Simple volume estimation of the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap in Asian breast reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction is surgery where aesthetics are of the utmost importance, and to achieve symmetry is the ultimate goal. Preoperative volume estimation of a transfer flap can be helpful to achieve symmetry. This study demonstrated a simple volume estimation of the latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous (LDMC) flap. It recorded each patient's body weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) and the weight of the LDMC flap in 21 cases of breast reconstruction, and examined the association between flap weight and patient body weight, height, and body mass index by linear regression analysis. Statistical association was found between flap weight and body weight and between flap weight and BMI. Linear regression analysis also revealed that the weight of the flap could be estimated from the patient's body weight and BMI.

Trigeminal trophic syndrome: report of 2 cases.

OBJECTIVE: We present 2 cases of trigeminal trophic syndrome treated by surgery. METHODS: We performed reconstruction of the ala nasi using a nasolabial flap or paramedian forehead flap in combination with an auricular chondrocutaneous composite graft. RESULTS: One case was successfully treated. However, ulceration recurred intermittently in the other case. CONCLUSIONS: Although trigeminal trophic syndrome is rare, we believe that plastic surgeons should have a raised awareness of this entity and familiarity with the treatment options.

Reconstruction of through-and-through oromandibular defects by the double-skin paddle fibula osteocutaneous flap: can the skin paddle always be divided?

Reconstruction of the through-and-through defects of the oral cavity, involving oral mucosa, bone, and external skin is a major challenge. A single fibula osteocutaneous flap providing two skin islands is an option for such composite reconstruction. The number, location, and size of skin perforators were studied in the distal two thirds of the lower legs in 22 cases of fibula osteocutaneous flap mandibular reconstruction, and whether the skin paddle of the fibula flap could always be divided completely based on two distal perforators was examined. In this study, only 50% of the flaps had two or more distal perforators; thus, it was concluded that the skin paddle of the fibula osteocutaneous flap could not always be divided based on two distal skin perforators.

Lateral orbital expansion and gradual fronto-orbital advancement: an option to treat severe syndromic craniosynostosis.

In some patients with severe syndromic craniosynostosis, bony orbits are so small and shallow that the eyeballs dislocate. Dry cornitis and conjunctivitis can be seen often. When conventional fronto-orbital advancement is attempted in these cases, side walls of the orbit cannot go forward, because the width of bony orbit is smaller than the eyeball. To expand bony orbits and cranial volume, supralateral rim of the orbit was expanded laterally at the time of operation and gradually advanced foward postoperatively. With a coronal skin incision approach, frontal bone was taken off. Supralateral orbital rim bone was detached and cut at the centers of the orbits. Lateral expansion, 5 to 10 mm, was made and fixed with polylactate plates. A pair of distraction devices was fixed between the orbital rim and the temporal bone. Frontal bone was let floating on the dura mater and tied loosely with the orbital rim. Advancement of 1 to 1.5 mm/d was carried out, and the devices were taken off after 1-month consolidation period. Five patients with Pfeiffer syndrome, 1 with Crouzon, and 1 with Beare-Stevenson cutis gyrata syndrome were treated with this method. Procedure, outcomes, and complications are discussed.