Ahmed M. Afifi

A Successful Algorithm for Limiting Postoperative Fistulae following Palatal Procedures in the Patient with Orofacial Clefting

Background: Palatal procedures include (1) primary palatoplasty, (2) oronasal fistulas repair, and (3) secondary palatoplasty for velopharyngeal insufficiency. Any time a palatal procedure is performed, postoperative fistulas remain potential consequences. Presented here is a successful algorithm for performing palatal procedures and decreasing the rate of postoperative fistulas in a large, single-surgeon, consecutive series. Methods: A retrospective review of all consecutive palatal procedures performed between 2002 and 2006 including (1) primary palatoplasty, (2) oronasal fistulas repair, and (3) secondary palatoplasty for velopharyngeal insufficiency was performed. Cleft Veau type, surgical technique, and outcomes are reviewed. The algorithm included (1) relaxing incisions, (2) complete intravelar veloplasty, (3) total release of the tensor tendon, (4) dissection of the neurovascular bundle with optional osteotomy of the foramen, and (5) incorporation of acellular dermal matrix to achieve complete nasal lining reconstruction. Results: Two hundred sixty-eight palatal procedures were performed: (1) 132 primary Furlow palatoplasties yielding one symptomatic post–Furlow palatoplasty fistula (0.76 percent) (acellular dermal matrix was used in 39.4 percent of primary palatoplasties); (2) 55 oronasal fistula repairs yielding two symptomatic postoperative fistulas (3.6 percent) (acellular dermal matrix was used in 90.9 percent of fistula repairs); and (3) 81 secondary palatoplasties for velopharyngeal insufficiency resulting in no postoperative fistulas. Acellular dermal matrix was used in 14.8 percent of secondary palatoplasties for velopharyngeal insufficiency. No recommendations for speech surgery followed palatoplasty. Conclusions: Using the proposed algorithm in this single-surgeon consecutive series of 268 cases, the authors achieved the lowest reported incidence of postoperative fistulas in all forms of palatal procedures, including the lowest incidence (0.76 percent) of symptomatic palatal fistulas following primary Furlow palatoplasty.

BMP-2-based repair of large-scale calvarial defects in an experimental model: regenerative surgery in cranioplasty.

Pediatric craniofacial surgery is complicated by a shortage of autologous bone. Children between 2 and 10 years of age are especially problematic, as the dura has lost its potential to spontaneously heal large calvarial defects by approximately 2 years of age, and split calvarial grafts are often unavailable because of the underdeveloped diploic space until later childhood. We demonstrate the efficacy of a BMP-2-based system in repairing large-scale cranial defects in a rabbit model. Calvarial defects, 15 mm2, were created in 18 adult New Zealand white rabbits, treated as follows: group 1, no repair (n = 6); group 2, absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) (n = 4); and group 3, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 delivered on ACS (rhBMP-2/ACS) (n = 8). Bone regeneration 6 weeks postoperatively was evaluated by 2- and 3-dimensional standard computed tomography, micro-computed tomography. Analysis of variance was performed using SPSS. The generated bone was also evaluated histologically. After 6 weeks, group 1 defects were on average 32.8% (SD, 8.8%) ossified. Group 2 defects were on average 34.4% (SD, 17.1%) ossified. Defects in group 3 were on average 96.9% (SD, 3.7%) ossified, significantly (P < 0.005) more than the defects in groups 1 and 2. rhBMP-2-induced bone was histologically and radiographically consistent with native bone. This study demonstrates the efficacy of rhBMP-2/ACS for the repair of calvarial defects in the rabbit model. rhBMP-2/ACS may offer a viable treatment option for craniofacial surgeons facing a shortage of bone, with the potential to replace autologous bone grafts and render their attendant morbidities obsolete.

Review of bone substitutes.

Bone substitutes are being increasingly used in craniofacial surgery and craniomaxillofacial trauma. We will review the history of the biomaterials and describe the ideal characteristics of bone substitutes, with a specific emphasis on craniofacial reconstruction. Some of the most commonly used bone substitutes are discussed in more depth, such as calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite ceramics and cements, bioactive glass, and polymer products. Areas of active research and future directions include tissue engineering, with an increasing emphasis on bioactivity of the implant.

Regenerative surgery in cranioplasty revisited: the role of adipose-derived stem cells and BMP-2.

Background: Reconstruction of the pediatric calvaria is frequently complicated by a shortage of bone. This problem is most apparent between 2 and 10 years of age, when the osteogenic potential of the dura is diminished and the diploic space has not matured to the point that split-thickness calvarial grafting is practical. In this article, the authors evaluate and compare the relative efficacy of adipose-derived stem cells, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, and adipose-derived stem cells osteoinduced with BMP-2 in addressing these defects. Methods: Cranial defects measuring 15 × 15 mm were created in New Zealand White rabbits. Five treatment modalities were compared: no repair (surgical control); untreated acellular collagen sponge (vehicle control); BMP-2 on acellular collagen sponge; adipose-derived stem cells on acellular collagen sponge; and osteoinduced adipose-derived stem cells on acellular collagen sponge. Osteogenesis was assessed with radiology and histology. Statistical significance was determined by analysis of variance. Results: No significant difference in osseous healing was observed among empty controls (32.8 percent), acellular collagen sponge alone (34.4 percent), adipose-derived stem cells on acellular collagen sponge (33.9 percent), and osteoinduced adipose-derived stem cells on acellular collagen sponge (40.2 percent). Defects reconstructed with recombinant human BMP-2/acellular collagen sponge were on average 96.9 percent ossified, significantly (p < 0.05) more than the defects in all other groups. Conclusions: BMP-2–based tissue engineering is a viable approach to craniofacial reconstruction. Adipose-derived stem cells did not significantly augment this process as modeled here. Advances in the understanding of craniofacial biology, and of protein- and cell-based therapies, will enhance the efficacy of tissue-engineering strategies for this problem in the future.

The reverse sural flap: modifications to improve efficacy in foot and ankle reconstruction.

The aim of this work is to evaluate the efficacy of the reverse sural flap in covering defects in the foot and ankle region when certain technical modifications are employed. We provide a retrospective review of 32 consecutive reverse sural flaps for foot and ankle defects, and compare the technique and results with other reports. There were 23 fasciocutaneous flaps, 7 fascial flaps, and 2 tissue-expanded flaps. Four flaps (12.5%) suffered significant flap loss, and 4 patients had delayed healing. Several modifications are suggested to increase the versatility of the sural flap in covering foot and ankle defects, including preserving the mesentery connecting the sural nerve to the deep fascia, inclusion of skin of the upper third of the leg, limiting pedicle width to 2 cm with preservation of a tongue-like skin process all along its length, and generous release of the fascia over the peroneal compartment. In addition, we describe the use of tissue expanded sural flaps.

Cardioprotective mechanisms of phytochemicals against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline antibiotic, which is effectively used in the treatment of different malignancies, such as leukemias and lymphomas. Its most serious side effect is dose-dependent cardiotoxicity, which occurs through inducing oxidative stress apoptosis. Due to the myelosuppressive effect of dexrazoxane, a commonly-used drug to alleviate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, researchers investigated the potential of phytochemicals for prophylaxis and treatment of this condition. Phytochemicals are plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties. Preclinical trials have shown antioxidant properties for several plant extracts, such as those of Aerva lanata, Aronia melanocarpa, Astragalus polysaccharide, and Bombyx mori plants. Other plant extracts showed an ability to inhibit apoptosis, such as those of Astragalus polysaccharide, Azadirachta indica, Bombyx mori, and Allium stavium plants. Unlike synthetic agents, phytochemicals do not impair the clinical activity of DOX and they are particularly safe for long-term use. In this review, we summarized the results of preclinical trials that investigated the cardioprotective effects of phytochemicals against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Future human trials are required to translate these cardioprotective mechanisms into practical clinical implications.

Perception and use of massive open online courses among medical students in a developing country: multicentre cross-sectional study

Objectives To assess the prevalence of awareness and use of massive open online courses (MOOCs) among medical undergraduates in Egypt as a developing country, as well as identifying the limitations and satisfaction of using these courses. Design A multicentre, cross-sectional study using a web-based, pilot-tested and self-administered questionnaire. Settings Ten out of 19 randomly selected medical schools in Egypt. Participants 2700 undergraduate medical students were randomly selected, with an equal allocation of participants in each university and each study year. Primary and secondary outcome measures Primary outcome measures were the percentages of students who knew about MOOCs, students who enrolled and students who obtained a certificate. Secondary outcome measures included the limitations and satisfaction of using MOOCs through five-point Likert scale questions. Results Of 2527 eligible students, 2106 completed the questionnaire (response rate 83.3%). Of these students, 456 (21.7%) knew the term MOOCs or websites providing these courses. Out of the latter, 136 (29.8%) students had enrolled in at least one course, but only 25 (18.4%) had completed courses earning certificates. Clinical year students showed significantly higher rates of knowledge (p=0.009) and enrolment (p<0.001) than academic year students. The primary reasons for the failure of completion of courses included lack of time (105; 77.2%) and slow Internet speed (73; 53.7%). Regarding the 25 students who completed courses, 21 (84%) were satisfied with the overall experience. However, there was less satisfaction regarding student–instructor (8; 32%) and student–student (5; 20%) interactions. Conclusions About one-fifth of Egyptian medical undergraduates have heard about MOOCs with only about 6.5% actively enrolled in courses. Students who actively participated showed a positive attitude towards the experience, but better time-management skills and faster Internet connection speeds are required. Further studies are needed to survey the enrolled students for a better understanding of their experience.

A systematic review of distraction osteogenesis in hand surgery: what are the benefits, complication rates, and duration of treatment?

Background: This work analyzes the utility of distraction osteogenesis as a surgical option for the management of acquired and traumatic hand deformities through a systematic review of the published literature. Methods: A PubMed search for articles reporting results of distraction osteogenesis in the hand was performed. Data collected included age, sex, cause, bone distracted, latency period, distraction rate, consolidation period, treatment time, length gained, and complications. Proportion data variables were compared using the chi-square test. A meta-analysis was also performed to assess the size effect of variables on complication development. Results: Thirty articles (424 distractions) met inclusion criteria. The average length gained from distraction was 2.2 cm; the average total treatment time was 116 days; the average complication rate was 26.4 percent. Proportion analysis, including all articles, showed that congenital cause had significantly fewer complications compared with traumatic cause (p = 0.0129). A lower complication rate in pediatric patients compared with adults approached but did not reach significance (p = 0.0507). Studies that underwent meta-analysis, including only articles comparing both variables of interest, were homogeneous (I2 < 25) and without publication bias (Kendall’s tau p > 0.05 and symmetric funnel plot). None of the variables analyzed by meta-analysis had a significant odds ratio for complication development (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Despite distinct advantages, distraction osteogenesis is associated with a long duration of treatment and high complication rates, particularly in adults and in posttraumatic reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Comparison of the transpalpebral and endoscopic approaches in resection of the corrugator supercilii muscle.

BACKGROUND Corrugator resection is an integral part of periorbital rejuvenation and can be accomplished through the open coronal, endoscopic, or transpalpebral technique. While most authors concur about the importance of corrugator resection during brow lift surgery, considerable debate remains regarding the efficacy and technical ease of muscle resection with these approaches. OBJECTIVES The authors conducted a cadaver study to compare the completeness of resection of the corrugator muscle with the transpalpebral and endoscopic techniques. METHODS A split-face study was performed in 10 fresh cadavers. On one side, the corrugator muscle was resected through an endoscopic approach, and on the opposite side of the face, a transpalpebral resection was performed. After the completion of both procedures, a coronal incision was made; gross observations were noted; photographs were taken; and muscle weights were recorded. RESULTS In 19 of 20 cadaver halves, subtotal or total resection of the corrugator muscle was accomplished. In only one endoscopic instance was any muscle left in continuity. This occurred along the superior aspect of the arcus marginalis release when the corrugator muscle was hidden by the upper edge of the cut periosteum. CONCLUSIONS Unlike the previous reports, the authors found that transpalpebral and endoscopic techniques both allow subtotal or total resection of the corrugator muscle. Inadequate resection is technique dependent rather than procedure dependent.

Challenging Breast Augmentations: The Influence of Preoperative Anatomical Features on the Final Result.

BACKGROUND Achieving satisfactory results may be difficult in augmentation mammaplasty patients in the presence of breast, chest wall, or vertebral deformities. These deformities have not been classified previously, and the impact of each deformity or combination of deformities has not been defined. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study are to determine the complicating factors in augmentation mammaplasty, to classify these factors according to their influence on surgical outcome, and to develop an identification system for simplifying the recognition of challenging cases. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed photographs and records of 100 consecutive patients who underwent augmentation mammaplasty. We observed suboptimal results in 18 cases. Preoperative deformities of the breast, chest wall, and vertebra were recorded in order to determine which factor or factors had complicated the surgeries. Eventually, the relationship between suboptimal surgical results and complicating factors was evaluated. RESULTS We observed that some deformities alone caused suboptimal results, whereas others did not. Deformities that caused suboptimal results alone were called major complicating factors, and any others were called minor complicating factors. We observed that suboptimal results were also obtained in patients who had four minor complicating factors. Patients who had suboptimal results because of major or minor complicating factors were considered challenging cases. CONCLUSIONS In this study, complicating factors for augmentation mammaplasty were defined and classified as major or minor depending on their effect on the surgical outcome. We suggest an identification system that simplifies the recognition of challenging cases in breast augmentation.