Andrei Odobescu

Monitoring buried jejunum free flaps with a sentinel: a retrospective study of 20 cases.

The free jejunum transfer has become a widely used reconstruction option after total laryngopharyngectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using an exteriorized jejunal segment for flap monitoring.

Chimaeric subscapular system free flap for complex oro-facial defects.

BACKGROUND Ablation of locally advanced head and neck cancers generally results in large composite oro-facial defects. Due to the often-large segment of mandible missing, as well as the need to provide skin coverage and oral lining, reconstructive options are limited. We present our experience in oncologic head and neck reconstruction using chimaeric subscapular system free flaps. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review of patients presenting important through-and-through oro-facial defects following ablation of T3, T4a or T4b tumours in two university centres between 2005 and 2011. All defects were reconstructed with a subscapular system free flap that was harvested in a dorsal decubitus position. RESULTS Sixteen patients (15 M, 1 F; mean age=60 years) underwent mandibular reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flaps with one or two skin paddles and one bony component based on the angular branch of the thoracodorsal artery. Fifteen patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. We experienced no flap loss. Donor-site complications were minimal, albeit a limitation of shoulder range of motion was found in four patients. Eight patients presented postoperative complications requiring re-intervention. Fourteen patients were able to recommence oral nutrition and their diction returned to normal in all but one. The mean follow-up period was 25 months. Aesthetic results were satisfactory upon atrophy of the latissimus dorsi muscle. CONCLUSIONS In cases of extensive oro-facial defects involving a large mandibular segment, reconstruction with subscapular system free-tissue transfer is a safe and reliable technique that offers satisfactory functional and aesthetic results.

Description of a communication between the facial and zygomaticotemporal nerves

Communicating branches between the facial and the trigeminal nerves are known to exist; however, both their frequency and significance are incompletely understood. In our anatomic dissections, we observed a consistent anastomosis between the temporal branch of the facial nerve and the zygomaticotemporal branch of the trigeminal nerve. The facial nerves were dissected in 17 cadaveric half faces. The communicating facial-zygomaticotemporal nerve branches piercing the superficial layer of the deep temporal fascia were identified and followed through the fascial and muscular planes. Fourteen out of 17 dissected cadaveric half faces contained communications between trigeminal and facial nerves. In these specimens, one or two branches from the temporal branch of the facial nerve would penetrate the superficial layer of the deep temporal fascia to join the zygomaticotemporal nerve. These communications were found at an average of 36 mm lateral and 2 mm superior to the lateral canthus. Due to the cadaveric nature of the study it is difficult to ascertain the function of the described communication. Our histochemical analysis suggests that these connections contain myelinated fibers, which could either be proprioceptive or motor fibers.

Replantation vs revision amputation in single digit zone II amputations

The objective of this study was to compare the functional outcomes of zone II amputations treated with either replantation or revision amputation at our institution to better aid patients in their decision making process regarding these treatment options. We conducted a comparative retrospective study. All cases of single digit amputations received at our replantation center between 2007 and 2011 were screened for single digit zone II injuries. These patients were stratified based on the treatment received: replantation vs revision amputation. Patients were called and invited to participate in the research project. Those who accepted to enter the study were asked to complete the Quick-DASH, the Beck Depression Inventory-short form, and a custom made questionnaire. There were seventeen patients with single digit zone II replantation and fourteen patients with similar injuries who underwent revision amputation and agreed to take part in the study. Our data revealed that the duration of sick leave, occupation after injury, professional and social reintegration, discontinued activities, and self-confidence were not statistically different between the two groups. The average hospital stay and the follow-up period of replanted individuals were longer. The replantation group did not have higher levels of pain or cold intolerance, and the global functional and esthetic satisfaction levels were similar between the two groups. Also, Beck Depression Inventory and Quick-DASH scores were not statistically different. Yet, significantly more patients in the replantation group would opt to repeat the replantation than revised patients would opt for revision amputation. From a functional viewpoint, our study suggests that revision amputation is not superior to replantation in zone II single digit amputations. This is valuable information that should be given to patients when deciding on the treatment process and to insure a proper informed consent.

A new microsurgical research model using Thiel-embalmed arteries and comparison of two suture techniques *

PURPOSE To assess the utility of the Thiel arterial model in microsurgical research, we compared interrupted horizontal mattress (HM) sutures to simple interrupted (SI) sutures in human vessels. METHODS A microsurgical set-up using an operating microscope and Thiel-embalmed arteries was used to practice ten SI and HM anastomoses. Vessel patency, leak and stricture were evaluated using angiography, and vessel wall architecture was evaluated using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The technique speed was also assessed. RESULTS We have successfully evaluated all outcomes. All anastomoses were patent. The stricture rate was higher with HM than with SI (60% vs. 35% surface area reduction). Three minor leaks occurred with HM sutures versus one with SI sutures. Edges were evenly everted without any intimal flaps with HM compared to SI. The anastomoses were performed faster using HM than SI sutures (7:58 min vs. 12:41 min, respectively). CONCLUSION This is the first study to evaluate the feasibility of a Thiel-embalmed artery model for research purposes. The HM microvascular suture is a promising technique that requires further in vivo validation.

Ulnar subluxation of the median nerve following carpal tunnel release: a case report.

Complications of carpal tunnel release, while infrequent, include incomplete release resulting in persistent symptoms or recurrence due to postoperative scarring, as well as iatrogenic damage to nerves and vessels. We present the case of a patient who underwent carpal tunnel release with resolution of symptoms in the immediate postoperative period. At one and a half years post release he started to experience numbness and tingling in a median nerve distribution triggered by repetitive ulnar to radial deviation of the wrist, with no symptoms at rest. Dynamic ultrasound showed a subluxation of the median nerve from one side of the palmaris longus tendon to the other. The patients symptoms were triggered as the median nerve squeezed in between the palmaris longus and flexor digitorum superficialis tendons.

Nostril alar rim threshold flap for columellar reconstruction

The reconstruction of the columella poses a significant challenge to the plastic surgeon. A multitude of techniques have been developed to address this issue; however, the end result is often unsatisfactory or comes at too high a morbid cost. Gillies described an alar margin flap in 1949 that never gained significant popularity. This technique had been refined by Servant over the past two decades in his work on Noma noses in Africa. We describe a two-stage columella reconstruction technique with a nostril alar rim threshold flap and provide the results of our case series. Under local anaesthesia, a full-thickness alar flap is raised by placing an incision along the alar-facial groove and carrying it around the lateral crus. This flap is then rotated on its medial pedicle and inserted into the nasal tip. Three weeks after the first stage, the flap is divided to the desired columellar length and the remaining ala relocated to the alar-facial groove. At the same time, the contralateral ala can be adjusted to match the donor side. We performed a retrospective study of all our columellar reconstructions using this local flap. Our case series consisted of seven patients, and satisfactory cosmetic results were obtained in all cases. The nostril alar rim threshold flap is a useful technique for columellar reconstruction, producing near-anatomic results that can be performed as a two-stage outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia. This technique is particularly well suited for columellar reconstruction in patients of African descent.

Thiel Cadaveric Nerve Tissue: A Model for Microsurgical Simulation

Peripheral nerve research as well as nerve repair simulation has relied heavily on the rat animal model, more specifically on the rat sciatic nerve.1 As the use of animals in experiments and training has received much criticism from animal rights activists and society at large, the field of surgical simulation is currently emerging. In microsurgery, high-fidelity Silastic models, animal parts such as chicken thighs or wings, and cadaveric specimens have been used. Based on the available experience with Thiel embalmed cadaveric tissue in simulation,2–4 we experimented with Thiel embalmed peripheral nerves for the purpose of microsurgical skill training. We used median, ulnar, and tibial nerves from cadavers that had been used for anatomic and surgical training and had not touched the peripheral nerve tissue. The donors had previously consented to tissue utilization in postmortem research. The tissues originated from cadavers prepared with the embalming method described by Thiel.5 This technique preserves texture, volume, color, and shape of the body as perfect as possible, with the advantage of avoiding decay observed with fresh cadaveric specimens. There is no shrinking or soaking of the soft tissues. Thirteen nerve sections measuring 5 cm eachwere prepared on a foam board. Needles (25 G) are used to fix the nerves to the foam board. A blue background was used for the exercise, as it improves contrast. An operating microscope (Opmi Pico, Carl Zeiss, Oberkochen, German) at 10 magnification was used for all microneurorrhaphies. Under magnification, the nerves were crushed in the midsection to simulate an injured nerve. The participants transected the nerve using a 15-blade scalpel, and trimmed the damagednerve tissue. The two endswere inspected for the fascicular architecture and oriented appropriately for the repair. The epineurium was then gently reflected back and the proud fascicles trimmed. Nylon 8–0 sutures were used to perform a simple epineural repair, starting with the 0and 180-degree orientation sutures and then filling in the required sutures to obtain a well-oriented microneurorrhaphy. Under magnification of the operative microscope, we found the Thiel nerve tissue to show a slight gray-brown discoloration with an epineural layer that was hydrophilic, giving the impression of edematous tissue (►Fig. 1). This thicker-than-normal epineural layer, however, offers adequate support for manipulation. Unfortunately, the cadaveric nature of themodel precludes the use of the vasa nervorum,which are not visible, for adequate orientation of the nerve. Upon transection of the nerve, it can be observed that the fascicles arewell preserved and bound byfirm endoneurium and perineurium which have not undergone the same edema as the epineurium (►Fig. 1). Despite therebeing no immediate herniation of nerve fascicles upon transection, the fascicles have a tendency to bemorehygroscopic, and by the end of the neurorrhaphy, one can observe some protrusion of fascicles in between suture. The fascicular pattern is easily identifiable and permits good alignment of the nerve before suturing. Thirteen volunteer plastic surgery, otolaryngology, and orthopedics residents utilized themodel once each, andfilled out a postsimulation survey. The results were graded on a five-point Likert scale (strongly agree, disagree, neither agree nor disagree, agree, strongly agree). A question regarding the frequency participants would use the laboratory with answers graded in five categories was also asked. The contents of the postsimulation survey are presented in ►Table 1. Descriptive statistics are presented for the results of the survey questions. All participants (100.0%) agreed that they would use themodule at least twice a year,with 53.9% (seven residents) stating theywoulduse itmore than once amonth, 38.5% (five residents) once amonth, and7.7% (one resident) twice a year. The rapid development of microsurgery over the last three decades has been echoed by the development of several simulation models for the teaching and honing of microsurgical skills. Free flaps are routine procedures in most plastic surgery centers, and residents have ample opportunity to participate and perform in these procedures. As a

Horizontal mattress technique for anastomosis of size-mismatched vessels

Objective To evaluate the horizontal mattress technique in microvascular anastomosis for size-mismatched vessels. Methods The present study involved cadaveric simulation using size-mismatched (1.5:1) Thiel-embalmed cadaveric arteries. The authors performed horizontal mattress anastomoses using 9-0 nylon suture and recorded the procedure. Vessel patency was evaluated by saline infusion. Vessels were cut open and photographed; histological slides were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Results Four anastomoses were performed. Vessels were found to be patent in all cases, with grade 0 leaks. Intima-on-intima apposition with no intraluminal exposure of muscularis nor adventitia were observed. Conclusion The present cadaveric study supports the technical feasibility of using horizontal mattress sutures in size-mismatched end-to-end anastomoses.