The effect of preoperative botulinum toxin a injection on traction force during hernia repair: a prospective, single-blind study, intra-patient comparison using contralateral side as a control.

PURPOSE: Ventral hernias are a common complication of laparotomy, posing challenges particularly when primary fascial closure is unattainable. Although chemical component separation using preoperative botulinum toxin A (BTX) injections has emerged as a promising adjunct, objective evidence of its efficacy remains limited. This study aimed to objectively assess the effect of preoperative BTX on traction force during ventral hernia repair. METHODS: A prospective, single-blind study was conducted on patients with midline incisional hernias following liver transplantation. BTX was administered unilaterally, and the traction force required to medially advance the anterior rectus sheath was measured intraoperatively. Pre- and post-injection CT scans were analyzed for changes in hernia size and LAW muscle measurements. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate traction force differences between BTX-injected and uninjected sides. RESULTS: Ten patients underwent hernia repair with primary fascial closure achieved in all cases. Comparison of pre- and post-injection CT scans showed no significant changes in hernia size. LAW muscle length increased by 1.8 cm, while thickness decreased by 0.2 cm. Intraoperative traction force measurements revealed a significant reduction on the BTX-injected side compared to the uninjected side (p < 0.0001). The traction force ratio on the BTX-injected to the uninjected side averaged 57%, indicating the efficacy of BTX in reducing tension. CONCLUSION: Preoperative BTX significantly reduces traction force during ventral hernia repair, highlighting its potential as an adjunctive therapy in complex cases. While challenges remain in patient selection and outcome assessment, BTX offers a promising avenue for enhancing abdominal wall reconstruction outcomes and reducing surgical complications.

A Rare Atypical Case of Asymptomatic and Spontaneous Intraneural Hematoma of Sural Nerve: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Intraneural hematoma is a rare disease that results in an impaired nerve function because of bleeding around the peripheral nerve, with only 20 cases reported. Trauma, neoplasm, and bleeding disorders are known factors for intraneural hematoma. However, here we report atypical features of asymptomatic and spontaneous intraneural hematoma which are difficult to diagnose. A 60-year-old woman visited our clinic with the complaint of a palpable mass on the right calf. She reported no medical history or trauma to the right calf and laboratory findings showed normal coagulopathy. Ultrasonography was performed, which indicated hematoma near saphenous vein and sural nerve or neurogenic tumor. We performed surgical exploration and intraneural hematoma was confirmed on sural nerve. Meticulous paraneuriotomy and evacuation was performed without nerve injury. Histological examination revealed intraneural hematoma with a vascular wall. No neurologic symptoms were observed. In literature review, we acknowledge that understanding anatomy of nerve, using ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool and surgical decompression is key for intraneural hematoma. Our case report may help establish the implications of diagnosis and treatment. Also, we suggested surgical treatment is necessary even in cases that do not present symptoms because neurological symptoms and associated symptoms may occur later.

Facial palsy reconstruction.

The facial nerve stimulates the muscles of facial expression and the parasympathetic nerves of the face. Consequently, facial nerve paralysis can lead to facial asymmetry, deformation, and functional impairment. Facial nerve palsy is most commonly idiopathic, as with Bell palsy, but it can also result from a tumor or trauma. In this article, we discuss traumatic facial nerve injury. To identify the cause of the injury, it is important to first determine its location. The location and extent of the damage inform the treatment method, with options including primary repair, nerve graft, cross-face nerve graft, nerve crossover, and muscle transfer. Intracranial proximal facial nerve injuries present a challenge to surgical approaches due to the complexity of the temporal bone. Surgical intervention in these cases requires a collaborative approach between neurosurgery and otolaryngology, and nerve repair or grafting is difficult. This article describes the treatment of peripheral facial nerve injury. Primary repair generally offers the best prognosis. If primary repair is not feasible within 6 months of injury, nerve grafting should be attempted, and if more than 12 months have elapsed, functional muscle transfer should be performed. If the affected nerve cannot be utilized at that time, the contralateral facial nerve, ipsilateral masseter nerve, or hypoglossal nerve can serve as the donor nerve. Other accompanying symptoms, such as lagophthalmos or midface ptosis, must also be considered for the successful treatment of facial nerve injury.

The Effect of 3-Dimensional-Printed Sequential Dual Drug-Releasing Patch on the Capsule Formation Around the Silicone Implant in a Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: Implant-based breast reconstruction is associated with increased risk of early infection and late-stage capsular contracture. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the feasibility of a dual drug-releasing patch that enabled the controlled delivery of antibiotics and immunosuppressants in a temporally and spatially appropriate manner to the implant site. METHODS: The efficacy of a dual drug-releasing patch, which was 3-dimensional-printed (3D-printed) with tissue-derived biomaterial ink, was evaluated in rats with silicone implants. The groups included implant only (n = 10); implant plus bacterial inoculation (n = 14); implant, bacterial inoculation, and patch loaded with gentamycin placed on the ventral side of the implant (n = 10), and implant, bacterial inoculation, and patch loaded with gentamycin and triamcinolone acetonide (n = 9). Histologic and immunohistochemical analyses were performed 8 weeks after implantation. RESULTS: The 2 drugs were sequentially released from the dual drug-releasing patch and exhibited different release profiles. Compared to the animals with bacterial inoculation, those with the antibiotic-only and the dual drug-releasing patch exhibited thinner capsules and lower myofibroblast activity and inflammation, indicating better tissue integration and less foreign body response. These effects were more pronounced with the dual drug-releasing patch than with the antibiotic-only patch. CONCLUSIONS: The 3D-printed dual drug-releasing patch effectively reduced inflammation and capsule formation in a rat model of silicone breast reconstruction. The beneficial effect of the dual drug-releasing patch was better than that of the antibiotic-only patch, indicating its therapeutic potential as a novel approach to preventing capsular contracture while reducing concerns of systemic side effects.

"Gearing Effect in Clockwise Rotational Orthognathic Surgery".

BACKGROUND: The standard procedure for the management of skeletal class III malocclusion is maxillary advancement with mandibular setback. Occlusal plane altering orthognathic surgery, such as jaw rotation, is useful as well. Although clockwise jaw rotation is a common procedure, its mechanism has not been well-investigated. Therefore, in this study, we aim to introduce the gearing effect to correct class III malocclusion in Asians by maxillary posterior impaction via clockwise rotation without advancing the maxilla. METHODS: Patients with class III correction with clockwise rotation of the maxillomandibular complex without maxillary advancement were included, while those with genioplasty were excluded. Various facial skeletal cephalometric landmarks were measured through artificial intelligence based cephalometric analysis software. The gearing effect was determined by dividing the lower anterior facial height (LAFH) in relatively short and long groups compared to those in the ANS‒PNS length. RESULTS: In a total of 29 patients, the amount of Menton setback between group 1 (n=15, short LAFH) and group 2 (n=14, long LAFH) was 1.67±0.66 and 2.74±0.99 mm per 1 mm of PNS impaction, respectively (p=0.002), and 1.58(interquartile range(IQR) 0.78) and 1.95(IQR 1.05) mm per 1° clockwise rotation of palatal angle, respectively (p=0.007). The convexity of the A point was improved without any significant change in the SNA angle before and after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This article addressed the scientific evidence in impact of clockwise rotational orthognathic surgery based on the gearing effect. Considering the gearing effect, the mandibular setback turned out to be more effective in patients with a long LAFH.

A Comparative Study of Titanium Cranioplasty for Extensive Calvarial Bone Defects: Three-Dimensionally Printed Titanium Implants Versus Premolded Titanium Mesh.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the complications and symmetry outcomes between 3-dimensionally printed titanium implants and premolded titanium mesh in patients with extensive calvarial bone defects. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included patients with calvarial defects >50 cm2 undergoing cranioplasty who received either a 3-dimensionally printed titanium implant manufactured by selective laser melting techniques (N = 12) or a premolded titanium mesh customized onto a 3-dimensionally printed skull template (N = 23). Complications including intracranial infection, hardware extrusion, wound dehiscence, and cerebrospinal fluid leaks were investigated. Predictive factors affecting complications were investigated to identify the odds ratios in univariate and multivariate analyses. The symmetry was assessed by calculating the root mean square deviation, which showed the morphological deviation of the selected area compared with the mirrored image of the contralateral region. RESULTS: The overall complication rate was 26.1% (6/23 patients) in the premolded titanium group and 16.7% (2/12 patients) in the 3-dimensionally printed group. The reoperation rates did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (3-dimensionally printed group, 16.7%, versus premolded group, 21.7%). In multivariate analysis, only the number of previous cranial operation was significantly associated with the complication rate (odds ratio, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.037-5.649; P = 0.041). The mean ± SD of the root mean square deviation was significantly smaller in the 3-dimensionally printed group (2.58 ± 0.93 versus 4.82 ± 1.31 mm, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The 3-dimensionally printed titanium implant manufactured by the selective laser melting technique showed comparable stability and improved symmetry outcomes compared with the conventional titanium mesh in the reconstruction of extensive calvarial defects.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Flap Volume Change in Total Tongue Reconstruction: Focus on Reinnervated Dynamic Tongue Reconstruction.

In general, flap volume decreases over time and further in the case of a denervated muscle flap. In our institution, dynamic reconstruction, including functional muscle flaps, has been used to aid functional recovery in the past 6 years. This study aimed to determine the effect of volume change of the fat and muscular sections of reconstructed tongue flaps after motor nerve reinnervation in dynamic total tongue reconstruction using 3-dimensional measurement and analysis. A retrospective chart review was performed on 21 patients who underwent total tongue reconstruction using an anterolateral thigh free flap from 2015 to 2020. The fat and muscle volumes of the flap were measured using computed tomography data obtained before surgery (T0), 2 weeks after surgery (T1), and 6 months after surgery (T2) using a 3-dimensional rendering software. Among the 21 patients that underwent tongue reconstruction, 10 underwent dynamic reconstruction, whereas 11 underwent conventional reconstruction using a fasciocutaneous flap. T2 volume compared with T1 was 69.08% in the conventional reconstruction group, and the fat and muscle portions in the dynamic reconstruction group were 77.04% and 69.06%, respectively. No significant difference was noted in the volume change between the 2 groups. After dynamic tongue reconstruction, the muscular volume of the flap had similar volume reduction rate as the fat volume. The dynamic reconstruction was effective not only for functional muscle transfer but also for maintaining the volume of the reconstructed muscle flap.

Safety of Augmenting Breast Volume in Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction With Contralateral Breast Augmentation: Comparison With 2-Stage Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Direct-to-implant breast reconstruction is a standard method of implant-based reconstruction; however, the risk of skin necrosis and implant failure exists. During simultaneous contralateral augmentation, an implant larger than the resected tissue must be inserted to balance both sides, which may increase the risk of complications. This study examined the differences in the incidence of complications between the single-stage direct-to-implant reconstruction and 2-stage reconstruction when contralateral augmentation was performed simultaneously. METHODS: This study included 99 patients who underwent implant-based breast reconstruction with contralateral augmentation between 2012 and 2020. A retrospective chart review was conducted and the patients were divided into 2 groups: the single-stage reconstruction (n = 61) and 2-stage reconstruction (TSR, n = 38) groups. Demographic data and surgical and oncological information were collected. Complications including skin necrosis and reconstruction failure were investigated as the primary outcome. RESULTS: Implant volume and contralateral implant volume were significantly greater in TSR group than in the single-stage reconstruction group. There were no significant differences in the incidence of complications and reconstruction failure rates between both groups. The nipple-sparing mastectomy was the risk factor for complications. Furthermore, the risk factors for mastectomy skin necrosis were implant volume and differences in the volume of both implants. CONCLUSIONS: Single-stage reconstruction did not increase the risk of complications compared with TSR when implants that were larger than the resected tissue were inserted after mastectomy. Proper patient selection and selection of implants that are not excessively large could satisfy patients' cosmetic needs in a single operation.

Impact of Dynamic Tongue Reconstruction on Sequential Changes of Swallowing Function in Patients Undergoing Total or Near-Total Glossectomy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effects of motor-innervated free flap on sequential changes of swallowing function in patients undergoing total or near-total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical charts of 21 patients who underwent tongue reconstruction after total or near-total glossectomy between April 2015 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into groups by reconstruction type: conventional, reconstruction using an anterolateral thigh free flap (n = 11), and dynamic, reconstruction using an anterolateral thigh with innervated vastus lateralis flap (n = 10). Demographics, surgical details, and survival outcomes were investigated. A videofluoroscopic penetration-aspiration scale and functional outcome swallowing scale were analyzed according to postoperative time courses, classified as within 6 months, 6 to 12 months, and after 12 months postoperative. A time-to-event analysis was performed for gastrostomy tube status. RESULTS: The dynamic group showed improved swallowing outcomes at 6 to 12 months postoperative (dynamic vs conventional group, penetration-aspiration scale: 3 ± 1.51 vs 6 ± 1.63, P = 0.024; functional outcome swallowing scale: 1.89 ± 1.36 vs 4 ± 1.41, P = 0.009). In the multivariate analysis, the dynamic group showed a decreased probability of decompensated swallowing function at 6 to 12 months postoperative (odds ratio, 0.062; 95% confidence interval, 0.004-1.084; P = 0.057). A time-to-event analysis revealed no significant difference in gastrostomy tube status between the dynamic and the conventional group. CONCLUSIONS: Considering higher mortality in patients subjected to total or near-total glossectomy, dynamic reconstruction with motor-innervated free flap is worth to perform in terms of enhancing the swallowing function within 1-year postoperative period, thereby improving the quality of life.

Primary Cleft Rhinoplasty with Custom Suture Needle for Alar Cartilage Repositioning in Unilateral Cleft Lip Patients: 3D Nasal Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Primary nasal correction has been demonstrated to be a beneficial practice for patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. However, there is currently no consensus among cleft surgeons regarding the ideal approach to addressing the malpositioned cartilages. This study aims to introduce a new surgical technique for repositioning deformed lower lateral cartilage during primary cleft rhinoplasty, which involves using a customized suture needle. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary university-affiliated hospital. PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective study included 51 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate who underwent primary rhinoplasty during the labial repair. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A morphological analysis of the nose was conducted using three-dimensional (3D) photographs. The cleft-to-noncleft side ratios of various nasal parameters, including nasal tip volume, nostril width, height, and area, were calculated at three time points: preoperative (T0), 3 months postoperative (T1), and 1 year postoperative (T2). RESULTS: Significant improvement (p < 0.05) was observed in the cleft-to-noncleft side ratios of nasal volume and nostril parameters. The nasal volume ratio and nostril height ratio remained stable, with no significant differences between the T1 and T2 periods. The nostril width ratio increased from 0.96 ± 0.13 at T1 to 1.05 ± 0.16 at T2, indicating an appropriate degree of surgical overcorrection of nasal width during primary lip repair. CONCLUSION: Primary cleft rhinoplasty using a Chang's needle allows direct suture placement in the intercartilaginous region with minimally invasive approach, thereby preserving growth potential of the nose and restoring the nasal symmetry.

Pseudoangiomatous Stromal Hyperplasia of the Breast in a Female Adolescent Presenting as Bilateral Gigantomastia.

Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH) is a rare idiopathic proliferative mesenchymal breast disease related to hormonal imbalance, and thus extremely rare in children and adolescents. In addition, PASH manifests as a bilateral gigantomastia in some cases with no established cause or treatment. Here, we report a case of a rapidly developed PASH presenting with bilateral gigantomastia in a 14-year-old premenarchial female patient. Considering the patient's age and emotions and the need for nipple-areolar complex repositioning, we performed reduction mammoplasty rather than total mastectomy despite the possibility of recurrence. Although some masses could not be completely removed, no complications, such as infection, wound dehiscence, or hematoma occurred postoperatively. The patient was stable during the 18-month follow-up period, although an evidence of recurrent and residual disease was noted upon ultrasonography.

Artificial intelligence-based numerical analysis of the quality of facial reanimation: A comparative retrospective cohort study between one-stage dual innervation and single innervation.

This study aimed to investigate the difference in facial reanimation surgery using functional gracilis muscle transfer between the masseteric nerve alone and its combined use with cross face nerve graft (CFNG), which has not been explored before. A novel analysis method based on artificial intelligence (AI) was employed to compare the outcomes of the two approaches. Using AI, 3-dimensional facial landmarks were extracted from 2-dimensional photographs, and distance and angular symmetry scores were calculated. The patients were divided into two groups, with Group 1 undergoing one-stage CFNG and masseteric nerve dual innervation, and Group 2 receiving only masseteric nerve. The symmetry scores were obtained before and 1 year after surgery to assess the degree of change. Of the 35 patients, Group 1 included 13 patients, and Group 2 included 22 patients. The analysis revealed that, in the resting state, the change in the symmetry score of the mouth corner showed distance symmetry (2.55 ± 2.94, 0.52 ± 2.75 for Group 1 and Group 2, respectively, p = 0.048) and angle symmetry (1.21 ± 1.43, 0.02 ± 0.22 for Group 1 and Group 2, respectively, p = 0.001), which were significantly improved in Group 1, indicating a more symmetric pattern after surgery. In the smile state, only the angle symmetry was improved more symmetrically in Group 1 (3.20 ± 2.38, 1.49 ± 2.22 for Group 1 and Group 2, respectively, p = 0.041). Within the limitations of the study it seems that this new analysis method enabled a more accurate numerical symmetry score to be obtained, and while the degree of mouth corner excursion was sufficient with only the masseteric nerve, accompanying CFNG led to further improvement in symmetry in the resting state.

Deep-plane facelift technique for managing extensive hemifacial tumors: A retrospective study.

This study aimed to evaluate functional and aesthetic outcomes in patients undergoing deep-plane facelifts for the management of extensive hemifacial tumors. The retrospective study included patients who had been diagnosed with benign tumors with extensive hemifacial involvement. All patients underwent tumor debulking via a dual-plane facelift approach, assisted by an ICG camera to visualize the facial nerve structures. To manage the laxity of the skin envelope, the deep-plane face-lift was performed by suspending the superficial musculoaponeurotic layer, followed by suture fixation to the parotid-masseteric fascia. Clinical outcomes, including complications, House-Brackmann grading for facial paralysis, and tumor recurrence rate were investigated. Quantitative facial nerve examination was carried out using FACE-gram software (Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, USA) to measure mouth corner movement at rest and when smiling. Using preoperative and 1-year postoperative 3D photographs, facial symmetry was assessed using comparisons of facial volume and the root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) value to represent the height difference between each hemiface. In total, 25 patients who met the inclusion criteria were recruited to the study. Regarding the types of tumor, 13 of the 25 patients were diagnosed with vascular lesions and the other 12 with neurofibromatosis plexiform. Following surgery, two patients showed temporary palsy of the buccal branches - grade II on the House-Brackmann scale - but neural functioning was eventually restored during the follow-up period. During resting, the mouth corner excursion ratio was significantly improved, from 1.11 ± 0.19 preoperatively to 1.02 ± 0.08 postoperatively (p = 0.022). The facial volume ratio was significantly improved in the lower face, from 1.57 ± 0.66 preoperatively to 1.19 ± 0.18 postoperatively (p = 0.008). The RMSD was significantly decreased, from 4.56 ± 2.35 mm preoperatively to 2.08 ± 0.99 mm postoperatively (p < 0.001), representing a decrease in facial asymmetry. Within the limitations of the study, it seems that the ICG camera-assisted deep-plane facelift technique allows preservation of facial nerve functioning and enhances facial symmetry when managing extensive hemifacial tumors.

Loss to follow-up after direct-to-implant breast reconstruction.

Loss to follow-up is inevitable in retrospective cohort studies, and patients are lost to follow-up after direct-to-implant reconstruction despite annual follow-up recommendation. We analyzed more than 500 patients to analyze the rate of loss to follow-up to plastic surgery and to investigate the factors affecting it. A retrospective review of patients who underwent direct-to-implant reconstruction between July 2008 and August 2016 was performed. Loss to follow-up to plastic surgery was defined as a difference of ≥24 months between the total and plastic surgery follow-up. The rate of loss to follow-up and associated factors including patients' demographics, surgery-related variables, oncological data, and early and late complications were analyzed. Of 631 patients who underwent direct-to-implant reconstruction, 551 patients continued visiting the hospital for breast cancer-related treatment. Of the 527 patients who were eligible for the study, 157 patients (29.8%) were lost to plastic surgery follow-up. Surgery-related variables, early complications, cancer stage, and adjuvant therapies were not significantly different. Younger age was significantly associated with loss to follow-up in univariate analysis. However, logistic regression revealed that a long total follow-up period, distant metastasis, and absence of late elective complications were significant factors contributing to follow-up loss. Late elective complications such as malposition, capsular contracture, and mastectomy flap thinning were more common in the follow-up group (48%) than in the loss to follow-up group (22%). Follow-up loss after direct-to-implant reconstruction was not associated with specific demographic or surgery-related variables, and postoperative courses significantly affected the loss to follow-up.

A Novel Bone Contouring Technique Using Multiple Tangential Shaving for Conservative Management of Craniofacial Fibrous Dysplasia.

This study aimed to propose a novel surgical technique, named multiple tangential shaving of bone contour, for the conservative management of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia. We retrospectively reviewed 17 patients who underwent conservative management of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia using multiple tangential shaving technique between July 2005 and December 2020. Demographics, tumor characteristics, and surgery-related factors were investigated. All patients underwent preoperative (T0) and postoperative computed tomography scans taken at least twice within 1 month for immediate assessment (T1) and at least 12 months postoperatively for long-term assessment (T2). Clinical outcomes, including tumor recurrence, perioperative complications, and physician measure of esthetic outcomes (Whitaker score), were investigated. This technique was applied for contouring of the zygomatic-maxillary and calvarial bone for patients aged between 16 and 60 years (mean age: 26 y). The mean±SD tumor volume reduction was 15.5±8.95 cm 3 , and the postoperative mean±SD tumor growth rate was 5.52±6.26% per year. Satisfactory outcome was obtained in terms of esthetics with a mean±SD Whitaker score of 1.41±0.62. Patients required a mean operation time of 1.67±0.43 hours and a mean number of shaving operations of 1.35±0.61 during the follow-up period. Five of 17 patients required reoperation because of the tumor recurrence (N=4) and to correct new-onset diplopia after surgery (N=1). In conclusion, the multiple tangential shaving technique allows an easy approach for conservative management of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia. An acceptable rate of tumor recurrence and esthetic outcomes can be obtained by selecting the appropriate candidate for a conservative approach.

Outcomes of smooth round implant-based immediate breast reconstruction: Long-term follow-up results.

The issue of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma in 2019 has resulted in the discontinuation of textured breast implants and resumption in the use of smooth round implants. However, in the field of breast reconstruction, long-term follow-up data for direct-to-implant reconstruction using smooth round implants is insufficient. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of breast reconstruction using smooth round implants. This study included 185 patients (208 breasts) who underwent smooth round implant-based immediate breast reconstruction between 2007 and 2018. Their demographic information and surgical and oncological data were collected. Early (within 90 days) and late (after 90 days) complications, reoperations, implant maintenance, and the survival rate were analyzed to evaluate the long-term outcomes and identify the related factors. The mean follow-up period was 112.08 months. The most common early complications were skin necrosis (9.13%) and infection (3.85%). The factors influencing the development of early complications were the mastectomy specimen weight (237.14 ± 114.84 cc and 298.04 ± 141.53 cc for no complication and any complication, respectively; p = 0.0123) and implant volume (222.79 ± 77.76 cc and 264.48 ± 89.03 cc for no complication and any complication, respectively; p = 0.0082). The most common late complication was capsular contracture (13.46%). Approximately 91.35% of the implants were maintained during the follow-up period. The factors affecting the development of early complications and implant maintenance were the mastectomy specimen weight and implant volume. This study provides information on long-term follow-up results useful in cases where only smooth round implants are available, which can then serve as a basis for future related studies.

A 3-Dimensional Analysis of Flap Volume Change in Hemi-Tongue Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: An adequate volume of the tongue flap is essential to preserve speech and swallowing functions. However, it is generally known that the volume of the free flap tends to decrease over time because of various reasons. Especially in hemi-tongue reconstruction, as half of the normal tongue is retained, some functions are maintained; consequently, there are few studies related to the volume of the flap and function. This study investigated the relationship between flap volume change and function after hemi-tongue reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 26 patients who underwent hemi-tongue reconstruction between 2003 and 2020 was performed. Patient demographic data, postoperative radiotherapy (RT), and data on flap types were collected. The volume of the flap was measured by converting the computed tomography and magnetic resonance images into 3 dimensions using the Mimics software. In addition, speech scores and feeding scores were collected. RESULTS: The first follow-up computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (T1) was performed after an average of 2.09 months, and the second follow-up imaging study (T2) was performed at 16.58 months on average. On average, the T2 volume was 64% of the T1 volume (range, 45.75%-90.54%). Factors including speech and swallowing functions were compared by dividing the group into a group with a more than average decrease in volume (group 1) and a group with a less than average decrease in volume (group 2). In group 1, there were significantly more cases of postoperative RT than in group 2 (85.7%, 50.0%, in group 1 and group 2, respectively; P = 0.049). However, there was no difference in the functional aspects between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that the flap volume decreased more when RT was performed. However, there was no association between the degree of volume loss and speech and swallowing functions. Regardless of the group, the loss of function was not severe, probably because the remaining half of the tongue was functioning.

Outcome Analysis Depending on the Different Types of Incision following Immediate Breast Reconstruction.

Background: Immediate breast reconstruction following nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is widely used for its cosmetic benefits. Due to the lack of guidelines, the types of incisions in NSM vary and which method is superior remains a debate. In this study, we hypothesized that the periareolar incision has a higher risk of complications, such as nipple-areolar complex (NAC) necrosis, than other incisions. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted and divided into three groups: the periareolar, radial, and lateral incision groups. The reconstruction method and complications of NAC necrosis, wound dehiscence, seroma, hematoma, infection, and reconstruction failure were investigated. Results: A total of 103 patients (periareolar incision (33%, n = 34), radial incision (39.8%, n = 41), and lateral incision (27.2%, n = 28)) who underwent NSM and immediate breast reconstruction from 2018 to 2020 were included. The reconstruction methods were direct-to-implant, DIEP flap, LD flap, and PAP flap, and there was all of which had no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding the reconstruction method (p=0.257). In terms of complications, there was no significant difference in NAC necrosis (29.4%, 19.5%, and 21.4%, in the periareolar, radial, and lateral groups, respectively; p=0.578), wound dehiscence, seroma or hematoma, infection, and reconstruction failure. Conclusion: Breast reconstruction following NSM through periareolar incision does not increase the incidence of complications, including NAC necrosis. However, since only Asian patients with low BMI were included, if an appropriate patient group is selected for immediate reconstruction after NSM, reconstruction can be safely performed through the periareolar incision, and good cosmetic results can be obtained.

Complications arising from clinical application of composite polycaprolactone/bioactive glass ceramic implants for craniofacial reconstruction: A prospective study.

This study aimed to demonstrate the in vitro performance of a novel polymer-ceramic composite incorporating polycaprolactone (PCL) and bioactive glass (BGS-7), and investigate its clinical outcomes in craniofacial reconstruction. After preparation of the material, the biochemical properties of the composite PCL/BGS-7 implant were tested to evaluate apatite formation in simulated body fluid (SBF). Changes in the implant surface after soaking in the SBF were determined using field-emission scanning electron microscopy. For clinical application of the implant, patients with craniofacial defects were prospectively enrolled to receive three-dimensional (3D)-printed PCL/BGS-7 implants. Clinical outcomes were investigated by reviewing postoperative complications, including wound problems, allergic responses, hematoma, seroma, implant displacement, and bone union. The accuracy of reconstruction was assessed by measuring the surface error between the reconstructed and mirrored models. Upon exposure of the PCL/BGS-7 implant to SBF, apatite particles were actively developed on the surface of the PCL/BGS-7 sample, showing favorable bone-binding capacity. Regarding the clinical application, seven patients with craniofacial defects were included. The clinical outcome was favorable in terms of complications, except in one patient, who presented with delayed wound healing due to previous irradiation. The patients showed improvements in symmetry, with a significant change in mean ± SD surface error between preoperative (5 ± 3 mm) and postoperative (1.5 ± 0.65 mm) status (p = 0.018). Wthin the limitations of the study it seems that the PCL/BGS-7 implants might be a relevant option for repairing craniofacial bone defects, owing to its favorable bone-binding property and clinical safety, with few complications.

Comparison of the Effects of Acellular Dermal Matrix and Montelukast on Radiation-Induced Peri-implant Capsular Formation in Rabbits.

PURPOSE: Capsular contracture (CC) is a troublesome complication after breast surgery with breast implants, and the risk increases in breast cancer patients after radiotherapy. Studies investigating leukotriene antagonists (eg, montelukast, zafirlukast) found that the acellular dermal matrix (ADM) can help prevent CC. We aimed to compare the effects of ADM and montelukast on CC after irradiation. METHODS: Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups of 6 each. Miniature cohesive gel implants were inserted into the pocket under the latissimus dorsi muscle. The lateral part was uncovered by the latissimus dorsi muscle. Six animals were included in the control group. In experimental group A (EG-A) (n = 6), the site was partially wrapped with ADM but not covered with muscle. Montelukast (Singulair, 0.2 mg/kg) was administered in experimental group B (EG-B) (n = 6) daily. Groups were irradiated at postoperative day 21 with Co-60 γ rays (25 Gy, single fraction) at the peri-implant area. Rabbits were sacrificed 12 weeks after surgery; implants with peri-implant capsule were harvested. Capsule thickness, collagen pattern, myofibroblast, and transforming growth factor (TGF) ß1/2 levels in the peri-implant capsule were evaluated. RESULTS: On histological evaluation, the capsule was thinner on the lateral aspect (covered with ADM) in EG-A (P = 0.004) and the entire capsule in EG-B (P = 0.004) than in the control group. However, there was no significant difference between EG-A and EG-B (P = 0.073). The collagen distribution pattern was more parallel with low density in the lateral capsular aspect in EG-A, but in the entire capsule in EG-B. The myofibroblast amount (EG-A, P = 0.031; EG-B, P = 0.016) and levels of TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß2 were reduced in the experimental groups (TGF-ß1, EG-A, P = 0.019; TGF-ß1, EG-B, P = 0.045; TGF-ß2, EG-A, P = 0.018; TGF-ß2, EG-B, P = 0.022). There was no significant difference between EG-A and EG-B (myofibroblast, P = 0.201; TGF-ß1, P = 0.665; TGF-ß2, P = 0.665). CONCLUSIONS: Acellular dermal matrix and montelukast have a prophylactic effect for CC even when the breast is irradiated. There was no significant difference between ADM and montelukast in preventing capsular formation. The difference is that ADM will only have the effect of covering the capsular formation with ADM and montelukast can cause systemic effects or complications.