: Vascular anomalies comprise a diverse group of abnormalities in blood vessel morphogenesis that usually occur prenatally. Arterio-venous malformations (AVMs) are rare congenital vascular lesions accounting for 1.5% of all vascular anomalies, with 50% of them occur in the oral and maxillo-facial regions. Treatment of large, complex vascular lesions is a serious challenge for patients and surgeons because it can cause disfigurement and massive haemorrhage, which may be spontaneous or the result of surgical intervention. Our study aimed to demonstrate surgical management of massive AVMs of the head and neck. Method: This retrospective study shows the treatment outcomes of 28 patients with massive maxillo-facial vascular malformations, who presented to our department for treatment from 1 January 2015 to 31 July 2022. Results: Twenty-eight patients with a mean age of 17.32 ± 12.21 years (women: 15, men: 13) were enrolled in the study. Diagnosis included extra cranial AVMs of the head and neck region. Treatment modalities, in isolation or combination, included angioembolisation procedure, sclerotherapy, and surgery. Conclusion: Management of AVMs is challenging owing to the replacement of normal tissue by the diseased ones and the high rate of recurrence. Hence, multi-modal approaches are needed for the effective restoration of tissues.

Does the Duration and Severity of Symptoms Have an Impact on Relief of Symptoms after Carpal Tunnel Release?

Rationale Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most frequently encountered compressive neuropathy of the upper limb. The treatment of CTS ranges from conservative management to carpal tunnel release. Many patients with misconception about the potential morbidity and with the hope of successful conservative treatment delay the surgical release of carpal tunnel. This delay results in reduced recovery of sensory and motor median nerve function. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of preoperative duration and severity of symptom on the outcome of carpal tunnel surgery. Method It included 45 cases of CTS, all treated with limited access open carpal tunnel release. The duration of symptoms (i.e., pain, numbness, tingling, waking up at night because of pain/numbness, difficulty in grasping small objects, and their preoperative severity) was noted using Boston CTS questionnaire. To investigate the outcome, patients were divided into three groups based on their duration of symptoms. Result Group1: The severity of symptoms was reduced to normal in a short period of time in patients who presented with duration of symptoms less than 6 months. Group 2: Patients in whom symptoms lasted for 6 to 12 months had reduced or delayed recovery of hand function as compared with first group. Group 3: Patients who had symptoms for more than 12 months had incomplete recovery of grip strength. Return to normal function took the longest time (median: 16 weeks) in this group. Conclusion This study suggests that patients who present late have delayed/incomplete relief of symptoms after carpal tunnel release.

Mandibular reconstruction using osteocutaneous radial forearm flap.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of radial forearm osteocutaneous free flap in complex mandibular reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: A case series. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from January 1998 to January 2008. METHODOLOGY: Patients having a small bony component and a large soft tissue mandibular defect requiring reconstruction were selected. These defects include composite through-and-through defects of the cheek in the retromolar trigone, small lateral bony defects with large intra and extra oral soft tissue defects and small central bony defects with large extra oral tissue loss. Radial forearm osteocutaneous free flap was employed. Complications and graft acceptance were determined at follow-up. RESULTS: Patients were followed-up for an average period of 28 months. Complications occurred in 8 patients. Wound infection and partial wound dehiscence were the most common complication observed in 3 patients. Non-union at recipient site was seen in 2 patients. Flap donor site healed uneventfully in all patients with no fractures at the donor site. CONCLUSION: The radial forearm osteocutaneous flap covers oromandibular defects with large intra-oral and extra oral soft tissue losses. Lateral and anterior mandibular defects were reconstructed satisfactorily in our series.

Experience with lateral cheek rotation flap for the reconstruction of medial cheek soft tissue defects.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of reconstruction in terms of complications, functional restoration and cosmetic restoration of lateral cheek rotation flap. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted between April 2004 and January 2005. Patient's particulars and history were documented. The cause, whether trauma or tumor resection, and dimensions of the defects were recorded. All the patients underwent a "cheek rotation flap" procedure to reconstruct the defect. Post-operative complications like haematoma formation, infection and flap necrosis were noted. Results were assessed in terms of functional as well as aesthetic restoration. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients were included with a male to female ratio of 3:1 and an average age of 46 +/- 14.7. The majority of the defects (76%) were post tumour excision, while the rest (24%) followed trauma. The average defect diameter was 7.5 cms. There was no peri-operative mortality or total flap loss. There were three cases (10%) of transient facial nerve palsy who recovered spontaneously. The final reconstruction was deemed satisfactory in terms of functional and cosmetic restoration in the majority of cases (93%). CONCLUSION: Our results with the lateral cheek rotation flap to reconstruct the defects involving medial cheek have prompted us to recommend it as a first line reconstructive option for many varieties of defects in this area.

Tuberculous tenosynovitis: a cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To highlight the presentation of tuberculous tenosynovitis as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). METHODS: A descriptive study conducted with purposive sampling on the patients presenting between April 2004 to January 2005 to the department of Plastic Surgery, CMH Rawalpindi, with the clinical picture of CTS. Symptoms and signs were recorded. The carpal tunnels were explored under nerve blocks. Where tenosynovitis was observed per-operatively, specimen of excised synovium were sent for histo-pathological examination, acid fast stains and bacterial cultures, to ascertain or rule out the presence of tuberculosis. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients predominantly males were included in the study. The median age was 43 years and average duration of symptoms was 9 months. Tenosynovitis was observed in three patients (6%) per-operatively, with histopathology suggestive of Tuberculous tenosynovitis. Point Prevalence of tuberculous tenosynovitis as a cause of CTS was 6%. These patients reported clinical improvement with anti-tuberculosis treatment. NCS/EMG co-related well with clinical relief. CONCLUSION: Tuberculous tenosynovitis is an uncommon cause of median nerve compression at the wrist. As symptoms are usually typical of CTS, diagnosis is frequently missed. Consideration of the possibility, examination of the opened canal at surgery and proper treatment can result in a successful outcome.

Management of oromandibular cancers.

OBJECTIVE: To emphasize the role and importance of multidisciplinary approach in the management of oral cavity cancers involving the mandible. DESIGN: Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Departments of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, ENT / Head and Neck Surgery and Radiation Oncology, Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi. Duration spans over a period of six years. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 63 patients who had biopsy-proven oromandibular tumors, after thorough assessment / staging in Joint Head and Neck Oncology Clinic, underwent resection and reconstruction for malignant oral cavity tumors involving the mandible were included in the study. All the resected tumor specimen were sent for histopathology. All the post-resection defects were properly classified and reconstructed by the plastic surgery team. Postoperatively, all the patients underwent adjuvant full dose radiotherapy at the Department of Radiation Oncology. Complications were recorded and managed accordingly. At one year follow-up all the available patients were assessed for functional and aesthetic restoration and recurrences. RESULTS: Out of 63 patients there were 40 males and 23 females (ratio 1.7 : 1) with an average age of 50 years. Tumor-free resection margins could be achieved in 56 patients. In 88% cases tumor was a Squamous cell carcinoma. Radical neck dissections were carried on in 27 patients. Radial forearm free flap was used in 27 patients, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap in 19, free fibula osteocutaneous flap in 10, rectus-abdominis myocutaneous free flap with Implant was used in 3 patients to reconstruct the post-resection defects. There was only one total flap loss and 3 partial flap losses. Implant exposure was encountered in 4 instances with 3 major and 5 minor fistulae. At one year follow-up, 56 patients were available. Thirty-seven patients had intelligible speech, 15 patients were taking normal diet and in 33 patients there was a satisfactory mandibular contour restoration. Seven patients had recurrences, 2 were not traceable and 5 patients had died by that time. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary collaboration is the key to effectively manage this group of extremely debilitating malignancies.