Slowly Growing Nodule on the Trunk: Cutaneous Granular Cell Tumor.

Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a rare benign neoplasm of the skin that accounts for 0.5% of all soft-tissue tumors. The tumor mostly presents with a symptomatic slowly growing solitary nodule and overlying normal skin; therefore, it is not always considered in the differential diagnosis. Here, we report a 58-year-old female patient who presented with a 4-year history of a slowly growing mass, with a dimension of 5 × 4 cm on her left waist, diagnosed as a GCT at the histopathological examination. The neoplastic cells had centrally located nuclei and granular eosinophilic cytoplasm and stained positively for S100, neuron-specific enolase, and CD68 antibodies. Fifteen months after surgery, the patient still showed no signs of local recurrence or metastases. Although a large diameter is a feature of malignant GCT, our case with cutaneous GCT was localized on the trunk and did not present malignant features clinically and histopathologically.

Augmentation mammaplasty: retrospective analysis of 210 cases.

Since its introduction in 1895, augmentation mammaplasty has gained widespread acceptance. The choice of breast augmentation procedure is determined almost entirely by three variables: the selection of incision location, the pocket plane for implant placement (either subpectoral or completely subglandular), and the appropriate implant. The current study evaluated 210 cases of augmentation mammaplasty retrospectively. A capsular contracture rate of 8% was found. Rupture and gel bleeding were observed in eight cases (4%). For various reasons, such as capsular contracture or implant rupture, the prostheses were renewed once in 16 patients (8%) and twice in 5 patients (2%). Submammary incision was used in 42 cases (20%). The patients in 23 cases responded that they had implant folds or edges they could feel (11%). Only 4 of these 23 patients stated that feeling the edge of the implant was a concern for them. Of the 210 augmented breasts, 5 had diminished sensation postoperatively (2%), as interpreted by the patient.

Open rhinoplasty without transcolumellar incision.

Traditional open rhinoplasty leaves a scar on the columella. No one can say that this scar is invisible. It is less noticeable in Caucasian patients but it is a problem in non-Caucasian patients like in our country. To avoid such a scar and still obtain a wide exposure of the nasal framework, the bilateral paramarginal incisions close to the columella were extended down to the nasal floors. The lower lateral cartilages forming the nasal tip could then be delivered out through one of the nostrils. An exposure similar to the traditional open rhinoplasty was then achieved. The technique has been used in 23 patients with satisfactory results. In conclusion, the open rhinoplasty without transcolumellar incision can replace the traditional transcolumellar open rhinoplasty technique in selected patients.

A useful method for planning hump resection of deviated nose.

The deviated nose is a particular challenge because both functional and aesthetic problems must be addressed. A most important challenge is resection of the hump. The nasal bones often are asymmetric in deviated noses. Several methods have been used for resection of the hump. Using the authors' method, it is possible to calculate the extent of hump resection. Clinical analysis of the nasal deviation is performed preoperatively. Digital photographs are taken, and all the landmarks are marked on the life-size photo prints. Planning begins on the deviated side. The ideal dorsal line is drawn, and the extent of hump resection is planned according to the preoperative measurements. Measurements on the deviated side are applied to the other side using the medial canthi and the most prominent part of the alar creases as landmarks. Classical methods emphasize the importance of the chisel position during hump removal. According to the classical approach, the chisel should be positioned lower on the deviated side to resect more bone. However, there is no method for calculating how the chisel should be positioned exactly during hump resection. Therefore, a precise plan has been devised to leave symmetric nasal bones after hump resection. The authors have applied this method in eight cases, achieving satisfactory results.

The fate of folded and unfolded dermal grafts: a histopathologic and structural study of rabbits.

Currently, both autogenous and nonautogenous materials are used to treat contour deformities. Autogenous grafts are preferable to nonautogenous grafts because they cause less reaction and are both inexpensive and easy to obtain. Currently, however, no consensus exists on an ideal autogenous graft. As autogenous materials, dermal grafts can be obtained from scar tissue, allowing simultaneous revision of scars, quicker vascularization than with other autogenous tissues, and a very short immobilization for their stabilization (i.e., they interact with surrounding tissues). The operation can be performed with the patient under local anesthesia, providing regular contours easily. Alternative techniques are needed to increase the viability and mass effects of autogenous grafts in the long term. With this as the objective, folded dermal grafts were used to increase the mass effects of dermal grafts. The current study compared long-term histopathologic and structural changes in unfolded and folded dermal autogenous grafts used for correction of soft tissue contour deformities. Thicknesses and histopathologic changes of the unfolded and folded dermal autogenous grafts were evaluated 6 and 12 months after placement of the grafts in the abdomens of 10 rabbits. Both the authors' observations and histopathologic examinations showed that the folded dermis caused a more severe granulomatous reaction and fibrosis. Graft thicknesses considerably increased in the first 6 months, but then almost leveled off in the following months. Increased fibrosis in the folded grafts had a masslike effect, which was preserved in the long term, suggesting that folded dermal grafts can be used clinically.

Ameloblastic carcinoma arising from anterior skull base.

Ameloblastic carcinoma (AC) is an aggressive malignant epithelial odontogenic tumor. It may appear de novo or originate from a pre-existing ameloblastoma or odontogenic cyst. To our knowledge, an AC that originates from the anterior skull base has not been reported before in the English literature. We report a case of an AC that originated from the anterior skull base and invaded the dura of the anterior fossa and discuss its clinical course and treatment.

Augmentation rhinoplasty with dermal graft and review of the literature.

Nasal augmentation required following a trauma or a rhinoplasty operation poses a challenging problem to many plastic surgeons. Currently, allografts and autologous tissues are used for nasal augmentation; however, an ideal technique has not yet been described. Although preferred for augmentation of different parts of the body, pure dermal graft use has not been described for nasal augmentation. The authors performed nasal augmentation using a dermal graft in 90 patients in their hospital between 1994 and 2000, and they followed up the patients for 6 months to 8 years. In this article, the early and late results of dermal grafts for nasal augmentation are presented, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed with a review of the literature. It was concluded that the easily obtained dermal graft could be an appropriate alternative in nasal augmentation, though it has not been used widely for this purpose.

Effects of hyaluronic acid-carboxymethylcellulose membrane on extraneural adhesion formation and peripheral nerve regeneration.

The goal of nerve repair in the peripheral nervous system is to increase the number of axons passing from proximal to distal stump, and to enable the regenerated axons to reach the end organ as soon as possible. In the present study, the effect of the membrane formed by a mixture of hyaluronic acid and carboxymethylcellulose (HA-CMC) on nerve regeneration and perineurial scar formation was investigated. Eighteen New Zealand rabbits were allocated into control (n = 9) and experimental groups (n = 9). In the control group, conventional nerve repair was carried out following the transection of the sciatic nerve, while in the experimental group, following repair of the nerve, the repair line was covered by HA-CMC membrane extending 1 cm beyond the distal and proximal ends. Nerve regeneration and extraneurial adhesion formation were compared between the two groups 3 months later. It was observed that adhesion in the surrounding tissues was significantly less in the experimental group than in the control group. Furthermore, morphometric analysis of specimens obtained from the distal parts of nerves showed that the number of axons with myelin was higher in the experimental group than in the control group, with a statistically significant difference. Histologic sections obtained from the nerve repair line demonstrated that extraneural and intraneural fibrosis was significantly lower in the experimental group. It was concluded that HA-CMC membrane had a favorable effect on nerve regeneration, as well as extraneural scar formation, encouraging the clinical application of HA-CMC following nerve injuries.

Disseminated squamous cell carcinoma of the skin.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for a large proportion of nonmelanoma skin cancers. It may appear mainly on the skin and the mucous membranes; however, it may also appear on any part of the body. The tumor originates from atypical keratinocytes. This tumor, which can be locally destructive, has a metastasis rate of 5% to 10%. OBJECTIVE: To present a patient with disseminated primary SCC of the skin. METHODS: In this report, we present a unique case of disseminated SCC that is thought to be primary. As far as we know, the patient neither had any syndrome or a disease predisposing to SCC nor was exposed to toxic substances or ionized radiation. The disease progressed in a very short period. To our knowledge, there has not so far been a case of disseminated primary SCC. The patient was inoperable when he presented to our clinic. RESULTS: Chemotherapy was instituted in the Department of Medical Oncology; unfortunately, the patient died while on the therapy. CONCLUSION: An original case of disseminated SCC of the skin is presented.

A new, T-shaped adaptor for easy, quick and efficient fat harvesting during liposuction.

Although there is a controversy about success and failure of autologous fat tissue transfers, it is a widely accepted method for soft tissue augmentation and is performed by many plastic surgeons as well as dermatologists all around the world. Its advantages are that it does not cause reactions, its absorption rates have been reduced by increased knowledge, experience, and techniques, it can yield good, long-term results, and there are now preservation techniques that allow reinjections when necessary. However, no single ideal technique has been determined. In this paper a new, simple, T-shaped adaptor for easy, quick, and efficient fat harvesting during liposuction is described. This study not only describes the clinical use of the adaptor, but also histologically examines its effects on fat cells under various vacuum pressures (-250 mmHg, -500 mmHg, -700 mmHg). The study shows that the cell structure of fat tissue harvested under medium power (with vacuum pressures of -250 mmHg and -500 mmHg) is not disrupted, while that of tissue harvested with a vacuum pressure of -700 mmHg was traumatized and occasional cell wall fragmentation occurred. In conclusion, it is shown that the T-shaped adaptor allows harvesting of the desired amount of fat tissue without causing trauma to fat cells when it is used with medium-power suction.

Effects of different vascular patterns and the delay phenomenon on rat ventral island flap viability.

The objective of the current study was to investigate flap viability and to determine optimal delay time by designing various blood flow patterns in the superficial inferior epigastric (SIE) artery (A) and vein (V) flap model. Flaps measuring 7 x 7 cm were created in 42 Sprague-Dawley rats, which were divided into six groups. In group I rats (AV-AV), the flap was elevated based on the bilateral SIE vessels. In group II rats (AV-A), the flap was elevated based on the right SIE vessels and the left artery. In group III rats (V-AV), the flap was elevated based on the left-side vein whereas the SIE artery and vein were the pedicle on the right side. In group IV rats (V-A), the flap was elevated as a venous flap on the left side and was SIE artery based on the right side. In group V rats (AV-) the flap was elevated based on the right SIE artery and vein. In group VI rats (delay), the SIA artery and vein on the left side were ligated without elevation during the first session. The flap was elevated on the right SIE artery and vein 7 days after the delay procedure. Percentages of viable flap surface area were measured in millimeters with acetate paper on day 5 after surgery. The highest viability was seen in group I rats (96.14%), and the delay group had the second highest viable area (88.56%). The area that remained viable in group II was larger than that of group III (87.41% vs. 72.84%; p < 0.05). The least viable areas were observed in group IV. The percentage of viable flap area was significantly higher in the delay group when compared with group V rats (88.56 +/- 1.06% vs. 60.01 2.58%; p < 0.05). In conclusion, if the contralateral pedicle is ligated 7 days before SIE vessel-based island flap elevation, the flap can be used safely in a manner that crosses the median. Artery inflow of the flap is more important than venous outflow for improvement of flap viability on the contralateral side.