[Effect of different concentrations of tranilast on posterior capsule opacification].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of different concentrations(0.5, 1.0, 2.0%) of tranilast eyedrops in preventing fibrous posterior capsule opacification (PCO) in rabbits. METHODS: Experimental phacoemulsification procedures and in-the-bag placement of intraocular lens(IOL) implant were performed. An anterior eye segment analysis system(EAS-1000, Nidek Co, Ltd) was used to evaluate the degree of PCO during 5 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The development of PCO was significantly suppressed in the eyes treated with tranilast eyedrops from 1 week after surgery. The mean PCO density after treatment with 0.5% tranilast was 59.1 +/- 9.3 (mean deviation +/- standard error) and 57.1 +/- 8.2, while for 1.0% tranilast it was 40.1 +/- 6.8 and 46.6 +/- 8.4, and for 2.0% tranilast it was 38.5 +/- 6.0 and 37.5 +/- 5.6 (computer compatible tape, CCT) at 1 week and 5 weeks, respectively. In the control group, the mean PCO density was 89.3 +/- 10.4 and 137.4 +/- 32.8 at 1 week and 5 weeks, respectively(p < 0.05). However, no significant statistical difference was observed in any of the findings for the 3 different tranilast concentrations. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the 0.5% tranilast eyedrops, which are already available on the market, are sufficiently effective for inhibiting PCO.

The sliding door flap for repair of vermilion defects.

The sliding door flap raised on the surface of the vermilion to the oral mucosa has been used for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects of the lower lip. The blood supply to this flap comes from the bilateral inferior labial artery. Utilizing both sides of the arteries, bilateral flaps allow for safe and easy transfer of the vermilion tissue to partial defects of the red lip. These flaps have been used in cases of lower lip defects with complete survival. The sliding door flap has increased mobility by at least 1 cm more than by the other style of flap reported by Goldstein. Moreover, this flap contributes to excellent cosmetic results. Our technique and clinical experiences are presented.

Endoscopic harvest of the tensor fasciae latae muscle flap.

Endoscopic harvest of the tensor fasciae latae muscle flap is presented. Two cases of abdominal wall hernia were treated with reinforcement of the abdominal wall using endoscopically harvested, pedicled tensor fasciae latae muscle flaps. The scars of the thigh after flap harvest were much shorter than the scar of the conventional open technique and the results were satisfactory. As the tensor fasciae latae muscle is easily undermined, we think it is appropriate to harvest the flap using an endoscope. Fascial grafts can also be harvested in the same manner as the pedicled flap.

[The use of TM HAKEN plate in craniofacial surgery].

Rigid internal fixation using mini/micro plate has become a frequent application in cranio-maxillo-facial surgery. In order to make plate fixation easier and reduce operative time, the TM HAKEN plate, a kind of micro plate, was devised which has a thorny HAKEN like an ice pick and applied to cranio-facial surgery. The plate is made of titanium, and th HAKEN and screw are made of titanium alloy. These allow contoured engagement in all three dimensions due to the flexibility of titanium, and firm fixation due to the physical strength of titanium alloy, resulting in minimized artifact on CT scan and MRI images. The fixation is accomplished by just driving in the plate with a hammer, and using screws. In the case of wide operative field, the plate is driven in directly, while in the case of small field, the plate is driven in with an impactor. TM HAKEN plate has been used for osteosynthesis in 39 cases of craniofacial surgery at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Toho University Hospital between September 1992 and September 1994. Of the 39 cases, 19 were cranioplasty using frozen preserved auto-carvarial bone, 9 were midface fractures, 6 were fixation of free bone grafting, and 5 were fixation of artificial bone (hydroxyapatite-tricalcium phosphate composite ceramics) grafting. Satisfactory results were obtained in all cases without any difficult complications such as infection, exposure or migration. In addition, reliable post-operative evaluations and follow-ups were possible with reduced artifact on CT scan and MRI images.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)