A Novel Conchal Cartilage Harvesting Technique.

BACKGROUND: Conchal cartilage is generally favored in rhinoplasty with a satisfied aesthetic outcome. However, patients may suffer from postoperative donor auricle deformities. OBJECTIVES: This study introduced a novel conchal cartilage harvesting technique which can minimize the deformity of auricle and harvest the sufficient amounts of grafts. METHODS: This study proposed preservation of the concha cymba and cavum support structures to minimize the deformity of auricle and harvest of cartilage hidden in the craniofacial region to obtain the sufficient amounts. The medical records of 60 patients who underwent the novel conchal cartilage harvesting were reviewed retrospectively. Postoperative aesthetic outcomes were assessed by comparing pre- and postoperative photographs according to the deformation extent of auricular subunits (cymba concha, cavum concha, antihelix, helix crus and intertragal notch) on a four-point Likert scale. Additionally, function and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: 56 patients performed unilateral conchal cartilage harvesting (8 with right-side and 48 with left-side) and 4 performed bilateral harvesting. The average aesthetic score, rated on a four-point Likert scale (1 = significant deformation, 2 = moderated deformation, 3 = slight deformation, 4 = complete no deformation), were 3.83 ± 0.03 points, respectively. The functional scores, rated on a four-point Likert scale (1 = significant damage, 2 = moderated damage, 3 = slight damage, 4 = complete no damage), was 3.94±0.03. Complications included hematoma, delayed wound healing and hypopigmentated scar in six ears (9.4%). CONCLUSIONS: This novel technique can minimize the deformity of auricle, as shown by the outcome scores, and allows for sufficient amount of grafting material acquired. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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 .

Evaluation of the association between glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms and susceptibility to cutaneous melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes play a crucial role in detoxification by catalysing the conjugation of many hydrophobic and electrophilic compounds with reduced glutathione. Polymorphisms in GST genes may influence the susceptibility to various cancers, including melanoma. Aim: We reported a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between GST polymorphisms and susceptibility to cutaneous melanoma. Material and methods: A comprehensive search of four databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, was conducted to gather pertinent studies up until 24 August 2023. No restrictions were imposed during the search. The analysis included 32 studies and was broken down into subgroups based on ethnicity, control source, control matching, quality score, and sample size. Results: The forest plot analyses on GSTM1, GSTT1, combined GSTM1/GSTT1, and GSTP1 polymorphisms in relation to melanoma risk showed no statistically significant differences between the case and control groups, except for the recessive model of GSTP1 polymorphism. The analysis revealed significant associations between GSTM1 polymorphisms and melanoma risk in Asians and in studies with a sample size of less than 200. For the combined GSTM1/GSTT1 polymorphisms, a significant association was found in hospital-based controls. Conclusions: While this study enhances our understanding of the genetic factors influencing melanoma risk, it also highlights the need for further research. The current evidence is not sufficient to confirm or reject the intervention effect. Future research should consider gene-gene and gene-environment interactions, which could offer a more comprehensive understanding of the complex biology of melanoma.

Practical Classification and Management of Accessory Auricle.

BACKGROUND: Accessory auricle is a common congenital abnormal auricular appendage with various forms of presentation. The authors proposed a practical classification system based on the involved anatomical subunits (tragus, the anterior notch and the intertragal notch) and described the corresponding surgical procedures. METHODS: The authors reviewed and analyzed 80 patients (96 ears) who underwent accessory auricle excisions form January 2018 to December 2021. Accessory auricles were classified into three categories: simple (no deformed subunits), complex (several deformed subunits) and compound (coexistence of simple and complex type). The complex type was subclassified into notch and tragal subtypes. The tragal subtype was subclassified into subtype A, B and C, according to the location, contour and size of the involved tragus. Surgical methods were described, and postoperative outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Simple type was the most common type (54%) and compound type was less common (15%). In addition, there were 28 (29%) tragal subtype accessory auricles and 2 (2%) notch subtype. Among the tragal subtype, A was the most commonly observed (25%), followed by B (2%) and C (2%). Patients were followed for an average of 11.3 months. One patient experienced delayed wound healing and 6 patients showed hypertrophic scars. The average aesthetic score, evaluated by a 4-point Likert scale (1 = poor, 2 = fair, 3 = good, 4 = excellent), was 3.67 ± 0.06 points. The OSAS and PSAS scores were 9.29 ± 0.44 and 10.84 ± 0.40, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The innovative classification system of accessory auricles can reflect whether there was a combined deformity and the deformed subunits, and guide decisions on surgical approaches. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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 .

Ear reconstruction stage I: Minor modifications in sculpting the auricle support using the 7th and 8th costal cartilages.

BACKGROUND: The verisimilitude of the reconstructed auricle and its long-term stability largely depends on the framework sculpting. This study described three kinds of minor modifications based on Firmin's way of sculpting the auricle framework and reported the clinical outcomes achieved with them. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of congenital microtia patients undergoing detail-improved auricular reconstruction from June 2016 to June 2020. The three kinds of minor modifications included: (1) fabricating the base frame using the 7th costal cartilage, (2) fabricating the helix and the antihelix complex using the 8th costal cartilage, and (3) fabricating the helix using the combination of the 8th and 9th costal cartilage. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients (aged 9-27 years, 62.2% male) were included. Ninety-five patients (97.0%) adopted minor modifications 1, 2, and 3 patients (3.0%) adopted minor modifications 1, 2, and 3. All patients achieved an excellent auricle appearance and a well-laid foundation for subsequent operations. During the follow-up period, 89 patients (90.8%) were satisfied with the reconstructed auricles, 6 (6.1%) complained of hypertrophic scars in the retroauricular sulcus or pigmentation in the skin graft area, and 3 (3.1%) developed surgery-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Three minor modifications of the auricle framework sculpting can make more satisfactory use of cartilage and adjust with the flexibility of the reconstructed auricle in different situations, making it similar to the contralateral auricle, thus, improving patients' satisfaction.

Repair of Congenitally Defective Type of Earlobe Clefts With Residual Lobular Tissue: A Convenient and Effective Surgical Technique.

BACKGROUND: For patients with a congenitally defective type of earlobe cleft, repair techniques similar to those utilized for earlobe lacerations are not suitable due to the presence of certain tissue defects. However, traditional earlobe reconstruction techniques imply the need to form complex flaps with adjacent normal tissues, which may lead to many complications. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we developed a technique to repair the earlobe with residual lobular tissue based on the characteristics of congenitally defective earlobe clefts. METHODS: We designed a triangular random flap out of the remnant lobular tissue, rotated and embedded into the edge of the remnant earlobe to repair the earlobe. RESULTS: In the past 3 years, this technique was applied to 15 patients with congenitally defective earlobe clefts. With this technique, the new earlobe achieved the desired aesthetic results, such as smooth edges and fullness of form, without complicated and unnecessary incisions. It also solved the aesthetic problem of residual lobular tissue on the face. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the characteristics of the congenitally defective type of earlobe cleft, we innovatively proposed the utilization of residual lobular tissues for earlobe repair, and the feasibility and multiple advantages of this technique have been demonstrated in practice.

Craniofacial multi-point fascial suspension combined with tongue-shaped flap for correction of cryptotia deformity.

BACKGROUND: In this article, we will introduce a modified surgical approach to correct cryptotia (by suspending the auricular cartilage to the temporal region), which allows for a more visible and consistent surgical benefit than previous techniques that simply used flap accumulation. METHODS: We use several stitches to suspend the released auricular cartilage from the root of the auricular cartilage (approximately deep in the cavum conchae and the cymba conchae cartilage) to the temporal bone periosteum in a higher position, presumably similar to the principle of leverage, thus obtaining a larger auriculocephalic sulcus and a higher superior auricular pole. RESULTS: Over the past 5 years, this new technique was applied to the auricles of 20 patients between the ages of 15 and 40 years. They all obtained a satisfactory height of the upper pole of the auricle, the auriculocephalic sulcus, and the amount of skin tissue behind the auricle. CONCLUSIONS: In response to the failure of previous techniques to provide a satisfactory auriculocephalic sulcus and superior auricular pole height, this modified technique provides more consistent support directly to the auricle by means of suspension, allowing for a deeper head sulcus and higher superior auricular pole. The main features of this technique are the convenience and stability of the results, and the ability to adjust the sulcus and the height of the auricle as needed during the surgery.

[Clinical application of autologous costal cartilage transplantation in repair of upper lip depression in secondary repair of cleft lip].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the clinical application and effectiveness of autologous costal cartilage transplantation in the repair of upper lip depression in the secondary repair of cleft lip. METHODS: The clinical data of 10 patients of secondary repair of upper lip depression with cleft lip by autologous costal cartilage transplantation between January 2017 and January 2019 were retrospectively analysed. There were 7 males and 3 females with an average age of 24 years (range, 18-33 years). There were 8 cases of bilateral lip fissure and 2 cases of unilateral lip fissure. All of them underwent early lip repair at the age of 2-3 years old. The change of the profile of the soft tissue profile of the upper lip of the patient was quantitatively analyzed before operation and at immediate after operation, including the soft tissue facial angle (G-Sn-Pg'), the nasolabial angle (Cm-Sn-UL), the mentolabial angle (UL-LL-Pg'), the distance between the most salient point of the upper lip to the aesthetic plane (UL-E), the highest point of the frontal part, the projection distance of the most salient point of the upper lip on the plane of the orbital ear (G-UL), and the upper lip protrusion (ULP). RESULTS: One case had incision infection and healed after dressing change, and in the other 9 patients, the incisions healed by first intention, and no acute infection and other complications occurred. The appearance of the lateral morphology of the upper lip at immediate after operation was significantly improved when compared with that before operation. The value of UL-LL-Pg', UL-E, G-UL, and ULP were significantly increased and G-Sn-Pg' was significantly decreased when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Cm-Sn-UL between pre- and post-operation ( t=0.821, P=0.433). All the 10 patients were followed up 6-24 months, with an average of 15 months. During the follow-up, the soft tissue morphology of the upper lip was good. No long-term complications such as cartilage absorption and cartilage displacement were found. CONCLUSION: Autologous costal cartilage transplantation is a safe and effective treatment for upper lip depression in the secondary repair of cleft lip.

[Auricular cartilage multi-point suspension fixed to craniofacial deep fascia in correcting mild to moderate cupped ear malformation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of using auricular cartilage multi-point suspension fixed on deep craniofacial fascia in correcting mild to moderate cupped ear malformation. METHODS: Between January 2014 and March 2016, 22 patients (12 males and 10 females) with mild to moderate cupped ear malformation were admitted, aged from 6 to 28 years, with an average age of 15 years. Sixteen cases were unilateral and 6 cases were bilateral. According to Tanzer classification, there were 18 sides of type Ⅰ and 10 sides of type Ⅱ. The otocranial groove incision was selected to expose and release the posterior auricular muscles and ligaments. The abnormal structure of auricle subunits was remolded. The auricle cartilage was suspended and fixed on the deep craniofacial fascia with non absorbable line to remodel the shape and position of auricle. RESULTS: The incision healed by first intention, without hematoma, infection, and skin necrosis. All the patients were followed up 3-48 months, with an average of 12 months. In addition to 1 case of slippage of the fixed line knot, the effect was good after being suspended and fixed again, the auricles of the other patients were not drooping and tilted forward, the shape of the outer ear was good, the ear boat was obvious, the shape of the upper and lower feet of the ear wheel and the pair of ears was natural, the bilateral symmetry was good, and the patients and their families were satisfied. CONCLUSION: Auricular cartilage multi-point suspension fixed on deep craniofacial fascia is effective in the treatment of mild to moderate cupped ear malformation.

[Effectiveness of autologous costal cartilage transplantation in repair of Binder's syndrome].

Objective: To investigate the technical points and effectiveness of autogenous costal cartilage transplantation in repair of Binder's syndrome. Methods: Between June 2012 and June 2017, 8 cases of Binder's syndrome were admitted. There were 3 males and 5 females, aged 16-31 years (mean, 22 years). All patients were conformed to the typical manifestations of Binder's syndrome. The autogenous costal cartilage was harvested and carved into the nasal dorsum graft, nasal column graft, and nasal basement graft. Before and after operation, standard pictures of the anterior view, lateral view, and base view were taken to measure facial related parameters of nasal dorsum length, nasal columella-lobule ratio, nasofrontal angle, nasal columella-upper lip angle, nasal tip projection rate, and nasion projection. Then the effectiveness of this surgical procedure for Binder's syndrome was evaluated. Results: All incisions healed by first intention without acute infections. All patients were followed up 6-36 months, with an average of 18 months. The foreign body sensation in upper lip and scar hyperplasia in thoracic incision occurred in 1 case, respectively. The nasal morphology improved significantly and the coordinated relationships of the nose with the upper lip and face were restored postoperatively. Postoperative parameter measurements were taken in 6 cases. The nasal dorsum length, nasal columella-lobule ratio, nasofrontal angle, nasal columella-upper lip angle, nasal tip projection rate, and nasion projection at preoperation were significantly improved when compared with the values at 6 months after operation ( P<0.05). The difference in nasal dorsum length, nasal tip projection rate, and nasion projection between actual values at 6 months after operation and normal values was no significant ( P<0.05). There was significant difference in nasal columella-lobule ratio between actual value at 6 months after operation and normal value ( P>0.05). Conclusion: Autogenous costal cartilage transplantation in repair of Binder's syndrome can obviously improve patients' appearance of the external nose and middle face, and obtain the persistent effectiveness.

[Application of local skin flaps in adjustment of reconstructed nasal alars at second stage].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of local skin flaps such as V-Y advancement flap (V-Y plasty) and transposition flap (Z plasty) in the adjustment of reconstructed nasal alars at second stage. Methods: Between June 2012 and January 2017, 14 cases of reconstructed nasal alars by nasolabial flap or expanded forehead flap were recruited. There were 9 males and 5 females with an average age of 34.8 years (range, 18-52 years). The interval time between one- and two-stage operations was 1-12 months (mean, 3 months). The type of local skin flap was decided according to the flaws of reconstructed nasal alars. V-Y plasty was used in 5 cases, Z plasty in 2 cases, and V-Y plasty combined with Z plasty in 7 cases. Results: All operations were successfully completed. The flaps in 3 cases suffered from epidermal necrosis at the far end and healed by dressing change. The other wounds healed by first intention. All 14 cases were followed up 6-40 months (mean, 12 months). The nasal alars had verisimilar shape and symmetrical appearance. The color and texture of reconstructed nasal alar were closed to peripheral tissues. Conclusion: Applying local skin flaps such as V-Y plasty and Z plasty can acquire a better shape in the adjustment of reconstructed nasal alars.

[Simulation and Design of Infant Incubator Assembly Line].

According to current assembly situation of infant incubator in company A, basic industrial engineering means such as time study was used to analyze the actual products assembly production and an assembly line was designed. The assembly line was modeled and simulated with software Flexsim. The problem of the assembly line was found by comparing simulation result and actual data, then through optimization to obtain high efficiency assembly line.